Beginning

Why does everybody get obsessed about falling in love? That's the question Rachel always had in mind since high school. For her, it's not essential and the best thing you could do for yourself is achieve your dreams, and build a career. Love is just icing on the top. It would be nice to have it, but you don't need it.

That was what she thought until she reached the age of 30 after finally being a licensed Engineer. She thought that if she achieved her two dream careers, she'd be content. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

When she achieved all her dreams, she felt empty. Rachel doesn't want to admit it but that's the truth.

Rachel sighed as she stared at the ceiling of her room. Her last project just ended and now she can finally have her much-awaited vacation. This time she decided to just travel and unwind alone so she can have time for herself.

Just as when she started getting bored, she decided to pack her things because she'll have to leave in about two days. While she's packing. She heard her bedroom door open. It was her mom.

"So when is your flight to Batanes?" her mom asked as she sat on the side of the bed.

"In two days, Mom. Are you sure you don't want me to buy you anything?"

Her mom laughed and replied, "Just enjoy your time there. Is two weeks enough though?"

"Mom, why do I feel like you don't want me back here?" Rachel uttered and pouted her lips.

"I just want you to try and enjoy life as you should have been doing. Maybe you'll find a… ahm, you know, a boyfriend. Someone you can marry."

Rachel sighed because this is the nth time she heard this from her mother. It's not that it's a bad idea to be in a relationship, it's just that it was never easy for her. She just doesn't want her mom to expect because lately, Rachel has been losing hope.

"If I don't find a husband, would it be so bad?" she uttered while closing her baggage.

"Not really, but you'll be happier if you have one," her mom explained.

Rachel paused what she was doing and looked at her mom. "I am happy, Mom."

"But you can be happier," her mother responded while emphasizing the word 'happier'.

"I don't know Mom. Let's not talk about this anymore. I'll just have a quick break from life. That's all. No expectations," Rachel said although at the back of her head, she wants to have someone too.

But then, Rachel doesn't want these negative feelings to ruin her day. Happiness isn't just found in relationships after all.

For a while, she's been thinking of adopting a kid. She's 30 and is financially stable which is why she's sure she can give the child a good life. Besides, Rachel believes she can be a good mother like her mom.

"Give her a break Mom. Rachel will get a man if it's meant for her," a voice suddenly spoke behind them. It's her younger brother, Rico.

"Thanks, Richie," Rachel said and chuckled.

"Stop calling me that," he said with an annoyed expression. Rico just graduated last year with the help of his sister Rachel, but unlike her, Rico has a girlfriend. They've been together for three years too so sometimes, Rachel feels jealous because she never experienced having one. She supports her brother in things he does or likes because he's been nothing but a good boy. He's studious, responsible, and kind too.

Rachel thinks her brother deserves the world. Meanwhile, Rico feels the same about his sister which is why he feels sad to see Rachel like this. He can see how lonely she is but she doesn't want to show it.

In fact, Rico was the one who said that she deserved a solo vacation in Batanes. It is far from the city and refreshing. Furthermore, he has something he planned for her there but he's not sure if it would work.

Rachel stood up and rested her arm on her brother's shoulder even though he was taller.

"Don't cause any trouble while I am away. And take care of Mom," she reminded him with a stern look in her eyes.

"When did I ever cause trouble?" Rico replied while his brows were knitted. He acted annoyed as he crossed his shoulder on his chest.

"You know what I mean, Rico. Marriage first, okay?"

"Geez, stop. You don't have to remind me of that. I'm not a kid."

Their mother laughed hearing her two children's conversation. It has always been just the three of them since their father died when Rachel was in highschool and Rico was in elementary and raising the two alone made her feel so proud. They grew up so well.

—

Rachel's flight finally came and she's been more than excited. In her 30 years of existence, she never got the chance to travel for herself which isn't job-related.

And when she finally reached the island, she couldn't help but giggle. "Finally!"

The weather isn't so hot and it's breezy. Earlier in the plane, she could see the beauty of the province from above, especially the beaches. Rachel didn't plan anything because she just wanted to be spontaneous hoping she'd be surprised by the things she'll do and experience. Although her brother demanded that she visit the beach.

"It's a good thing I took my camera with me," she mumbled and took some pictures of the rock-made houses called Ivatan houses. "Oh, there are a lot of tourists here too."

She looked around and found several foreign tourists taking pictures of the beautiful landscape where they could see the clear blue ocean.

"Oh, right. I have to check in first," she uttered and took her phone. She wanted to contact the place where she was staying but the signal is weak.

Left with no choice, she looked around to ask a stranger for directions.

"Hi, do you know where I can find Casa Ystelle Lodging?" she asked a young woman who was with her friends then showed her the picture of the apartment. "It should be near here right?" she added. They all are wearing trending cute Korean outfits evidently showing their ages.

"Oh, yeah. But you'll have to ride a tricycle unless you wanna walk for 5 minutes. The driver will know if you just tell them the name," the girl replied with a smile. "We are actually staying there."

Rachel beamed because of what she heard. "Really? Then I'll see you." Although she would love to get some help, she didn't ask the girl to show her the place because it seems like she has plans with her friends.

"Alright, but what's your name, big sis?"

"Rachel, just Rachel," she responded.

"Oh, okay sis," the girl seemed embarrassed because she's younger. It seems like she's just in her 20s. Rachel is fine calling her sister though since she's a lot older.

"You are?"

"I'm Nina, and these are my friends, Lia and Marie," she pointed to her friends beside her who waved at Rachel. They seemed quite taken by Rachel's beauty and Rachel thinks they are pretty too.

"You're so pretty sis," the girl named Lia said while her face was blushing.

"I think you guys are so pretty too."

"You want us to help you get to the casa and come to us by the beach?" Marie asked.

"Don't worry about me. I think you guys have plans too. Besides, it was quite a long journey for me. I'd probably rest after," she responded. It's true that she's feeling tired. She traveled for about 5 hours. She needs the entire day to rest since she traveled from 5 in the morning.

"Aw, alright. We'll see you then."

"Yeah, see you girls!'

She then called for a tricycle to transport her to Casa Ystelle Lodge, where she had reserved a two-week stay. She couldn't help but feel nostalgic when she saw her ride. A tricycle is a motorcycle with a sidecar where passengers may relax and enjoy the natural gusts of cold breeze. She misses riding a tricycle because there are none in the city where she and her family reside.

When they arrived at the vacation rental, the tricycle assisted her in carrying her luggage inside. She didn't bring much with her; just one suitcase, a backpack, and her handbag because she didn't expect to remain for long.

But of course, that's what she thought. What she didn't know was that she'd find something that would turn her life upside down.

—-

end of Chapter 1