Kabanata 1:
Escape

"How come this is possible? You studied too much! How about those sleepless nights? How could you not manage to pass the exam for certified dermatological board exam? This is the last stage, Eirene. This is one of the expensive courses in the medical field."

My mother, Emelia Marquez, was pacing back and forth in the Parlor room of Mansion de Marquez.

"Honey, please calm down. This is just natural. Napagdaan ko rin ito noon." My father trying to ease my mother with a calm voice he could muster.

"Ano nalang ang sasabihin ng mga amiga ko? How could I face all of them after I bragged na makakapasa si Eirene?" She massaged the temple of her forehead, restraining herself to burst out her further disappointment.

She cared about our Family's image and prestige more than my health. If she only knew how wreck my inner self: how it placed my mind and heart to a great failure of achieving a thing that I could not at that moment...

No, Eirene. She wouldn't understand you...

It was more than of those times na para akong naglalakad na walang buhay. Para sa akin, malayo na ang narating ko. I completed the bachelor's degree. I graduated from a prestigious medical school. I completed the internship and dermatology residency program. But I did not pass the additional exam to become a board certified. I think I did everything. Maybe, it was not still good. Maybe, really, I wasn't still enough to make them proud of me.

"Go back to your room. You will take a private review by tomorrow." she instructed firmly.

"I think it's time to let her rest maybe a month or two, Emelia." my father defended me.

"No! It's only a waste of time!"

I stopped their occurring argument by clearing the lump of my throat.
It was time for me to speak. "Magpapahinga na po ako."

Hindi na ako naghintay ng pahintulot nila, I discreetly stood up from the chesterfield sofa and headed my way out of the Victorian parlor. I silently hated my freaking life. Being the eldest of the Marquez Family was entirely suffocating. I had to be the most responsible example among my two sisters. Yes, the most discipline one.

I opened the large double door of my room. I took my shower and wear my nightgown. I was staring at the ceiling blankly while lying in the white sheet of my canopy bed. Gusto kong umiyak o ilabas ang aking nararamdaman. Not even a single tear or a sob of cry came out from me. I sprawled in my bed motionless until I felt a couple dribble of tears from my eyes. I let them dampened my cheeks. I didn't care to wipe them.

You're a brave woman, Eirene.

My cell phone rang. I lazily reached for it from my bedside table. I pressed the loudspeaker button and waited for the caller to speak first.

"Hello, Eirene? I know you're listening. You just need some time to clear up your mind. There's still time for that and this is the last stage you're going to take. You graduated four years and completed internship, and trainings. Hindi ba pwedeng e-celebrate ito? You have done great achievements. Hindi sa lahat ng oras makukuha natin ang gusto natin and you are a human na napapagod din. I know your mother is disappointed right now, but you need to relax muna. Maybe, a vacation?"

The caller was Marky, my only and true friend. The moment I heard the word vacation, I immediately sat up. I folded my knees over my chest and fired him questions with a weak voice, 

"Where? When? How?"

"Grabe ka bakla! Iba talaga kapag matalino no? Too lazy to ask concrete questions. I know you're not feeling alright right now."

Mark had been the cheerful one. I'm thankful to God that I had a best-gay-friend like him. He kept me smiling with his lewd-silly jokes when I feel my world crumble upon me, or it was too boring.

"I am." I answered shortly.

"So, you really want a vacation?" he asked, confirming my incomplete questions.

"What's the purpose of asking 2W's and H question if I'm not interested?"

"Gawd, I can feel your enthusiasm." he commented sarcastically.

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes.

"Sarangani."

"What!?" I exclaimed in surprise.

Sarangani was located at the bottom of the Map. Napakalayo nito sa main city ng bansa.

"Don't ask me why again. Kung magbabakasyon ka lang naman sa Boracay, Palawan and other places in Visayas regions, why not in Mindanao? And Sarangani to be exact. First, it's really far from Manila. Second, hindi kaagad magti-trace up ang location mo. It is almost secluded and third, there are beautiful and breathtaking places to unwind there. Lastly, Eirene, I have a small property which I bought six years ago with a small rest house." he clarified.

He had a point though. He was entirely right. If escaping to a reachable region or any places within the scope of Visayas and Luzon, my parents could easily trace my location. Knowing they had actually the money and connection. They could hire a private investigator to find me easily. They could also ask their business colleagues for help.

Not only that, but they would all think that I hide to those usual places.
Sarangani was far from their possible prospect.

"Are you game?" he asked me again, waking me up from the silence of pondering.

I had the reason to escape for a meantime. My mother was becoming more and more nagging. I'd have done countless achievements for them to maintain the image of our family.

I studied hard. I wanted to take a rest and let the time gather my strength again. In my twenty-eight years of existence - it had been an emotional and physical struggle for me, although some were filled with happiness. Those were fuzzy moments of being restraint.

I didn't have the normal teenage life. Marky would ease my pain and listen to my sentiments and find a way to let me experience a normal teenager life.

In my early twenties, I'd have entered many nightclubs and taste alcoholic drinks because of Marky. My parents were both hands on to our hotel and restaurant businesses.
I decided that it might be time for me to let the storm slip by. A vacation would help me collect my valor again. My mind and heart were heavy. It would not do anything good if I continue the review.

"I'm game." I finally answered.

After the call ended, Mark made some instructions. I packed my clothes in my black luggage. Those were comfortable like mga pambahay, shirts, pants, shorts, my nightgown, yes, swimwear and two sunglasses. I included my skin care products.

I slept in both sadness and optimism. I was determined not to back out. Nothing would be the same anymore. Sometimes, we needed to decide for our own benefit and simply for ourselves. Escaping was the only I could think of.

Kinabukasan ay nagising ako sa ingay ng alarm clock. I turned it off as I rose up from my bed and placed the bedsheet aside. It was still dark. Sinabihan ako ni Mark na gumising nang maaga dahil nagapag-book na siya ng plane ticket to Gensan at five am. After I took a bath, I wear my fit black jeans, comfortable white long sleeve, navy blue sneakers and a black cap. Lumabas kaagad ako ng aking kwarto pagkatapos.

I attentively walked down the grand staircase of the Mansion. I lifted my luggage when it created a squeaking sound. The light from the kitchen was the sign that the maids were awake. Mas lalo kong dinoble ang pag-iingat na hindi nila ako mapansin.

I tiptoed faster out of the hallway. I sighed in relief when I successfully passed the kitchen. I ran down the stair of the main door. A red vintage car was parked in front of the metal gate of the mansion. I dialed Marky's number to confirm - if he was really waiting outside. If it was really him. Pwedeng may kapareho siyang kotse and used it for kidnapping me.

Who knows? Nagkakalat na ang mga masasamang tao sa Pilipinas. And to think, my family is quite rich for that kind of motive and crime.

I pressed directly the speaker of my phone to my right ear while holding my luggage. "Marky? I saw a red car. Is that yours?"

"Oo, bakla, bilisan mo diyan." he answered immediately.

He beeped his car. I started moving my feet. Mabuti nalang tulog ang aming security guard. I unlocked the gate carefully, with my spare double key. His red car immediately stopped in front of me.

Mark climbed out from his car. He helped me with my heavy luggage. It was one of the things I liked about my friend. I secretly admired him for that. But he loved boys more than us.

Soon I closed the door of his car, Mark began with his instructions, "May kuryente, pero walang TV. Turn off your phone para sure na hindi matrace ang location mo. Kapag pupunta ka sa pamilihan, tawagan mo kaagad ako, then don't forget to turn off your phone after. It's safe there, Eirene. Wala masyadong krimen ang nangyayari sa lokalidad doon."

"Yes, Sir." I saluted.

"Ew." He screeched his voice and shrugged his shoulder in disgust.

"Call me ma'am, or madame Markey." maarte nitong pagtatama.

I sighed. "Alright, madame Markey."

"But I fancy to be called Mademoiselle or Binibini."

My eyes rolled upside down. I reclined my back against the seat, trying to get some sleep.
Upon closing the lids of my eyes, a reminder sprung in my head.

Everything would be perfectly fine, Eirene. I'm hoping that it would and nothing to be worry about.

I should not worry too deeply.

What was the purpose of escaping If I would just worry about the aftermaths, right? That would be nonsense. I hoped they would understand me. Without my presence, they would feel that loneliness I felt that no one dare to ask me.

I arrived in the Province of Sarangani at Sussana coast where my friend's property was located. White sand beach and serene small waves...it was totally a place to dwell your mind in tranquility. Away from the busy city. Away from the pipe smoke of the cars and the busy rush of the people. And maybe, a beautiful people were lurking too. Like the man sleeping on the rocking chair.

I was welcomed by the rush of wind with the mixture powder of white sand. I was staring at the small house before my eyes. A tiny house with a balcony. The design reminded me of usual beach houses in America.

I choked out when another violent wind passed by. I immediately entered inside habang dala-dala ang luggage at ang mga pinamiling groceries. The furniture and appliances were wrap with white fabric, and the widows were closed. The rest house was too dusty like it was abandoned in a decade.

Mukhang buong araw akong maglilinis!

Dumapo ang hapon, naisipan kong magpahinga matapos ang mahabang oras na paglilinis. I thought I would not able to finish cleaning for just a day. But I just surprisingly did it. The waves of the sea were pulling me up for a dive.

Excitement kicked me and I decided for an afternoon swim. I wanted to celebrate my first day of freedom. I wore my black two-piece bathing suit. A high cut bottom and triangle shaped upper garment.

I ran to the shore enthusiastically and jumped into the water.
So, refreshing!

Habang nagtatampisaw ako sa tubig, hindi ko maiwasang maisip ang kalagayan nila ngayon. Tumawag na kaya sila ng private investigator? Or perhaps, they were interrogating my friend now. Kylie would be happy without my presence at the Mansion.

As much as I wanted to keep thinking about them, I reminded myself about my own happiness too.

I floated my body while a spread my arms and legs in the surface of the pristine greenish water. Alas kuwatro e medya na nang hapon hindi na masyadong masakit sa balat ang init ng araw.

Any hour, the sun would disappear in the horizon. I swam back like a giddy kid. My bottom and top garment were totally soaked. Hindi muna ako bumalik sa maliit na rest house at umupo sa buhangin. I let the small waves reached my feet.

As expected, the sun was starting to fade. I watched how it beautifully fades into the horizon to the point that my body dried up.

Until the gloom spread out in the sky, I got to my feet and walked back. Dumikit ang buhangin sa aking balat kayat pinagpagan ko ito habang nasa entrada ng bahay.

"Hubaga ate uyy.."

Someone whistled lewdly.

I almost jumped within my feet. My neighbor was already awake.

Ilang oras na kaya itong natutulog? Kaninang umaga pa itong nakaupo sa rocking chair. He was sleeping in a rocking chair: head lowered, feet dangling on the banister and topless. He was really tall. His hanging jeans was pulling down. I had to gulped for a silent reason.

I was suddenly struck upon seeing his ambrosial face when he removed his cowboy hat: he had pointed nose; brows thick with a perfect arc; lips not too fleshy, but looking delectable; thick biceps and hard abdomen; deep brown eyes; square jaw that spoke of authority.

At ang pinakahonest kong description sa kanya: the rest of him was a pure fantasy.
"You like what you see? You can take stare at me longer than necessary, or you can take a picture of me. It lasts longer, mia regina." He asked arrogantly with a foreign fluent.

Mukhang may lahi.

I arched my brow. He chuckled seeing the annoyance on my face.

"Ang sungit." He examined his eyes from my face to my waist. "Porca miseria..." He muttered under his breath.

Nang dumapo ang mga mata niya sa pinaka-pribadong parte ng aking katawan ay minadali kong hinablot ang puting tuwalyang nakasabit sa baluster ng balkonahe. I wrapped the towel around myself and glared at him.

Sumipol muli siya. "I thought you're a mermaid who become a human. Ang swerte ko naman. May kapitbahay na akong kasing ganda mo." He whispered as he sat on the wooden railing of his balcony, propping his hand behind his head.

Ilang metro lamang ang layo nito sa bahay ni Marky. A white fence was the only barricade in between. Kaya't rinig na rinig ko ang kanyang sinabi.

"What did you just say?" I questioned him in a raising tone.

His eyes glistened with playfulness.

"You're feisty, babe. I like that. That's totally my type."

"You're not my type and don't call me babe."

He pursed his lips. "It's fine if I'm not your type, babe."
Kinawig niya pa ang kanyang mga kilay.

He kept calling me that endearment. It was making my blood boil in annoyance. Nakakairita sa tenga na parang kampana. Nagpasya akong ignorahin na lamang ito, before he could ruin my first day.

"I'm Devon Lopez or Dev for short." He proudly introduced and extended his hand. I ignored it which he shoved his hand back to his jeans. He smirked when he caught my eyes stayed on the apparent V-line under his washboard abs...

I blinked away. "Mr. Lopez you should not look a woman like that or say things like that. It's quite indecent. That was a downright catcalling."

"Forgive me, babe..."

"Catcalling is never sound sexy. Instill that in your mind." I chastised him.

"Yes, babe. I'm sorry. I love you already..."
Nanlaki ang mata ko. He sounded so sanguine.

He bit his lower lip, looking down. 

I understood Mark's friendly reminder bago ang flight kaninang umaga.

"May kapitbahay kang sobrang hot, as in at a first glance, your panty will get wet talaga. Kaya wag kang mafall sa lalaking iyon. Akin lang siya." He hugged me and said in a serious, concern tone. "Seriously, iwasan mo iyong poging kapitbahay. Mukhang hindi seryoso sa mga babae at palaging lasing."

"Hindi ako magbabakasyon para lang diyan." I said between the tight hug.

"I know." He loosened the hug. "But you have to come home na virgin pa rin, Eirene. Fresh and pure ka padin. Kahit malapit kanang magtrenta. Please preserve your pearl for the man you love."

I didn't further respond to the question of my neighbor. I dashed inside the house with my heart - beating abnormally.

Strange. Why would I feel it with him? Dahil gwapo siya? May ipagmamalaking katawan?
I locked the door. Based on what I observed, just the way he talked and looked at me, he could do things that would be considered a crime for a lonely woman.
Murder?

I wiped off the thought. Mukhang hindi siya capable na pumatay ng tao. He was more possible on ravishment. I should be careful. Iilan nalang ang mapagkakatiwalaan ngayon. The fact that I didn't have any other neighbor around.

The next day, I felt my room totally different. It used to be a canopy bed with chandeliers in the ceiling with a queen-sized bed. But I woke up in a distinct room. Walang nagkikinang na chandelier, at isang bombilya ng ilaw lamang. May maliit na bedside table. Some paintings on the wall and a white curtain. Hindi masyadong magara ang kwarto. Bumangon ako. Nakalimutan ko atang wala ako sa Mansion. I looked at the small clock in the bedside table. It was six in the morning. I yawned while I amble to the kitchen.

Maliit lang ang rest house. May maliit na sala, bathroom, pang- isahang tao lang talaga. The interior was simple. Malinis at maaliwalas ng tignan ang rest house dahil grabe ang effort ko sa paglilinis kahapon.

Nagsaing ako ng kanin sa rice-cooker. Nagtimpla ako ng kape. I sat down in the wooden chair of the balcony. I took a gulp of my coffee - staring at the orange pomp on the sky. The wind and the waves of the sea were cradling me to sleep again. I inhaled a lungful air, flexing my arms.

This is life. This is what I need!

I went inside and got my phone from my luggage. Hindi ko pa na-arrange ang mga gamit dahil masyado akong pagod kagabi. I snapped pictures of the sun and selfies of me behind of it. I was about to check the pictures when I feel someone staring. And I was not surprise.

He was topless again with only his dark jeans. Hindi ba siya nilalamig? Ang aga-aga pa. Parang nanggaling sa inuman at hindi pa nakakapag-ayos sa sarili. Hindi na niya suot ang cowboy hat. Kaya't klarong-klaro na mahaba ang kanyang buhok. It was brunette color with few streaks of blond.

Mukhang walang planong magpa-haircut. His hair disheveled and the lids of his eyes were lazy and sleepy. May hawak itong black mug while sitting on the banister. He was inclining his half body that his biceps squeezed tight. He was a definition of a carefree type of man - who obviously had no plans for his future.

"Good morning, babe." He greeted me with a very irritating morning smile. "Masarap ba tulog mo? Pwede malaman anong laman ng panaginip mo, mia regina?"

"My morning is wonderful, not until you ruin it." I said straightforwardly and bluntly.

"What did I do? I'm just asking you nicely."

"Hindi ko maintindihan bakit ako naiirita, the moment I saw your face. This is my first morning of my vacation at nairita agad ako. This is not good as a start. I should feel the morning excitement and glee."

"Hindi rin pwede na umalis ako para hindi ka mairita. Dito ako pinanganak. Nandito lahat ng kailangan ko, pati ikaw."

"The fuck!? I don't need you! I don't even like you!" I shouted at him.

"Aw. That's so sweet." He held a hand to where his heart located at umarteng nasasaktan.

 "Magkapit-bahay pa naman tayo. We shall love our neighbors."

"You must love Marky then."

I gave him my sharpest glare. Ang sarap talagang ihagis sa mukha niya ang kapeng natitira sa coffee mug na hawak ko. Pero pinigilan ko ang aking sarili. Baka pwede sa mga susunod na araw.

I composed myself. I highly needed to take a hold of myself. He was the most annoying creature I encountered. With heavy steps, I stormed inside. Siguro naman luto na iyong kanin!

I've never been annoyed to the bones. I would roll my eyes. Mostly, ignored the person or played like a dumb that I didn't hear anything. But he was enormously different that I couldn't merely ignore.

Periedot Spiels