Right Where You Left Me

Chapter Two

MARGUERITE

It's already lunch when I woke up the next day. When I arrived at our ancestral home last night, most of my relatives were present and waiting for me. My cousin told me they were all looking for me. He told me that they got worried when they arrived at the bus terminal and I wasn't there and when they weren't able to contact me. I also told them what happened to me the whole day they couldn't find me and everything went alright.

I learned two lessons yesterday: One, I should stay put, and two, I should charge my goddamn phone when I travel.

After taking a bath, 'cause sure as hell you'd be fried if you're not going to take one, I went downstairs for brunch. I haven't taken my breakfast yet.

"I'm glad you're awake," My lola greeted me when I entered the kitchen. "We didn't bother to wake you up. We thought you'd be very exhausted after what happened last night."

I smiled at that before taking a seat on one of the dining chairs.

"Here," she put a bowl of newly cooked chicken adobo, a Filipino cuisine, and a plate of rice on the table. "Eat your breakfast now, ija, okay?"

"How about you, la? Aren't you going to eat?"

"No, not yet. I'm gonna wait for your lolo. You eat first."

"Thank you, lola."

She smiled as a response.

I quickly dig in, stuffing myself with my favorite food. I was starving. I never got to eat last night because I was too exhausted.

After I finished eating I helped lola wash the dishes and clean the house. Our ancestral house has a Spanish Colonial architecture that sometimes attract tourists that takes a vacation here in the province. It's a beautiful house if I say so myself. That's why I didn't even mind helping lola clean, everything is just beautiful to look at.

"I can manage now," lola told me, taking the broom away from me. I was about to sweep the floor.

"But—"

"—You're here to take a vacation, not become our maid and work," she protested. "Now go and take a rest."

I gave her a look which she quickly reciprocated with a more meaner one.

"Fine," I mumbled, giving up.

"Good, now go. Get lost," she said, shooing me.

I had no choice but to go back to my room. Nothing to do, I flop myself on the bed and challenge the ceiling for a staring contest. It only took me a couple of seconds to realize what I'm doing is actually stupid. I heave a frustrated sigh.

This is boring as hell! I'm honestly wasting my time here!

It's a very hot day outside so I wouldn't risk my skin getting damage. I got up and went to get my suitcase. I've decided to unpack my stuff and arrange it inside the cabinet provided by my lola. The cabinet looks antique, I had to stop and admire the wooden carvings on it.

Actually, everything in this house looks antique. It's honestly ashame that there's no one living here beside my grandparents. Our ancestral house is quite big, the second floor alone is consist of six rooms, a bathroom, one office and library, and a veranda while the first floor has two rooms; a guest room and the master's bedroom. The furnitures are still in good shape and I'm certain the only thing that's gonna benefit these are termites.

I'm already exhausted and sweating after I finished unpacking my things. The heat was just too much.

I need a shower.

I was about to grab my bath towel which was on my bedside table when I saw an unfamiliar coat lying on the chair next to it. My eyebrows furrowing as I try to remember who it belong to. The memory of what happened yesterday began to enter my mind.

"Holy s**t!" I exclaimed, wide-eyed, grabbing the coat from the chair.

I totally forgot to hand back the duffle coat that the strange lend me!

The smell of jasmine perfume filled my nostrils when I grabbed it from the chair. God, the smell is just heavenly.

I couldn't help but to get curious on what she smells like.

"Wait, what?" I questioned myself. Why am I having a thought about smelling her?

I shook my head and examine the coat instead if there's dirt or damage on it— none. I heave a sigh of relief. I'd really murder myself if I damage something that isn't mine, just like how I don't want my things getting damaged. Truthfully speaking, I don't like when people ruin my things, it just rude.

I trusted you with my stuff, at least have some responsibility of keeping it safe.

I'm still debating if I'll wash it first before returning 'cause I honestly like the smell of her duffle coat and I know it'll fade if I wash it, but I'd be inconsiderate if I were to return it unclean. I examined it further. I lifted up the duffle coat to inspect if the hems got dirty when I saw a bulge on one of the pockets.

I frown and feel it. It feels like a box. A small one. Curiosity flooded me. I don't wanna open the pocket and see what it is.

Could it be?

"Oh my god!" I blurted out upon realizing what could it be. Is this a proposal? Is she proposing to her boyfriend or something?

I didn't know women are getting more assertive these days. Panic began to wash over me. I just delayed her proposal, goddamn it!

All I could think of in this moment is I need to get this back to her as soon as possible. I'm pretty sure she's looking for me now.

I quickly took the small box out of the pocket and dash out of my room to put the coat in the laundry room for a dry cleaning. After I put it in, I went back to my room to change.

"Wait," I stopped, midway of looking for something to wear, and sniff myself. "I need to take a bath first!"

I know I already took a bath this morning but the summer heat is just unbearable, and I know it might take me a whole day to look for her. I got my bath towel, which was what I was going to take earlier but got distracted, and went to the bathroom.

I took all my clothes off first and put it in the laundry basket before stepping inside the shower room.

I was in the middle of rinsing the soap off my body when I heard the door of the bathroom opened and closed. It made me stop and stood in alert.

"Hello?" My voice was low but it echoed throughout the whole bathroom.

Silence. No one answered. It made me nervous. I immediately searched for my towel. It was nowhere to be found. I internally cussed when I remembered I put it on the bathroom sink next to my toothbrush.

No other choice, I tiptoed and carefully open the shower curtains. Thereupon, a pair of black Converse shoes welcomed me and when I lift my head up— I came face to face with the stranger I'm supposed to look for.