Chapter 6

EINILLE filed a five-day mandatory leave to rest her mind. She planned to go hiking in the North to ease her sadness. She had to make herself busy and regain her normal life after what happened. She couldn’t sulk forever.

She readied her things for her hiking adventure. And the only thing she was not prepared for was the coming of an unwanted visitor. Valentino, her overconfident suitor, came unannounced just now!

“Hi! Oh, I see that you’re ready.” He flashed out his signature teasing smile. He was comfortably sitting on the sofa. Beside him was a sixty-liters black mountaineering bag, with a folded trekking pole on the side pocket.

“What are you doing here?” She gaped at him. She just came out of her room with her hiking bag.

“Oops, sorry. I let him in!” Shari shouted from the kitchen. She wore her uniform and appeared ready to go out for her duty.

Shari even winked at her before leaving, “I’m going. Enjoy your adventure and have fun!”

Shari hurriedly went out the door. She paused for a while to playfully salute Vale before strolling out.

Vale stood up and put his hands to his pockets, “I heard you filed a mandatory leave. And I found out you’re planning to go North to hike. So, I decided to join,” he sounded as if invited.

At this point, Einille knew that Shari had sold her to this devil.

Einille rolled her eyes. Her patience with this man was running out. Maybe he was born naturally numb. She simply wanted alone time to contemplate everything. Now she would deal with another nuisance.

“Please, I want to be alone.” She held her head up. She wanted inner healing, and the last thing she wanted to happen was to be with this person—her opinionated suitor.

“Don’t worry. I’ll leave you alone. I understand your sentiments. Let us pretend we didn’t know each other.” Vale reasoned out, lightly scratching his head, and he added, “Or let me be your photographer.”

Her eyes narrowed, “I don’t mind if you want to join. But let me tell you, in case of emergency, I will not be liable, okay? I’m planning to scale two mountains.”

She wanted to scare off this man. Maybe he would change his mind.

As for herself, she knew her limits. She had trained on land navigation and jungle environment survival, and this hike would be easy. But for Valentino, she somehow doubted it.

“Which mountain we’re gonna scale?” Vale sounded excited.

“Mount Ulap and Mount Pulag.” She raised her one brow, looking at his unbothered expression. These mountains were the highest in Luzon, and it would not be easy for a beginner.

Vale grinned, “Piece of cake.”

“Conceited! I will not help you if your knees couldn’t make it to the summit.”

“Promise, I won’t bother you.” He raised his right hand as if taking an oath.

Einille knew that no matter what she says, Vale would not change his mind. On the other hand, she thought it was better if Vale would tag along because she would make him her bodyguard. Why not? With his physique, for sure, he would not complain if she made him a porter.

“Can I make a suggestion? If you want a more challenging hike, why don’t we try the Kibungan Cross-Country? That’s equivalent to fifteen mountains, and it would only cost us three days.” Vale said as if giving a bright idea. He referred to the long strenuous trail that would cross three provinces.

“Try that alone since it’s your idea,” she said sarcastically.

Honestly, she considered his notion. But she preferred to scale Mount Pulag because legends say it was the playground of the gods. Maybe a god of the mountain would help her to ease her pain.

“Forget what I said.” Vale giggled. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes. 

“You’re suggesting mountains with greater difficulty, yet I doubt on the strength of your knees.” She rolled her eyes.

“That’s harsh, Ein. With my build, you think I’m not athletic?” Vale heartily laughed.

“Yeah, you’re like a walking steroid.”

Vale cackled out loud, “That’s funny! Now, what if it’s the other way around? What if you’ll need my help along the trail?”

She glared at him, “That will never happen.”

“All right, you say so. Shall we?”

Einille nodded. She double-checked her things before they got out of the house.

VALE painted a smile on his lips while staring at Einille’s glowered expression. She gazed at him, trying to catch his stealing glances. But he would look straight and make a serious face. They just arrived in Baguio and waiting for the van that Einille had rented. It was almost four in the morning. The temperature was chilly compared to the province where they came from.

“Don’t blame me if you couldn’t survive this.” Einille reminded him again. She had been threatening him throughout their journey, which he didn’t mind. He found her cute, trying to make him back off.

He learned about this hiking from Rab and Shari. The two supported him to give Einille company to ensure her safety. Plus, he wanted to unwind as well. The General let him go on this trip, and everything went smoothly.

“You’re looking down on me that much? You think I’m not fit to climb?” He chuckled. He was prepared. He even settled a medical certificate because it was one of the requirements in scaling these mountains. It was a bit insulting that this lady looked at him that way. Did he really appear that incapable?

“Let’s proceed to Mount Ulap. It would take four to six hours of trekking. We’ll do a traverse.” Einille said, looking thrilled even if she held her expressions.

He nodded, “You’re the boss.”

A moment later, a white van came. And a plump middle-aged man got down from the vehicle. He was smiling and introduced himself as Rudy, their driver.

Vale thought there would be some other passengers inside the van since it usually worked that way. But it turned out, Einille rented it supposedly for herself alone.

“I didn’t know you were this serious with your alone time. Thank God, you let me tag along with you. I’m glad,” he said, shaking his head.

“You sit to the passenger seat beside Rudy, talk to him so he won’t get bored. I’ll be sitting at the back.” Einille ordered.

“This van is spacious. Let’s be seated at the back.” He took his attention to the driver, “Right, Rudy?”

“Yes, sir!” the driver chirped.

“See?” He opened the door and helped Einille got inside. He hurriedly arranged their hiking bags.

Einille remained quiet. And she stayed that way until they reached their first destination.

Vale respected Einille’s silence. Only the loud Bluetooth speaker connected to Rudy’s phone could be heard, giving directions on which part to turn right, or left.

The driver used an app, and Vale prayed it was accurate to prevent them from getting lost.

Rudy had noticed their silence, and he started to play soft rock music.

“My apologies, but I really liked listening to music.” Rudy said, adjusting the speaker to a high volume.

A famous local song reverberated inside the van. It was about cheating. Rudy was emotionally singing to the beat of the music. While Einille’s brow almost formed a line, trying not to be distracted in her sleep.

“What the heck? Rudy, please, change your playlist.” Einille could not stand it anymore. She was so irritated.

Vale, who was seated on the other side, didn’t stop Einille from ranting. He understood why she was like that. His heart softened for her.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. Let me try an upbeat playlist.” Rudy scratched his balding hair. And a moment later, the infamous Bohemian Rhapsody echoed inside.

Vale happily sang to the lyrics.

Einille stared at him. And for the first time, he witnessed her genuine grin. There was an invisible tug in his chest, catching that million-dollar smile.