"So, I didn't know that aside from being a cosplayer and a graphic novelist, you are also a tourist guide," Deive said in awe while he steered the car out of the church premises and Callea waved at the tourists she accommodated. After the tour, they asked her and Deive for lunch and they couldn't say no because they were Father Gabe's family. And they were interested to know more about the history of Nagcarlan so, she accommodated them. They promised to return with more friends.
"Not an official one," she corrected.
"But you are still a great one. You are like a walking history book. Now I understand the significance of this old church and the underground cemetery. I am not a fan of historical landmarks. I prefer modern places."
"I know the history of those who were buried at the underground cemetery as well as the scary stories surrounding it. Maybe it was part of being a writer. I should know more about the history of a place so I could use them for the story. That's why I am drawn to creepy places. There is so much history and the story surrounding it. And Father Gabe knows that I love discussing the history of the place and scaring people."
Deive laughed. "Ah! That's why you are a great storyteller. Know what? You are more beautiful now than when you finished your makeover at the salon. You are more comfortable with yourself. They way you creep them out was alluring."
"You think I am beautiful even if I'm scary?"
"Yes. I guess, that's your personality shining. Personality over outside beauty. Just stay that way."
"Thank you." Callea thought that they finally broke the barrier. He finally accepted who she really was. He also appreciated her talents and the things that make her happy. And that made her feel so good. She thought that he won't accept her. That he would force her to change her identity. She was glad that he changed his mind.
"Do you want to watch Netflix later? They have this new horror show."
Callea clapped her hands in glee. "Yes, please. It has been a long time since I watched anything good." And it would be great to watch a horror movie with someone. Marina was not a fan of horror movies.
Her mood also improved. She stopped working for days now. Perhaps she would be inspired to work again soon. She had nothing to worry about Deive anymore.
When they were about to enter Villa Celesta, she noticed a couple of cars parked near the gates. Deive stopped his car and walked towards the cars. Callea didn't leave the car yet. Four equally gorgeous looking men went off the car. Each of them tapped Deive and hugged him.
"Deive, man, we've been waiting for you for hours. We couldn't contact your cellphone," said the cutest in the group. Deive's friends were visiting him?
"I was at the underground cemetery with Callea. There's no signal inside the crypt then the battery got drained." He was busy taking her photos and became the tourists' photographer later on.
The tall guy who looked a bit like Deive looked up at the tall gate. "So, this is Villa Celesta. It looked like a haunted house, Kuya (big brother). How could you stand staying here for long?" Maybe that was Keiran, Deive's younger brother.
"We've been ringing the doorbell but no one was answering or opening the gates. There's no one inside?" asked the most serious of the four.
"We were at the church. Maybe Callea's friend was still sleeping," explained Deive.
"Where is your future bride?" asked the one with long hair.
"Wait here," Deive said then went back to his car. He opened her door. "They want o meet you."
"Are you sure?" Callea asked. He wanted her to meet his friends and bother looking like that? She was not prepared for their visit. She should have worn something else.
He nodded and smiled. He assisted her to get off the car. Then he held her shoulder from the back to make sure that she won't run and escape. He knew that she was uncomfortable with strangers. Good thing there was a veil on her head and it was still covering her face. "Gentlemen, this is Callea, my fiancée." And he didn't bother to remove her veil. "This is Keiran, my brother." He pointed at the guy who looked like him. He introduced his friends who didn't look impressed with her. Lucian was the most serious of four. Averill was the one who loved to smile while Sidney was the one who liked to look cute but was pale because of her.
She proceeded to shake their hands. They wore a confused look on their faces, maybe wondering why she was wearing a Maria Clara dress with a veil on her head. Sidney's hand was cold when she took it. "Adios, patria adorada," he said with a smile but his voice was shaky. "We won't bother you anymore and we will go home. We just want to see Deive. Nice meeting you." He let go of her hand and look at Deive's direction. "W-We are leaving."
He looked seriously terrified and he looked like he wanted to run away while screaming his head off. Not a good first impression to Deive's friends. It could mean trouble.
Deive hooked his arms to Sidney's neck and pulled him towards his car. "Later. Stay here for dinner. She's a good cook."
"Great! I am famished," said Lucian who seemed unfazed even if she looked like a white lady or they had to stay inside her haunted house until nighttime.
The rest rode on their car while Sidney was hitting the backseat of Deive's car as if he was imprisoned. "Guys, let's go to church first. I don't care if I have to walk on my knees. L-Let's just go to church. What if we got enchanted or bad spirits possesses us?"
Callea laughed and Deive joined her. Maybe Sidney was watching too much horror stories or elemental documentaries. "Don't worry. We went to church a while ago and I prayed for your poor soul," said Deive with a smile when they entered the car.
Callea removed her veil and look at Sidney. "Welcome to Villa Celesta!"
Sydney let out a scream.