Beautiful Escape

EINILLE concealed the amazement in her eyes while gently staring at her boyfriend—Hero. She thought how lucky she was for having him in her life. Hero was the type of man she prayed and dreamed of—a total package of his kind. He was articulate, funny, and a natural charmer, plus his lean muscular body that can protect her anytime. He appeared like an angel sweetly talking with her.Hero discussed his newly built business in line with gold mining in the province, and he looked so proud of his milestone. They were currently eating their lunch together in their favorite restaurant in Sorsogon.“Babe, you are extra pretty today,” his eyes dreamy while observing her face.Einille grinned and playfully rolled her eyes, “I know.”They were dating for almost one year. She loved him so much even though there were times that he couldn’t give her time. But she didn’t mind, because she knew that Hero was a very busy per

AT the restaurant, Einille arrived thirty minutes earlier. She was feeling uneasy while waiting for Hero. And from time to time, she would look at her reflection on a small round mirror that she always brought inside her bag. She had to look perfect when her boyfriend arrived.She glanced at her gold wristwatch. It was nearly the time of their tryst. She played her phone in hand in a circular motion while thinking that Hero might encounter a minor accident on the way, the reason he took so long. She dismissed the thought of calling him because he might be driving.Einille was interrupted when a waiter came to her table, giving the menu card. Maybe he noticed she had been waiting for quite some time.“I’m waiting for someone, thank you.” She beamed at the young man, and he politely smiled back at her.She looked at her watch again. It had been an hour. But Hero told her he was on the way before. She started to worry more. What if somethin

“YOU’RE HERE!”Vale turned his head, and he saw Rab walking in his direction. He had a teasing smile on his face, probably because he had witnessed him and Einille earlier.“Hey!” He tapped his shoulder, “Actually, I’m about to go home. What the hell happened to Einille? She looks like a damsel in distress.”Rab’s expression softened, “I pity her, honestly. They’ve broken up. But it’s for her own good. She’ll get over it soon. Now, it’s your time to shine!”Vale chuckled, “I hope so. Let’s wait until she processed everything.”“Be there for her. At least she is safe under your watch.”“Of course!”“By the way, what happened to your sponsorship in the coming shoot fest?” Rab asked, changing the topic.“Yeah, I’ve talked to Sergeant Marquez earlier. Everything is settled. Are

THE two have met their tour guide for today’s activity, a young man who introduced himself as Greco.“The traverse would take six hours at a normal pace, and if slow, eight hours,” Greco explained. He also gave trivia about the place, and Einille was fascinated while she listened.Vale was quiet at her back, and his eyes traveled around the mountainous area“Ein, I suggest you leave your things here. I’ll bring your tumbler and other important things. You might find it hard carrying that much on your ascent.” Vale sounded worried.Her eyes rolled upward. This man was really belittling her! Although she didn’t train lately, she was sure her knees could take the load of her hiking bag. She had been taught like this before, and she didn’t see any reason to fail.“Why don’t you leave your bag to Rudy? If you think you can’t make it, just wait for me here. I’ll be quick.”

AFTER lunchtime, they immediately traveled to Bokod, where they had to register at the Department of Natural Resources. They didn’t find any hassle since Rudy was an expert driver. They asked him to wait for them there since the van might find it hard to go through the uphill route going to Camp One. They attended a seminar since it was mandatory before the climb. After that, they handed them the medical certificates and other requirements stating they were fit to climb. Several trails were going to the summit of Mount Pulag, but Vale chose the easiest. “We’ll trek to the Ambangeg trail. Since all these trails will only lead to one summit.” Vale said, explaining the pros and cons. “I want the challenging route. Let’s try the Akiki trail.” Einille said. The trail she mentioned would take three days to reach the summit. That was her original plan only if they didn’t drop by to the park earlier. “I’d like that, too. But I’m concerned about you, don’t for