Beginning
"We'll go back to Sorsogon, Mont. The Montalban brothers will be with us this time, while Ton and Lope are already there. They're waiting for us."
"I can't. You know the responsibilities we have here."
"I know that very well, and I also know you can still fulfill your duties even if you're in Sorsogon."
My cousin was right. I can do it - and so can he. However, I didn't see enough reason to be there, even if my friends were already there or coming with us.
"Come on, bro. I need to check on my father's business, and we'll also treat it as a vacation. Besides, if you want to be part of the investors, then come with us."
And of course, he would use that against me. He knows exactly what would convince me to go.
"Fine."
Although our parents aren't that strict with us, I still don't want to abuse the trust. I know who I am - and the responsibility and legacy I carry for this family and the people. But going to Sorsogon this time won't be a waste of time.
The first time I visited Sorsogon, I was just a kid. I didn't like it because it wasn't yet civilized. The area wasn't developed, and there weren't many people. But now, seeing how far it's come, I'm beginning to like it! Especially since I'll be investing in my cousin's shipping business.
"Let's go this afternoon to Capt. De Guzman's place," Jaime invited us.
We're currently staying in Bacon, at Carlos' father's rest house. And because the place is somewhat remote, it's almost deserted around here.
"Sure!" Lope answered excitedly.
"Let's invite him tomorrow to Pilar. I want him to see your new design, Javier."
"Sure, Carlos. I know that kapitan will be impressed!"
We all laughed. We know very well that Capt. De Guzman isn't fond of praising anyone's work. He always finds something wrong with everything.
Afternoon came, and as agreed, we went to the captain's house. Since there's no swimming pool at Carlos' rest house, we indulged ourselves in his.
"Uncle, we're going to Pilar tomorrow. You can come with us," Carlos said.
"I won't go." He said it firmly, so Carlos didn't say another word.
"How's your mom, Mont?"
"She's fine."
"Your dad?"
"Still strong, like you."
"How about your dad?" he asked the brothers.
"He's doing well. He might be here in Sorsogon next month," Javier replied.
He asked about all our parents and what we've been doing lately. I found it a bit strange because he seemed different in how he spoke to us - relaxed, even kind? Unlike in our previous conversations with him.
"Don't you want to see the design Javier made, uncle?"
"No need. I trust you, Javier - and all of you. I'm proud that at such a young age, you've already accomplished so much! Just keep going."
That surprised us even more!
"And you, Lope, you can do better than I. Don't just copy me - you need to surpass me."
I feel at ease with him. He's changing, huh? Who would've thought that this silent, yet harsh and strict man would say all of that to us now?
The next morning, we went to Pilar Port. We also have a small rest house nearby for business convenience. But unfortunately, the house we found was a mess - dirty and barely had any furniture.
"I'll look for a house help." I blurted out.
"Yeah, you obviously need one," Antoni teased.
"Let's do that after we return to Spain. We won't be here for long anyway; we'll be in Sta. Lucia," Jaime suggested while examining the items he touched.
After assessing the condition of the house, we decided to stay at the port instead. We spent the entire day examining the new ship designed by Javier, along with other ships scheduled for cargo.
It was nearly six in the evening when we arrived at the entrance of the town. Feeling hungry, we decided to stop at a local eatery. We had all traveled in a single vehicle, which was the only one available at Carlos' house. I'm considering buying one here, but I'm still uncertain because I don't come to this place often, just for a few weeks before returning to my homeland. It will be years before I have the chance to come back again.
"Good evening, sirs. What are your orders?"
We were getting settled when a girl approached us. Her tone sounded as if she was commanding us to order immediately. Or maybe that was just how I perceived it, judging by the amused looks on my friends' faces.
She looks so beautiful. A real head-turner. That kind of beauty is impossible not to notice. She doesn't seem purely Filipina. It's evident in her features.
"Are you alright, miss?" Carlos asked.
"Yes, sir," she replied gently - unlike how she spoke earlier.
"How old are you?"
She stared at Carlos, as if hesitating whether to answer.
"14."
"You're so young…"
"Why, Carlos? If she's our age, what would you do?" I asked, annoyed.
"Nothing, Mont. She just looks familiar to me."
"Who?" Jaime asked, intrigued.
"No one."
She does look like someone I know, but I can't figure out who.
"Who do I look like, sir?"
"Ah, no one. Sorry for keeping you waiting. What's your best dish here?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't have all the information yet because I'm new here."
My cousin's making it harder for the girl. It was obvious she wasn't used to this kind of work.
"Chicken and rice. For all of us," I said. No one complained.
"What kind of chicken? Garlic? Fried? Fillet?"
"Two orders of each."
I watched her walk away, still wondering who she resembled. She looked so familiar…
I was hoping she'd be the one to bring our food, but I was disappointed to see it was someone else.
"Where is she?" I asked the boy who served our food, unable to hide my curiosity.
"W-who?"
"The girl who took our order earlier?"
"Why are you looking for her?!"
Whoa - are you mad, little boy? They looked the same age, and he obviously liked her. Too bad. He's too young, and I don't think she'd go for someone like him. He looks like a kid or her sidekick - not a match. And he's not even handsome or tall. So don't even try.
"What's her name?" Jaime asked.
And why does he want to know? I got even more irritated when I saw the boy's sharp glare at us.
"Is it bad to ask!?"
"She's off-duty. She went home."
"Where is she from?" Jaime asked again.
"I don't know."
I know you know. And you think we can't find out? We'll see. And I'll make sure you will hate me even more when I do.
That was the first time I saw her. I returned to Pilar every day and ate at their eatery just to annoy that little boy who likes her.
I noticed that the girl didn't come in every day. Sometimes, she was missing entirely, and on those occasions, someone else would take our order and serve the food. Even though we were nearby, we never saw each other again - not even a glance from her direction.
Hello, I'm here at your restaurant. She should be more hospitable, at least smile, or look at me, instead of pretending we never met. She should remember that I saved her from struggling that day.
But then I realized - I'm being foolish. So what if that kid likes her? So what if she ignores me? If she only knew who I really am... she'd be tripping over herself to get my attention. And honestly? Is this really what I'm thinking? That's not good.
I went back to Spain, annoyed with myself, with that girl, and especially with that little boy! What frustrated me even more was that I didn't even get the chance to know her name. But I guess that's fine. I didn't really need to know. What would I do with her name, anyway?
"Mont, when are you coming back to Sorsogon?" Antoni called me in the middle of the night from Spain.
It's been about five years since I last visited. I actually like the place now, but my interest waned because of those two kids. I don't know why, but every time I remember her - how she didn't even glance at me - it hurts my ego. No one has ever done that to me before. Or maybe it's more than that; my heart aches a little.
I'm trying to get over it!
But when I saw her again after all these years, I couldn't take my eyes off her!
From the balcony of my room, I intended to admire the view of the beach. But then I saw her outside my house, by the water well. I caught a glimpse of the side of her face - her narrow, pointed nose was unmistakable. What was she doing? Bathing?!
I thought I was imagining things, perhaps because I had been thinking about her too much. So, I closed my eyes. But when I opened them again, I saw her pouring water over her head, letting it cascade down her body.
She was indeed bathing! And not even in a bathroom? Right outside where she could easily be seen?
I was about to go outside to scold her when Jaime's voice interrupted me.
"Hey bro, I forgot to tell you. The housekeeper you hired before passed away. I just hired someone new. You know her - she's from Pilar."
"Yeah, I know her."
I don't know whether to thank him for bringing us together or to be angry for not warning me sooner. I could have prepared myself, especially given what I'm witnessing now.
That girl! Look at what she's doing! She's driving me crazy! But I'm trying to stay calm. Maybe she doesn't know someone is watching.
My anger grew when I saw her wet body through her white t-shirt. What if Carlos, Jaime, or one of my friends saw her?! They'd get a punch from me!
"And there is a princess bathing in the water well, unaware that others might see her. What a beautiful scene, huh?" I said sarcastically, my anger bubbling beneath the surface. I'm usually calm, but with her, I'm overwhelmed with emotion and heat.
When she turned her head, clearly shocked, I suddenly felt… happy. My heart skipped a beat.
"Why are you bathing here?" I asked.
"H-huh? No," she stammered.
"You're not bathing? Really? Then why are you wet? Hmm?"
She cleared her throat. "I slipped," she replied emotionlessly.
My thoughts drifted back to when she ignored me at that eatery. This situation was ridiculous, yet thrilling.
"So, you poured all that water over yourself just because you slipped?" I continued teasing her. If she was annoyed by my presence, then good, because I was feeling even more annoyed.
"I slipped," was all she said. I doubted she would say anything else, which only made me angrier!
Play it cool while you can, my princess… because I promise you, and this place, that you will be mine in the end. Today marks just the beginning - the dawn of myself with you. The birth of David Montgomery Bourbon - for you, my princess!