Chapter 16 (Weight)

 I passed by Batangas. I will take the Roro ship to Mindoro, and from there, I will take a boat to Constancia Island.   There are lots of tourists, hotels, and resorts.   It's a long trip. I just left a letter for Kylie. Mama also replied to me earlier. We will meet there, but not now. She asked us to meet before I left, but I refused.   I want to leave right away.   I don't know how long I will stay there. That's where I'll heal the wounds. It would be better if I never came back, I guess.   I'll accept everything. Even if I'm hurt, I won't be able to change a thing.   My head was leaning against the glass of the bus. My tears immediately flowed. I wiped it because I had someone next to me.   I am already at the Grand Terminal in Batangas. It's just a trip to Roro's boat. I opened Facebook when the bus started the trip.   This was the first time I had traveled alone. The crowded and mixed smell inside the bus was unbearable.   I'm tired and worn out.   My phone suddenly rang.   From Kylie: OH MY GOD, NAT. WHERE ARE YOU GOING? Please let me know!   She texted because I wasn't answering their calls.   I typed a reply.   To Kylie: YEAH, DONT WORRY. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING. I WILL MISS YOU.   I leaned against the headrest of the chair. I closed my eyes. But I only saw the images of Sebe and Eli.   I immediately burst into tears at the same time. The fuck! I don't know how to face this. I can only feel pain. It will pass soon. I hope it will.   After a long trip, I got on the island. It's already eight o'clock in the morning.   I am now in a bungalow in front of the sea. I did not go to the rest house or Mama's resort because they are renovating.   The living room is simple.   There is a TV. The dining area is clean and fully equipped.   There is a small chandelier on the ceiling.   The stairs are made of artistic wood carving. I also heard that there are falls here. It's my first time being here. It was also my first time traveling alone, because I was scared back then.   The bathroom has a simple bathtub and plain white tile only. It's complete with new equipment that hasn't been used yet. There was a toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, and a new towel hanging on the side.   I immediately arranged the equipment and carried it to the small walk-in closet. I took a shower and dressed in a floral. My underwear is a black bikini suit.   Later, I'll think about taking a dip in the sea.   I no longer felt tired because I was excited. It was quiet here; only the chirping of birds and the waves of the sea could be heard, sometimes the noise of people talking when passing.   Various tourists were here.   I went downstairs and went to the kitchen. I hadn't bought anything yet. The fridge is empty.   Later, I will go to the grocery store in town. I will buy the necessities here. It feels strange when I am alone in a very peaceful place. So, refreshing. Even my brain is refreshed. This is the break I really need. I went down to go to a restaurant near here.   Many are already swimming in the sea, laughing and taking pictures, and I even saw a couple. My system immediately went awry and averted my gaze.   Upon entering there, I immediately ordered grilled pork, fried rice, and juice.   I immediately felt tired.   After I ate, I went back to the bungalow. The noise of my cellphone that I had left here in the living room immediately enveloped my ears.   Kylie's number.   "Hello, Kyl?" I answered.   "Finally, Natalia Grace, you answer!" She ranted.   "Why?" I asked and sat down, leaning on the backrest of the sofa.   "Yesterday, Sebe came here! He's looking for you! He's outraged! He and Damon got into a fight! Gosh, Natalia! He's looking for you!"   My chest immediately throbbed at what Kylie said.   "What!?"   "You got it right! Wherever you are, please be good at hiding!"   The fuck! What did he do? Why does he even need to do that? Why are they fighting? My number one question is why! But I know I can't answer that.   Damn it! What is your game, Sebe? Why do you like this?   ***   During my one-week stay here, Mama and I met. I apologize. I was forgiven. It's hard for me to adjust to Eduardo's presence, but I did my best to approach him nicely. He's a nice man. He has no children, and that is in my favor. That way, I won't have any more difficulties.   Mama repeatedly asked me why I left Manila when she was busy.   It's only been two months, and it's summer break. I just said that I also need a break. I'll just take a special exam when I return.   I also have a lot of regrets because I know I have a lot to study. But it would be harder if I stayed there.   "You look pale, Natalia. Are you fine?" Mommy asked worriedly. She scanned my face.   I nodded.   "Yes, ma. I was just thinking something." I immediately bent down to fold some of her belongings. Later, they will leave for Hong Kong.   Eduardo is with her.   He's rich. He owned some malls abroad, casinos, and private schools.   Right now, we are here in our rest house. But later, I will return to the bungalow I rented.   "Thinking? Tell me." She reached for my hand and held it. "Are you in love? Do you have a boyfriend, Natalia Grace?" Mama asked softly.   Tears welled up in my eyes. I immediately looked up. I immediately bit my lip so as not to let out a sob.   Mama gasped, and she knew already.   A mother really knows everything when it comes to her child. With every tear, every simple movement, breathing, and speaking.   I opened my eyes immediately; Mama was not clear in my vision because of my tears.   I nodded slowly.   She looked at me. I felt loved as a mother there.   "Just cry. I'm here." She immediately turned to me and hugged me.   I cannot talk. I'm speechless.   I just want to release all my grievances now.   "Such is love, sometimes happy, sometimes sad. We fight for the person we love. Even if we are tired, we resist giving up. But if it hurts and you can't take it anymore, sometimes it's better just to quit to lose all the weight you're carrying. Natalia, you're an intelligent person; I know you can choose the right thing."