Chapter 2: "Carmela's Gaze"

Carmela stepped out of the van, the cool sea breeze embracing her as she surveyed the quaint town of Eldoria. The streets, adorned with vibrant bougainvillea and weathered wooden structures, painted a picturesque scene that spoke of a simpler life untouched by the bustling pace of the city.

As her gaze drifted across the bay, where fishing boats rocked gently against the dock, a sense of tranquility washed over her.

"I feel like something unforgettable is going to happen here," she thought.

Eldoria, with its coastal charm and the symphony of waves that caressed its shores, seemed like a haven frozen in time.

With each step, Carmela felt the warmth of the community's welcome. Eldoria's residents, their faces etched with the stories of the sea, greeted her with genuine smiles. The local market, a vibrant mosaic of colors and scents, invited her to explore its treasures—freshly caught seafood, handmade trinkets, and the warm camaraderie of the townspeople.

"The restaurant-hotel that my dad and I plan to establish is a good venture. It will provide additional livelihood opportunities for the people here, aside from fishing," she thought again.

She found herself drawn to the heart of Eldoria, where the sea met the land in a timeless dance. The old resort, now repurposed, stood as a sentinel overlooking the horizon. The sun dipped below the ocean, casting a golden glow over the town that felt both nostalgic and enchanting.

Carmela's heart swelled with a newfound appreciation for the simplicity of Eldoria. The genuine connections between its people, the harmony of nature, and the echoes of untold stories whispered by the waves all combined to create a tapestry that felt almost otherworldly.

In the midst of Eldoria's charm, Carmela couldn't help but sense a magical undercurrent, an energy that transcended the ordinary. As nightfall descended, she stood by the shore, captivated by the moonlit waters that seemed to hold secrets untold.

Little did Carmela know that, in this coastal haven, her destiny would intertwine with the destinies of those who called Eldoria home. The enchanting tides, carrying whispers of love and mystery, set the stage for a tale that transcended the boundaries of time and the depths of the sea.

*****

"How are you here, sweetie? Did you like it?" Martin's voice resonated. He was her father.

At that moment, Carmela was busy in front of the mirror, combing her long, mahogany-colored hair—something that she inherited from her late mother, Clara.

"You really look so much like your mama, my love," were the words she heard as Martin spoke again.

At that point, Carmela simply and sweetly smiled at Martin. Her father took a step closer and embraced her tightly.

"I love my room, Papa. I really do. And the place as well. Although I haven't had the chance to explore yet, I feel like the people here are kind," she said truthfully.

Martin momentarily stepped back and looked at her intently. "I'm happy to hear those words from you, my daughter."

Carmela nodded. Then she tiptoed and gave Martin a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"Look how much you’ve grown, sweetheart. If only your mama were still alive, I'm sure she would be incredibly proud of everything you've achieved at the age of twenty-five."

Those words from her father touched Carmela's heart. They were true. At the age of twenty-five, she had come a long way in her life as a chef.

After completing her college degree in culinary arts from a renowned school in Manila, she immediately went abroad to work in America. Her father's friend owned a five-star hotel, where she gained valuable experience as a chef. It proved to be immensely helpful, opening numerous doors for her in America.

She returned to the Philippines after almost four years, and she was the reason Martin purchased this resort—for her and the business venture she wanted to pursue.

"I believe that everything will align with our wishes, Papa," she said, once again embracing her father tightly.

Martin didn't respond but simply nodded with a smile, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead before leaving her.

Carmela returned to the interrupted task in front of the mirror. Her reflection greeted her again, mirroring the image of her late mother, Clara, as her father mentioned earlier.

Her mother, being half-Spanish and half-Filipino, explained her mestiza appearance. As Martin mentioned earlier, she inherited her mother's sun-kissed hair, which was long enough to reach her waist and remarkably soft despite its wavy nature.

Despite residing in America for an extended period, Carmela's heart remained elusive when it came to love. It wasn't because no one was interested in her; rather, she couldn't seem to find someone she genuinely liked among those who openly showed interest.

The resort, now under her father's ownership, stood as a testament to their dreams. Carmela embarked on a new chapter, blending her culinary expertise with her father's entrepreneurial spirit.

A gentle and soft laughter escaped Carmela as she entertained the thought. Dating wasn't really in her immediate plans, especially now that she was about to get busier with the business. As she often reminded herself, she would be wise in choosing the man she would love. If she had her way, her first boyfriend would also be her last.

She had always been pragmatic when it came to matters of the heart. For Carmela, love wasn't a game to be played lightly. It was a commitment—a significant aspect of life—that required careful consideration. The bustling world of entrepreneurship would now demand more of her time and energy, leaving little room for romantic pursuits.

As she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, Carmela recognized the strength in her resolve. A half-smile lingered on her lips, embodying both determination and a touch of amusement at the idea of romance amidst her ambitious endeavors.

Her philosophy echoed within her, a mantra that guided her choices. She had always believed that intelligence should prevail in matters of the heart. As the business flourished, Carmela vowed to be discerning in selecting a partner who would complement her life and ambitions. The prospect of a first relationship also being the last held special significance for her.

In just a few moments, the young lady finally reclined on her bed. She reached for the lampshade atop the night table and switched it off. Subsequently, she surrendered herself to the embrace of a profound slumber, a result of sheer exhaustion.

The room enveloped her in a serene darkness as she succumbed to the beckoning call of rest. Fatigue weighed heavily on her, a testament to the day's demands. The journey from wakefulness to the tranquil depths of sleep became an effortless transition, and Carmela allowed herself to be carried away by the embrace of the night.

As the ambient noises of the outside world gradually faded, a serene stillness settled within the confines of her room. The soft rustling of the night breeze played a lullaby, gently coaxing her into a state of blissful repose. In the silence, her dreams awaited, ready to unfold on the canvas of the night. Little did she know that amidst the quietude, Eldoria, with its enchanting mysteries, held secrets that would soon weave into the tapestry of her slumber.