Fragments of Us

43: Ella

I'm on my way back to Siargao now. I don't know what to anticipate, but I'm really hoping for the best.

It was around 7 in the evening when I arrived. I still had to deal with all my personal crises, and the literally dragging traffic held me up. Not to mention the fire incident in the airport earlier, which even made the booking stretch on endlessly.

I still have to take a ride from the airport because Bea's chopper needs to take a break from all my drama. It's about an hour-long drive to the beach.

And well, nightlife in Siargao never really disappoints. Party songs blaring all around, the booze overflowing, dance performers everywhere, and all sorts of entertainment were there, and by the way, I only brought my phone and wallet with me.

My friends instantly noticed me, and they wanted me to have a few shots.

"Fuck, I need to find Jema."

I cursed in my mind.

They were all sorts of high because of liquor, and God knows what.

I was just chugging everything they were pouring on my glass when another group approached us.

The guy who appears to be 5 foot 9 with short, blonde, slicked-back hair seems to be their leader.

They look so flashy, but their presence somehow made my friends look infuriated.

"Long time, no see, Valdez."

The guys said this and firmly hit Alyssa's shoulders.

"It's not so good to see you, Carlos."

Alyssa growled at her as her gaze pierced her.

"And who's your new friend here?"

The boy's height towered over me. He immediately placed his arms around me, and I didn't have time to react.

"She's cute."

He brusquely said this as he pointed his finger at me.

I thought Alyssa was going to violently react, but then I saw fear glisten in her eyes for a split second.

I was forcefully pushed away from that guy's arms when someone shoved him away, followed by a loud thud.

"Get your filthy hands off my girl!"

I didn't have to turn around to know who's voice was there. It was Jema. It was my Jema.

She didn't stop punching and kicking the guy until they'd reached the water. Our friends also clashed, which literally started a commotion, so I hurriedly came to stop them.

I was just about to pull Alyssa first, but then a fist landed on my face, which caused me to instantly fall face down into the water.

I saw Jema worriedly run towards me, but my consciousness was literally pulled away.