Stranded in Thoughts

Chapter 10—The Decision

The body had been removed from the cabin already. The crew found an open area just near the shore wherein they could bury the corpse along with his head. Other passengers were still crying about the incident in their makeshift tents while teacher Samuel, who was out gathering food inland for everyone to eat during the time the men wrecked the door of the cabin, was shocked and could not accept the news. Our only hope of getting out of the island was far-fetched by now.

I peeked outside my tent and spotted teacher Mary at the far corner of the shore, near the coconut-looking trees (as the beach was surrounded by lots of them). She was surveying the area and trying her best to pinpoint the suspects who could have done such an act. The thing was, she perhaps still could not believe that something like that happened here, but the experience was not out of ordinary for her.

She shared with me a bit about herself before we got down from the barge after finding the body of the late captain. I believed it was to divert me from what had happened.

So, she was really an investigator before and she still managed to keep her ID—though it was illegal—thinking it might help her in the future, which it did. It had been a long time now since she last saw a corpse, and it did terrify her at first, which made her screech in an unbecoming manner.

Things had been better for teacher Mary lately. Her husband had stopped drinking and her eldest daughter had just recently graduated from elementary with flying colors. It had been a marvelous year for her so far—save for this. She was aware of her personality being an organized freak and having a mild OCD, which explained everything that she had been doing so far, but she could not keep her composure for long if something else would happen.

Her gaze fell on a moving dot from the woods. It was Alyssa. She came from inland and she was carrying lots of fruits with her in a backpack of some sort. I could see lots of apples, oranges, and some grapes being dumped on a malong placed on the sand, near the white tent, which had been designated as our storage and food area. I turned and was about to go back to my bed when a sudden realization hit me fast enough that it stopped my foot in midair, keeping me from taking another step forward.

Apples, oranges, and grapes? How on earth were they here in Bantayan?

I went outside and approached Alyssa. Teacher Mary was already talking with her.

“Teacher Alyssa, may I know where you got those?” teacher Mary asked Alyssa after I reached them. She pointed at the fruits that had just been placed on the malong.

Seemed like we were wondering the same thing.

“Oh, hi, Jelly,” she greeted me, then continued, “since we have a lot of free time on our hands, Ritchelle, Vhina, and I were finding something to eat in the jungle. We luckily found these.” She gestured to the fruits and added, “and it’s a wonder why such an island has these kinds of fruits.”

“Didn’t we have enough rations already? I thought some people have already gathered food earlier today?”

“Yes, cher. Some even added the little food they have salvaged from the barge in the yellow tent. However, after Jelly told the truth about the captain, some have gone their own way, bringing an ample provision with them. We thought we might need to replenish our stock.”

“Well, that’s very weird. Anyway, are you sure you picked those fruits from their trees?”

“Yes, cher. Vhina was the one who was really appalled the most. She kept on blurting things like how impossible it was and that there was no way that it can grow here. Well, for me, I don’t really care what grows here as long as they are edible,” Alyssa replied while munching an apple she just grabbed and took a bite.

Teacher Mary just looked at her for a moment and went to the blue tent. I asked Alyssa more questions, but she just handed me an apple.

† † †

An emergency meeting had been called in the biggest tent among all others on the shore—the blue tent. Of course, there was no way it was painted blue; instead, a stenciled driftwood hung around the top. People who chose to stay were congregating outside the tent, nervously waiting for the decision. The student council officers had been isolated in the orange tent with teacher Selena and Norkie guarding the perimeter—teacher Mary didn’t want them to hear the news about the captain of the barge.

Inside were teacher Mary, the doctor, an old-looking man who I guessed might be in his late forties and a businessman based on his torn suit, and me. The businessman had a balding head and a clean-shaven face with drooping eyes. The four of us were the selected ones who would make a decision because of the influences we had outside the island, which could boost our chances of being saved.

There were no chairs available, so we improvised, like piling up things, enough to resemble the function of a seat. We salvaged the study table of the late captain and used it wherein the four of us were seated around in a tense manner—especially me.

I was the youngest and amateur-looking one out of us.

I had been included in the meeting since I saw what was inside the captain’s cabin, but it was more likely because teacher Mary summoned me, and no one had the guts to challenge her. At least, that was what I thought.

The businessman tried to correct his seating position to make himself much more comfortable, but it was too difficult for him to do so because of his weight. He finally settled. He then rudely asked, “And why would a young woman be ‘ere with us?”

“Come on, Dr. Niel, she’s also a teacher, and she’s old enough to share her own opinion. It wouldn’t hurt to have her around, would it?” the doctor who had taken care of me from the moment we got stranded—and the one who nursed me back to a stable mental state after the incident in the captain’s cabin—answered calmly. He reminded me of the most favorite uncle of a group of children around our neighborhood in Tabogon. “You’re a professor in a well-known university in Cebu and you should know how a teacher’s opinion can give an impact. I do believe that you know it because you’re a teacher yourself.”

So, he was not a businessman.

“I’m sorry, but can’t we just start this meeting? People entrusted us with how we are going to move on from here on out. Aside from the captain being dead, we still have some missing people. One of the barge crew members reported about thirty people all in all, including those who went inland. Now, isn’t that more concerning than fighting over why someone’s presence annoys you a lot, doctor?” teacher Mary interrupted. I was not sure on whose doctor she was referring to, but I’d surely bet that it was the professor.

Dr. Niel was taken aback for a moment by the sudden team-up against him but immediately recovered in just a single, pretentious cough, which I believed his petty attempt of clearing his throat. “I was supposed to be ‘aving a seminar in Salazar Colleges of Science and Business in Bantayan one hour ago, or maybe hours already. By some logical sense where the sun is positioned right now outside and by ‘ow much ‘eat it ‘as tormented us, I’m assuming it’s more or less two in the afternoon already.”

I had a wild thought that he and Vhina would surely not have a peaceful conversation would an opportunity occur.

“So,” teacher Mary continued, making accurate guesses of what the professor was trying to point out, “they might have been contacting you already. And, since they can’t reach you, obviously, they might have already called someone from your university.”

“Actually, I think it’s convenient for us since the distance between Hagnaya and Bantayan is not that far. Port operatives on the island might have been alarmed already,” the doctor with the goatee said. It silenced teacher Mary, and she gave him a condescending look.

“You’re right there, um... what was your name again?” Dr. Niel asked.

“Lorena,” the doctor replied. He let out an attractive chuckle and clarified, “Actually, I’d rather appreciate it if you’d just call me Shawn. It’s my given name.”

“Wait. Are you the well-known Dr. Shawn Lorena? A successful entrepreneur s***h doctor in Rodrigo Sotto ‘ospital?”

“Now, that is something that I’d rather like you not calling me around, especially in front of everyone. Just call me Shawn, please.”

“So, are we going to come up with a decision here now?” teacher Mary interrupted once again, asserting her authority between the two big shots. An instructional supervisor was nothing much compared to the two of them, yet her personality and pride could not just give in and be inferior to their job titles.

The two went back to being serious again. Dr. Niel was about to talk when I realized something and shot to my feet.

“Um... Aren’t we already in Bantayan?” I blurted out in the middle of the tense atmosphere. The three turned to my direction and gave me a blank stare. I got embarrassed and sat back.

“That’s actually a point worthy to be taken,” the professor replied.

“Well, I didn’t think of it. It completely went over my head,” the doctor admitted.

Teacher Mary gave me a soft and warm pat on the back, perhaps silently commending me. “Now, we might think we are already in Bantayan, but everything else here just doesn’t make sense. We should have seen more people a few hours ago.”

“Maybe we are not in Bantayan Island, but on one of the surrounding islands. What do you think?” Dr. Shawn started guessing. He pulled out a half-emptied Nature Spring bottle from his long, dirty-white coat—finishing what was left. He wiped his bearded mouth in one swift motion, which gave off a sexy vibe. I could not help noticing how hot he was for his age.

“You might be right. So all we need ‘ere is maybe just to wait for the rescue to come,” Dr. Niel warily concluded.

“Not really just wait. Let’s at least survive. We can divide the remaining crowd to different groups doing specific tasks. Ain’t it the best thing we can do for now?”

“‘ow about the children? I’ve seen some students in one of the tents ‘ere.” Dr. Niel gave a judgmental look straight at teacher Mary’s eyes, who, in turn, didn’t budge. “Come to think of it, why are there some students with you?”

“It’s not weird for us to bring them along, especially when we have a training to conduct for the betterment of the school’s student council. You should know that, professor,” teacher Mary retorted with a tinge of authority in her voice.

“Is there really a need to bring them all in Bantayan? I don’t see the need quite frankly.”

“Don’t worry, we have their parents’ consents and they are in good hands.”

“‘ow sure are you they are all in good ‘ands, teacher? Can you still say that they are in good ‘ands right now?”

“Why does it matter to you that much?”

“Well, because I’m a teacher myself.”

“It’s just as much as having field trips. The complete change in environment helps in boosting their learning experiences.”

“Does it really ‘ave to be in Bantayan? There are lots of educational environments in Cebu City, or near the neighboring provinces and municipalities. Why ‘ere?”

Their argument continued for another few minutes in which Dr. Shawn and I were rendered speechless, not daring to talk our thoughts out, fearing to be lashed at any moment.

Dr. Shawn moved closer to me, whose gesture I consciously noticed, making my heart climb up my throat. “Hi, teacher Jelly. How are you feeling?”

I was confused about what and how to reply. Don’t be stupid! Answer him straightly with confidence! “I’m doing well, Doc. Thanks for your help.”

“No worries. Are there times wherein you feel a bit dizzy?”

“Well, sometimes. But it’s not something serious to be worried about, so I just don’t usually mind it.”

“Don’t neglect it just like that. It could be something serious. Or worse.”

I shied away, embarrassed about what I had just said. “Umm... okay. I’m sorry.”

“Just make sure to drink a lot of water. It’s the natural way of curing dizziness.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“I’ve heard you’re a Science teacher. What major did you take in college?” Dr. Shawn transitioned smoothly.

“Biochemistry.”

“Oh? So, you’re good with chemical processes within or relating to any living organisms?”

“Not really. It’s not my choice to be a Biochem student in the first place. It’s my sister’s.”

“Really? What’s your preferred course then?”

Here, I took a moment before answering him. I barely could look him in the eye, much more answer the question that I was mostly embarrassed to tell in front of everyone. No one knew yet what I really liked doing in life, not even Molly. But I felt a sudden urge to share it now.

Of all people I could confess it to.

It took another few moments, during which the doctor waited patiently, before I muttered: “I wanted to enroll in a Medical school. I wanted to be a doctor.”

Dr. Shawn paused for a moment. “Well, isn’t Biochemistry a pre-med course?”

“Yes, but not BSEd. I wanted a BA or BS degree. I don’t really like teaching in general.”

“It’s still great, though. Being a teacher is not easy, especially talking in front of your students. I once had a lecture in front of aspiring doctors in UR Med before. Even now, I can still feel the nervousness I’ve felt during that time. It’s scary.”

Teacher Mary interrupted us in the middle of our conversation, halting me in my way of replying to Dr. Shawn, “I think this meeting is nowhere giving us fruit any time in this manner.”

“It’s because you kept on babbling nonsensical stuff,” Dr. Niel defended.

“Oh? Me? Aren’t you a talker yourself?”

“Why don’t we just come up with a decision that we can agree on?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you earlier! But we just kept on talking about irrelevant stuff, not focusing on our primary objective anymore!” She was almost losing her cool. “Okay, let’s make all of this quick and rational. Should we start dividing the remaining people and give them tasks to do?”

The three of us didn’t reply, which, for teacher Mary, might have been an indication that we all agreed.

“Good. Now, let’s talk how we should divide them.”

† † †

The meeting went on for an hour, more or less. I excused myself for a while to use the makeshift comfort room. I passed by the orange tent and greeted teacher Selena and teacher Norkie. Without thinking too much, I peeked inside the tent.

Rex was still answering the S-tier level English workbook that his uncle had entrusted him on the barge. I asked him what it was about, and he had said that he needed to finish it if he wanted to know the basic rules of grammar, and on how he could masterfully break the rules to create some effect in writing. When I told him it was good for him since he wanted to be like Josh, he clarified that he did want to be a teacher, but not to teach English.

He wanted to teach kindergarteners.

By the way he spoke, it seemed like he was not completely committed yet, but he told me he had once visited a daycare center with lots of small children whom he thought he could easily put inside his pockets if he wanted to. It made me giggle. He was amazed by how the teachers handled every one of them despite the cries and small fights here and there.

For him, it looked fun.

On the side note, he asked me what happened outside and why they were not allowed to go out without a teacher to accompany them. He added about the whereabouts of his uncle. He had not seen him yet and Josh didn’t visit him likewise.

Before I could reply, someone patted his left shoulder. When he turned, a finger was set up waiting to poke his cheek.

It was Maynard, the auditor.

“Hi, teacher Jelly. Rex, are you done yet? We might as well plan with the budget of this retreat. Or maybe you have started already,” he drowsily said.

Maynard was a four-footer, fat student, looking almost like a typical fat bully. With his small uniform accentuating his obesity, showing bulges and excess fat in every gap of the fabric, he looked like he was about to steal Rex’s pocket money.

Rex turned around and faced him, squarely saying, “Look, I might be one of the officers, but I don’t plan on being friends with you—much more with everyone else.”

“Man, come on. I’m your best pal in terms of this kind of work. A treasurer and auditor are inseparable beings in the council. Might as well befriend me.”

“You know the reason why I signed for this, right? Don’t worry, I’ll finish the budget plan and pass it to you immediately for double-checking. No need to come and talk to me.”

“Man, you’re a letdown. Just make sure to put it there near the makeshift table that I’ve created,” he replied, pointing to a pile of clothes and driftwood.

After Maynard went back to his place, Rex continued his work. I stood behind him and observed what he was answering. He was doing the subject-verb agreement part when he said to me that he was feeling a tingling sensation on his cheek. It tingled much more as time passed by to the point wherein he said he could not ignore it any longer.

He stood and stumbled, hitting his backpack that served as his table to work on with the workbook. He tried to stand again and reach for the opening of the tent, but Joseph blocked him, who was standing condescendingly. I didn’t even notice that he was inside the tent. Despite his personality, he managed to ask Rex something.

“Where are you going? Didn’t teacher Selena say that you need to ask her permission if you want to go out?”

“Yes, I’m going to ask her now. Clear the way if you don’t want to get hurt.”

“Really? Were you a delinquent before? What a foul mouth you have.”

The tingling sensation must have started to evolve to a tinge of pain based on how he was wincing. “Move it fast. One more talking and I’ll hit your mouth.”

“Try me. I’m the acting president right now and I have the right to disci—”

He had been hit. Hard.

I couldn’t even do anything as a teacher.

Joseph rolled to the sand with a loud thud when he hit the metal post that kept the tent standing. He sat in disbelief and wiped his bleeding lips. “Now, you’ve done it. Swear to God, you’ll never leave this tent while I’m here.”

“Didn’t I warn you already? Don’t try to threaten me like that or else I’m going to hit you again.”

“You know what? I’m supposed to be not talking with you because I’m playing the role of a shut-in, antisocial nerd who just wants to play video games at home all day long. However, I can totally drop the act and at least show you something interesting right now,” Joseph said in a mannerism that I found unfamiliar. I was astounded by the switchover. “Again, where are you going?”

“Shut it, nerd.”

“That’s my ultimatum, and now you’ve wasted it. Thank you for your service in the student council.”

I didn’t know what happened next because I went back to the blue tent right away. Surely, it was just some children’s fight. I told teacher Norkie and teacher Selena about it, nonetheless. I’d better tell teacher Mary as well.