GRIEVOUS VENGEANCE

CHAPTER 29

Saturday, they were on their way to their vacation. They left early, before dawn to avoid heavy traffic. They used Mark's Dad's car for a bigger space. Nurse Jen joined them. They were on the way to the beach in Bauan.

"Thank you for inviting me over," she said. "At last I can have a vacation after working for over a year!"

"We're glad you joined us, Nurse Jen," Steve said. "We had a very exhausting week."

"Please, don't call me Nurse Jen anymore, just call me Jen." She stretched her arms and fingers. "That creature made me look like a goddess," She laughed. "I don't want to remember that face anymore. I had a nightmare!"

"I know, right?" Jackie reacted. "It's my first time seeing that kind of creature."

"It's not even a ghost or evil spirit, it was a demon." Janine tried to recall the demon's face. She shook her head. "It tried to copy Sandy's damaged face after her fall from the rooftop."

"That's the demon's way of torturing mentally those who were responsible with Sandy's death," Steve said. "Demons can sense humans' deep negative emotions and they feed through it. The more negative energy, the more they get stronger."

"How many of them have you seen?" Jen asked.

"I can't recall, but I have seen a handful of them. They are just around; looking, waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of our weaknesses and low defense."

Jen hugged herself. "That's creepy! Thinking there are unseen creatures like that, looking at me? Is there a way to protect ourselves against demons?"

"There are gems, herbs and other tools you can use to protect yourself," Steve said. "The most effective one is having a strong faith in God. No evil creatures can defeat that. However, there are people who suffer from pain, grief, turmoil or emotional instability. Some thought life is worthless and they have no one to lean on. Their faith in God were shaken during those times, and that's the opportunity demons have been waiting for."

"Can you teach us more about these things?" Janine pleaded. "Please? We are really clueless about paranormal and exorcism."

"I will," Steve agreed. "But for now, let's enjoy this vacation and have fun! Let's forget about demons and exorcism for the mean time."

"Right!" Jackie laughed. "The hell with those creatures! I'll dip in the ocean until I get sunburn all over my body!"

"Let's buy some food first," Mark said. "There's a drive thru in five hundred meters."

"Burger and fries!" The three ladies shouted in unison. They all laughed together.

They all sang and ate while going to their destination. Janine wished their happy moments now will last long. She wants some peace of mind and relaxation.

"Do you have your swimsuits?" Jen asked Janine and Jackie.

"Yes, we have them!" Jackie grinned. "I also brought a lotion with sun protection. We need it."

"Boys, cover your eyes later, okay?" Jen warned the three men.

"Yes, Ma'am," Steve answered. He laughed but a naughty smile showed in his face.

It took a few hours before they arrived at the beach. It was solemn and private. Only few tourists were there in the hotel. It was serene and quiet. The hotel is surrounded by trees, flowers and plants. They can hear chirping sounds of crickets. They all went inside the lobby. The ladies sat on the sofa while Mark proceeded to the reception desk. Marvin and Steve followed him.

"Good morning, Sir," the receptionist at the desk greeted them. "Do you have a reservation?" She smiled sweetly upon seeing three handsome men in front of her.

"Yes, I reserved two executive suite rooms with three double beds each." Mark handed his Identification Card. "I am Mark Garcia."

"Sure , Mr. Garcia. Let me check my records." She took his identification card and checked her computer.

"There were two rooms reserved under your name for 2 days and one night, both are paid in advanced. Room 214 and 215 facing each other, located on the the second floor." She simply brushed her hair and pouted to show her red lips.

"Thank you," Mark simply said. He took the keys and his card before going back to the ladies. "Let's go." Mark held Janine's hand and carried her backpack. They all walked towards the stairs.

"Hi, I have a reservation here with my girlfriend," a guy said at the receptionist. He placed his arm around the woman beside him.

Jackie turned around to see the guy. He seemed familiar to her but she can't remember since she can only see his back. She just shrugged her shoulders and walked upstairs.

"Who's that?" Marvin asked.

"I don't know. His voice sounds familiar though."

"Ignore him, let's go." He held Jackie's hand that made her heart jumped. She wants to protest but she likes the feeling of holding his hand. She just sighed deeply and went on.

They reached the second floor and looked for their assigned room numbers. Their units are located at the far end of the hallway, the doors are facing each other.

"You, ladies, take this side, we'll take this." Mark pointed at the doors. He handed one of the keys with 214

written on it to Janine. They both opened the doors at the same time.

"See you later, boys," Jen said. She waved her hands to three men, then pushed Jackie and Janine slightly to get in the room.

"Why are you in a hurry?" Jackie laughed at Jen.

"I want to try my swimsuits and see which one will fit me perfectly." She grinned.

"How many swimsuits did you bring?" Janine asked. She looked at Jen's traveling bag, it was a little huge for a two-day trip.

"A handful of them." She giggled. She opened the bag and pulled all the swimsuits she brought in.

"Oh my... are you staying here for good?" Jackie asked in amazement.

"I brought a lot for you to try on, too. I'm sure you two brought an old fashioned swimsuit." Jen crossed her arms. "Show me what you brought here."

Janine and Jackie looked at each other before pulling out their swimsuits. Jackie brought an orange one piece swimsuit with ruffles and Janine brought a white tank top and and pair of white shorts.

"What?!" Jen bursts out laughing. "Ladies, you have your boyfriends here and you're gonna wear those?"

"What's wrong with these?" Jackie asked innocently. "And Marvin is not my boyfriend."

"Oh really? Are you numb or dumb? He obviously likes you. But are you trying to scare him or what?" She grabbed Jackie's swimsuit. "Especially this! What's with the raffles? This is what my three-year old niece usually wearing in our family reunion."

"What are we going to wear?" Janine asked.

"This." Jen handed a two-piece red swimsuit to Janine and a white two-piece to Jackie.

"What?!" they both said in unison, shocked at the swimsuits.