A Journey of Two Spoliarium Lovers (A Fanfiction) (Journey Series)

Chapter 29

"ALTO PEAK!!!!!" I shouted as I reached the top of Alto Peak, the highest mountain in Eastern Visayas. I only stayed for a day in Biliran until I decided to leave and focus on my ticket back home. At the same time, I visited Lake Danao, Lake Janagdan, and Alto Peak in Ormoc City. I owe it to Maria really. So I'm going to be happy for her. I'm going to follow my fate for her.

"Ma'am Freya. Hindi po ba kayo napagod? (Aren't you tired yet?)" Tacoy said, trailing behind me. I giggled by his constant panting after climbing. I then offered him my extra bottle of water.

"Tacoy, come here." I then took his hand and guided him until he is standing beside me, "Look at the view."

I made him look at the sea of clouds view. I also made him look at the full view of the two places in Leyte: Ormoc City and Jaro, Leyte. He then gasped in shock and awe.

"Wow Ma'am Freya."

I giggled. He then took a photo at the view.

"I'm sure my pamangkin (nephew) will love this."

"You bet." I smiled, while taking the photo of the view and savoring the view as well.

"I wish Harry was here." Tacoy said. I then turned to him and saw him covering his mouth.

You bet. Harry would've loved it. Harry would've loved being here. He'll fall in love with this place and this place will take him back here. Alto Peak would be one of his best things in the Philippines aside from Spoliarium.

I then smiled at him, "Me too." I said softly.

"He should be the one taking you here Ma'am Freya."

"Don't say that Tacoy. You're a good company."

Tacoy smiled widely, causing me to giggle.

Hours later, we went down the mountain and stayed the night in Heaven's Peak. Evening the next day, he then took me to Ormoc Port. I was bound to travel to Cebu via ship and travel from Cebu to Manila via plane then plane again from Manila then back home. I breathe in the place the last time. I'll surely miss the place, I thought.

"So... when are you going back to Nanay Ley?"

"Oh, I asked for a leave po. Maybe few days then I'll go back to Manila."

I nodded then smiled, "Say my goodbyes to your nephew. He didn't like me leaving last time." I giggled.

"Of course Ma'am Freya. And don't worry, he'll be okay." He smiled back.

I then hugged him. Then he hugged me back, "Thank you so much Tacoy." I whispered.

"Anytime po Ma'am Freya." He smiled, "You'll always have people to come back here. You are family."

"I promise to come back." I then let go of him, "Goodbye Tacoy."

"Goodbye Ma'am Freya." He said as I left, waving him goodbye for one last time. I then made my way towards the ship and when I reached the ship, I then went to the balcony part of the ship, taking a last look of the place. This is not the last look though, I thought. I'll come back here, at the right time. I'll always remember that I found a second family here. I found a good story, good people, a good experience, and a good reason to come back here.

I found another home. And I've never been happier than now.

When the ship blew off a horn as a signal that it will depart, I took a deep breath, sighed, smiled, and braced myself. I'm off to Cebu now. I'm going back home now.

PS: The image shown is Alto Peak. The highest peak in the entire Eastern Visayas region in the Philippines (Eastern Visayas comprised of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar). The peak is located in Cabintan, one of the places in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines...