It was nearly 11:00 PM when they arrived in the town of Candelaria in Zambales. They pulled up to Sea Breeze Beach Resort, where the path to the hotel entrance was adorned with lights attached to the mango trees. The resort was conveniently located just fifty meters away from La Paradiso Hotel, where the Sabellano family would be staying for the next two days. It was the perfect spot for them to meet up with Rose and spend time together.
Henry parked his 2010 Ford Ranger Wildtrak, and with excitement, Vanessa, Agnes, and Chantelle stepped out of the vehicle to marvel at their surroundings. They delightedly plucked ripe mangoes, a complimentary treat for guests of the hotel. Argel joined them, assisting Mercy and Lourdes in unloading their bags and food from the car's compartment. After their nearly four-hour journey, everyone was tired and drained. They swiftly arranged the rental of three rooms for their stay over the next two days.
Karl arrived on his motorcycle, dismounting and placing his helmet atop Henry's car. He noticed Agnes gazing in his direction and enthusiastically waved to greet her, but she coldly disregarded him. Perplexed, Karl approached her, only to have Agnes intentionally avoid eye contact.
"What's wrong with her?" he asked to chantele who stood beside him.
"I'm not sure. Perhaps she's just not in a good mood. She mentioned having a headache, maybe," Chantelle replied in her tomboyish tone. Karl nodded slowly, releasing a sigh.
"She may simply be tired. Let her rest," Vanessa suggested, her sentences gracefully spoken, reminiscent of a beauty pageant contender.
"I see," Karl responded. "Tell her to take her meal before going to sleep," he added while checking his cell phone for any new messages. He read Rose's texts and dialed her number.
"Hello," he greeted.
"Thank God you're safe. I've been texting and calling you since we arrived at the hotel, but you never replied," Rose's voice rang through from Karl's phone.
"The signal was terrible, and we were still on the road," Karl explained, admiring La Paradiso Hotel's beautifully domed roof.
"How is everyone? Let them know I'm looking forward to seeing them tomorrow," Rose eagerly exclaimed.
"We're all fine and safe here. I'll relay your message. By the way, how are your parents? And of course, your cute little brother Julius?" Karl inquired, taking out a stick of cigarette from his shirt pocket and placing it between his lips.
"Julius is okay..." Rose paused, sighing softly.
"Are you okay, though?" Karl's concern was evident in his voice. He settled onto his motorcycle seat, lighting the cigarette between his lips.
"I... I don't know. I can't say that I'm completely okay," Rose's trembling voice responded.
"I'm always here for you, you know that. I'll help you through it. Whatever it is, I'll stand by your side no matter what. Feel free to share anything that's troubling you about your parents," Karl reassured her.
"I know you'll do, Karl. It will be good to talk about it in person. It's not just Mom and Dad that are bothering me..."
"What is it?" Karl inquired.
"It's about a man named Seth," she revealed.
"Who's Seth? Do I know him?" Karl asked his tone became serious.
"You don't know him, and I don't either. Like I said, I will tell you about him tomorrow."
"Okay, if that's what you want, then I'll have to wait until tomorrow. By the way, what are you doing now?" Karl changed the topic.
"We're already in our room. I am with Julius. He's sleeping now," Rose replied. "What about you?" she asked.
"We just arrived a few minutes ago. We already checked in and had our meal. Now we're going to sleep because everyone is tired and exhausted," Karl answered. A smile appeared on his face. "You said Julius is sleeping with you tonight, right?" he asked, smiling.
"Yes, why do you ask?" Rose questioned.
"I think it would be great if you let me sleep beside you tonight instead of your little brother," he laughed, taking a final sip of his cigarette and throwing it into the plant box. Rose let out a cracked laugh.
"You naughty boy," she said. "I love you, Karl. Always keep me in your thoughts," she said emotionally.
"I love you too, Rose. You're always in my thoughts," he replied as his heart leaped in his chest. "Do you know, Rose? I composed a song for you."
"Oh, really?!" Rose exclaimed.
"Yes, I have. Though it's not yet finished, would you like to hear it?" he asked proudly.
"Oh yes, I do! Please sing it for me," she said excitedly.
"Okay, I'm not the best singer, but for you, I will try my best. Now, listen." Karl began to sing his composition for the woman he loved the most. His baritone and slightly husky voice gave her goosebumps as the melody soothed her heart, filling her with joy and ecstasy.
"Like the wind that softly blows around,
Caressing me, for you I can be found,
With synchronized heartbeats, we are bound,
United by love, forever we're one.
You held my hand and gave me a sweet kiss,
As I closed my eyes, savoring your gentle bliss,
Hold me tight and shower me with love's pure essence,
You gave me reasons to live, a life of significance.
Living without you is misery,
Having you only in my memory is agony,
All I ask is for you to stay by my side,
Just like when I'm lost, you've found me, my guide."
Agnes concealed herself on the enormous trunk of the mango tree, listening to the conversations between Karl and Rose. She wept uncontrollably, consumed by a sense of despair. She blamed herself, believing that if she hadn't introduced Rose to Karl, they wouldn't have become lovers. Agnes had yearned to be his girlfriend, but her lack of courage prevented her from expressing her feelings. She envisioned a life in his embrace, tenderly caressing his face, kissing his lips, and tracing her fingers along the well-defined muscles of his chest and arms. Now, she envied Rose for possessing Karl, the man she adored and loved. The depth of her pain was overwhelming, her heart felt like it was ready to shatter. The mere thought of witnessing their togetherness, the sight of them sharing a kiss, proved unbearable. Agnes slouched, clasping her knees tightly as her tears flowed relentlessly. Suddenly, a comforting hand glided across her back. It was Vanessa, her loyal confidante.
"What is troubling you?" Vanessa inquired, her voice filled with sympathy. Agnes remained silent.
"I warned you that this would only intensify your pain. You were aware of the consequences from the start, yet you chose not to listen," Vanessa remarked gently. "Come, cry on my shoulder." She extended her arms, offering solace in their embrace.
"Why does it hurt so much?" Agnes asked, her tear-filled eyes searching for answers.
"Perhaps it is because you love him intensely, but he cannot reciprocate the love you desire," Vanessa responded, her voice filled with understanding.
"Is it wrong to love him and expect him to love me in return?" Agnes asked, her tears blurring her vision.
"There is nothing wrong with loving him. However, desiring him to love you in the same manner creates complexity. Allow him to love you in his own way, according to his own will. Someone else already possesses his heart. The truth is, he cares for you and loves you, but not in the way you long for. It is crucial that you accept this," Vanessa explained. "Stop crying now, my friend," she added with compassion.
"I love him so deeply. My love for him has persisted since our youth," Agnes confessed, attempting to gain control over her tears.
"He only saw you as a friend, not the other way around. Accept it, or you'll end up with nothing and lose him even as a friend—the only thing you have left with him. Can't you be happy for him now that he has found true love with Rose?" Vanessa said once again.
"Do you think I'm incapable of giving that kind of love? That thing called true love?" Agnes responded with a higher pitch.
"I know you're capable of giving that kind of love, but it will only be wasted if Karl cannot reciprocate the same love you offer," Vanessa explained in a soft tone.
"Maybe... maybe in time, he can learn to love me back, the way I want him to love me," Agnes said.
"You mean you're going to gamble yourself for his love?" Vanessa raised her voice. "That is bullsh*t, Agnes! It's bullsh*t!" Vanessa was disappointed and angry with her friend.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes just to win Karl's heart," Agnes answered.
"God, you're crazy. You're no longer the friend I know," Vanessa said, her voice filled with frustration.
"I'll do anything for his love." Agnes pushed Vanessa's hand away.
"Agnes, please! If you love him, set him free," Vanessa pleaded.
"But I can't live without him," Agnes said.
"Damn you, Agnes, don't be so stupid, okay?!" Vanessa raised her voice. "Friend, you need to try. It will only hurt you more," Vanessa pleaded with her best friend. Agnes remained silent, crying.
"Let's go inside, it's already late. Let's eat first then we get rest," Vanessa said and helped her friend to stand.
"I'm not hungry," Agnes said.
"I insist!" Vanessa said.
"I can't. I'm not feeling well. I need to go to the room now," Agnes said, her eyes red and wet with tears.
"Okay then, if that's what you want. I'll just bring you food to eat just in case you're hungry," Vanessa nodded and turned her back, walking towards their room. Agnes held her hand, and looked at Vanessa with sad eyes.
"Just move on, friend. Let them go. It's the best thing you can do," Vanessa said.
"I-I'll try," Agnes answered and walked away from her friend, who was just staring at her in the hotel hallway.
Karl entered the hotel's cafeteria and found the group almost done with their midnight snacks. Most of them were seated around a large rectangular table, discussing plans for the next day's activities. Argel was busy singing at the karaoke machine, while Henry enjoyed his last sip of beer.
Karl made his way over and positioned himself beside Mercy and Lourdes. It was his first time being with them, so he felt a slight discomfort.
"Hey, Karl, serve yourself," the woman on his left said.
"Thanks," Karl replied, nodding to the woman.
"By the way, I'm Mercy," she introduced herself, shaking Karl's arm. "Karl, let me introduce you to the group. The woman to your right is Lourdes." Karl nodded at the petite woman to his right.
"Nice to meet you," he said.
"Same here," Lourdes responded and smiled at him.
"And of course, you already know Vanessa, right?" Vanessa smiled and playfully pouted her red lips.
"Yes, of course."
"Okay then, the one who's singing is Argel, the Little Man, and there's Henry, the Millionaire," Mercy pointed to Henry, who was waiting for his turn to sing with Argel. Karl gazed at them and nodded.
"And of course, beside me is Chantelle, 'the police.' " Chantelle smiled as Karl wondered why she was called 'the police.'
"Is she a policewoman?" he asked curiously. Then everyone laughed.
"No, she isn't. Just try to observe her, and you'll find out why," Lourdes said, laughing.
"Okay. Nice to meet you all, guys!" Karl noticed that Agnes was not with them.
"Where's Agnes?" he asked.
"She's not feeling well. She's in the room," Vanessa said, biting her lower lip and looking at him seductively.
"Can I see her?" he asked.
"Let her rest. She might be sleeping right now. You should stay with us here and enjoy our company. Brace yourself, and you won't regret the night with us. Isn't that right, guys?!"
"YEAH!" They all responded in chorus, leaving Karl speechless.