Rachel awoke from a deep sleep in the early hours of the night, feeling refreshed and energized. When she arose the first thing she thought was to go outside, but it was too late. How could she not enjoy herself at the lodge? It was so cozy and appealing to the eyes.
Rachel was thrilled to see the façade of Casa Ystelle because of its traditional Filipino architecture, and the interior did not disappoint! Furthermore, she picked this location since it includes a canteen below where lodgers may purchase their meals. It's ideal for a traveler like her because everything she needs is right here.
She then took a brief shower and cleaned her face to freshen up. She changed into knee-length pink dresses with cute puff sleeves. Then she just tied her hair up so that it didn't go into her meal later when she ate. Before she left her room, she changed into comfortable white sandals. And of course, she brought her laptop with her.
When she arrived at the canteen, she saw a few people eating and enjoying their dinner by groups. She was the only one who was here alone. It was kind of new to her so she brought her laptop to keep herself entertained.
All the photos she captured were saved on her laptop so she could make a journal of her travels. She wants to treasure and cherished her vacation because it might never happen again.
After she ordered her meal, she looked around to find a table for herself. Most tables are four seated and she decided to seat one where she can see the outside. The lodge's canteen is actually on the ground floor while the customer dines on its spacious wooden porch.
Rachel thought that the dim light was perfect. It made her feel as if she was going on a dinner date. While she was unpacking her laptop, she heard a familiar voice.
"Sis!"
When she turned around, she saw the group of girls walking towards the casa. It seems like they just came from their strolls.
"Can we join you?"
"Please," she replied with a sweet smile while removing the bag of her laptop from the chair beside her.
The three girls took the empty chairs with a smile on their faces. They seemed excited.
"Sis! Do you want to join us at the camp later? There will be a small tourist party!" said Nina who's been looking forward to this for days.
"A party…" One of the things she hates the most. She's been in one but swear that she'll never try it ever again. The beer… the loud noises… the chaotic people… she hates it all. "Ahm, I don't know," she replied. "I don't do well at parties."
"It's not the chaotic type of party you probably have in mind though. We're just going to jam together while the band sings and plays instruments. It would be fun!" Marie tried convincing her.
Rachel was suddenly reminded of the camp her brother told her about before she leave. He gave her the list of places where she can go and insisted that she go there. Rachel knew her brother is up to something and maybe she'd give it a shot.
"Alright, what time is it?" she queried.
They all beamed because of excitement and Lia replied, "About 10 pm. Let's meet here later so we could go together?"
"Okay."
"Yay! Okay, sis, we'll just take our orders," Nina responded and they all went to the counter to choose what they were going to eat tonight.
Rachel on the other hand, took her phone and message her brother. She told him that she'll be heading to the camp tonight as he suggested. Hopefully, she'll enjoy herself. But since the signal was too weak, the message was taking its time to be sent so she just slid the phone back to her bag.
When the three went back together at the same time Rachel's order was served. She told them, she'd wait for the girl's meal so they could eat together. While the three girls were chatting with each other, Rachel started creating her journal. But then she was distracted when the girls started talking about men.
Marie started it with a: "I heard there will be cute guys by the camp later!"
"Oh my gosh, I'm so excited," Lia responded while blushing as if she was imagining romantic scenarios in her head.
"I bet cute foreigner men will be there too," Nina said while giggling.
"This is your chance to find boyfriends," Marie told her friend while grinning.
"Marie, you're so lucky to have one already!" Nina pouted.
Lia nodded in agreement. "You've been together for a year right?"
"Yup! But I bet sis Rachel has one too!" They all looked at Rachel who froze because of what Marie said. "You're so pretty, I bet a lot of guys liked you!"
Rachel awkwardly chuckled and smiled at them. "Actually, I have no one. And… I have no suitors," she responded.
"What?!" they screamed in unison which made people look at them in curiosity.
"Oops, sorry," they mumbled and formed a peace sign with their fingers then looked at Rachel again.
"How is that possible, sis?"
"I don't believe it either!"
Rachel laughed while looking at their faces. She had the same questions before until she realized that guys probably can't wait for a girl who has big goals in life. "We can't be everyone's type, you know. They probably want a woman who can readily settle with them and I am just not that person because I always set my eyes on my goals," she stated with a smile.
"Oh I know, they are probably just intimidated by your beauty and intelligence, sis!"
"Don't worry. You'll find someone," Marie responded and smiled.
"Girls, we shouldn't be here for the men. We should be enjoying ourselves," Rachel said and chuckled.
"You are right sis, but what if some guy came and asks you if he can be part of your life, what are you going to do?" Nina queried with her eyes full of curiosity. The other two feels the same as they kept wondering who would be the lucky guy.
Rachel paused and think about it for a minute and smiled. "I never said I've close my doors for a guy. Besides, I think I'd know if someone is the right one for me," she answered while staring outside where a few people were walking and laughing at each other.
"Who knows… he might be somewhere out there," she said when the sea from afar caught her eyes. It's not too dark yet which is why she could still see its reflection.
She thought that if that certain man came into her life, she would never let him go.
—
Meanwhile, Rico just got home after work when he heard his phone notification from his pocket. He ignored it and greeted his mom who was cooking in the kitchen.
"Hey Mom," he spoke.
Her mother turned around and hug him. "How was your day? Did you get a message from your sister? I couldn't contact her," she said with a worried look on her face.
"Work's still hectic and don't worry much about sis, Mom. She'd be fine. I bet she's already there. The signal is just weak there. Let's just wait for her updates, okay?" he assured her.
"Alright. Go ahead and change so we can eat dinner together."
When Rico reached his room upstairs, he immediately changed and dive on his bed. He wanted to take a little rest before going downstairs again. Then he suddenly remembered his phone notification so he opened his phone and read it.
It was from his sister, Rachel.
"Speaking of…" he mumbled and opened the message but then he raised brows knitted after reading his message.
He never asked her to go to a camp. Rico thought Rachel probably misunderstand him. He just wanted Rachel to participate in one of the day tour activities there where 'his' friend will participate in. But then he just shrugged it off because Rachel might have a great time in the camp too. At least she won't stay in her lodge all night long, he thought.
—
end of Chapter 2