Prologue
1901 Words
"ANDREE!" rinig kong sigaw ng isang pamilyar na boses.
I got up quickly and hastily finished arranging the books on my shelves. I also sort it based on my favourite authors— both local and international.
Aside from doing vlogs, I also love collecting Science-Fiction and Fantasy novel books. I don't know but, one day I just found myself loving it and dreaming that— how if I would be one of the characters? And the smell of the books as well? Oh, freak! I'm in love with it. Absolutely!
I doubtless open the door and looked at who was shouting my name. Nagulantang ako nang lumapit sa akin si Caxxy at niyugyog ang magkabilang balikat ko.
"You finally got it! I'm so proud of you, Andree," sambit niya at dagli akong niyakap nang pagkahigpit-higpit.
Is there's someone who can tell me about what's happening right now?
I slowly removed her hug from me 'cause I was having difficulty breathing.
"W-why? You make me feel anxious, Cax," sambit ko na may pagsinghal at pagtataka ko siyang tinitigan. Huminga muna siya nang malalim bago muling magbitaw ng salita.
"You didn't know yet, huh? You're really out of date in these past few days..." she rolled her eyes at me. "I just wanted to tell you that you finally reached five million subscribers on YouTube, Andree!" masigla niyang sigaw.
Hinila niya ako papunta sa kaniyang kwarto at ipinatingin sa akin ang naka-flash sa laptop. I slowly stared at it and I'd realized that what she said was right. I couldn't believe what I was seeing so I moved my face a little closer.
"T-totoo ba 'to, Cax?" nanginginig na boses kong tanong. "Hmm, I wouldn't be glad if it's a prank. Is it f*cking edited?!"
"Am I look joking? And besides, I don't have time for that,"
I sighed. "Then, hmm... I successfully did it, Cax!" I said emotionally, I gave her a tight hug. My tears kept flowing because of the joy I recently felt.
I just can't imagine that bunch of people were supporting me from what am I doin'. I've just started with nothing. I really never thought of this. It feels like my heart would now blow up and explode!
"So, what's your next plan, my friend?" she asked me. I looked at the ceiling, then I put my hands below my chin.
"Do you mean what? Next destination I'll be going to travel?"
"Hmm, yap!" tugon niya saka tumango. I suddenly thought of her question. Where would I travel, then? But, I guess it's more interesting if I go around the Philippines first.
"Hmm, I recommend Batanes, Andree!" Cax yelled.
Manila to Batanes?
Thrilling!
"That’s a fascinating idea," I said then I nodded. "But, is it okay if I can be with you?" I questioned, I gave her an obtestation look.
"I gonna check my schedule first, Andree. When do you plan it, though? Of course, to have no interruptions in my schedule. Yea, you probably know it. And that is spending a lot of my time on business,"
"Maybe on Saturday?" I answered enthusiastically.
"And until when? I already know what your stare means," wika niya sabay itinaas ang kaniyang kilay at ngumisi.
"I can't promise it but, does one week would be fine enough? Please be with me, Cax. Of course, there's so much stuff preparation, and some—"
"Deal. I will be with you. Just let my mamay know about it, ha?"
Is that all? No worries.
"There are a lot of famous spots in Batanes. I'm sure that it would be the most exciting travel vlog ever!" she added before we simultaneously go outside.
AFTER days passed, we prepare all the things needed, including our passport, ticket, baggage, camera for vlogging, food, and so on. It just lasts within 3 days. Then, after all, Cax went to her house for a moment of preparation, while I just fix my mental and emotional issues. As if it matters.
When everything seems fine, I hurriedly go away to my house for me to chase our flight time at the airport. I get my phone in my Chanel bag then I pinned it to my neck.
"Hello Cax, I'm already here at the Airport. Just go directly here. Pardon me if I didn't pass you by, huh?" I worriedly asked.
"Don’t worry about it, tsk. I am here inside of a taxi and I’m on the way too. Oh, Andree, let's talk anew later, okay?" she uttered, I agree then I take my phone down.
While I was waiting for her, I first sat in the waiting area, then I decided to open my Twitter account.
I adjusted my seat and briefly took the sunglasses out of my bag. It's been a long while when I last used it. I concentrated more on traveling and law cases, so that’s why I also lost some of my time on other tasks. My graduation from college is also an advantage for me. There is no more hassle to think of.
No! That is misinformation, Andree. Had you forgotten your law studying because of so many subject cases?!
Damn it!
I opened its messages and I didn’t expect the number of dm requests I received. I slowly scroll it down. It is all good. Those are just feedbacks and reactions from my viewers. I lowered the scroll, even more, then, someone named Devon Talex caught my sight. My heartbeat quickened and my feathers also arise.
I crossed my legs then I look in my vicinity.
@devtalex
[If you would be given a chance to travel the entire universe, will you undoubtedly grab it?]
What the sh*t! Are you making fun of me?
I want him to realize that is absolutely impossible. It wouldn't be. Ever.
I replied: [Thanks for that kind of offer but, that's too impossible. No thanks,]
I don't wanna create defense towards him. That's a too rubbish act. I quit the application then I turned off my phone.
"Hey!" pabiglang sigaw sa akin ni Caxxy.
"Do you want me to die? Ginulat mo kaya 'ko,"
She also sits behind me. "Killjoy, tsk," she laughs. "So, what we gonna do next?" saad niya saka inayos ang nagulong pagkakaayos ng kaniyang buhok.
"Flight to Batanes, get ready," someone spoke in a speaker.
"Hudyat na, omg! I'm so excited, Andree!" napatingin siya sa 'kin at sandali akong niyakap.
"Aren't you? Ba't naman kasi ganiyan iyang itsura mo? What happened, huh?"
Napapikit ako saka dumilat muli. This is too weird! You ruined my peace of mind, Devon.
You may now celebrate in hell.
"A guy stranger sent me a message through my Twitter account. He offers me a universe travel? No!
It isn't true," madiin kong sabi saka umismid.
"Don't make it a big deal. Ginugulo ka lang kung sino mang lalaking 'yon. Siguro nagpapapansin lang. Let's go! Never mind that bullsh*t," she said, she pulled me then.
Tumayo na kami at pumila hanggang makarating sa loob ng eroplano. Isinantabi ko muna 'yung mensaheng natanggap ko. I need now to have a good time and put my feet up. No negativities and no struggles as well.
Just a few minutes passed and we boarded the plane safely.
"Don't judge me but, this is my first time riding here," ngumiti siya na tila nahihiya pa. "It doesn't make me feel dumbfounded," I continually eat my snack. "And who the hell I have right to judge you? I'm a lawyer so one of my rights is to defend my friend. Most especially, you," pagpapakalma ko sa kaniya.
"Bolera ka," Caxxy stated, she giggled.
After one and a half hours, we've successfully landed here at the place of Batanes. Bumaba kami sa eroplano at dire-diretsong tumungo sa labas ng airport. Agad din kaming naghanap ng hotel for bookings para sa pansamantala naming tutuluyan.
"You pretty attracted me Batanes, argh!" bulong ko sarili at napangiti.
We together walk the road while we still carrying our heavy luggage. Inilibot ko ang aking paningin at nahagip nito ang isang titulo ng isang mataas na gusali na malapit din sa isang resort.
Talex Hotel and Motel
Napakunot noo ako. "Is there no one else aside from this?" irita kong tanong habang nakakunot noong nakatitig sa gusali.
"Ang arte mo naman, Dree. Nasa harapan mo na, tinatanggihan mo pa. Grab the opportunity! Eh ano namang problema sa Talex Hotel and Motel?! Yes, I am aware na talagang may mga nag--" tinakpan ko ang kaniyang bibig at baka kung ano pa ang masabi niya.
"Dirty-minded, tsk," anggil ko. "Let's just go instead."
Mali itong naiisip ko. Hindi. Hindi maaari. 'Di naman siguro nag-iisa ang apelyido na Talex, 'di ba? Sigurado ako na wala siyang kinalaman dito na kahit ano pa man.
Pumasok na kami sa registrar kahit na may kaunti akong pag-aalangan. But despite it, this hotel looks so classy and jaw-dropping. I raised my eyeglasses for a moment.
"Hindi ba siya 'yung Andree? Ang ganda niya pala talaga sa personal, 'no?" rinig kong bulong sa isang sulok. "Hmm, hello miss. Reserve us a room slot. We will rent it in a week, thank you!" I said to the employee named Jasmine.
Hindi maalis 'yung titig niya sa 'kin. Is there's something wrong with my face?
"Miss? What's wrong with me?"
"U-uhm, wala naman po." napakurap-kurap siya at muling tumutok sa pagpindot ng keyboard.
"Huy, gaga ka! You’re now popular! Siguro isa siya sa mga nanonood ng vlogs mo, hmm." Aniya at kumindat.
Perhaps. But, I'll not make it a big deal para hindi ako mamansin. Sino ba naman ako? I'm just a human too. It's just fame, too superficial.
After a few issues of arrangement and conversation, we were able to successfully get to our designated unit. It is in Unit 1578.
"Bukas ba natin sisimulan 'yung pag-v-vlog mo?" tanong niya at umiling ako. "Nope, we would start it later,"
"What?!"
"P’wede naman nating simulan kahit nandito pa lang tayo, 'di ba? Chika lang muna!" I said then I laughed.
Natigil ang pag-uusap namin dahil sa dagling tunog ng doorbell. Akmang bubuksan ko na sana ito ngunit natakot ako baka kung sino iyon.
"Why don't you open it?!"
"H’wag na. Ayoko nang istorbo."
I was about to take focus on my camera but unfortunately, it suddenly rang again.
Umirap ako. "Ano ba kasi 'yan Andree. That kind of mannerism isn’t suitable for you. Okay. Let me do it for you," hindi ko na siya napigilan pa at tuluyan nang nabuksan ang pintuan.
"What do you need sir?" dinig kong tanong nito sa kung sino man ang nasa labas.
"Close the door, Caxxy! Don't you ever entertain strangers," diin kong sambit.
Nagpatuloy na lamang ako sa pag-aayos habang pilit na dinidinig ang kanilang pinag-uusapan. Nakita ko na lang si Cax na tumatango tango at nakangiti pa. Tumayo ako at 'di na mapakaling pumunta sa pintuan.
Quite possibly that he's just an employee working here. But, why I feel something odd?
Sa unti-unti kong paglapit, bumungad sa akin ang isang naka-formal suit na lalaki. Matangkad ito kumpara sa 'kin at mas may kaputian din. Tumingala ako nang kaunti at pinandilatan ng mata nang akin ding mapagtanto kung sino ang lalaking nasa harapan namin ngayon.
"Ikaw?!" sabay na tanong namin sa isa't isa.
- Writer
