Reaching The Brightest Star

CHAPTER THREE

Chloe

Hometown

I was stopped when I was overtaken by the traffic. One more minute before the vehicles can move again. I opened my window and immediately the heat of the sun hit my skin.

It is so nice to feel the heat again.

Instead of being annoyed because I seemed to like it. In my six years away from this country, I have temporarily forgotten the heat here. What used to be hot, crowded and full of pollution, I am here again.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a large billboard not far from my seat. This magazine cover is known all over Manila and I did not escape the eyes who used to gaze at me.

He was all suited up while facing the camera sideward because his perfectly sculpted body was facing the left. The magazine was all about his works and some projects with corporations of other celebrities and directors. Maybe his life as well was written there. Maybe I should purchase one of those magazines? I am really dying to know what's inside there.

Damn! He's so perfect.

It was late at night when I reached my condo.

It is funny how he can still affect me after all these years. Just for one post, he made my heart skip. Simple moves and he can still affect me.

What am I going to do to myself? If this continues, I might regret it later.

My phone was noisy because of the overflowing emails and text messages from various hospitals that offered me a job and the things I left behind in Norway. I don’t know where they got my roaming number, maybe it was in my documents or they asked permission at the hospital I trained at. I can’t find the time to go through them one by one.  I put my cell phone in silent mode and focused my gaze on the road. 

I turned on the light switch and it immediately lit up the entire condo. Still refreshing but not like my first day here. I went straight to the kitchen where the refrigerator was. Double door and that's big, lots of drawers so lots of space to put anything. I opened it and realized I hadn't been able to buy groceries yet. I rubbed my forehead and leaned my body slightly against the fridge door.

Food is important too, Chloe. How can you forget that?

I have no other choice but to eat at the restaurant nearby. Then I will be able to live a healthy life when I am stable in the condo. I'm going home to Batangas for the Alumni Homecoming that will take place at my previous school. Tomorrow morning I will go to the grocery store and buy the other things I need here in the condo.

I grabbed my handbag and went out of the door. 

I walked along the sidewalk of Fort Bonifacio to find a restaurant to eat.

What should I eat? Sushi? Pizza? Meat? Pasta? So many options! And I can't pick one!

I found one that was familiar to me and that’s where I went. I entered one of the restaurants I knew and sat near the glass window overlooking the cars and people walking outside. I know this restaurant because Marco once took me here. I don't even know why I still love to eat here. It will remind me of him even more. But I guess, I only came here for food. Just for this night.

I love to watch people walking on the street. They brought different stories and I enjoy watching them walk. Of all the people I meet, they carry different stories. There are others that are simple, can be solved, and there are others that are heavy. I admire those people who can handle their situation well, despite being incomplete. You can tell that from the way they walk. Trust me, if you will just observe them deeply, you will see the real happenings to that person.

"Good evening Ma'am, may I take your order?" The waiter smiled at me. Carrying the menu, he handed it to me. I immediately opened it to see what I could eat.

"We have our best selling special meal for two. Are you with someone?" He's polite. Yes. But doesn’t he see that I’m the only one here? How can he offer me a meal for two if I am the only one here?

"No. I came here alone." I still smiled. I don't want to be rude.

"Oh, my apologies." He said while bowing himself in front of me.

"No worries," I just smiled. 

"I'll have the caesar salad and a glass of red wine, please." I returned the menu list to him after he wrote my order. He smiled at me first and I returned it before he turned and took care of other customers. I looked outside and watched people walking outside.

It keeps bugging my head. I can't avoid thinking about that post. It was meant for someone, that's all I know. I was dumbfounded while waiting, only to return to trance when my order arrived. I said thank you to the same waiter before starting to eat.

It is a salad that is full of greens, especially lettuce dressed with some Greek dressing. It is my favorite salad of all time. I like it with lots of grated Parmesan cheese and chunks of freshly baked chicken breast seasoned with rosemary, salt and pepper. When I was still in Norway, this salad was always served at dinner. Aunt Mercy likes it and she's the one who introduced it to me. Ever since I tasted that I’ve liked it. I'm not on a vegetarian type of diet but I like salads. If only that could be served to me, morning, noon or night. I can also eat that for late night snacks.

My aunt and I enjoyed eating this salad paired with her favorite wine. I suddenly missed Tita, how's she doing?

I grabbed the glass flute and sipped the wine. It has a bittersweet taste that my tongue has been loving. The sweetness of this wine is top notch and I found out that this is Monica’s grandfather’s wine. I smiled.

It took me twenty minutes before I finished my dinner. I missed this salad so much so I savored every bite of it. I like the crunch sound of the lettuce inside my mouth as well as the buttered croutons. The juice that comes out from the chicken and the cheesy taste of Parmesan.  Perfect blending. I should learn how to do it on my own, this salad is very expensive in restaurants. I don't know why. The ingredients used are the same.

I was walking back to my condo and my steps became slow and I came across the park where I was attracted to the fountain. I went over there and examined it. I smiled and suddenly, a memory flashed inside my head. I suddenly missed the gazebo of my Aunt back in Oslo. In the middle of the gazebo, there is a small fountain where I used to drop coins and then I silently chanted my wishes. Funny how childish that act was but that is part of me.

"It is beautiful," I breathed. Referring to the fountain. 

As a habit, I took a coin out of my pocket. It is a childish act but there is nothing wrong if I try. I closed my eyes and seriously thought about what I wanted to ask.

"On my stay here, all I wish is to be happy." I whispered.

Will it come true? Will I find the happiness I have long hoped for? I deserve it, don't I?

When I got to the unit, I immediately went straight to the bedroom to rest. I remove my shoes and put them on the rack.

It was a long day after all, I deserve a good rest.

I cleaned myself first, removed my makeup, brushed my teeth and did my routine. I put on my tank top and pajamas, and brushed my hair before going to bed. My room was dim and only illuminated by the city lights outside and my night lamp. Gradually I felt my lids heavier until I was completely asleep.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm on my phone. I immediately shut it and checked for the time. It was seven in the morning. My agenda for today was to buy groceries and some other things that are needed in my condo. I rose to my bed and folded the sheets.

After my morning routine I went down the building to shop. I will be needing a water dispenser because I haven't put water in the refrigerator yet. I don't know if the tap water will be safe for drinking, that's to be sure. And I am also used to distilled water. I can boil it first but that's too much work for me early in the morning. I have my usual cup of tea every morning before leaving the house. It gives me energy and it immediately boosts my metabolism.

I drove to the nearest mall, the first thing on my mind was to buy groceries so I went straight to the supermarket store. As soon as I entered, I immediately saw fruits, vegetables, dairies and many more. When I was in Norway, I was the one who bought groceries for the house. Aunt was busy with the company so I was in charge there. There are maids who can do that but I did not agree. They have so many chores to do and I don't want to add to that. As usual, I buy groceries that will last me for a week and sometimes a month. I bought meat, poultries, fish, canned goods, bread, seasonings, dairy, fruits and vegetables. I also bought a sack of rice.  I needed a hand for that so I begged a salesman for assistance. I also bought some snacks that I can eat whenever I want to. Nuts and cereals would be fine.

Tea is very essential for me, I drink it every morning to boost my metabolism and digestion. As for my toiletries, I only bought sunscreen lotion and napkins that say 'overnight use'. I'm not used to small napkins, I feel like I can easily get through every time I use them like that. Maybe I'll buy some next month, there's still some left in the condo.

I have to practice the essence of minimalism. Leaving what's not important and focusing only on the necessary.

I paid for everything I bought and I was shocked that it reached four thousand and six hundred fifty pesos.

Are the prices of goods really expensive here in the Philippines?

I cannot do anything about that so I took out my credit card and gave it to the cashier. I am pretty sure that I did not bring cash, if any I have not yet exchanged it at the money changer. I only withdrew last night because I had to eat. And I spent just right.

"Ma'am I'm sorry. Maybe you have cash there? Our credit card reader is broken. I'm sorry." The cashier's face was full of pleading. I saw how scared she was because of the expression she gave me. I sighed before answering her.

"I'll just check. What if I don’t bring some cash?" I was saying that while rummaging through my bag, when I saw my wallet I took it out and opened it. I saw a thousand paper bills in it.

Perks of having a caring Aunt. I thanked her this time.

I gave her five thousand pesos and hid my wallet. The process of my purchases continued and a male bagger wrapped it up. As he does that, he also glances at me. I furrowed my eyebrows when I caught him looking. What is he looking at? My clothes are fine. I’m pretty sure I washed up before going here. I am wearing a simple oversized T-shirt and denim shorts under, I just use my flip flops just to add some comfort to my outfit. With the culture of other countries, I became accustomed to adapting their way of dressing. But I still know how to be conservative. Ah! I don’t wear any makeup. I forgot to do it in my haste. But I made sure that I did not leave the house looking so pale. 

"Ma'am, would you like me to escort you to the parking lot?" He asked as soon as he finished packing my groceries.

"No thanks, I can take the cart out to the parking lot, right? Please put everything there, I still have something to buy." Just as I wanted, the bagger carefully loaded the cart with my items. I took that immediately and pushed it with full force. That was heavy. I immediately repented as I realized that I turned down his help. 

I’ll just buy the rest that I need some other time. I had to go home to Batangas because of the said reunion that my friends wanted to attend. And I don’t have much time. I became interested in shopping and it took me two hours to finish my meal when I had to stop over at the restaurant nearby the hypermarket. I have put all the groceries at the back of my car. I realized that I bought too much, luckily I have so much space in this compartment. Maybe I’ll just take some with me in Batangas so I don’t have to always buy. I won’t be there that long either. 

Maybe three days are enough?

When I arrived at my condo, the first thing I did was to arrange the meat and dairy in the fridge. It won’t be ruined if I leave the fridge on when I’m in Batangas. I opened the cabinets where I could put the rest. I saw that there were already pots, pans and other cooking utensils here. Even spoons and scissors are already there too. It’s already complete and I just have to arrange all of those. I’ll take care of that some other time.

After that, I packed all the things I would take to Batangas. As well as the souvenirs I will give to all my friends. I’ll be going on a land trip so I don’t have to worry if I will be over packaged. And I have a car so it’s okay.

I closed the door to my room and tidied up and prepared. Wearing a plain white fitted T-shirt covered with a denim jacket and a black jeans paired with white sneakers. I let my hair fall loosely on to my waist. I am now ready to go. I called for a bellboy to help me with my luggages. When we were in the parking lot, my phone rang. I took it out of my pocket and looked for the caller. It's Aunt Mercy, I immediately answered.

"Chloe, are you fine there? I’ll hire a maid if you’re having trouble alone there.” I could hear in the background that people are busy. She is in her office and her secretary is telling her something about her appointments. So much to worry about. It's been days since I landed here. She's too caring, really.

"Tita, don't worry about me. I'm fine here. I'm just still adjusting to the environment." The elevator closed and the bellboy pressed the basement.

"Are you eating well- tell Mr. Larsen that we'll have lunch meeting today. Go!- Sorry dear, my schedule is very hectic." I feel guilty because I haven’t eaten yet. I don't want to tell her because I don't want her to worry about me. It's true that she's busy, she shouldn’t have called me. 

"Auntie, finish your work first. I'm okay here, really. Don't worry about me. Watch yourself, don’t get worked up. You’re not a child anymore." I laughed. I don't know if she heard it because she was talking to her secretary.

"I will my darling, I will. So what's your plan for today?" Their conversation subsided a bit.

"I'm going to Batangas now," the elevator opened and I walked ahead to find where my Murano was parked.

"For what?" She asked.

"Alumni homecoming," I replied.

"Oh that? I see. Will you also visit your parents when you get there?" Now she reminded me of that. I should definitely pay them a visit.

"Of course," I said.

"How about the house? It's yours." I haven’t seen our old house in Calatagan in a long time. I don’t know if it’s still standing well or if a lot has changed. It hasn’t been renovated because I haven’t visited it yet.

"Once the event's done," I sighed. What can that house look like now?

"Well, take care, I'll call you every time when my schedule's not this tight. I'm so sorry my dear, I'm just busy today." Her secretary began to speak again as I opened the engine of my car. I thanked and gave some tips to the bellboy before entering the driver's seat.

"I'm going now. I'm going to update you every time." I cut off the call immediately after we bid our goodbyes to each other. I drove the Murano out of the parking lot towards the road going to Batangas. 

I missed everything in Batangas. I grew up there. I have made memories there. It was then a part of me.