Past Island: Regrets and Guilt (Past Series #1) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 8: The Calm Before the Storm

// Present: On the Boat //

The boat cut through the crystal-clear waters, the sunlight dancing off the waves. The sky was a brilliant blue, unstained by clouds, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of the sea. Remy, Jax, Darren, Raiver, Killua, and Ashton stood at the railing, taking in the view.

"Grabe, ang ganda dito," Raiver said, his eyes wide with wonder.

"Yeah, this is the kind of peace we need," Darren added, leaning back against the railing, his face relaxed for the first time in a long while.

Killua sat on a bench, laughing at a joke Ashton had just made. "You're ridiculous, Ashton," he said, shaking his head.

"Just keeping the mood light," Ashton replied with a grin. “Andito naman tayo to have fun diba HAHAHAHAHA” he added, laughing.

Remy, steering the boat, glanced back at his friends. "We're almost there. Past Island should be visible any minute now."

The mood on the boat was light, filled with laughter and the camaraderie of old friends. They shared stories, some from their youth, others more recent, their voices mingling with the sound of the waves.

"Naalala niyo ba 'yung time na naligaw tayo sa school field trip?" Jax asked, chuckling.

"Oh, yeah! We ended up at that creepy old house," Darren recalled, shaking his head at the memory. "Good times."

“Oo, dyan yung natae sa shorts si Raiver HAHAHAHAHAH” Ash said, giggling.

“Hindi nga yun tae pre, nadumihan lang kasi nadapa ako!” Raiver’s defense.

They passed around a basket of snacks, enjoying the simple pleasures of good food and good company. For a moment, it was easy to forget why they were heading to Past Island, easy to forget the burdens they carried.

As the boat continued its journey, the group fell into a comfortable rhythm, the gentle rocking of the boat almost lulling them into a sense of security. Raiver pulled out a small speaker and started playing music. The tunes were a mix of old hits and new tracks, a soundtrack to their shared history.

"Hey, remember this one?" Raiver asked as a familiar song started playing.

"Oh man, we used to blast this at every party!" Jax exclaimed, tapping his foot to the beat.

"Oo, and you always sang the wrong lyrics," Ashton teased, nudging Jax playfully.

"Sariling version ko kasi yon!” Jax said, playing along with Ash.

The group laughed, the sound carrying over the water. They sang along, their voices mingling with the music, creating a harmonious mix of nostalgia and hope. Darren took a deep breath, feeling a sense of camaraderie and belonging he hadn't felt in years.