The Perfect Strangers

Chapter 3: Somewhere under that tree

***Her POV; I woke up early on a Saturday morning. The weather was cloudy and it was windy. I could hear the horn of the ship as it docks at the port. I tried to reach for my phone to stop the snooze, but my whole body was still in pain.

I could feel my body chilling as my temperature rose. I turned off the aircon and took my medicine. “Thank God, I have my medicine kit with me.” Then I called the Manong Bebot.

Me: Good morning po manong Bebot!

Manong Bebot: Good morning din po mam.

Me: Manong, baka po hindi tayo matuloy today for island hopping. Medyo hindi po maganda ang panahon eh.

Manong Bebot: Kaya naman po maglayag sa dagat mam.

Me: Masama din po pakiramdam ko eh, manong.

Manong bebot: Ganun po ba mam.

Me: Opo. Bukas po kaya pwede? Kahit po agahan na natin?

Manong Bebot: Sige po mam. Bukas ng umaga bandang alas nuebe, pwede po kayo?

Me: Opo. Salamat po Manong bebot.

Manong Bebot: Ok ok. Pagaling ka mam.

***His POV; When I woke up, I tried to check if she’s awake. I know I have been so rude to her last night. “This is not me!” ~sounded a little disappointed~ I went out of my room and sat in the lounge just in front of her room. “Am I too obvious?” As I sat there I could hear her alarm. “Is she deaf? Her alarm has been ringing for the past few minutes since I sat here.” ~sighs~ whenever I would hear her alarm, I would come closer to her door trying to listen if she was already awake but I hear nothing. I sat back in the lounge and read a book. I was staring at her door when I noticed that she was about to go out,I pretended I was reading and didn’t notice her.

***Her POV; The medicine puts me back to sleep. I woke up a little late and I was sweating. My fever has gone low. I was feeling a little better, but I had to go up to the rooftop to order my food. I went out wearing my favorite green, oversized hoodie jacket and dog printed pajamas. When I opened the door, I saw the stranger guy sitting in the lounge and he was reading. Wow bago yun ah. Hindi cellphone ang hawak ni kuya. I am really not in the mood for all his dramas today. Masakit pa katawan ko sa nangyari kahapon. I went straight up to the rooftop and pretended I didn't see anyone sitting in the lounge.

Receptionist/ Asst. Cook/ Tunay na Babae: Good morning ate. ~smiles~

Me: Good morning din. ~smiling~ Order po ako ng breakfast.

Receptionist/ Asst. Cook/ Tunay na Babae: Okay ka lang po ba ate? Medyo maputla ka. ~sounded concern~

Me: Had fever last night lang pero medyo okay na. ~gives a two thumbs up~

Receptionist/ Asst. Cook/ Tunay na Babae: Ano pong order niyo? ~relieved and smiling while holding her pen and paper to take my order~

Me: Lomi and coffee po. ~smile~

Receptionist/ Asst. Cook/ Tunay na Babae: Sige ate upo ka na i-serve na lang po ang food mo. ~made a gesture to the dining area~

Me: Salamat ~smiles~

***His POV; “She doesn’t look okay.” She looked pale and walked like an elder. “Is she still in pain?” I followed her on the rooftop when I heard her conversation with the receptionist. ~I wonder what they are talking about when suddenly I heard her say she has fever.~ “Is it because of what happened yesterday?” ~looked worried~

Upon hearing Zee and the receptionist’s conversations even if he was not sure of what was going on, he immediately went out and looked for a pharmacy.

Stranger Guy: Excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?

Manager: When you go out of the street, you turn left and on from there look for Generics Pharmacy ~Promotion pa diba. Hahahaha!~

Stranger Guy: Thank you.

Manager: Take care pogi. ~Anlandi talaga niya! May pakagat labi pa pagtalikod~

***Her POV; I sat on the spot where I could see the view of the vast sea. The wind blew and I started to feel chilly again. I shrugged off my shoulder and rubbed my hands to make me feel a little warmer as I sat there. I was eating when someone handed me a bottle of water and medicine from behind. When I look up, it was the stranger guy being so nice to me today. “Anong nakain neto?” ~curious~

Stranger Guy: Take this after you eat. ~poker face~

Me: ~I nodded and say~ Thank you.

Stranger Guy: ~trying to scan the menu book of the hotel restaurant~ Can you suggest something for breakfast? Coz I'm feeling hungry. ~trying to sound a little friendly~

Me: ~look at him, nagpapa-cute ka ba sakin? Poker face~ What do you have in mind?

Stranger Guy: I want Filipino food for breakfast.

Me: Have you tried eating Filipino food?

Stranger Guy: Yes!

Me: Okay! You want to try a Filipino style breakfast right?

Stranger Guy: Yes!

Me: Okay! Then I will order the food on your behalf?

Stranger Guy: Yes! ~looking excited and worried as to what Zee will order for him~

Me: Ate!

Receptionist: Ano po yun?

Me: Order po kami ng isang tapsilog.

Receptionist: Ano pong drinks?

Me: What’s your drink?

Stranger Guy: Mmmmm.... coffee.

Receptionist: Hot or Cold?

Stranger Guy: ~looks at my drink and said~ I want to have the same drink as hers

Receptionist: Oh iced coffee sir.

Stranger Guy: Yes. Thank you. ~smiles~

Me: Oh oh oh oh ~pointing at him~

Stranger Guy: What? ~looking side to side and front and back~

Me: This is the first time I saw you smile. Gwapo kaayo ka jud

Stranger Guy: ~smiled back as if agreeing and understanding, the last part of what I just said~ What is your itinerary today?

Me: I was supposed to do island hopping, today but I was sick so I might do it tomorrow instead. ~smile~

Stranger Guy: Oh, I see. Anyway, I have searched a few places to visit around.

Me: That’s good.

Stranger Guy: Can you go with me? ~waiting for my answer~

Me: ~wow anong nakain nito at ang bait.~ Nilalandi mo ba ako? ~smile na pa-cute~

Stranger Guy: What? You're starting to talk funny again. ~He laughed~

Me: So I talk funny. How? ~curious while smiling~

Stranger Guy: I mean funny…… Like you talk in your language while your face reacts. ~smiles~

Me: Oh, okay.

Stranger Guy: So, will you come with me? ~waiting for her to answer~

Me: Yes! ~papakipot pa ba ako. Kinikilig!~

Their foods are served by the receptionist while Zee and the stranger guy are still chatting. As they continue;

Stranger Guy: Do you know how to ride a motorbike?

Me: Yes. ~munch munch munch~

Stranger Guy: Do you know where we can rent a motorbike?

Me: If I am not mistaken, I saw a rental shop near the port area.

Stranger Guy: Okay!

Me: Okay! ~curious~

Stranger Guy: Can you also drive?

Me: Yeap! But I don't have a license. ~smiles~

Stranger Guy: I'll be your driver anyway. ~smiles~

Me: ~parang napilitan pa siya diba.~ Okay!

***His POV; It feels good to see her smile after what happened last night. She’s the only person I can trust right now. ~staring at Zee~

***Her POV; We finished our food and rested for a while before we went out for a joy ride. I remember how he can drive here without knowing where to go. But I trust what he said earlier, that he searched for a few places to visit. Mag-eenjoy na lang ako! Siya naman kasama ko eh. Landiiiiii!

***His POV; As my eyes wandered around, I couldn’t help but think of her. I know I was kinda late to find you. ~sips his coffee~ but my heart still hopes that it is still me and you. “We should get going now?”

Zee: Okay! ~finishing her coffee~

Stranger Guy: Are you sure you’ll be okay? ~looks worried for Zee~

Zee: Yes! I could take my medicines and water with me. ~smiles~

Stranger Guy: Okay!

They went to the rental shop.

Zee: Kuya, magkano po rent?

Owner: Depende po mam sa oras.

Zee: Usually ilang oras pwede?

Owner: Pwede pong mag-hapon lang mg otso oras Php750.00 po.

Zee: ~talks to the stranger guy~ for 8 hours its Php750.00

Stranger Guy: What if more than 8 hours?

Zee: Kuya magkano po if lagpas sa 8 hours?

Owner: Kapag po 12 hours parang overnight rate na po yun. Nasa Php3,000.00

Zee: Mahal naman kuya pwedeng Php2,000.00 walang pera yang jowa ko. Gwapo lang bitbit niyan dito ~laughs~

Owner: Sige po mam.

Zee: ~talks to the stranger guy again~ The rent is Php2,000.00 only. Are you okay with that?

Stranger Guy: Okay! ~handed me his wallet~

Zee: ~I took out the money~ Kuya ito na po.

Owner: Salamat po. Mam, full tank po yan if maubos po diesel lang po karga. Bahala na po kayo sa krudo kapag naubos. Ito po ang susi.

Zee: Salamat po.

Stranger Guy: Salamat po. ~smiles~

***His POV; I drove passed by the green and yellow building. I saw her smile as we pass by the building and I got curious.

Stranger Guy: Why are you smiling?

Zee: Oh, I thought this building was Pure Gold.

Stranger Guy: ~looks at the building curiously~ Pure Gold?

Zee: Yes! We actually have a grocery shop in Manila whereas the building's painted colors are exactly the same.

Stranger Guy: Oh, I see. ~nods~

***Her POV; We have been on the road for more than 10minutes. Thinking that we’re together today, it feels surreal. This feeling only happens in movies, but it is happening to me, right now. ~smiles~

***His POV; As I drove off I couldn’t help but to look for her at every street and houses we passed by. Trying my luck to find her. ~looking hopeful~

***Her POV; I noticed that he kept on looking and stopping whenever we saw an alley. Then I asked him.

Me: Where are we going?

Stranger Guy: I don't know ~smiling silly~

Me: Whaaaaaattttt????

Stranger Guy: ~laughing~ Why are you so mad?

Me: You invited me without having plans as to where to go and what to do? ~Feeling irritated. Argh!~

Stranger Guy: Hey hey hey stop stop STOP! ~He was laughing as I continued to nag. He suddenly stopped and turn his head to face me~

Me: Stop ka dyan!!!

Stranger Guy: Have you ever thought of travelling to a place without an itinerary and plans?

Me: NO!

Stranger Guy: Boooooooooo.

Me: Boo ka diyan!

Stranger Guy: Your life is much more boring than mine. At least I get to experience roaming around and get lost in a place I haven't been too. This is adventure, Zee.

Me: Adventure mo mukha mo!

Stranger Guy: What?

Me: Fine, but if we get lost even once bubugbugin talaga kita.

Stranger Guy: What's bu.. Bugu yah!??

Me: I'll be the female version of Manny Pacquiao. You get what I mean?

Stranger Guy: ~Laughs loudly~ Don't worry if we ever get lost on this island, I am with you. Trust me. I won’t leave you. ~sound reassuring~

Me: Trust, big word. ~Arte Parang Laida Magtalas lang. Hahahaha~

Stranger Guy: Why? ~curious~

Me: Nothing. ~smiles~

Stranger Guy: Do you have issues trusting people?

Me: ~smiled at him and said~ Let's go!

***His POV; As day goes by I am getting a little curious about this woman. ~looking at Zee more closely and smiles~

***Her POV; I didn't realize how beautiful his eyes are not until today. As he was talking to me head on. I knew he was sincere when he said I could trust him. But I don't want to get too involved with this guy. He just smiled and continued to drive.

Me: ~talking to myself~ Kiat na ako. Kaines ka!

Stranger Guy: What?

Me: Nothing. Just concentrate on your driving.

Stranger Guy: I know you have a lot of things to ask me.

Me: Me???

Stranger Guy: Yes! ~smiles~ let's talk while I'm driving.

Me: Okay! ~smiles~

Stranger Guy: You look funny when you smile like that.

Me: I always look funny to you.

Stranger Guy: Spit it out. I know you want to say or ask something.

Me: Really? Ho… How did you know?

Stranger Guy: I could read your face.

Me: ~looking at my face at the motorbike's mirror. He looks curious.~ Anyway, will you answer all my questions even if it's personal?

Stranger Guy: Mmmmmmmm….

Me: I'm waiting. ~smiling~

Stranger Guy: How personal?

Me: Just answer yes or no. So will you answer all my questions?

Stranger Guy: Yes.

Me: Woah. Are you sick too? You changed into someone I do not know overnight. From being a cold cute guy and now……. ~even before she finished her words, the stranger guy cut him off.~

Stranger Guy: You know me right? ~looking at the side mirror~

Me: ~was silent for a few seconds then she replied~ Yes.

***His POV; I knew it! She knew me. I stopped again but this time I am introducing myself to her, formally. I turn my head and extend my left hand for a handshake.

Stranger Guy: I'm Chanyeol Park. ~smiling shyly as he utters his name.~ And you are?

Zee: Oh my name is Zenaida Meco but you can call me Zee. ~extending my right hand~

Chanyeol: It was nice to meet you Zee. ~laughs~

Zee: Me too. Why are you laughing?

Chanyeol: I just found your name kinda old. No offense. ~raises his hand while smiling~

Zee: My dad said I was named after his one great love.

Chanyeol: Like his first love? I mean not your moms or what?

Zee: ~Laughs~ of course it was my mom. It’s just that I was not able to meet her.

Chanyeol: Why? ~curious~

Zee: She died while giving birth to me. ~smiles with eyes getting teary~

Chanyeol: ~looked at me in the side mirror~ oh I’m sorry to hear that Zee.

Zee: It’s okay. ~wipes her tears~

Chanyeol: I love how your father named you after the woman he truly loves. Should I do that too? I mean when I have my first born baby girl.

Zee: Of course but is it common for Korean parents to name their kids the same name as their parents? Like naming the child after the mom if it's a girl and vise versa.

Chanyeol: Haven’t heard.

Zee: Anyway, you said family and first born. Are you asking her to....???

Chanyeol: ~nods and smiled ~ I was about to propose to her when she broke up with me.

Zee: Ahhhh.... Nyemas! ‘to may planong hindi ko alam! Ansakit naman! Lord, bakit ngayon pa eh oh? Wag na kaya natin hanapin yang babae na yan!

Chanyeol: ~laughs loudly~ I may not really understand what you just said but you really look funny.

Zee: You have already hurt my feelings. ~in a funny and joking tone~ Just drive! ~points her finger on the road~

Chanyeol: Yes mam! ~laughs~

***His POV; I drove passed the towns where it was hard to pronounce. Eat at the restaurants we could find along the highway. Along the highway I stopped by a curve under a Kalachuchi tree. I asked her to get off the bike so we can rest for a while. I invited her to sit on the marble bench facing the sea.

Mel: ~sitting on the marble bench and staring at the sea.~ I was actually here because of her. I never researched about this island as what I have told you before. I went here because her friend told me that I can find her here. I am betting on my luck.

Zee: So, that was your reason why we’re here? This whole joy ride thing.

Me: Yes! Sorry. ~smiles~

Zee: It's okay but do you know what town she was in?

Me: I don't.

Zee: Okay! Maybe we should at least ask for assistance from the local government or community at least.

Me: We can’t do that.

Zee: Why:

Me: If the news broke out that I was here, she might run away again.

Zee: Okay! May kaartehang taglay yang babaeng hinahanap mo ah. So may plano kayong maghabulan forever ganern? Is she a runner? ~smiles~

Mel: Who?

Zee: The woman you are looking for.

Me: Oh, No. ~laughs~

Zee: Oh I thought she is. ~smiled~

Me: You're funny, do you know that?

Zee: Yes! You are constantly reminding me that I am funny so how can I forget. ~smile~

Me: 미안해. I worry too much about this trip. But if it’s really us then no matter what, even if I just drive and drive on the streets day and night, if we are meant to see each other we will see each other. But I am still hoping to see her.

Zee: I have a feeling that you will still see her. But I am not keeping your hopes up. It was just my gut feeling. ~smiles~

***Her POV; Hearing and seeing him like this made me realize that he is vulnerable. In every word he said, I could feel his pain. My heart aches for him. We have been together for like 2 days but it feels like I have known him for a long time. Maybe I was really an avid fan of his. As we travel, I want to tell him that everything will be okay but I can’t find the right time to say it.

Me: Are you crying? ~teasing~

Chanyeol: I almost did. ~laughs~

Me: If ever you saw her again, what will you do?

Chanyeol: I just want to talk to her for the last time. I want to convince her that I am the right man for her. If I have to beg, I will do it.

Me: I am not an expert in love and relationships but I think you need to fix yourself first. I mean Love yourself? Because the moment you give everything again and you leave nothing for yourself. You might end up being greedy and selfish in love. Like someone I know. Remember love is meant to be shared and to make someone happy.

Chanyeol: We were so happy then. We do things together like normal couples do. I picked her up after work even when I'm tired. I send her flowers on our anniversaries and even without special occasions. I made sure I call her everyday even when I'm overseas. My family likes and loves her so much.

Me: So you think you are the best boyfriend because of that?

Chanyeol: Yes. But there's one thing she was always asking me to do.

Me: What?

Chanyeol: To go on a date in public areas which I cannot do. Not because I am afraid of scandals and issues. It’s because I want to protect her from the public. I want her life to be peaceful, private and that's why I have been keeping our relationship as a secret for 3 years.

Me: Wow you're really good at keeping secrets huh. Though I have doubts that you are in a relationship but I don't have evidence not until today that you confessed to me.

Chanyeol: ~He smiles proudly and turns his head away~ I really want to find her.

Me: ~Eyes rolling.~ Wag na para tayo na lang. ~smiles~

Chanyeol: What?

Me: I hope you find her soon and when you do I wish...~looking at him~

Chanyeol: You wish me what?

Me: I wish that whatever the result is you will still be okay.

Chanyeol: ~He nodded and smiled,~ You speak as if you have undergone the same situation as I am. Have you?

Me: Yes, my first and last heartache. ~smiles sarcastically~

Chanyeol: So you, you, you haven't entered into a relationship since then?

Me: Yeap.

Chanyeol: What happened?

Me: What happened ka diyan! We are not talking about me.

Chanyeol: Come on! You trust me right?

Me: He.. ~smiles~ He has another woman aside from me.

Chanyeol: Woah. Are you serious?

Me: Yeap and he chooses to be with her until now.

Chanyeol: Did you ask him why he did that?

Me: He said I was not the trophy girlfriend.

Chanyeol: What do you mean trophy girlfriend?

Me: ~Eto naman papaulit pa eh. Ayoko na nga alalalahanin yun.~ Because I am not too good enough for him. I am not the type of woman he can brag to his friends, colleagues and family.

Chanyeol: Oh I see. But you look fine. I mean the way you dress, talk and physically. You're okay.

Me: Yes. I look like a flirty girl but I am not what you think I am. ~smiles~

Chanyeol: Hey, I am not saying anything. I was just telling you that you're okay.

Me: Do men really love and like women who are physically attractive rather than intellectually attractive?

Chanyeol: Uhhhmmmm... of course physical attraction plays an important part.

Me: So for guys I was the definition of "okay girl." The way you said it and the way you're looking at me now made me feel I was always another person's option. ~napikon~

Chanyeol: Come on. I didn't mean anything. I was just trying to answer your questions.

Me: Can we go now? ~she stood up~

Chanyeol: ~grabbed her arm and said~ I really didn’t mean......

Me: ~she cuts him off as he speaks~ I don’t feel okay. Can we go back to our hotel now?

Chanyeol: Ummm... Okay!

***His POV; The moment she stood up from where she was sitting I know, I have offended her. My words are not too harsh but the way I looked at her it’s as if I was insulting her. Maybe I was not really good when it comes to women. Even that one person I trust in this island, was hurt by me. ~preparing to drive while staring at Zee.~

***Her POV; It never crossed my mind that he can and will offend me with the way he looked at me. Am I being too sensitive or hopia lang ako na may chance? ~Assumera!~

Zee and Chanyeol are quiet the whole ride back at the hotel. Zee got off first and went straight up to her room without even saying, thank you nor goodbye. As she walked in Chanyeol was looking at her, feeling bad about what had happened.

***His POV; I must do something to make it up to her. Should I prepare something? Should I just say sorry? “Ahhhhh... why is it this difficult?” As I roamed around the streets that afternoon I found a local gift shop and right beside it was a local bakeshop which are highly recommended by the locals I have asked. I am choosing chocolate cake.

Chanyeol: Hi! I need your help.

Manager: Okay sir. How can we help you?

Chanyeol: I need you to help me set up everything. ~showing the things he bought~

Manager: Okay sir. No problem.

Chanyeol: Can we have it set up before 7:00 PM.

Manager: Yes sir.

Chanyeol: Ummmm... I need to order food. Can I see the menu?

Manager: ~handed the menu to him~ What food do you like?

Chanyeol: Something that Zee will like. Ummmmm.... ~points to different dishes on the menu~ This.. This.. This.. Oh this too.

Manager: Okay! We will prepare right away. ~smiles~

Chanyeol: Thank you.

***Her POV; I was sitting on the floor and still contemplating on what he just said. “Ahhhh... I hate this feeling. Negativity, you’re not welcome tonight or forever.” ~she reached for her mobile phone and played, Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall by Coldplay~ “Wooooooo let’s dance my inis away.”

As Zee danced her negative feelings away, Chanyeol was busy preparing for his apology of a lifetime.

***His POV; “What should I write?” ~then he wrote: Zee, I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Then he erased it.~ “Why is it so difficult for me to write something for her?” ~then wrote something on the paper again then crumpled it. “Whew. I hope this is okay.”

***Her POV; I have finished fixing myself and found a note slid under my door. “Anetching itey!” ~picked up the note.~ “Wow, hindi kagandahan ang sulat pero okay na din.” ~napangiti na may kilig.~ The note says;

"Meet me on the rooftop at 7:00 PM."

I immediately opened the door to look for him but found no one..