Touch of Time

Chapter 2: The Day Has Come

  The trip takes a 5 hour bus ride to reach the destination. Marsha and Jane were sitting at my right and were sound asleep. 5 am is an early time to depart but the excitement didn't make me sleepy. It's been a long time since I felt so much relaxed and carefree. No errands to accomplish, no demands to worry and mostly, there's nothing to think about. Looking at my wristwatch, its quarter to 7 already and I started to feel hungry. A few minutes later, the bus conductor speaks through a microphone, informing the passengers that they're going to stop for a little while at a nearby eatery for breakfast. Those who wanted to eat or use a comfort room can stop by also. The announcement awakens Marsha and Jane. As soon as the bus came to a halt, the three of us disembark and took a hearty meal. The breakfast served was all fresh and tasty. The hot fish broth, calamari and stir-fried veges made us all satisfyingly full. Once again, we ride on the bus and the entire trip is spent on planning for tomorrow's escapade and sharing of life's experiences and current situation.

Marsha, Jane and I were high school classmates. We were always inseparable and commonly have similar likes and dislikes. Among the three of us, I am the tallest. Short haired, sun-kissed skin and with a small face accentuated with a deep-seated eyes. Marsha has fair complexion, chinky eyes, and wavy long hair and stands 5' 3" tall. Jane on the other hand is 1 inch shorter, has long straight hair, high bridge nose and brown skinned. After we went to different colleges to pursue our dreams, we seldom communicate with each other. The courses that we took have a very hectic schedule and spending it for recreation isn't a wise thing to do. Marsha followed her mother's foot step which is physical therapy, Jane chose dentistry and I took B.S. Biology. At present, it's only me who's not in the right track when it comes to career. Both of them have utilized their knowledge and skills on the job that they were in, whereas mine, it is just in a small office working on a job that even a high school graduate can do. But anyway, I still have other plans in life and I got to get it no matter what. I always dreamed of travelling to different places, meet new people and get exposed to new culture and lifestyle. On the other hand, in matters of love, I am the one who's into it first. Maybe it's because of my yearning of having a company and the absence of close friends has truly affected me a lot.

I met Kinley Garp in my 2nd year. The way I came to know him was quite unique. If only my I.D hadn't fallen on the bench, I wouldn't have known him. It was early in the morning when I'm about to pass the guard in the campus entrance. Suddenly, the guard admonished me for not wearing my identification, so I tried to search for it inside my bag using my right hand. As I keep on touching the things inside my bag, I began to worry for my I.D. wasn't inside. Instead, I ask the guard in-charge for some consideration for I don't have it with me. But, he didn't approve of my explanation for rules are rules. Then, when I was about to lose hope and shed a tear for it's already getting late, someone speak up behind me.

"Guard, why did you made my girlfriend cry?", Speaking in a concerned voice.

"Oh, is she your girlfriend?"

Yes, what did you do to her? Is it her identification that cause the problem, I have it here with me.

To my surprise, I looked at him immediately and gave a big hug of gratitude which astonished him also. From that circumstance, I came to know him closer and the rest is history. I really thought we're made for each other for we are into the same thing. Unfortunately, having similar taste won't always save a relationship for someone stole that flame in him from me.  It's that daring lady who loves to paint her face with cheap make.  Maybe, if there's no more make up left in this world, she would would use ashes or soot just to cover her deceitful face.  I know I may sound bitter but all I can say is she won and I give up.  It's not the end of the world yet.

It was last year that I noticed how Kinley's affection towards me change.  He seldom ask me to go out and always make excuses when I try to call or ask him to spend time with me.  Some of my peers say that he is into another woman but I didn't believe them as long as I didn't see it on my very own eyes.  However, the day that I dreadfully fear came. I caught Kinley and the lady in the park canoodling with each other.  My surroundings began to darken that day and I really wanted to kill both of them.  But, to my biggest surprise,  I just came in front of them and congratulate the idiot for being such an asshole and me for being a fool and her for being a slutty bitch.  The 2 of them were in great shock and when he tried to explain, I immediately told him it's over and he's not good enough for me.

We are nearing a bus stop and the three of us get down for it's already Marsha's place.  The area is a suburban and Marsha's farm is still 12 km afar.  Across the street, someone gestured on us to come.  It's the driver who's been scheduled to fetch us and Marsha calls him uncle for he's their longtime family driver.

Uncle, this is Ersha and Jane.  They were my high school classmates.

Oh, you're all grown up already. Even you Marsha, it seems like yesterday and now you turned into an adult.

How about you uncle, how are you and your family?  Marsha asks sincerely.

Here, still the same.  I'm just excited for my son's graduation next year.  

Good for you uncle.

The travel took 30 minutes. Roads were not cemented and the car has to adjust on the terrain.  Though the ride is quite bumpy, watching the fresh and green surroundings makes it less noticeable.  The place has few inhabitants, houses were somewhat distant and the only ruckus commonly heard are from farm  and wild animals.  

In a few meters away, a huge, red, metallic gate becomes visible and the driver is heading towards that direction.  As they were approaching, a farm caretaker opened it.  Marsha's farm is huge.  It is a 5 acre land filled with lushness of vegetation.  On the right side, there's a vineyard.  The west area is planted with mangoes.  In front stood the 2 story farm house which is quite vintage in terms of architecture.  A part of it has a Spanish era design, specifically on some of the windows.  It's still a sliding window pane with Capiz shells on it.  The house is also supported with a bold solid stone foundations which I find regal.  Looking at old houses always fancies me for it feels like I'm taken back in time.  I can't really understand why I feel overwhelmed when it comes to antique things. The smell of old books, finding trinkets with sentimental value and .... 

Hey, Ersha! are you okey? called Jane in a worried voice.

Uh, I'm fine. As if awaken in a trance.

It seems you're not in yourself now.  Is there something wrong? Ask Marsha.

No, nothing.  I just feel a certain euphoria when I see old buildings.

Or it just creeps you out? jested Jane.

There you go again.  Let's get inside now,  I hope we'll be sleeping in same room.