Blue Hour

Chapter 29

“Let’s see. I’ll make sure that no one can get you from me. No one steals you from me, remember that Ray! You will be crawling back to me soon.” Pine laughed menacingly. I don't know but that sent shivers down my spine.

I was so annoyed that I threw the phone on my bed. I sat down on the couch and closed my eyes to calm myself down.

My plan did not even meet my expectations. I was so focused on getting away from Father that I forgot that there is another person that caused great pain in my life.

My ex-girlfriend Pine.

I tried to forget everything about her, all of our interactions ever since we broke up. Aside from my family, Pine is one of the reasons why I cannot trust people easily. Everything felt like I was playing on their palms, trying to manipulate me.

Meeting Pine when I was younger was a blessing for me. Aside from Miko and the other kid I met in the park, she was one of the few people who approached me. Even during my high school days, people would stay away from me because of the last name I bore. I was alone that time at the auditorium, and she approached me first. I thought her intentions were pure, but she was like my father, wanting to put control on my life.

Honestly, I loved her too. For several years, the love I was longing for, I felt it from her. Then everything changed little by little. There were so many red flags that she kept on showing, and it was pretty obvious. I tried to not notice, and thought she had reasons, but it was already getting out of hand.

There was one incident where she almost killed my female guard because of jealousy. That’s one of the turning points that gave me the decision to forget about her. I also found out that father set up with me, and he was the one who asked Pine to approach me. It was actually an engaged marriage. Feeling betrayed, I started changing my attitude towards her. If I only listened to what Miko told me before.

Why, of all times, have I started to move forward from the past?

Breathing slowly, I closed my eyes to calm down. Silence filled the room, and all I could only hear was the sound of my heart. Then, an image of the smiling Sun crossed my mind again. I hurriedly opened my eyes and looked around to check if he was there, but there were no signs of him.

What does it mean? Why do I remember Sun all of a sudden? I looked at the clock and it was just around four in the afternoon.

“Sun? Are you there?” I said,

There was no response. I tried to call him again, but it was the same. I guess he is still resting or maybe somewhere within the area. Let's not bother him.

To relieve the annoyance I felt earlier, I took a stroll heading towards the Mango Orchard. I arrived there and the workers greeted me. I did the same and began asking questions about the orchard.

"So, how's the progress so far?" I asked.

The one named Mario answered. “All is going well Sir. You don’t have to worry because the production will be okay this year.”

“Thank you, let’s hope for the best.” I said and smiled at them. To think that they were able to manage lessening the issues on their fields was amazing. I need to ask for tips from them too.

“By the way Sir, do you believe in local stories or some sort of superstitions.” The other worker asked.

I smiled. “To be honest, since I grew up in the city, well I do believe it but not to the extent that it will linger on my mind. Why do you ask?”

“It seems that you still don’t know Sir, there is some sort of legend on this farm.”

“Legend?”

“About that, Sierra, why don’t you tell our boss about the story? We will go ahead and prepare some snacks. You can sit with us Sir.” Mario said.

"Thank you." I said.

I followed Sierra and the others and headed to a spot near the mango trees. There was a makeshift chair and table made from bamboo. We sat down there while the elders prepared the snacks. There was silence as the younger employees were afraid to talk to me.

I tried smiling at them but it even became more awkward.

"Sorry about that Sir Ray. They are still not used to the owner of the farm talking and sitting with them." Mario said, carrying a large plate.

My nose reacted as soon the scent hit my senses. It was a sweet, earthy smell.

"What's this?" I asked, and picked up a piece.

"Wait sir…

"Ouch!" I exclaimed, putting back the food. It was freaking hot and my hands sting because of the pain.

"Quick, get a basin of cold water." Mario told one of the employees. To relieve the pain, I began to blow my hands.

"Sir, I am sorry. I forgot to tell you." Mario apologized.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it. It's my fault as well. I was so curious about that thing on the plate because it smelled so sweet. Could you tell me what it is?" I asked, trying to calm everyone down.

"About that, it's roasted sweet potato." Mario said.

"ROASTED SWEET POTATO!" I exclaimed.

Everyone laughed because of my reaction.

"Don't tell us Sir, you haven't tried this before?" Sierra asked, smiling.

"Yes! This is my first time hearing about it. Is it good?"

Honestly, it was really my first time hearing about the way it was cooked.

"Yes Sir! Why don't you try it?" Everyone answered. I looked at them in surprise and blurted out laughing because of their reaction.