THE TIDE BETWEEN US

The sea had a way of swallowing memories. Like these people in the story. ++++++++++++++++++ From the windows of his penthouse, a 40 year old Gabriel Solomon often stood in silence and watched the waves hurl themselves against the black cliffs of Surigao Island. The ocean was restless, endlessly crashing against jagged rocks that had stood for centuries, refusing to yield. It reminded him of the years he had spent as a sea captain, twenty years navigating storms, surviving typhoons, and spending more nights beneath foreign skies, than beneath the roof of his own home. Now forty years old and officially retired, Gabriel had traded the endless horizon for something permanent. His penthouse overlooked Solomon Shores Resort, a luxury hotel and beach resort he had built with nearly every peso he had earned overseas. The sprawling property stretched across white sand beaches and coconut groves before meeting the dramatic rocky coastline that made Surigao famous. Foreign tourists arrived throughout the year, filling the villas and beachfront suites with laughter, music, and stories from different corners of the world. It was a peaceful life. But everything changed the morning, when his nephew arrived. "Uncle!" Gabriel turned as Ismael Solomon 25 years old, climbed out of a rented SUV, waving enthusiastically. Behind him stepped a young woman carrying a backpack almost as large as herself. She smiled politely. "Good afternoon, Sir." Gabriel chuckled. "No 'sir.' Around here, I'm just Gabriel." Ismael embraced his uncle tightly. "I've been waiting for this vacation for months." "I can tell," Gabriel laughed. "You look exhausted." "Training never ends." Ismael said. Gabriel nodded knowingly. Like many young Filipino men, Ismael had chosen the life of a seafarer. It promised sacrifice, long months away from home, and the possibility of financial security. Gabriel knew exactly what waited for him beyond graduation. His eyes shifted toward the young woman. "And this must be Sheena.?" She nodded. "Sheena Azarcon." her voice was soft but confident. She was twenty-one, freshly graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Unlike many graduates who already had jobs waiting in the city, Sheena still carried uncertainty in her eyes, and a hope, too. Gabriel welcomed them inside. For several days, life felt unusually lively. Meals became louder. The empty penthouse echoed with conversations and laughter instead of silence. Every evening they watched the sunset together from the balcony while waves crashed far below. One afternoon, Gabriel overheard a conversation between the couple while passing through the living room. "I've already sent applications. But no one has replied to my emails " Sheena said. "You don't need to rush yourself. My savings are enough" Ismael answered. "I know." Sheena said with sadness in her voice. "You can stay at home until we get married." Sheena nodded. "But you know, I need a job. Something that I could earned for my family" "Babe... You don't have to pressure yourself. If this is about your brother studies then, I can used my savings. Then replaced it when I got the job, don't worry about that.." Ismael explained calmly. Gabriel continued walking without interrupting them. But the conversation lingered in his thoughts. Later that evening, while reviewing staffing reports from the resort, Gabriel noticed another resignation letter. Front Office Associate, and the position had been vacant for nearly three weeks. The following morning, he found Sheena sitting alone near the beachfront cafe. "You studied hospitality, right?" She looked surprised. "Yes." "I happen to need someone." Her eyes widened. "Really?" Gabriel slid the employment papers across the table. "The position isn't glamorous. It requires long hours of duty. You'll deal with difficult guests. Just in case, you want an experience..." He smiled. "...the job is yours." For a second, Sheena simply stared. "You mean it?" "I don't make offers that I don't intend to keep." Gabriel said. Sheena get the paper and read it shortly. She's holding the papers with trembling hands. "Thank you Sir. This is a big help... I won't disappoint you" Her voice is almost broke. Gabriel only nodded. He understood what meaningful work could mean to someone just to begin in adulthood. What he didn't realize was that his offer would ignite a conflict already quietly growing between the young couple. Gabriel looked at her from head to toe, he can easily judge her that she's a perfect one that suits this job. Sheena Azarcon is beautiful in 5'3 height, slim body, she has a long black hair that carress her back. Long nose, and her eyes was like a doll. "Now if you don't mind, can I ask you a question?" Gabriel added. "Yes" "Is Ismael is your first boyfriend?" Gabriel asked. Sheena has no idea that every time she looks at him, she becomes hotter... gorgeous in his looks. Gabriel became the mad man who wanted to have s*x with her, even in one night. Sheena didn't frowned, instead a blushed on her cheeks bloomed even this clearer morning sky. "Shy to admit, but yes, he is my first crush and first love." Hearing it from her, Gabriel felt satisfied. Though, he has no plan to interven on their relationship nor harassing her for his s****l pleasure. Gabriel gets a piece of cigarette from his pocket and burn it with his silver lighter. He exhaled a cloud of smoke, keeping a little distance, and then said, "Make yourself at home, just think of me as an uncle so you won't feel awkward." Gabriel immediately turned away, after those words of him. Sheena wasn't surprised by this, but she was amazed by the kindness shown by her boyfriend's family. Two weeks later, Sheena returned to the Island alone.She carried a single suitcase as Gabriel opened the penthouse door. "I thought you went back to Manila." "I did." Sheena said. "But..." She hesitated. "I came back to accept the job." Gabriel studied her expression. He felt something had changed. That was really an excitement, but also guilt. The following morning, she officially joined Solomon Shores Resort. The work was demanding. Foreign guests arrived daily. Some spoke little English, Tagalog and Bisaya. While other guests, were expected high standards. Yet Sheena learned quickly. She greeted guests with genuine warmth, memorized reservation procedures, and volunteered whenever extra help was needed.The staff liked her almost immediately. She earned respect not because she was the owner's employee, but because she worked as hard as everyone else. Two weeks later, on her day off, Sheena went for a swim in the sea alone... quietly and far away from the noise of the resort guests. She secretly went for a midnight swim in the nude, gliding through the calm waters along the shore. While she enjoyed the water, two feet of a man came, and found her personal belongings that was placed in the rock.