Roadtrip Day 8:
Location: Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Alice Flonne's POV:

"Woaaah....."

"This is the Paoay Church...this is built in 1710...but it looks like it is one of the oldest existing churches in the country...it is popularly known for its distinct architectural features."

My 'big detective sidekick'...hehehe, I mean my big brother Kyle is busy touring me to the historical sights in Ilocos Norte...

"Do you want to go inside, Alice?"

"Yes! Of course, Kuya Kyle!" My eyes are sparkling like those from a little child. "I'm so excited to go inside! I've always wanted to go here! Hehehe!"

Danica's POV:

Alice and Kyle quickly runs towards the entrance of the church, as Claire, Alex and I trailed behind them.

Upon entering the church, we saw this scenery. In my observation...the interior view is somewhat different...in a sense...from the outside view. Nevertheless, the same atmosphere is felt...nostalgic, serene and a very relaxing feeling.

We followed the siblings, holding hands together, as they sat down in the middle pew of the church...while sensing the same feeling that I had on this place...

"Psst...Alex! Are you jealous of Alice, holding hands with someone?" I hear Claire punning Alice's boyfriend.

"Heck no! Of course, I understand that she has a brother right now to take care of!"

"Are you sure? Ayeee!!!"

I saw Alex's face blushed as Claire continues to flirt him. Did his girlfriend saw it? No, since she is busy talking with Kyle.

"Kuya Kyle, I hear that you now living with someone in your house. Is that true?"

"Woah! How did you know that, little detective sis?!" Kyle is startled by her sister's revelation. "Just kidding! Yes, I have. She currently works at a BPO in Vigan. However, she only comes home during weekends and holidays, that's why I always keep on watch the sari-sari store our neighbors built to have her additional income. Regardless, she is a hardworking lady...just like you, and I'm very proud of her."

"Hehehe! That's great!" Alice smiled at him. "But may I know...is there any problem between you and your girlfriend that I can help?"

"Huh? Ehehe...what are you talking about?" I sense on his tone that Kyle is hiding something. "There's absolutely no problem between the two of us, don't worry about it!"

"Hmm...oookaaay..."

Alice begins to pull some suspicion to her brother Kyle as we leave the church for our next destination. I can see through her eyes that she is motivated to let her brother's secret came out of his mouth...and she will do everything for it.

And so does Alex...perhaps...

As Alice drives our truck towards the City of Vigan, she let Kyle sit in front of the truck, instead of Alex. And that's when Claire comes to pun him...again.

"Jealous? Hehehe!"

"Ugh! Shut up!" But Alex's face expression says otherwise. "They're just siblings and there's nothing you could do about it."

"Hehehe! Yeah, right."

We drove for another one and a half hour through the roads of Ilocos...enjoying ourselves as we pass through the beautiful seaside view of the sea. After some moments...Kyle whispers to her younger sister...and that's when she take turns on her steering wheel. Perhaps Kyle is teaching Alice where is the place he wanted us to see. And when Alice pushes the brake and parks the truck...

"We're here!!!"

Alex's POV:

"Behold, the Heritage Village of Vigan!"

Kyle introduces to us the wide array of Spanish-era houses still standing, still surviving the sands of time. In fact, I even saw some houses being occupied by families!

"Alex! Aleeex!!!"

"Whoa! Hehehe! Sorry about that!" I am so amazed by the heritage houses that I didn't noticed that Flonne is calling me. "What is it then, Flonne?"

"Well...umm...can you walk with me?" With her face blushing, she offered my hand to me.

"Oh...okay. But...I'm a little bit shy...you're still getting along with your brother right now."

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Flonne, through the tone of her voice, starts to be pissed off. "What's wrong with walking with Kyle. He's my older brother! Perhaps...sniff...you don't call me...sniff...your girlfriend anymore..."

"Huh?! Tha-that's not wha-what I mean..."

Claire and Danica stopped from walking and stared at me angrily. Even Kyle turned back at me...

"...tsk...tsk...tsk...is this guy hurting my little detective sis?!" Kyle is also angry at me. "Hmph! You should step away from my sister unless you regret what you have done!"

Pressured by my friends...and Flonne's older brother Kyle...I bowed my head...lowered my voice...and explained myself...

"No, really. I don't meant to hurt you, Flonne. I just want you to be happy with your brother that you've missed so much. Sorry...I'm really sorry, Flonne. Please forgive me..."

Flonne is silent for a few moments...she doesn't reply to my apology. But then...I hear footsteps coming closer towards me...

"Heads up..."

I followed what the voice directed me to do so. I saw Flonne's angry face before a hand slapped my face.

"SLAAAP!!!!"

"OUUUCH!!!!!"

"HMPH!" Flonne then turned her face away from me. I guess my apology and her slap to my face is not enough to forgive me. I guess I needed to do something else to end this. I tried to hug her from the back.

"Come on, Alice Flonne. Please forgive me, please?"

I closed my eyes and tighten my grip unto her...but in vain...she doesn't respond...

"Hehehe..."

I hear a giggle...I opened my eyes and I noticed Flonne smiling and reciprocate my hug...by holding my hand.

"Alright, I forgive you. Just for one condition..."

"Well, I'm will do anything you want just to forgive me." I smiled at her. "What do you want me to do, then?"

Flonne lets go from my arms...but whispers to my ear...

"You see...my 'big detective sidekick' Kuya Kyle is hiding something from me. When I asked him earlier about his relationship with her girlfriend...his tone tells me so. Now, you got to help me make a dish tonight. I'm very sure that he will speak his secret out...once I make that special recipe. Remember, if you help me in this plan, I will definitely forgive you, understand?"

"Yes. Of course, milady. I will."