Along the Shore (Samal Island Series #1: COMPLETED)

CHAPTER 1: Tiny

Tiny

Naglalakad ako sa dalampasigan hindi malayo sa harap ng rest house namin ng walang tsinelas na suot, hindi inalintana ang pang umagang init ng araw. It's already summer and napakadaming turista ang bumibisita sa isla.

The natural white sand of Samal Island is really beautiful, napaka puti at sobrang pino and it really complimented my morena skin.

I've always loved the touch of the waves and the smell of the salty sea water. The tranquillity and peacefulness of the ocean always calmed me.

Ewan ko, napakasaya ko lang tuwing nakakakita ako ng maputing buhangin at malinaw at banayad na alon ng dagat.

Para bang pinapawi nito ang lahat ng bumabagabag sa aking isipan at pinapakalma ang bawat dagundong at kalabog ng aking mga puso.

How I wish I was the sea.

"Mariana, hija. Magpahinga ka na at kanina ka pa diyan. Ang init na ng araw. Hindi ka man lang nagdala ng payong." Si Manang Seda habang humahakbang patungo sa kinaroroonan ko at may dalang payong.

"Naku manang, okay lang po. It's summer and I want to feel the heat and the summer breeze." Natatawang sabi ko habang tumatakbo pa layo kay Manang Seda.

Tumigil siya at pinandilatan ako ng mga mata. She's used to me being like this. Hindi naman ako maldita, I just make fun of her sometimes.

Kahit sa ibang katulong sa bahay, I made fun of them but they still love me and they understand my stubbornness.

I am seventeen now, and an only child. My mom died when I was five. She met an accident, dead on arrival. I was too young back then but I can still clearly remember our moments together.

She spoiled me too much. I grew up having everything, love and riches. But I never became a brat despite having it all, not that I should be one.
It's just that my mom really taught me how to be kind and humble despite having the riches, and she never failed.

Madalas ko mang binibiro ang mga kasambahay, hindi ko naman sila binabastos. I respect them. Tinuturing ko na nga si Manang Seda bilang Mommy ko at sina Ate Lucy at Ate Sabel bilang mga ate.

They understand my stubbornness, wala kasi akong kapatid and walang ka laro. I grew up being home-schooled until I graduated grade school.

My Dad enrolled me in a prestigious school during my Junior High School years. I was so happy that time because finally I can be friends with other kids and not just stocked in our home with our house helps.

Daddy never remarried anyone. Hindi ko naman siya pinagbabawalan na mag asawa ulit. I want him to be happy. If marrying another woman is his happiness, then I should let him. I won't cage my dad, I love him. His happiness is also my happiness.

But he never did marry anyone. Sabi niya, isang araw habang nag-uusap kami, hindi niya kayang palitan si Mommy and he would never love another girl again, unless it's my daughter.

"Dad! I'm fine having a new Mommy. I won't get mad. Promise!" I raised my palm and swear in front of him. I smiled widely to assure him that I am not kidding.

"Marem, anak. I will never replace your mom, ever. Even when she left us, I'm already contented having you by my side. And I'm busy with work, can't you see? I love your mom, and if I got to learn to love another girl in this lifetime, it should be your daughter." Daddy chuckled and I glared at him jokingly.