Foretold by Fate

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Addison’s POV

‘‘What took you so long before you get here?’’ David asked as I arrived. ‘‘Have you talk to Sylvester?’’

‘‘Y-yeah, something just happened that is why, it took minutes before I arrived here, but anyway shall we go?’’ He nodded and we went together inside the van that is also part of the hotel.

The moment we started travelling, I just remained silent and I am still thinking about the things that happened earlier between us. That moment is really kind of a weird thing that happened today, I hope there is no such thing that will happen again later.

I took a deep breath and enjoyed the view that passed by. I never think again of what happened earlier. The reason why I actually wanted to come here again is to cause distress. I don’t know what are the reasons why I am stressed these past few days. Even though there are no such things that made me stressed, I still felt it. Maybe because I am feeling anxious about myself? Or at any things that surrounds me?

I know this kind of feeling is inevitable and I know that you are also like this sometimes; like, you lost your energy for no reason and you don’t have the guts to do the things you really want to do. What do you think? Is it the history or past experiences that makes us feel like we’re stressed? Or is it, on the other world, our other self is tired of his life if ever there is. If there is a parallel world, I hope my other self is happy living his life and he is pursuing his dream.

‘‘Hey are you okay?’’ Shonnel asked me, maybe he noticed that I am silent right now.

‘‘Thanks for asking, kid, I am fine, don't worry about me, I am just thinking about something,’’ I explained. ‘‘D-don’t worry it is manageable,’’ I added.

‘‘Are you sure? We can go back if you are not feeling well?’’ David insisted.

I was shocked by what he said. We are already far and I don’t want to ruin the happiness that the kids are feeling right now. In addition, I don’t want to be the reason why this outing will be cancelled. Of course, I want to be in distress too, so yeah, let’s continue going there.

‘‘No…no… I am just fine, okay? I don’t want to be the reason why this outing is cancelled and also, I don’t want to ruin the excitement of these kiddos.’’ I pointed out the kids beside me.

‘‘O-okay, you say that…but if you need some medicine just tell me right away, okay?’’ he said. ‘‘By the way, why did you change your shorts?’’ he added.

He is referring to the short that I am wearing earlier. ‘‘I changed because I-I am not-comfortable,’’ I lied even though it was Sylvester who ordered me to change it.

‘‘A-ah okay?’’ I know there are doubts about his voice because it is pretty obvious. Also, the smile of him is something that has malice. Does he know the reason? Or is it thinking something erotic? Gosh, both of them are hard to read and they are both crazy sometimes.

I nodded at him and I went back to my previous position and I started looking again at the things that I was seeing outside. Until we arrived at Burnham Park, that was the only thing I did for the whole trip. Anyway, we’re about to enter the park and someone gave me a brochure, I think? These are brochures about Burnham Park about its history. It also included here the map of the different spots that we can ideally visit.

‘‘Hey David and Grandma?’’ I got their attention and this is my chance to ask for a favor. ‘‘Can I ask for a favor with you guys?’’ I added.

‘‘Yeah sure, what is it?’’ It was David.

‘‘Can we separate for a while? I want to be alone at this moment, I hope you guys understand,’’ I explained. ‘‘I’ll call later once I am already feeling okay.’’

‘‘Is that all you want?’’ This time, it was Grandma who asked me. I just nodded at her, because I don’t have the guts to talk about the real reason why I am feeling bothered right now.

‘‘You can’t lie to me, Dear, I am already old and I’ve been through that kind of situation,’’ she told me. ‘‘I know you are feeling lonely right now for no reason and I know you want to be alone to look for an answer and to ease that feeling,’’ she added.

I just smiled awkwardly because she got it right. With that, I took a deep breath; it was suffocating.

‘‘I know it is kinda weird living you alone, since you requested it, I cannot do anything about it,’’ David mumbled. ‘‘Anyway, you can call me right away if you need company, okay?’’ I mouthed ‘thank you’ to him.

They nodded and bid goodbye to me. As they walked away from me, for the second time I took a deep breath. Since I didn’t see them already, I slowly walked somewhere else. While walking, I am reading the brochure that the staff gave to me at the entrance.

I have learned that Burnham Park lies in the heart of Baguio City in the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines. The park was a central feature of Baguio when the city was first planned and developed as a retreat for the US military, and remains today as a beloved landmark.

In addition, it said here in the brochure, Baguio, with its mild climate, is a popular tourist destination for Filipinos seeking a retreat from the heat of the lowlands, and Burnham Park serves as a major attraction for both relaxation and recreational activities.

The moment I reached an open space which had a beautiful view of the sun, I sat there and I continued reading.

Right now it is the history of the park that I am reading. I learned that Burnham Park is named after Daniel Burnham, an American architect who was the city planner for Baguio. He designed the park and the original plans for the city simultaneously, and construction began around 1904. Burnham Park covers the only large expanse of level ground within hilly surroundings.

The modern park, although smaller than the original park due to urban development, retains much of its original design and layout. The park played an important role when it served as a place of refuge for the people of Baguio following a devastating earthquake in 1990.

But what really caught my attention was, visitors like me to Burnham Park may rent a boat and go rowing on the lake—which I really saw earlier. A range of bicycles, including tandem bikes, children’s bikes and bikes with sidecars for small children are available for rental.

The park’s paved pathways are ideal for gentle rides and walks. The park serves as a scenic venue for walking and photography. During the rainy season—generally June to September—the park is often shrouded in fog and takes on a misty atmosphere. Flowers bloom in abundance following the end of the rainy season.

As I continue reading, there's an old woman who is also seated on my side but not really near.

"Alone?" she said in her old voice.

"A-ah, I have my colleagues Grandma, but I separate ways from them for some reason," I answered.

.

"Are you reading that?" She pointed out the paper I am holding. I nodded as my answer to her. "You know what, Burnham Park was planned as a “green park” in contrast to an amusement park or a formal garden. Amusement parks are designed to be exciting, noisy and commercial while formal gardens are decorative showcases for plants," she explained.

I got interested more in her story since it was not written in the brochure that I have.

"Green parks are designed to provide peace and quiet, open space, fresh air and a direct link to unspoiled nature. In larger parks in Asia and the West, tame deer, flocks of swans, ducks and songbirds are propagated and allowed to roam free. City dwellers are encouraged to use these parks for walks, bird watching, picnics and amateur sports. Buildings, roadways and other artificial man-made structures are deliberately kept to a minimum so as not to conflict with the natural environment of a green park," she imparted.

The way she explained those to me and based on the brochure that I have—Burnham Park is one of Baguio’s most valuable assets and truly a Philippine national landmark. Generations of young and old alike have walked in the park and relaxed in its tranquil environment.

It has been the favorite promenade for honeymooners, a playground for countless children and a space for nostalgia and quiet reflection for generations of old folks.

The good citizens of Baguio and the city’s many visitors around the Philippines and overseas should be uncompromising in their defense of Burnham Park. Not one square inch should be handed over for above ground parking, food concessions, vendors, cheap rides and noisy amusements. A green park is for peace and quiet and the enjoyment of nature.

"Give me your hand." At first I was confused as to why she needed my hand. "I want to foresee your future," she explained.

Without hesitation I handed him my right hand and he directly held it. She closed her eyes and I was just looking at her.

"There is a man who will come into your life, you will be happy the moment you will get to know him better." Hearing those from her, makes me feel that I truly exist, but, this is just mere prediction. "However, this is always the thing that we always consider when it comes to love. Always take caution when it comes to love, Dear," she told me.

"Is there anything I can do to make it happen Grandma?" I asked.

She didn't answer me, however, she got something from her bag. It was a beautiful bracelet.

"Here, I'll give you this for free, this will guide you and will protect you from any harm that will happen," she explained and gave it to me.

She offered to put it on my right hand since I have my watch on my left. As I am looking at this bracelet seriously, the moment I am going to express my gratitude to that old woman. I was shocked she was no longer at my side. She was already lost.

"It's kinda weird." I looked around just to check if she is still here, unfortunately, I didn't see her. "It's kinda weird," I uttered out of the blue.

Because of her, I am back on my energy again. I am already fine, thanks to grandma, I am hoping to see her again the following day.