Destined to Reunite

Chapter 34

CAITLYN'S POV

It's 4am in the morning, i had a few hours of sleep. We're now putting our luggage inside the van while the others are inside. My parents didn't tell me rin na kasama pala sina Cristina at Juliana with their partners.

"Did you guys sleep well?" I asked while giving them a hug isa-isa as a greeting.

Humikab silang dalawa at umiling. "Me too, i only had a few hours of sleep. We can sleep later, sa byahe, or when we get there." Suggestion ko.

Cristina started twirling my hair to her fingers. "Do you know where exactly kung saan tayo pupunta?" Tanong niya.

I looked at her before i answered. "Hmm. Basta alam ko sa resort nila Joshua." Sagot ko.

Juliana leaned her head onto my shoulder and looked at me. "Cait, have you been to their resort before?" She asked.

Napaisip ako before i answered her. "Yeah! It's the other resort close to our location. I believe this one is a little bit out of the way." Pagtutukoy ko sa pupuntahan namin.

I heard Joshua's laugh, then he slightly pinched my nose. "You'll undoubtedly be enamored with the scenery when we get there." Sabi niya and motioned for Juliana to leave beside me before he went closer.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay at pabirong sinuntok yung dibdib niya, that was hard. "Are you lowkey flexing or are you giving me a warning?" I joked.

He patted my head and smirked. "You'll see.." He said, then dragged me inside the van.

___

The sun was setting as my debut birthday celebration shifted into a more laid-back vibe, marking the start of my extended birthday vacation at Joshua's family resort. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as we arrived at the resort, a sprawling paradise located on the pristine coast of Batangas. Surrounded by coconut trees, white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters, the resort felt like a tropical getaway perfectly designed for relaxation and fun.

I yawned and stretched my arms as i woke up inside the van. I stepped out of the van, the salty breeze instantly tousling my hair as i took a deep breath, trying to hide my growing excitement. Joshua stood next to me, a playful smirk on his face. "Well, what do you think? Is this place worthy of your debut after-party?" he teased, opening his arms to gesture at the luxurious beachside resort.

I laughed. "Okay, okay, you win this one. It's beautiful," I admitted, looking over at the private villas that stretched along the beach and the turquoise water that seemed to go on forever.

Tinignan ko sila Cristina, Juliana, Max at Kaizer who's following us nang makalabas sila ng van. Cristina immediately pulled out her phone to take some pictures that are Instagram-worthy to her eyes, while Max was trying to take some stolen photos of Juliana.

"This place is insta-worthy! Ganda ng view, parang perfect for this day talaga!" she said, posing near the beach while Kaizer tried to photo-bomb her shots.

Joshua and i watched them argued dahil sa ginagawa ni Kaizer kay Cristina, tinatawanan lang namin yung dalawa. After a while, Kaizer ran towards to us when he turned his head to beach activities sa lugar nila Joshua. "Bro, may jet skis ba dito?" he asked Joshua, already scouting the shore for water sports.

Joshua smiled at him and stood up. "Of course. We've got jet skis, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, you name it. This place has everything, my bro!" he said, proud of the resort his family owned.

Napabuga ako ng hangin at pinalo yung likod niya. "Stop flexing, damn idiot. Let's go find our parents, baka nagb-book na sila ng rooms natin sa reception area," I said.

He nodded and winked at me. "Sige, love. We'll give you a call when we get our rooms, Kaizer. so, don't worry about your belongings either." Sabi niya saka hinawakan yung kamay ko, while Kaizer gave us salute bago siya umalis to do his Beach activities.

The resort itself was nothing short of luxurious. Designed to reflect Filipino heritage while also offering a modern touch, the buildings were constructed using native materials like bamboo and wood but featured sleek glass windows that provided a full view of the stunning ocean. Each villa had its own small pool, surrounded by tropical plants, giving the entire place a private and exclusive feel. There were also infinity pools overlooking the sea, a beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood, and a few hidden spots perfect for some peace and quiet.

"This place is memorable for me, bakit hindi mo kami dinala dito before when i stayed in your house months ago?" I asked.

Tinignan niya ko. "Love. It's too far away, ayaw ko rin nasasayang oras ko sa ganoong bagay and hindi pa malinaw sakin yung nararamdaman ko sayo." He answered while looking around to find our parents.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay and looked at him straightly. "Why don't you tell me na you have other woman kasi? Ang dali lang naman sabihin non, right?" I teased at bumitaw sa pagkakahawak sa kamay namin.

He gave me a damn look on his face and held my hand again. "Love. Aren't you aware that you're my first in everything? Are you that desperate na hanapan ako ng kabit? I won't do that to you." Depensa niya. 

I laughed. "I was just kidding! Why are you taking this seriously?" 

"It's not funny!" 

As we looked around, Joshua spotted our parents already mingling by the reception area, chatting and laughing. He held my head and turned it towards them, i saw my mom wave in our direction. "Hedianne, this place looks unreal! Joshua's family did a great job with this resort. And your Dad told me he wants to stay here longer!" Sigaw niya and took a sip of her cocktail drink, clearly enjoying the vibe already.

I smiled and glanced at Joshua. "It looks like mapapatagal ang vacation natin instead of our celebration?" I joked, but he only winked in response. 

Tito, Joshua's Dad. He already gave us the hotel key room after checking into our respective villas. Nang sumapit ang gabi, the group headed toward the resort's main dining hall, where a seafood feast was waiting. The hall was open-air, with large wooden tables and soft ambient lighting that made the entire space feel cozy despite its grandeur.