Flowing Through Pages

Chapter 29

Chapter 29.

Isla Maya

"I am okay, Mom," saad ko. Kanina ko pa siya kausap dahil ayaw niyang ibaba ang tawag kahit ilang beses ko na sinabing ayos lang ako.

I was on my way to a town called Santa Maya, where Flare lives. She even called, planning to meet me when I arrived, but that seems impossible now. Madilim na at sa tingin ko rin ay matutulog na agad ako pagdating sa bahay ni Sidney. She offered me her rest house, and I didn't hesitate to accept, especially since I don't know the town well and I can't rely on Flare, who has her hands full.

"Paano kung may makilala sa 'yo, diyan? I will send Gen!" sabi niya pa.

I sighed. "Mom, please. I'm going because I want some time alone. And besides, no one here knows me. Flare told me that people around here aren't into social media," paliwanag ko.

What I said was true—she mentioned that folks here are too busy working to make a living to spend time browsing social media.

"What if there is?! Paano na lang—hey!" she suddenly stopped. "Ate! I'll handle Mom, just enjoy your stay!" Tia said, sounding like she snatched the phone from Mom.

"Thanks, Tia. And tell her that if she sends any guards, I'll be seriously upset."

"Hm. Don't worry. Just. .  . take your time," she said, her voice tinged with concern, before ending the call, probably because Mom was already on edge.

Binaba ko ang phone at tumingin sa bintana. I noticed the lights lining the road and the sea coming into view. It seemed like we were getting close, as Sidney had mentioned that her rest house was near the sea, on a place called Isla Maya.

Sinarado ko agad ang pinto ng kotse pagdating sa lugar na sinabi ni Sidney. Tinulungan ako ng driver at siya ang nag baba ng aking mga gamit. Hindi nag tagal ay may lumabas din namang isang matandang babae. Could she be the caretaker Sidney mentioned?

"Nandito na po pala kayo. Ma'am Kalliope, ano? Na-bilin na po kayo sa akin ni Sidney, pasok po!" tuloy-tuloy niyang sinabi at kinuha pa ang dala kong maleta sa driver.

Tumingin ako sa driver na nakayuko ngayon sa akin. "You can go home now. And don't even think about spying on me."

"Yes, Ma'am," he responded before driving off. I can only hope Mom will give me some space. I won't be able to relax if she keeps hovering. But with Tia by her side, I guess I just have to trust her to handle it.

Pumasok ako sa loob at nilibot ang paningin. Hindi naman gano'n kalaki 'yon pero maaliwalas, dahil sa moderno nitong design. Wala ring masyadong gamit dahil nabanggit niyang minsan lang siya pumunta rito.

"Kumain na po ba kayo? May pagkain dito," she offered, clearly eager to make me comfortable.

"Uh, ayos lang po . . ?" I paused, waiting for her to tell me her name.

"Marissa. Tawagin mo na lang akong Aling Marie."

I nodded and smiled a bit. "Sige po, Aling Marie. Gusto ko na lang po muna magpahinga ngayon," I scanned the room, trying to figure out which one would be mine.

She clapped her hands. "Gano'n ba. Sige dito ang kwarto mo. Nailagay ko na rin ang maleta mo diyan!" sinundan ko siya at pumasok sa isang kwartong mukhang kwarto sa resort. It's bare and simple, with only the essentials.

I turned to Aling Marie and gave her a faint smile. "Thank you, po."

She nodded. "Sige, maiwan na kita, kung may kailangan ka, nasa tapat lang ako ng kwarto mo."