The Calm After the Storm (Northern Trail Series #1)

Chapter 36

Serena's POV,

I put a cross mark on my calendar marking the end of the 20th day of MS Serenity's cruising itinerary schedule. The ship will dock on Curimao Port, Ilocos Norte today. Its last port of call before reaching Basco, Batanes as its final destination.

I am buttoning my clothes when Tita Olivia called. I put my phone between my ear and shoulder while I continue buttoning my clothes.

"Serena, how are you hija?" Tita Olivia's enthusiastic voice welcomed me.

"Doing fine, Tita. I love it here." I answered with the same energy.

"As expected. By the way, Joe called and he told me about your father's property in Basco. Turns out Tony's hospital bills left him in debt."

My brows furrowed after hearing about my father. I sighed and hold my phone properly.

"Tita, I already took care of it. Bago ako umalis ng Basco. Ipinambayad ko yung perang iniwan sa akin ni papa sa ospital."

"But not the medication he took before you find out the truth about his sickness. Maybe he don't want you to worry about it that's why he kept it a secret. I can't believe he didn't even told us about it. Sana ay may naitulong kami."

I gasped at Tita Olivia's assumption. Papa really did shoulder everything. Even the expenses. Hindi niya talaga ipinaalam sa akin. He raised me without making me worried about his sickness. We may not be that rich and privileged but he gave me a life so comfortable that made me feel so contented on what I have. Papa is too good. Too good for me. I don't deserve him. I should've been a good daughter.

"Tita.. Let me pay for my father's debts. It's the least I can do. Wala ako sa tabi niya noong.. mga panahong nahihirapan siya."

I don't care how much it will costs me. I'm willing to pay for it.

"Yes, Serena. About that... Actually, the debts are already settled." she said. I heard her sighed on the other line.

"Po? Tita, hindi po ako makapapayag na kayo ang sumalo sa lahat ng utang ni papa. I am earning my own keeps now. Let me handle it." pagpipresinta ko. Para saan pa at sumusweldo na ako. Isa ito sa mga mahahalagang bagay na dapat kong paglaanan ng pera at panahon. I don't want to be a burden to the Castillejos anymore. I want to take full responsibility for everything that my father left behind.

"We didn't pay for it. Ngayon lang din namin nalaman ang tungkol sa utang. Your property became the collateral. I'm guessing that the lender seized your father's property and sell it to recoup your father's debt."

Sandali akong natahimik sa sinabi ni Tita Olivia. Hindi ko mahagilap ang tamang salita sa aking nararamdaman. No.. no.

"Serena, hija? Are you still there?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Tita Olivia nang mapansing hindi na ako umiimik. I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Tita.. Is there any chance I can take it back? I made a promise to Papa that I.."

My voice broke while remembering all the memories Papa and I shared. It's our home. Even if the lighthouse and our house no longer stands, that place still have personal and emotional association with me. Its value could never be compared in any material worth.

I promised Papa I will rebuild it. I promised I will keep his memory alive. No matter what it costs me. I will make sure to take back the land. Kung kailangan kong lumuhod para maibalik ang lupa ay gagawin ko. I will accept any condition.

"It depends if the new owner is willing to sell it—"

"I'm willing to pay any amount of money even if it costs me working my ass off 24/7. Tita, that place holds a special place in my heart. It's the only remaining memory I have with Papa after everything was burn down. Babawiin ko ang lupa." I said with a tone of determination.