Chapter 16: Explore
1558 Words
"Bring more clothes as much as possible, sweetie! We don't know how far we can go," Lucio said, referring to Aria, who was busy packing up their things.
"Where are we exactly going?" she asked.
"I don't know yet. Whatever comes first or we meet along the way, I just want to explore this enchanted place with you. I used to travel alone, and there were times that I went on trips with some of my friends," Lucio answered.
"Really? So, approximately how many days are we going to be on this trip?" she insisted.
He replied and hugged her from the back. Aria got busy packing without noticing Lucio, who had walked out of their room already. Lucio decided to roam around the mansion while waiting for Aria. He did not see any changes at all, aside from the jar where his mom's ashes are now in a private room, which was previously placed on the altar near their living room. It served as a sort of attraction in the estates. Lucio is like a ghost lurking around their big house. He is now near the library next to the living room. He was about to enter the library when he noticed a human-sized mirror before it. He tried to touch it.
"What are you doing?" Reyes asked.
Lucio was surprised by the presence of his father's assistant. He is now eighty years old and still looks stronger. Only the white hairs show how old he has gotten.
"Hi, Reyes. How are you? I have never seen you since yesterday when we arrived," Lucio said.
"Oh, I am still alive and kicking," Reyes joked.
"Yeah, I can see that. I missed you, old man," Lucio said.
He came near Reyes to tap his shoulders. He was the person most trusted by his father. That is the reason why Alexander is still keeping his company. He never let him go for so many unknown reasons.
"I heard you arrived yesterday with your wife. She must be very lovely, I must say," Reyes replied.
"Yes, indeed. Do you stay here in the mansion?" Lucio questioned Reyes.
"No, I was residing in that house. I came here to check on the Head Master," he answered honestly, pointing at the residence villa originally made for their employees.
"Perfect. You will never be left alone there," Lucio stated, and he forgot about the large mirror.
"Are you going to the library?" Reyes asked him.
"I got lost. Yeah, I was curious about what was inside after several years," he answered and opened the door.
"So, let me accompany you." The old man, Reyes, offered to be his guide and open the door for him.
He took a glance at the human-sized mirror-like door.
"What is it?" Reyes added.
He was still looking at the mirror.
"It's been there since this estate was built. Maybe you just missed noticing it," Reyes explained.
"Maybe you are right," he replied, and he got inside the library.
Their library is full of business books and other types of reading materials. The old study table is still there in good condition. He can see that everything in it is highly maintained and organized.
"Are you looking for anything? Maybe I can help," Reyes volunteered.
"No need. I'm good. I just want to check out the library, thanks," he answered while exploring the library.
"Everything is pretty much the same as you can see," Reyes said.
"Yeah, I agree," he said, and came out of the said room.
"Sweetie, I have been looking for you. Where have you been?" Aria complained while her eyes were locked on the old man standing on his back.
"Hi!" Aria greeted the stranger.
Reyes speaks with gladness and extends his hand. "Hello, young lady. I am certain that you are a beautiful young woman that the young master chose to marry."
"Nice meeting you, Sir. My name is Aria," Aria said.
"My wife," Lucio added, and winked at Reyes.
"Very pretty. You two look great together. Call me Reyes. I'm good with that." The old man answered.
Selda is approaching them with their luggage.
"Going somewhere? I thought you were going to stay here," Reyes asked, looking confused.
"I am going to give my wife a tour. I would like to show her how amazing our place was," Lucio explained.
"Good to know that. You better hurry now," Reyes said and locked the library.
"We shall go now. Don't work too hard, okay?" Lucio reminded the old man.
"I know, I know. You two enjoy your trip!" he wished.
"Thanks, Reyes. Bye!" Aria replied.
They hadn't seen Alexander when they left. According to Selda, the Head Master doesn't want to be questioned about anything. It made Aria wonder, because he willingly and happily answered all the questions she had thrown at him.
Lucio is the one driving the car. It was his first car that he only used when he was in the province. However, it does look new to Aria.
"Any idea where we are going now?" she insisted.
"I was thinking of going to the beach. Anything you have in mind?" Lucio asked.
"Can we go somewhere else than the beach? Maybe a mountain resort with falls or spring. Just something new, sweetie!" she requested.
"Alright, let's do it. I think I know where to go now," he exclaimed.
Both of them are excited while on their way to their destination.
It was a wish granted for Aria to see the inside beauty of Siquijor. In their one week of traveling, they get to stay in different resorts and experience different adventures. It was their last day today, and their last stop was the famous Balete tree. According to Lucio, it is just thirty minutes away from the estates.
"Wow!" Aria was awed in amazement as she freely let her eyes roam around the huge tree.
The water in the spring where the tree is standing proud was so cold and clear. Their feet are dipped in the water while they sit on the footpath around the area made of cement. Fishes are starting to nibble on their feet.
"It's so quiet here. What's so special about this place? I guess the relaxation that this place offers, its natural beauty and cleanliness, the fresh air, and its enchanting feel," she murmured while closing her eyes and enjoying the moment.
"What's unique and intriguing about this place? The old Balete tree has been known to be the home of supernatural beings. Folklore and mysteries are going on in this place," he revealed.
"Yeah, I have seen some clips, but I do not believe those stories," she answered.
"It's getting dark. Let's get ready to go back home," Lucio said when he noticed that only a few of them remained.
"Oh my God! Time went too fast. How long did we stay here?" she asked, and Lucio checked his watch.
"We stayed here for about three hours," he answered, and helped her stand.
They walk slowly until they reach the car park.
"Sweetie, let's try to check what's in there," Aria said, grabbing her husband to join her.
They go to the nearby shops that sell souvenirs. They display different items, like printed shirts and other merchandise. But what caught her attention was the man who stood and was surrounded by the crowd. He looks weird for selling pendants that have the power to protect their owner. It was powered by a ritual he inculcated in the jewelry.
"Look at him," she said to her husband.
"There was nothing new in that. That's just part of the culture here," he explained.
"I know, but it seems like he is so sure of what he is doing, that people just want to buy his items," she continued.
"Sweetie, it's nothing. Do you believe that?" he asked.
"I am just amazed," she said, and came nearer to the shaman.
Lucio couldn't believe what his wife did next. She purchased two different pendants. But before the old man gave them to her, he was saying some rituals she couldn't understand and handed the pendant over to her hand. She paid for it.
"Thank you so much, sir. Please keep the change," she whispered.
"Aria, please take care of this pendant because it will protect you forever. Don't lose this," the old man instructed while looking at Lucio, who stood still from quite a distance.
"Thank you, I will," she replied.
"This will keep you away from harm," he said once more before Aria walked away.
"What did he say?" Lucio asked unhappily about what she did.
"He said this will keep us protected. We should not lose this," she explained.
"Wow! You are new here. That is why you easily behave like this. Don't believe this crap," he blurted.
"Maybe, but there is no harm in trying. Let's go!" Aria replied, who was now inside the car waiting for him to leave the place.
She just followed her gut in purchasing those pendants. She wondered how the old man knew her name, but she opted to disregard it.
"Thank you for taking me to those wonderful places," she said in a very soft and sweet voice.
He glanced at her and smiled. He just forgot what she did.
"Anything that makes you happy," he replied.
- Writer
