Part

Medyo nagkakagulo pa kami rito sa labas ng DA kung saan kami nagtipon para sa trip namin. We are discussing also the logistics and the passengers' situations. Bumuntong hininga na lamang ako at napatingin sa kalangitan.

"Alright, we've got two vans and three cars," anunsyo ni, Engineer Mafutyr. "That should be enough for all of us and the supplies."

"But what about the passengers with special needs?" biglaang untag ko---scanning the list of names. "We need to make sure they're comfortable."

Saglit pa akong tinitigan ni Engineer 'tsaka tinanguhan. "Good point. We'll arrange for them to be in the cars, less crowded and more comfortable."

Inaya ko si Ashley pero sabi niya busy raw siya sa hacienda nila. Malapit na kasi ang pag harverst nila ng mga pananim nilang prutas kaya ayaw niya munang iwan ang responsibilidad doon.

"Ma'am, nauna na po sila Head doon sa Maria Christina para maka kuha daw tayo ng magandang spot. Wala raw kasing online booking, e."

I nodded. "Alam n'yo naman siguro ang daan papunta roon?"

"Opo..."

With that sorted, the others moved on to discussing the itinerary and other details. But as I looked at the list of vehicles and passengers, I realized something. "Guys, I think we're one car short."

Natigilan si Engineer sa paglagay ng mga gamit sa van sa biglaang pagsalita ko. Maria checked every seats and then dismay was written all over of her face.

"Tama si Dorothy. Marami kasi tayong dalang mga gamit."

"Wala na bang extra van na puwede pa natin rentahan?" tanong ni Engineer.

"Bakit kailangan  ng isang van?" ani Maia na kadarating lang. It's Engineer's sister.

"The vans and cars are fully occupied. Iyong mga counted seats na dapat tao ang sasakay, mga gamit nakisakay," Mafutyr answered stressfully.

"Engineer, binilang ko na po ulit ang seats at tayo na nandito, isa lang 'yong hindi makakasakay."

Without missing a beat, "I'll bring my car. That should solve the problem."

Akmang tatalikod na ako nang may biglang nagsalita sa likod ko. Parang kadarating lang yata niya. Nang malingonan ko ito ay deretso ang mga mata ko sa apilyedo niyang maganda ang pagkaka burda banda sa dibdib niya. It was Commander Rabbani, looking dashing in his uniform.

"May problema ba?" aniya sa mababang boses.

"A-Ah, k-kasi, Sir parang hindi kami kasya lahat dito sa sasakyan," said one of those interns with a  very girlish tone.

Ni hindi ko namalayan na nakataas na pala ang isang kilay ko habang nakatingin sa gawi niya.

Hindi naman 'yan gan'yan magsalita? Ano, biglang naging pabebe? oa?

"I can get a van---" presentar niya but I cut him off.

"Huwag na po, Sir. Dadalhin ko nalang din ang sasakyan ko---"

"You don't have to bring your car," putol niya rin sa akin.

I raised an eyebrow, "And why is that, Commander?"

"Ilan ba ang hindi makakasakay?"

"Isa lang. May kotse naman ako kaya dadalhin ko nalang---"

His eyes darkened a bit that makes me fold in a seconds. "Hindi," he said it with full of finality and commandment.

"Iisa lang naman ang pupuntahan natin. You can ride with me," he said, gesturing to his car parked a few meters away. "My car is spacious enough for both of us and some supplies."

"Kung ayaw ni Miss Andino, pwede rin po ako, Sir!"

Biglang kumulo ang dugo ko sa narinig. I glared at her without her noticing it. Ewan ko ba bakit ako OA sa pag react, e dapat wala akong pake? Ibagsak ko kaya 'to sa OJT nila?

Gusto ko mang magdadalawang isip ay tinanguhan ko na kaagad si Commander Rabbani. "Alright, Sir. That sounds like a plan."

As we drove along, hindi na tumigil ang pagtibok ng malakas  ng puso ko. Panay ako inom ng tubig sa tumbler ko at pisil sa mga daliri.

"Is everything alright, Ma'am?" he asked, his voice is gentle and concerned. "You seem a bit nervous. Hindi ka ba komportable sa akin?"

My heart skipped a beat at his question. I hadn't expected him to address my unease directly. Nagdadalawang isip ako kung magpakatotoo ba ako ng sagot sa kan'ya o iilingan ko nalang siya. Hindi ko alam! But I appreciated his consideration and decided to be honest.

"I-Im sorry, Commander," I replied, my voice is slightly shaky. "H-Hindi ko rin alam bakit ako hindi mapakali," halos pabulong na 'yon.

I saw how his jaw clenched and didn't say a word. Para bang naghihintay pa siya ng kadugtong sa sasabihin ko.

"I-It's not because of you or anything. It's just something I can't quite explain."

Panakaw akong tumingin sa kan'ya. He nodded without looking at me as understanding's evident in his eyes. Pero nagulat ako nang biglang siyang lumiko sa isang parte ng kalsada kung saan walang masyadong dumadaan na mga sasakyan para doon itigil.

Parang tumalon na naman ang puso ko nang biglang lumingon sa akin si Commander.

"I appreciate your honesty, Ma'am," he uttered firmly. "Your comfort and feelings are important. If you're not at ease riding with me, I can arrange for one of my trusted men to be your driver instead. Habang hindi ka kasi komportable ay parang...nasasakal ako."

My eyes widened. I felt a mix of relief and gratitude at his offer. I knew Commander Rabbani was a respected and reliable soldier, and his concern for my comfort only reinforced that belief. However, I also recognized that his presence was part of the experience, and I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to learn from him. Learn from...him?

"S-Salamat, Sir," natatanging sagot ko. "P-Pasensya sa inakto ko. But I would still like to continue riding with you," I uttered breathily.

Hindi ko alam kung tama ba ang nakita ko pero saglit gumuhit ang gulat na ekspresyon sa mukha niya. I also saw how he let his guard down as his eyes was telling me something.

Then, a small smirk crept on his lips with a mix of pride and understanding in his eyes. He started the car again and resumed what we just disturb.

"Copy that, Ma'am. But if at any point you change your mind or feel uncomfortable, please don't hesitate to let me know. Ayokong hindi ka komportable."

Tinanguhan ko siya. A sense of reassurance washing over me. I knew that I was in capable hands and that Commander Rabbani respected my feelings. With a renewed sense of confidence, I settled back into ny seat, ready to embrace the journey ahead.

As we arrived at Maria Christina Falls, I stepped out of the car and took in the breathtaking sight before me. Hindi ko pa nga kita ang Maria Christina falls pero dito pa lang sa entrance ay nakakahilom na. The lush greenery of the surrounding trees, the sound of rushing water, and the gentle breeze that probably carried the mist from the falls all filled me senses. It was as if nature itself was reminding me of what I loved.

"Ang ganda!" Maia exclaimed and excitedly stepped out of the van.

"Hi, Ate!" tawag niya sa akin sabay kaway. Kinawayan ko na rin siya pabalik.

"Maria, picture-ran mo nga ako rito!"

Nagkakagulo na ang mga interns at busy na sa pagkukuha ng mga litrato. Nilingon ko si Commander at sandaling may tinawagan. When his eyes met mine, I immidiately looked away.

"Sa pinaka unang cottage raw iyong atin. Puwede na tayong dumeretso roon!" Engineer announced. Nilingon niya ako and gestured to come over.

"Tara, Ate!" Maia excitedly wrapped her hands on my arm. Minsan nakakalimutan kong isa pala ang batang 'to sa mga malapit sa akin na hindi ko ginustong makalimutan.

Habang pababa kami sa hagdanan, the familiarity of the scene was overwhelming. I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing the memories to flood back. I could almost hear the laughter of my childhood, iyong mga masasayang ala-alala ko 'pag pumupunta ako sa bukid namin kasama si Raki. The scent of the forest and the feel of the cool breeze against me skin transported me back to a time when life was simpler.

"Oh my God, ang ganda ng Maria Christina!" Maria exlaimed.

She's right. Para akong nakakita ng dyosa na kasalukuyang nakatingin sa amin sa baba. The beauty of Maria Christina Falls was awe-inspiring, but it was the emotions it evoked that truly touched me. It was a reminder of the deep connection I had always felt with nature, a connection that had been temporarily lost.

As I walked closer to the falls, the mist gently caressed my face, refreshing and invigorating. The sound of the water crashing against the rocks was both powerful and soothing, a symphony that resonated with my soul. I reached out to touch a nearby tree, feeling the rough texture of the bark beneath my fingertips. It was grounding, a reminder of the strength and resilience of the natural world.

"Ate---"

"Just let her, Maia..." I heard Commander Rabbani's voice.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the forest. The combination of earthy aromas, the sweet fragrance of flowers, and the freshness of the air filled my lungs. It was a scent that stirred something deep within me, a sense of belonging and peace.

Bakit pakiramdam ko, napakalaking bahagi ang nawala sa akin? Bakit parang bawat sulok ng mundong 'to ay may magagawa para maibalik kung ano mang nawala sa akin? Bakit parang hindi lang alaala ang nawala sa akin?

And as I stood there, surrounded by the beauty of Maria Christina Falls, I realized something remarkable. Despite the familiarity of the scene, my head didn't jolt with pain as I tried to remember the past. It was as if the healing power of nature had momentarily lifted the burden of my forgotten memories, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the present moment.

"Oh, here she is. Dorothy!"

I turned and saw Sir Ben waving at me. Parang may mga napag-usapan na sila kasama ang mga kilalang tao sa DA na hindi parin ako pamilyar.

Naglakad ako papuntang cottage namin pero lintik na mga bato at bigla akong natalisod. Ready na akong ibali ang siko o ano man nang biglang may sumikop sa akin. That was fast!

"Zul?" biglaang utas ko.

Napakurapkurap ako. Who the fuck is Zul? Si Commander Rabbani naman 'tong nandito. Bigla lang sumagi sa utak ko ang pangalan na 'yon at wala talaga akong ideya kung sino ito!

"Anong sinabi mo?" he asked heavily as I can feel his grip on my waist tightened.

Bigla akong kinabahan. Hindi ko alam kung galit ba siya o hindi niya lang nagustuhan ang pagtawag ko sa kanya.

"S-Sorry, Sir. Hindi ko rin alam bakit nasabi ko 'yon..."

Titig na titig siya sa akin. His deep set of eyes never leaves mine. Our face is too close, I could even see the small stubles on his face. His scent....parang naamoy ko na rin.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" nag-alalang lumapit sa akin si Key habang may bitbit na bottled water.

"Yes, Key..."

Commander slowly put me down. Inayos ko ang sout na shorts at halos hindi na makatingin kay Commander. Late I realized, my face was burning red! Papahuli rin ba ang puso ko? Syempre, mas malala pa!

Pagkarating ko sa cottage ay lahat sila nakatingin sa akin na may pag-alala sa mukha. Maia immediately went on me and gave me an ube ice cream.

"Ate, masarap po ang mga sorbetes dito."

"Thank you..." sabay tanggap ko nito. Without any senses, nilingon ko si Commander. May kausap na rin itong dalawang sundalo.

"Iyon nga, huwag muna nating pag-usapan ang mga trabaho natin dito!" halakhak ni sir Roven.

"Napaka guwapo rin no'ng mga kasama ni Commander!" hagikhik ng isa sa mga Maria.

"True, girl. Pero iba parin talaga si Sir Rabbani!"

"Hoy, Nellie ilang taon ka pa lang pinapantansyahan mo si Commander!"

"Oy, bakit? Age doesn't matter!" irap ni Nellie sa mga kasama.

"Sorry, guys. Taken na 'yan si Commander," putol ni Maia sa kanilang lahat.

Gulat kong nilingon si Maia. Dismayado namang napatingin ang mga dalaga sa gawi ni Commander. Right. Hindi naman dapat na ipagtataka 'yon. Ilang taon na ba siya? And he is freaking successful, too! Parang mas imposibleng isipin na single siya kaysa taken na, e. Gusto kong tawanan ang sarili dahil parang mas dismayado ako sa nalaman na hindi ko rin alam kung bakit.

Dahil lunch naman kami dumating dito ay nagkayayaan nang kumain. Dumampot muna ako ng isang puto habang hinihintay ko silang humupa para solo ko na ang lamesa mamaya. Gusto kong humagalpak sa tawa dahil sa naisip.

"Commander! Kain po tayo!" masayang aya ni Sir Rovem. I stiffined when I feel him at my back. He even blocked the rays of the sun that bathing me earlier. Kitang-kita ko tuloy ang anino niya sa harapan ko.

"Salamat, Sir..." he responded. "Bakit hindi ka pa kumakain, Miss?"

Ako ba 'yong tinatanong niya? Engineer looked at me and looked the person at my back. Wala sa sariling nilunok ko ang putong na sa bibig ko kahit hindi ko alam kung nanguya ko ba 'yon nang maigi.

"K-Kumain ka na po, Ate. Pero isa nalang natirang paper plate," hilaw na ngiting bigay ni Maia.

"I don't mind sharing foods with Miss Andino."

Kinakabahan akong nilingon siya. Kaagad akong umiling. "H-Hindi pa naman ako gutom."

"Kakain kapag gutom ka na?"

"O-Oo."

"Tsaka nalang din ako kakain kapag kakain ka na."

Maia laughed a bit pero kaagad siyang siniko ng kapatid niya. What's in the world? Hindi naman ako tinantanan ng mga tingin ng interns. Siguro iniisip nilang ako iyong babae niya.

"I-Ikaw bahala," sagot ko nalang.

With a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude, I took it all in. Para kumalma ang nagwawala kong puso, nilibot ko nalang ulit ang tingin sa kabuuan ng Maria Christina falls. The greenery, the sound of the falls, the gentle wind that carried the essence of the water. It was a reminder of what I loved, a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, nature had the power to heal and bring joy.

Zul...

I blinked numerous times. Who's Zul? Bakit bigla kong naibulalas ko 'yon? Isa ba siya sa mga taong makaka tulong sa akin?

"Akin na 'to, Miss. Sayang kasi at parang natutunaw na," mahinang halakhak niya sabay dampot sa plastic cup na may ube ice cream.

"Sure!" agarang sagot ko.

"Thank you. Favorite ko 'to, e."

Natigilan ako. My heart starts to beat like crazy again. As Commander casually mentioned that ube ice cream was his favorite, my world seemed to come to a halt. The words echoed in my mind, resonating with a deep sense of familiarity. It was as if I had finally stumbled upon one of the missing pieces of my memories.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the significance of this revelation. It was a small piece of the puzzle, but it held immense meaning. It was a connection to my past, a glimpse into the person I once was. And in that moment, I felt a glimmer of hope that I could uncover the rest of my forgotten memories.

"S-Sir, can I ask your full name?" nanginginig kong tanong.

His seriousness took me. Pinagtitigan niya ako ng mabuti. Kami nalang dalawa ang natira sa cottage kaya ayos lang naman siguro kung...kung maging ganito ako sa kanya ngayon.

"I want you to remember me without introducing myself again to you, Miss."

Napakurap-kurap ako. So, he is part of me?