Chapter 10

[ DAL LUBOMIR ]

The best way to walk a path is to make it yourself. I still remember this phrase from one of my colleagues. It was also the phrase I instilled in my mind whenever I felt lost and when giving up became an option.

Only I know where my feet truly want to go. But now that I'm facing this kind of problem, even my feet can't move forward, and I don't know where or when to start. It feels like every time I choose to move forward, I start thinking that I'll get lost, and I'm afraid I won't be able to find my way back.

Making the decision I did a couple of weeks ago was the right choice. Staying here in Lindenvale made me feel like a completely ordinary person. I still think about the issue from time to time, but the people and the scenery made me forget.

"This will be our third day together," wika ni Acheron, na biglang tumabi sa akin.

"And you're becoming more shameless," sinadya kong ipahalata sa kanya na masyado na siyang feeling close sa akin.

"It means that I'm comfortable with you."

Pero as usual, may ipambato na naman siyang cheezy lines sa akin. Pero kaagad kong naramdaman ang kilig sa aking sistema, na pilit kong tinutulak papalabas. Hindi pwede.

Sinamaan ko na lang siya ng tingin at ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa ko.

"Dahil bawal ang magluto sa falls, nagdala na kami ng pagkain."

"May dala rin akong snacks and sweets!"

"Yeeeey!"

"Bumili na rin kami ng drinks kanina."

Those were the people coming with us. There were four of them, and they seemed to be in their twenties. Nagpakilala na rin sila kanina.

The guy with a top knot was Jig. The girl with freckles on her face was Acia. The other girl, whose hair was dyed blue, was Fae, and the last one was a guy covered in tattoos—his name was Zak.

All throughout the preparation, they were chatty, but I couldn't understand them since they were speaking in vernacular. Even though I was born in Lindenvale, I never had the chance to learn the dialect because we moved to another city when I was a kid.

Pagkatapos naming ihanda lahat ng gamit ay inilagay namin ito sa likurang bahagi ng pick-up truck ni Acheron. Ito ang gagamitin naming transpo patungo sa falls. Iyong apat na kabataan naman ay piniling manatili sa likod sumakay.

"Sa front seat ka, kami ni Kim sa likod."

Jeric was bustling around, carrying a cooler as he said it to me. Next to him was Kim, glaring at me with suspicion.

"Let me carry that for you," said the person who suddenly took my bag and walked away.

Ano'ng problema ng mga taong 'to?

I had no choice but to sit next to the driver, who was Acheron. The road to the falls was bumpy, with no signs of people living nearby. The whole place was lush and green, a refreshing sight. I even rolled down my window and let the province's natural breeze wash over me.

"The waterfall is even more breathtaking than the view you're seeing right now."

I heard Acheron speak, and when I looked his way, he was watching me. I gave him a smile and a nod.

Bumalik siya sa pagtingin sa daan, at bumalik na rin ako sa pagmamasid sa labas.

"Bos, hindi ba maraming tao roon?" It was Jeric who asked.

"It's a private property. It was owned by a very rich family. They were also the ones who rule the whole Lindenvale."

Eh? That rich? I didn't know that.

"Most of the establishments you see around the community are owned by them. They also have other businesses outside Lessburg, and the one managing their business here is the youngest son."

How does he even know that? Close ba siya sa pamilyang ito?

Well, given Acheron's personality, I wouldn't be surprised if he was.

"Ayos lang ba na may kasama tayong iba?" Iyan ang naging tanong ni Kim.

"Those four kids outside are relatives of the Vardez."

I turned to Acheron. Seriously? Those four kids?

"Wow! Akala ko mga ordinaryong bata lang sila," hindi makapaniwalang bulalas ni Kim.

Before we reached our destination, we passed through a wooded gate. One of the kids got out to open it.

After we drove through, a small cabin came into view. The path earlier was covered by huge trees, and only after a few more minutes did we finally see the cabin. The car stopped in front of it, and we got off.

It took us an hour and a half to get here, and we only had bread for breakfast. Even though no one was talking about food, I know all of them were hungry.

"Let's eat first," I whispered to Acheron, who was busy carrying some things inside the cabin.

"Hmm. We still have to trek for about fifteen minutes before reaching the waterfall."

I didn't wait for help and went straight to the food I had prepared at home.

"Guys, kumain muna tayo!"

Nang marinig nila ako ay sabay-sabay silang tumigil sa ginagawa nila ay nagsitakbuhan patungo sa kinaroroonan ko. Natawa na lang ako dahil halatang gutom na rin sioa.

"Kanina pa ako nagugutom. Thank you po, Kuya Dal!" Acia said, not even bothering to look at me as she eagerly grabbed a sandwich.

"Patay-gutom talaga!" puna ni Jig na tinabig ang kamay ni Acia na kukuha pa sana ng isang sandwich.

"Thank you, Kuya Dal!" Zak and Fae said in unison, and I just nodded in response

Lumapit na rin sina Jeric at Kim at kumuha ng pagkain pagkatapos magpasalamat. Naiwan naman si Acheron na patuloy pa rin sa ginagawa. Kumuha ako ng dalawang sandwich at lumapit sa kanya para ibigay ang isa.

"Kumain ka muna," sabi ko, inaabot sa kanya ang sandwich.

He looked at me and suddenly opened his mouth.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"My hands are dirty."

"Hugasan mo!" utos ko sa kanya.

"The cabin is too far, and I'm starving. Come on!" he said, opening his mouth again.

I didn't have a choice kundi isubo sa bibig niyang nakaabang ang hawak kong sandwich. He took a big bite and chewed slowly, his eyes locked onto mine the entire time.

"Stop staring," reklamo ko at umiwas nang tingin.

I heard a soft laugh from him, and when I looked again, he was still staring. I shot him a glare to hide my embarrassment.

"You're so adorable. Give me more."

Muli ko siyang sinubuan ng sandwich habang nakakunot-noo. I hated how he found it amusing to tease me, but I hated myself more for actually enjoying his company. I hated how easily I was swayed by his smile and shamelessness.

I didn't know where this would lead me, but remembering what he said about taking risks and embracing the outcome, I surprisingly felt at ease. Maybe because I felt safe with him?

After we finished the sandwiches, we went back to unloading and transferring all our stuff into the cabin. Masyado kaming maraming dala dahil two-day camping ang gagawin namin. We also brought tents and camping chairs. Nang matapos na kami ay tanghali na.

"Let's go!" Biglang sigaw ni Fae na nauna nang lumabas ng cabin at tinungo ang daan patungo sa waterfalls.

We could already hear the sound of swift-flowing water, and just listening to it was so comforting.

Iniwan namin ang ilang gamit sa cabin at dinala lang ang mga kakailanganin sa camping. The path to the falls was rocky and tricky, especially since it's sloped downward. The good thing was that there were wooden railings on one side of the path for support.

From time to time, I could feel Acheron's warm hands guiding me—sometimes holding my arms, other times resting lightly on my waist. Wala namang nakakita dahil nasa hulihan kaming dalawa, malayo sa iba.

I knew this was just Acheron being himself, but this simple act made my heart flutter.

When we finally arrived at the waterfall, my jaw dropped in awe.

The water spilled over the rocky edge in a smooth, endless sheet, breaking into white streams as it crashed down. A fine mist rose where it met the pool below, catching the sunlight in a soft, golden glow. The sound was deep and constant, a steady roar that drowned out everything else. Dark, moss-covered rocks framed the waterfall, and delicate green ferns clung to the damp cliffside. The pool rippled outward, reflecting the movement above, its surface broken by the steady drumming of falling water. It felt alive, powerful yet peaceful, a force that never stopped moving.

"Wow!" Jeric and Kim said in unison, both jaws fell down in awe.

The four teens, who I assumed were already accustomed to the view, only took a quick glance before to set up their tents.

"Pink yung tent ko, ah?"

"Yellow ang akin!"

"Akin itong blue, sa'yo itong green, Zak."

"Ha? Pink ang tent ko!" Zak shouted and grabbed the pink tent from Fae, but the girl refused to let go.

"Hindi! Akin to! Green yung sayo!" mahigpit ang pagkakahawak nito sa tent kaya hindi makuha-kuha ni Zak

"Ako bumili niyan! Green yung sayo, pink yung akin!" Zak shouted back, pulling hard on the tent.

Fae noticed what he was about to do, and just as Zak was about to yank the tent with full force, she suddenly let go.

"Yawaaa!!" Zak shouted as he hardly fell straight into the water. Fae, on the other hand, laughed and quickly grabbed the green tent from Jig's grip.

All of us watching burst into laughter at the scene.

"It's nice to be young," bulong ni Kim na nasa harapan lang namin. "Ughh! Naiinggit ako. Ang sarap bumalik sa pagkabata."

"Hahaha... akala ko ba hindi ka pa matanda?" singit ni Jeric na may halong pang-aasar.

I saw Kim rolled her eyes before turning at the guy next to me.

"Oh? Bakit?"

But instead of answering him, Kim turned back to Jeric. "Kung masunurin lang itong boss natin, baka ramdam ko pa ang edad ko. Haist!"

I laughed at her remark. Knowing Acheron's behavior, I understood exactly what she meant. He must be a real headache sometimes.

"Tsk! Just think about this two-day trip as a vacation and enjoy," Acheron said as he patted Kim's head.

"Of course, boss!"

They were quick to build their tents after hearing what their boss said. I don't think they're deprived of having fun. Based on their facial expressions, they looked more excited to test the water and enjoy themselves. The water was so clear, it felt like it was pulling you in for a dive.

I also started setting up my own tent, placing it beside Acheron's. Minutes passed, and Jeric insisted on gathering some twigs because the kids wanted to have a bonfire later that night. Jig and Zak volunteered to help him, so the only ones left were Kim, the two young girls, Acheron, and me.

"Girls, ligo na tayo!" Kim called out, and the two youngsters eagerly nodded.

Dinala ko ang camera ko dahil alam kong maraming magagandang tanawin ang pupuntahan namin. Kanina, habang nasa kotse ako at binabaybay namin ang daan tungo sa fall ay kumukuha rin ako ng mga litrato. Mula sa langit na natatabunan ng mga dahon. Sa mga bulubundokin na hinahabulan ng malalagong halaman. At sa mga puno na sobrang ganda ng mga dahon.

Nang marating na namin ang cabin kanina ay kinunan ko rin ang mga pagkain, at kagamitan namin.

Napansin mo ang sarili na ngumingiti habang pinapanood ang mga litratong nakunan ko kanina. Sa studio ay parati akong nage-enjoy kapag may shoots. Pero this time, it felt like I was having fun for the first time. There was something special about these pictures, something I couldn't quite put into words.

I put down my camera and took in my surroundings. The sound of the waterfall made everything feel magical. The tents, neatly arranged. The mist glowed golden under the sunlight. The water cascaded smoothly, its rushing and gushing harmonizing with the laughter of the three girls swimming.

Lindenvale is not just a province; it's life.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and let the scenery play in my mind. I had never felt this kind of peace before. Never had the chance because of how demanding my work was.

Thanks to him.

As I opened my eyes, my gaze landed on the man standing near his tent. He was holding a towel and had just turned around, facing me. The moment our eyes met, a smile instantly formed on his lips.

Acheron… In just three days, he had made me experience life. He let me live without holding back. In just three days, he made me feel different kinds of emotions. He made me realize that being alive is a wonderful gift. In those three days, he erased all the negative thoughts lingering in my mind.

"Hey, handsome!"

Acheron's voice was warm, smooth, and slightly deep, making me want to listen to him every time he spoke. It had a natural softness, different from everyone else's. When he spoke seriously, I could feel his sincerity. And when he was being shameless, his voice sounded undeniably attractive.

Lost in my thoughts, I hadn't realized that a chuckle had escaped my lips.

"Complimenting me in your head?" he asked, smiling.

"You're not dating anyone, right?"

"Nope!" he answered immediately. "Why are you suddenly asking me that?"

I knew he was giving me hints, yet I was still afraid to admit and accept everything. But I didn’t want to ruin whatever was just starting to grow between us. Honestly, what truly made me continue this trip was his 'contaminated water' theory.

Even though I'm scared... I still want to try.

Just once—I want to be happy.

"I don't believe in love. I don't do commitments. Relationships aren’t my thing. I can offer everything… except those."

- B M -