Chapter 6

Reina was all smiles as she walked beside Melody, who was busily haggling with the fishermen.

"Kuya Natoy! Kuya Natoy! We're here!" Melody called out.

"Hey, Melody! How are you? You look cheerful today!" Nate said with a grin.

"Of course! I’m with someone special!" Melody answered with a bright smile.

"Special? Who’s that?" Nate asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"Kuya Natoy, meet Maureen. Ate Maureen, this is Kuya Nate. He's the best fisherman around here!"

"Hello," Maureen said briefly, her voice reserved.

She stayed behind as the others conversed in Bisaya dialect, just listening quietly.

"Alright, ma’am, Kuya Natoy said it’s all settled," Melody informed Reina—now introduced as Maureen.

Maureen simply nodded, still in disbelief that all the fish they bought only cost 150 pesos in total.

“All of this?” she asked again.

“Yes, ma’am,” Melody confirmed with a grin.

Maureen also noticed the man who had been eyeing her for quite some time. His name was supposedly Natoy. He looked to be around twenty-eight years old—tan-skinned, with a well-toned body, clearly used to working under the sun. He moved like Robin Padilla and seemed shy.

“Good afternoon, Ma’am Maureen. I’m Nate. I’m glad you chose to spend your vacation here,” he said, obviously trying to befriend her.

“Good afternoon, Nate. Don’t call me ma’am. Just Maureen is fine.”

Nate scratched the back of his head, looking a bit shy.

“Ah, alright… Maureen. So, uh, if you ever need more fish, I’ll catch some just for you. We have bangus, tilapia, and fresh squid here,” he explained.

“If it’s from Kuya Nate, it’s guaranteed fresh, right?” Melody chimed in, clearly backing him up.

“Of course! We caught these just last night. They still smell like the sea,” Nate added proudly.

“Smell like the sea? I’m not really used to this,” Maureen commented.

“Oh, you’re from the city, aren’t you? Seems like you’re not used to life by the sea,” Nate observed.

“Yeah, I don’t come here often. But it’s so peaceful. The view is beautiful.”

“Kuya Nate, you’re good at cooking too, right? Maybe you could give her some tips on perfect grilling,” Melody teased while nudging Nate proudly.

Maureen couldn’t help but laugh at that moment. It had been a while since she laughed like that.

“Oh, really? Okay, Maureen, here’s the secret: the fire has to be just right—not too strong. And don’t forget to brush on some butter for extra flavor!” Nate said, sharing his tips.

“You really sound like an expert, Natoy. Alright, I’ll give it a try,” Maureen responded.

“Ate, maybe Kuya Natoy can also teach you how to clean fish,” Melody added playfully.

“Hey now, Melody, I never said I wanted to be a fisherman,” Maureen replied with a chuckle.

“Cleaning fish is easy, Maureen. But if you’d like, I can teach you sometime. Lessons are free,” Nate offered enthusiastically. His vibe, like Melody’s, was contagious—very lovable, extremely friendly, and undeniably attractive. So different from Gabriel’s demeanor.

“Thanks, but I might already be full from the smell before we finish,” Maureen joked.

“Ate, you’re a little too fancy for this place. But you’ll get used to it… especially if Kuya Natoy is your teacher,” Melody teased again.

“Stop it, Melody!” Maureen laughed.

“Oh no, Melody, Maureen might be getting embarrassed because of you,” Nate said.

“Well, Kuya Natoy, it’s true—you’re kind. And Ate Maureen seems like she’d fit right into this simple life, don’t you think?”

Maureen just shook her head while softly laughing.

“Nate, how much is a kilo of bangus? I’ll just get that to end this conversation,” Maureen asked, changing the subject.

“For you? It’s free,” Nate replied.

“Free? No way,” Maureen said quickly.

“It’s possible. It’s my special promo for new visitors by the sea,” Nate said with a grin.

“I told you, Ate Maureen, you’re special!” Melody whispered as if they’d been close friends for a long time. Maureen felt comfortable around these new people. Sooner or later, she would grow used to provincial life.

“I don’t like owing people anything, Natoy. I’ll pay,” Maureen insisted.

“Alright then. But I’ll give you a discount. So you’ll come back more often,” Nate replied with a warm smile.

“Thanks, Natoy. Melody and I will be back when we need more.”

“We’ll come back… or you’ll come back, Ate?” Melody asked teasingly.

“Let’s go before you get all dramatic again!”

“Take care! Don’t be shy to come back, alright?” Nate said with a grin, his bright face showing how happy he was to have met Maureen. It had been a long time since he had a love life, but it felt like a sign—like love might come knocking again.

“This is it, Lord! Thanks, finally!” he shouted into the air.

Maureen and Melody walked away, their laughter blending with the gentle crash of waves. Nate watched them go, a small smile lingering on his face before he returned to work. This was where Reina’s new life as Maureen Lopez would begin.

When they arrived home, Melody started cooking right away, and Maureen couldn’t resist helping. They joyfully cooked paksiw and fish soup. The flavor was deliciously fresh, sweet, and satisfying.

“Ate, you cook so well! You and Kuya Natoy really match!” Melody squealed.

“Oh no, what if he’s already married? I’ll be in trouble!”

“No way, Ate! Kuya Natoy’s single. His fiancée, Ate Emerald, passed away.”

Maureen was caught off guard. She felt sad after hearing that. Maybe Natoy hadn’t moved on yet—that could be why he hadn’t found a new love since.

She suddenly wondered… was Gabriel looking for her now? Did he even care?

Her expression turned serious.

She still loved him… but now, she needed to love herself more.

She had to be strong.

“Ate, are you okay? Why’d you suddenly go quiet?” Melody asked.

She shook her head. “Turns out we’re the same. My ex-boyfriend died too,” she lied.

“Oh… I’m so sorry, Ate. My condolences.”