A Summer Happenstance

Chapter 1

We can all write our own love story. I just did.

But maybe, this isn't a love story...

Terribly. It was the worst week. Stress at work. Pressure. You name it.

Spontaneous. That's me. Rest day at last! So the moment I got home, I packed my bags and set off to the middle of nowhere. That nowhere turned out to be a quiet resort in Badian, Cebu. Or so I thought.

Travel time was grueling plus the summer heat was unbearable so it was such a relief when finally I got to the place. I checked in at once and rented a tent which I prefer over a room.

Yeah. Sounds like another story of me-loner. I thought so, too. I was in for a surprise or compromise.

The afternoon sun was just beginning to shy away down the horizon. I decided to take a walk on the beach. Everything looked picture perfect – sea, sand, sky, setting sun. But rather forlorn.

I got to the end of the beach property. One old tree looked like it was blown by a recent storm. And hunched on the fallen log was the mystery that captured me. I approached carefully.

"Hmm-uhmm. Nice sunset."

She looked up and gave me-stranger a courteous smile.

"Do you mind?" I waited for an answer that never came. My inner self suddenly got pumped up with adrenaline. Just sit, you idiot. So I sat down and we shared the fallen log in silence.

"I'm Kenjo." I quipped. Then silence. Nice try. My evil twin was talking in my brain.

Then I heard her murmur so quietly I had to strain my ear muscles. "I feel so bad for this tree..."

"Yeah, me too." Though I had no idea what she's talking about. Ssshhh.

"Are you here with friends, family, or alone...?" Like me, I was about to add. No response.

"Do you like Anime?" Seriously, Kenjo? Anime? Evil twin was shouting in my head now.

I saw her move her shoulders. She was staring at me now!

"Uhm you know, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach..." Shut it up.

Then. "Do you always throw random topics at girls you just met?"

Uh-oh. "Ha ha ha. Maybe." This got me into a nervous laugh.

~End of Chapter 1~