FOREVER, MY LOVE

Chapter 15-16

forever (chapter 15)

Kakalapag lang ng helicopter sa isang private helipad sa itaas ng hotel resort sa isang isolated na isla. Pagkatapos bumaba ng eroplano sa mini-airport sa Davao ay sumakay naman kami sa helicopter, courtesy of the company that will host the upcoming event.

It was the most exciting thing that I have done. I caught glimpses of the rainforest and some tall buildings. It was the first time I’ve ride in a helicopter, so I try to savor the experience as much as possible.

Dahil nga boss siya, I was also blessed with the opportunity to be on first-class on the airplane ride. Iba talaga kung mayaman ka, special lahat. He is one of the speakers of the convention so we are preparing his presentation. Kahit puro paperworks ang pinag-gagawa namin buong oras ng byahe, nag-enjoy pa rin ako, lalo na katabi ko siya.

 I don’t know if it was my overactive imagination but I caught Ethan glimpse at me more than a few times on the trip. He seemed amused by my reaction especially when we are high in the sky. I bet that he has done this a couple of times, so he seems to get used to with the sorroundings. But I don’t really care at the time; I just was going to savor the moment until it lasts.

When we go down the staircase, we were instantly greeted by the event’s coordinator. After formal introductions, we are directed to the receptionist’s desk for the rooms that were booked before. The lobby was immaculate with expensive furnishings that spoke money. You can immediately tell that this is a five-star hotel. I thought that since I am only an employee I will stay at an ordinary room, but I’m surprised that, room was at the same floor with Ethan. It means that I was booked on one of the executive suites.

Nung nakita ko ang floor at room number ay tiningnan ko siya with question in my eyes. Sigurado akong alam niya kung ano ang tanong ko kaya habang paakyat ang elevator sa floor ay tiningnan niya ako.

“Isabel, I booked you on the same floor with mine so that when I needed your assistance, I can call upon you immediately.”

“Okay sir…” Ayoko nang magreklamo. Just count your blessings right?

Pagkatapos tumigil ng elevator ay lumabas na kami. Sinundan ko ang room number kung saan ako tutuloy for the next four days. Bubuksan ko na sana ito nang marinig ko ang boses ni Ethan.

“Yes sir?” Tingnan ko siya. Tatlong kwarto ang pagitan namin.

“You may get a few hours rest. At 7 in the evening, you will see me at the hotel lounge.” Nauna na siyang pumasok sa kwarto niya.

Pumasok na sin ako sa kwarto ko, and my jaw dropped. Wow! The floor was carpeted with an entertainment lounge and a LCD television. The room was air-contioned with a king-size bed was furnished with red linens and pillows. Pagpunta ko sa bathroom ay nakita ko na may dual shower with a bathtub in the side. Its floor was coated with black and white tiles. In my 24 years of my life, I have never imagined myself being in this luxury. Kulang pa ang sweldo ko ng isang taon para sa ilang araw na pananatili dito. This must how rich and famous live their lives.

Pagkaempake ko ay nagpalit ako ng damit. Mula sa office blouse and slacks ay nagsuot ako ng t-shirt at pantalon. Tiningnan ko ang orasan, pasado alas kwatro pa lang. Hindi pa ako masyadong pagod dahil natulog na rin ako habang nagbya-byahe, kaya lumabas muna ako para makapaglibot-libot. Bukas magsisimula ang convention kaya magiging busy na rin ako para magawa ito.

*****

Malapit na ako sa tabing dagat kaya pwede ko nang makita ang kabuuan ng hotel-resort na tinutuluyan namin. It is an ten-storey building with modern architecture design. Katabi nito ay mga mini-stores that sells almost everything. May mga cottages din sa paligid na para sa mga ibang guests. Tumingin ako sa paligid. Nakapalibot sa buong isla ang dagat. Dalawang paraan ka lang pwedeng makapasok at makalabas dito, either by helicopter or hotel motor boat. In other words, isolated ang isla, halos malapit na sa Philippine border.