One

I put my phone back to my sling bag beside me. I feel nervous for what I am going to do. It feels like something bad will happen or is it just because of the thought that I am just afraid of riding an airplane? Am I doing the right thing?

I remembered what my teacher said before, curiousity kills a cat. A common phrases rather idioms that people stated. Either it kills you literally or it will kill you in a meaningful way of knowing everything.

I can’t stop myself when I want justice for my friends. If it’s not me, who else would they expect to do something like this? I can’t let go if deep down inside me, they need me for this.

I got off the boat when I reached Catagban port where the van that'll take me to the resort was found. I occupied myself by reading a book by Agatha Christi, ABC Murder. One of Hercule Poirot myster.

It was a book that Rhisha gave me at our graduation. She said that I might like it since I love reading books.

I sighed. Because of thinking deeply, I got lost in what I am currently reading. It was the part where Fraser discovered that Betty died during the interrogation she did with Poirot.

What could possibly be the owner of the letter wants from Poirot, like how this person with the initials ABC wanted Poirot to chase this certain guy?

I looked out the window. There were also already many of us inside the van, probably over ten.

I glanced at the rearview mirror and immediately looked back when I noticed a man in a blue cap, black mask, and black shades sitting in the back seat of the van. He’s silently reading a book. I averted my gaze when he noticed that I was looking at him.

Why do I feel nervous? Self, It’s just a guy who’ll be having a vacation. In this kind of get-up, he might be a famous person who’s trying to not be recognized by anyone. Right. I shooked my head and continued reading.

When I got off the van, we were already in front of the hotel of the resort. I took my travel bag and went inside. After getting my key, I immediately went towards the hotel room I’ll be staying in. I exhaustedly lay my body down on the bed and let my traveling bag be on the floor.

My phone rang inside my black jeans ko and so I picked it up. I saw Kyle’s face show up on the screen, it was a video call. I answered the call and saw his smiling face while sitting on his couch.

“Hi,” we both said which made a curve on both of our lips.

“So you are in Boracay, in a rush?” he asked and slightly raised his eyebrow.

“Yup, it’s my friend’s birthday,” I replied with a smile. A sudden chill and guilt of lying were knocking on my body now.

“Oh,” he paused for a while and smiled. “So how’s your trip there?”

“Superfine,” another lie uttered by my lips.

I didn't notice the time as we continue to talk about us and things about our lives.

I took a shower first before heading downstairs to see the mesmerizing view of the sea with my phone and DSLR with its strap hanging on my shoulder. I am wearing a plain black shirt and a short.

The glow of the setting sun was about to show up. There were only a few people outside. Couples, families, and lots of tourists can be seen around.

I sat on the wind sand and take shots of the setting sun. Photography is one of the things Francene and I love to do. I tightly gripped the DSLR I was holding, it was actually a gift I received from Francene on our friendship anniversary. She’s the one who thought about our friendship anniversaries. I missed her voice talking about her crushes, her secrets, her fears, and her dreams.

I wiped the tear that had escaped my eyes. I stood up and stepped back into the hotel. I looked at the message from Rhisha and Cherry.

Cherry and I haven’t talked since our graduation. She was still upset about me forgetting her birthday two weeks before the graduation. I tried reaching her out to talk to her but she kept on avoiding me all the time.

I didn’t fulfill my promise to her.

I fell when someone suddenly bumped into me. My phone threw away in a direction far from me. I could my butt hitting the sand. Good thing I was able to support my body with my hand touching the sand. The shock was all over my pale face. In an instant, I ended up like this.

I looked at the boy crying a few steps away from me. He was holding his forehead that seemed to hit my knees. His body fell and lay off the sand. As from what I see, he’s probably around 5 or 6 years old.

I approached him while panicking. “A-are you alright?”

Damn, Queenie. Why do you have to ask that question when it’s already obvious that he’s not?

The poor boy continued to cry and it became more loud. What should I do? His forehead reddened. 

“Can you get up? Let me see your forehead. I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry,” I muttered in fear and any moment from now, I know, I might also cry.

Damn, self, what have you done?

I gently combed his hair with my fingers trying to calm him down but I failed. I noticed that there were three tourists that trailed off from their tracks and stared at both of us.

“Xanie, get up.” A handsome man with a deep voice showed up in front of us. Why would he rudely say that to this poor little kid?

The boy’s mouth slightly opened and looked up to see the man in front of us.“But, Bro... it hurts,” he cried.

I looked up at the tall man and froze for what? Seconds. For I already saw that face but I don't remember where. His gaze was fixed on the little boy beside me. There’s no expression on his face.

I shifted my gaze to the boy who was sobbing continuously. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it, it just suddenly...” I explained.

I helped the boy to stand up with his red swollen eyes. His forehead’s red and there’s a little lump on it.

Is my knee that hard? How come his forehead hit my knees if his height is a litter higher on my knees--Waist height.

“Don’t say sorry for him. It’s his fault. He’s being too clumsy.”

Is this really his brother? His little brother already got hurt and he should feel worried about it. I couldn’t believe he said those words to him.

I gently shook off his back to get rid of the sand found against his back. He’s no longer crying. He’s just looking down at the sand.

“Sorry,” he said, almost in a whisper.

“It’s okay, just be careful next time. Are you okay? Does your forehead hurt?” I asked.

He just shook his head.“Thank you, but I'm already fine,” he answered and looked at his brother.

“Let’s go, Mama, has been searching for you since earlier,” the man stated and left him.

“Is that your big Bro?” I curiously asked.

“No, my cousin but he is really like that and I’m already used to it,” he said with a wide smile.

“Oh, is that so? Hmm, go now and follow him before he gets mad.”

He smirked. What a handsome little boy. “Okay, and I’m sorry.”

I nodded at him before he ran towards his brother. I looked for my phone and it took me minutes to find it. I picked it up and saw a message from an unknown number.

‘Give me the file.’