Andrei holds his phone to his ear as he confirms the details with the driver he negotiated with for the trip to Pampanga.
"Yes, that's right," Andrei says, his tone steady but polite. "So, it's a full day, back and forth to Pampanga, and then to any other places I might need to stop by. All included, right?"
"Absolutely, sir," the driver replies, his voice carrying a warm tone of reassurance. "I'll be at your place by 8 a.m. sharp. We'll handle everything-just let me know where you want to go, and I'll take care of it."
Andrei nods, though the driver can't see him. "Great, thank you. I'll see you in a few hours."
Ending the call, Andrei checks over his things, neatly packed and ready by the door. He glances around the condo to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything, then lets out a breath to settle his nerves. The anticipation of the journey ahead brings a mixture of excitement and anxiety, as the image of his brother flickers in his mind.
A few hours later, a honk from below signals the driver's arrival. Andrei grabs his bag, heads down, and is greeted by the driver's friendly smile and a clean, comfortable vehicle ready for the day's trip.
As they leave the city, Andrei observes the gradual shift from the bustling urban landscape of Manila to the more laid-back, scenic views of the countryside. The tall buildings and crowded streets give way to wide-open fields, small local shops, and patches of greenery that stretch out along the road. It feels like stepping into another world, slower and simpler, yet brimming with its own kind of life.
The vibrant pace of Manila fades into the rearview mirror, replaced by the serene, almost nostalgic atmosphere of the province. Andrei finds himself feeling a bit more at ease, his earlier nerves settling as he sinks into the rhythm of the journey, wondering what lies ahead.
As the car continues to roll through the scenic roads of Pampanga, a soft, mellow tune fills the vehicle. The driver's music player has switched to a song called Patutunguhan by Cup of Joe. Andrei doesn't recognize the song, but he finds himself swaying slightly to its rhythm, letting the gentle strumming and harmonies settle him. He can barely understand the Tagalog lyrics, only picking up a few familiar words here and there, but there's something about the melody that feels oddly comforting, almost like a subtle reassurance that he's headed in the right direction.
The driver notices Andrei listening intently and glances at him through the rearview mirror, a small smile on his face. "Ah, sir, Patutunguhan... it means 'destination' or 'where we're headed.' It's a nice song, very fitting for your journey, no?"
Andrei chuckles softly, appreciating the driver's attempt to bridge the cultural gap. "Yeah, I think it is. I like it," he replies, feeling a little more connected to this place, even through something as simple as a song.
After a few more winding roads, the driver clears his throat, giving Andrei a small nod. "We're almost there, sir. Just a couple more turns."
Andrei straightens up, feeling a flutter of anticipation as he peers out the window. They're approaching a semi-urban barangay, where the streets are lined with modest yet sturdy houses. Some are painted in soft pastels, while others show signs of age, their walls weathered but well cared for. It's not a secluded area, there's a steady flow of people going about their day, some stopping in their tracks to glance curiously at the car passing by, clearly intrigued by the sight of a newcomer in their neighborhood.
The driver finally pulls up in front of a medium-sized house with a faded white exterior and a quaint porch. It has an aged charm to it, with vines crawling up one side and an old wooden bench nestled under the eaves. The windows are open, and the faint sounds of clinking dishes and conversation hint at life inside.
Andrei takes a deep breath, his hand lingering on the car door handle as he gathers himself. This is it. The place where, hopefully, he'll find a part of his family he never knew he had. The weight of it all settles on him, and for a brief moment, he feels the doubt creep in. But the thought of his brother, of Atlantis, pushes him forward.
The driver offers him a reassuring nod. "Take your time, sir. I'll be here if you need anything."
Andrei nods, managing a small, grateful smile before stepping out of the car. He stands by the gate, taking one last deep breath before walking up to the house, feeling the eyes of a few onlookers from the street as he makes his way forward. He noticed a somewhat expensive and sleek black motorcycle parked nearby.
Andrei makes his way up the narrow path leading to the front door, but before he can get much further, a young voice calls out behind him.
"Hoy, Kuya! Sino ka?" the boy says, his tone a mix of curiosity and mischief.
Andrei turns around to see a young boy, maybe eight or nine years old, standing by the gate. He has a wide grin on his face, his hands tucked into the pockets of his shorts as he eyes Andrei up and down, clearly intrigued by this unfamiliar visitor. The boy's gaze lingers on Andrei's lighter complexion and foreign features, and it doesn't take long for him to pick up on the outsider vibe.
"Ang puti mo, Kuya! Ikaw ba yung artista?" he teases, tilting his head, a hint of laughter in his eyes.
Andrei, despite feeling slightly off-balance, gives a nervous chuckle. He scratches the back of his head, trying to recall the little Tagalog he knows. "Ah... hindi... artista. Ako si Andrei. Naghahanap ako ng... ng kapatid ko," he manages, his accent thick and his words hesitant, but he hopes it's understandable.
The boy raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by Andrei's attempt to speak Tagalog. "Kapatid? Dito siya nakatira?"
"Uh, baka... siguro..." Andrei stammers, feeling a little self-conscious as he tries to explain. "Dito daw... ang pamilya namin."
The boy's eyes narrow with mischief as he continues to scrutinize Andrei. He stands there for a few seconds longer, his lips curled into a smirk, clearly amused by this stranger trying to speak his language.
Andrei shifts awkwardly, waiting for a response, but the boy doesn't say anything else. Without warning, he suddenly turns and bolts towards the house, leaving Andrei standing there, completely bewildered. The boy doesn't look back or say another word. Just runs off, leaving Andrei in silence.
Andrei sighs, glancing around the quiet neighborhood, unsure of what to do next. He debates whether he should follow or just wait by the gate. His heart races, filled with anticipation, and he clutches the strap of his bag, feeling the weight of the moment press down on him.
The stillness around him only heightens the tension. With no one else in sight, he takes a deep breath, hoping that someone, or anyone will come out soon and offer a clue about where to start.
Andrei takes a hesitant step forward, pushing the gate open with a creak. The yard is quiet, save for the rustling of leaves in the warm breeze. As he approaches the front door, a sleek black cat slips out from the shadows, winding itself around his legs as if greeting an old friend. The cat's green eyes look up at him, and he can't help but smile at this small, unexpected welcome.
Steeling himself, Andrei steps inside the house, glancing around cautiously. Inside, the space is much larger than he anticipated, with high ceilings and broad archways that hint at the home's age. It feels like a place built for a big family, an ancestral house that has likely seen generations come and go. The air is thick with history, and he imagines the countless lives that have passed through these halls.
"Hello?" he calls out, his voice barely above a whisper. He half-hopes someone will answer, but there's only silence.
As he walks further in, he notices a series of framed photographs on the wall. He pauses, studying them carefully, searching for even a trace of familiarity. The pictures show various faces: stern-looking men in formal attire, women with delicate smiles, children caught in candid moments. Yet, no matter how closely he looks, no one stirs any hint of recognition within him.
The weight of unmet expectations settles heavily in his chest, and he feels a pang of disappointment. He had imagined this moment differently, perhaps a relative immediately recognizing him, or some instant connection sparking. But instead, he feels like a stranger in this place, disconnected from whatever history it holds.
He presses a hand to his forehead, feeling a slight dizziness creep over him. All the hope, the longing, it all feels distant now, obscured by the reality that he might be on the wrong path.
All of a sudden, Andrei's attention is pulled by the sound of a deep, steady voice calling out, cutting through the silence. He turns sharply, heart racing, his eyes landing on the figure emerging from the back door.
A man strides into the room, tall and broad-shouldered, his movements calm and assured. Sunlight filters through the nearby window, casting a warm glow over his tanned skin, which gleams with a subtle radiance. He's dressed in a rugged leather jacket and fingerless motorcycle gloves, looking like he's just stepped off a bike after a long ride. There's a certain intensity in his eyes, framed by a handsome face that exudes both strength and mystery.
For a moment, Andrei loses himself, words catching in his throat as he tries to take in the sight. There's something magnetic about this stranger, something that makes Andrei's pulse quicken in a way he can't quite understand.
The man raises an eyebrow, his gaze fixed firmly on Andrei, sizing him up with a mix of curiosity and mild suspicion. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his voice low, rich, and unmistakably grounded in authority. It's not confrontational, but it demands an answer, holding Andrei in place.
Andrei fumbles for a response, his tongue momentarily tied as he tries to collect his thoughts. He hadn't expected to be confronted like this, and certainly not by someone with such a commanding presence. "Uh, I... I'm looking for someone," he finally manages to say, his voice barely steady.
The man takes a step closer, crossing his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studies Andrei. "And who exactly would that be?" he asks, his tone softening just enough to hint at curiosity beneath his guarded exterior.
Andrei swallows, feeling both exposed and oddly captivated. "My brother," he says, the words tumbling out before he can second-guess himself. "I think... I think he used to live here, or maybe someone in his family did."
The man's expression shifts slightly, a hint of surprise flickering across his face before it quickly disappears. His gaze softens just a touch, and he lets out a quiet sigh, glancing away for a moment as if processing what he just heard.
"Well," the man finally says, looking back at Andrei with a faint, almost teasing smirk that softens his sharp features, "you're a bit far from home, aren't you?" There's a glimmer of something in his eyes, an invitation, a flicker of amusement, maybe even a hint of interest.
Andrei stands awkwardly in the living room, still reeling from the initial shock of meeting Nigel. Just as he's about to respond to the handsome young man's questions, a kid bursts back into the house, his youthful energy filling the space.
"Tito Nigel! Nakita mo na pala siya!" Jerry exclaims, his eyes wide with excitement. "Siya 'yung sinasabi ko sa'yo!"
Nigel turns to Jerry, raising an eyebrow. "Sino ba 'to?"
"'Yung oppa-ng ligaw!" Jerry says, pointing at Andrei.
Andrei chuckles nervously, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement.
"A-ako si Andrei," he says, trying to regain his composure.
"Jerry," the boy grins, clearly pleased to be the one introducing Andrei to his uncle.
Nigel crosses his arms, a curious smile on his face. "So, Andrei, what actually brings you to this side of Pampanga?"
"As I've said, I'm looking for someone... a halfb- my brother. His name is Atlantis," Andrei replies, noting the subtle flicker of confusion that crosses Nigel's face.
"Atlantis?" Nigel echoes, glancing at Jerry, who shrugs. "I've never heard of anyone by that name around here."
Andrei feels a sinking sensation in his chest. "Really? I thought... maybe he lived in this area. Or maybe my father, Alessandro Wen?"
Nigel furrows his eyebrows as he is still not able to recall.
Jerry tilts his head, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Marunong ka ba magsalita ng Kapampangan?"
Andrei shakes his head. "Not really. Just a few words in Tagalog."
As Jerry looks at Andrei, a playful smirk crosses his lips. "Kailangan mo pong matuto kahit konti kung gusto mong mahanap si Atlantis!"
Andrei smiles faintly, feeling more lost than ever but comforted by their easy banter. "Yeah, I guess so."
Nigel studies Andrei for a moment, a hint of curiosity in his expression. "So, what do you plan to do if you find him?"
Andrei hesitates, unsure how to articulate the jumble of emotions swirling inside him. "I just... I want to connect with him. I've always wanted to know my family."
Jerry nods in understanding, his youthful sincerity palpable. "Importante talaga ang pamilya."
"Yeah, it is," Andrei replies, his heart swelling with hope despite the uncertainty of his search.
"Especially when he's all I've got."