Memories Begin in Summer

Chapter 22: Maki

"Is everything ready?" 

Today is our trip to Sagada, the first destination of the project. I really forgot that we have this project due to my busy schedule. Thankfully, my secretary is very well through. She never failed to remind me about my future projects. 

The 'Paraluman' project will take place for three months. We'll spend five days a week, travelling on the ten provinces of the Philippines. Meanwhile, the remaining two days are allotted for us to rest and do our other projects. In my case, I'll spend it preparing Yumi's birthday and maybe accept some projects here. 

"Yes, Sir. Everything's complete na po." Hazel closed her last luggage before getting her Ipad. She showed me her checklist where everything has already been marked. "I've checked everything for the fourth time, Sir. All are settled." 

Hazel had always been meticulous and detailed, which I really liked. My heart is always at ease whenever she organizes my things dahil alam niya kung nasaan lahat ng gamit ko. My situation became a lot easier because of her. 

"Okay. Thank you, Hazel." 

Just right after I fixed my last luggage, my phone buzzed. Eli sent me a message, telling me he's here in the building. 

"Tangina, maglalayas ka ba?" Eli asked me, stunned with my luggage.

 "Why?" I asked him.

 I looked at my bags. It seems normal to me. Anong problema? 

"Why?" hindi niya makapaniwalang tanong. "Tignan mo! Apat na bags for four days?! Wala ka nang planong bumalik, teh?" 

I shrugged my shoulder. I pulled the handle of my largest suitcase before holding it up. "Just in case. You don't know what will happen on our trip. You might or I might need something." 

 "Trust me, Maki. Isang bagahe lang ang gagamitin mo diyan." Eli replied. 

"You're not sure. Tara na. We're gonna be late." 

Eli rolled his eyes before he carried my two bags. One was a travel bag, while the other was a medium sized luggage. "Ang bigat, ha! Sinasabi ko sa'yo, Makisig Daniel... Kapag ako hindi mo pinakain, ibabato ko 'to talaga!" 

I chuckled with his violent attempt, "I'll treat you breakfast. Don't worry." 

On our way to the airport, we made a pit stop on the Pancake House to buy breakfast. As a consolation na din, since Eli had been glaring at me earlier while he's carrying my things. 

"Happy?" I asked Eli after we got our food. 

Eli nodded, his mouth filled with pancake. "Thanks po, my satisfied customer." 

I slapped his arm, laughing.