BURNING RED

Chapter 2

FRIEND

The moment I saw him, he couldn't get out of my system. That night I talked to my Papa and luckily, he sent men to search for him.

I slept good that night not minding my jet lag.

The next morning, Papa have already gathered Bryce's information to my joy!

I talked to him for hours before I decided that he needs to rest and bid my goodbye.

My grandparents never failed me. They do things that could make me happy.

I went through his file and found out that he was studying in St Ives High School in Alaminos Pangasinan. Senior Student. Eighteen years old, Blood AB negative, 198cm, candidate for valedictorian. They owned the Silva Restaurant all over the Philippines. He's the middle child. He has one older brother and a younger sister.

I went through their properties and called Scott to ask about a property I wanna have in Alaminos. I want it as near as him as possible.

His social media was also included so I checked it out.

He only got few photos uploaded. Like what I perceived, I didn't see him as someone who flaunts their pictures and I was right. He had only one picture of him in his accounts, the one in a black and white background, and it was only his side profile.

Attached to the files were his old photos and current ones.

I smiled at their family photos. They seemed to be a loving parents.. but I wasn't sure about that. Because my parents used to pose in the camera a lot showing how happy we were before but really it was all fake.

Nana and Scott called the school for my immediate transfer.

I decided to travel up North today via car instead of a chopper. I wanted my trip to be quiet and to enjoy the scenery.

Nana made me wear a straw hat today to hide my hair because it attracted some attention at the airport last night.

I wore sunglasses to hide my eyes too.
As it was so hot in here, I only wore my loose spaghetti strapped dress with low neckline and open toe shoes.

On our way, I noticed that it was so different from my country. Many people were gathered on the side of the road, shops and food stores were everywhere. The road was rough and bumpy too.

But I noticed too that they all have smile on their faces. Happy.

My heart swelled. I wanted to be happy too. Maybe this time, I would have my own happiness..

When we arrived in Alaminos, I expected it to be like Manila. High rise buildings and big malls.But I was wrong. I should have known better that country life was different.

I walked out of the car when we stopped at the biggest hotel in the town. Pulled my phone out of my side pocket and checked for my photos.

I took pictures of the people as we passed by. They all indeed looked very happy. Joyful.

I wondered if in a month or two I would wear the same smile as them.

Too fascinated by the people everywhere, I started walking aimlessly.

I watched their expressions and smiles that never wavered.

They have an uneven pathway. But I didn't mind. I would certainly love to explore.

When the sun was too much on my skin, I went to a covered court and sat there.

More people were shouting and cheering. I stood up to check what was happening but crowds of people screamed so hard that my heart pounded hard.