Chapter 18
Sorry for the UD, guys! HAHAHA! Mermaid naman si Gab-Gab kaya kaya niya mag-miming ng matagal. Strong girl 'yan!
Anyway, A Royal Visit in Brooklyn can be a stand-alone book as I've said before but I think it's better na you know the tale of Lost Island (nakwento na rin naman sa book na 'to) para hindi weird basahin kasi mage-gets n'yo bakit gano'n hahaha basta! Enjoy!
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Chapter 18
The sound of laughters, a sweet song humming around as the cold wind danced in the air, making my red hair dance with it.
I couldn't see myself but my eyes could see how the vast ocean's waves crash in each other together with the hymns hummed. It was as if they move so hastily yet gentle, wild yet so sweet it was music in my ears.
"You followed that ship again, Isabelle?" I couldn't see who was it but the voice is sweet and gentle.
Isabelle?
I looked around, trying to look for the voice but I couldn't see anyone. Instead, I heard the water splashing wildly and when I turned to see it, what I saw last was astonishing.
A tail.
A tail?!
My heart pounded harshly, I was about to stand up to try and swim to look for it but I didn't successfully make it because I fell back on the stone and that's because I have a... tail?!
Oh my god, I am a sirena?!
Before I could process anything, the scene shifted into me submerged in the ocean and sneaking. I was near a ship, lurking and watching the people in an old looking pair of long sleeve shirt and pants having fun inside that very ship.
I saw familiar faces, making everything a lot weirder. I wanted to speak to voice out my thoughts or climb up the ship to ask them what is happening but it was as if my body inside the scene has a mind of its own.
It was fighting with my inner thoughts and acting like I was a different version of myself. It was fighting inside my head. My thoughts getting set aside with hers.
What is happening? Is this a dream?
They are drinking, happily dancing with the pirate crew singing with their instruments. From the distance, I could see above the ship how the pirate king danced with the beautiful princess.
Love... I might not know how to explain that feeling, I know for a fact I felt it already.
That's what I've seen with them.
The way their eyes shone was fascinating, it made my heart feel warm. I just can't help but hope, too. I hope someday, I would get a love like that. I am hoping someday, this magical feelings inside my heart will be reciprocated.
Then suddenly, the couple stopped giggling and dancing. I realized a man went closer to them with a beer on his hand.
Weirdly, I felt the loud thump inside my chest.
"You two are disgusting. You've been smiling like freaks for half an hour now, it's making my hair rise." The man pointed out.
The pirate and the princess laughed, they said something back to him I didn't hear enough that the man with his full back against me hissed.
The two laughed even harder. I saw the man they're talking to drink and lifted his hand.
"Do not show your face to me, I'm having chills!" he exclaimed.
"Oh, come on, Leandro. Why so bitter, eh?" the princess exclaimed and as the man turn his back on this to face my way, I froze.
He was tall, wearing a long sleeve shirt like what I've seen in those mermaid movies I'm watching. Black pants and boots, I saw a knife on his belt. Messy hair and playful smirk, black liquid eyes and pursing red lips.
He tilted his head to glance my way that I panicked and hid myself.
Wait... what... what is Sebastian doing here?!
And it vanished. Just was when I'm decided and about to reach for him while he's walking closer near me with his forehead creased, the scene changed.
A harsh storm came. The waves slammed on the ship's wall made it impossible for them to sail any further.
I couldn't explain how. I didn't know exactly how the sequence of those scenes came messing inside my head but I saw it.
I saw how a man fell from above while he's fully drenched and fixing the ropes to fight against the harsh storm and when he drowned, I saw myself desperately swimming back to save him.
"Gab? Gab? Are you awake now?" then those scenes slipped inside my head when I heard that voice.
Slowly, I opened my eyes.
"Gab? Oh my God, you are awake!" she exclaimed. My eyes adjusted against the light first and when it did, I saw my cousin in front of me.
"G?"
"How are you? Are you okay now? Oh, God, Gab! You made us so worried!" she exclaimed loudly and held my shoulder.
"What..." I frowned when my head ached and my chest squeezed. I touched it to calm myself down, my fingers slowly got my pearl pendant. That's when my body relaxed.
"Do not force yourself to sit! Oh my, higa ka again, Gab!" she exclaimed hysterically. "Oh, a-are you still hurt?! Let me call the physician again—"
But before she could leave, I reached for her wrist to pull her down beside me.
"I'm okay, G. Thank you." I assured her.
"But..."
"I'm really ayos lang," I whispered and smiled at her. "I'm feeling a lot way better than earlier. What happened?"
"You drowned!" she sighed loudly and sat beside me. "You slipped and drowned on the pool! Good thing Baste saw you and rescued you. I was so terrified! What if he didn't see you? What if you drowned and... and..." her voice shook, the fear was evident.
"Shh, I'm okay, G." I smiled softly at her and squeezed her hand when I found it. "But Seb rescued m-me?"
My eyes started stinging when she nodded at me.
"Yes. He was looking for you when he saw you on that pool, floating. He was terrified too, if it wasn't for his CPR, we're afraid it was critical for you. He was outside, we can't talk to him. He's so lost."
I stopped. My eyes dropped to where my fingers are and stared at it to control my thoughts and my heart from bursting in much emotion.
"How long have I been sleeping?"
"A few hours." She answered, "dapat nga earlier pa but sabi ni doctor you still aren't waking up because your body gave up and needed some rest. You've been overworking, you're stressed too kaya say ni doc na we should let you make pahinga muna para you'll recover your strength."
"Hmm..." I nodded, smiling at her. "Thank you, G."
"No worries, you should rest first. I'll tell them you are okay now."
I closed my eyes and nodded.
"I should go first so you could sleep. You want me ba to stay? I could pa naman if you like?" she offered but I know she's been spending some time here during the time I was still sleeping so I didn't hold her back.
I thanked her and told her to rest, too. Baby Magnus needed his mother.
The doctor came back to check on me again. My Dad visited too to check and I wasn't expecting my mother to come but she did. It gave me hope, maybe she's worried about me but seeing her conversing with Queen Mila as they made their way inside erased those thoughts.
"Gabriela! I was so worried of you!" she gasped, even ran towards me for a tight hug. "How are you? You made me worry for you! Good thing the prince saw you! What if... what if..."
Her eyes even watered and I wanted to believe it. I wanted so bad to think my mother is worried for her daughter for the first time but I guess not. I guess it was an act since the queen and king is here.
"Are you okay, Gab?" she asked, cupping my cheek to stare at my eyes. I stared back at her with much affection, hoping I was just thinking ill of her for not believing her worries but when she hugged me again to whisper, I realized I'll never feel her warmth. Never in this life.
"Stop being cold and hug me back, Gabriela," she whispered. "The queen is watching. At least be a daughter you should be and respect me. You are damn lucky her son rescued you. If not, I'm so sure you'll be a dead body now. Be formal and thank him, I don't want you ruining my plans for your future and Catherine."
My heart dropped. With my shaking hand, I lifted it to hug her back. My eyes watering.
I didn't want to cry but I did. Not because of hurting from her words but upon seeing Sebastian appearing behind his father, his bloodshot eyes fixed on mine.
"Oh, my daughter!" she blurted out and dried my tears. "It's okay now, Gab. It's okay. You're well."
She then stepped out when my father called her to talk to the doctor. The king and queen proceeded into walking closer to me.
"Are you okay, mi hija?" I would never mistaken the queen's concern as a fake one because I know in my heart, I felt it. What she's been showing me was sincere and pure.
"Yes, your majesty, thank you." I smiled at her. "I'm doing o-okay."
"I was so worried when I heard it! I was scared! I'm glad now you are fine, you've been sleeping for hours! The physician said it was because you're just exhausted but still... mi hija, don't overwork yourself, hmm?"
When she cupped my cheek, my heart softened. I can feel Sebastian's stares at me but I have no strength to give him a glance back. I was so afraid I'd break down and cry in front of him. In front of the majesties.
"My apologies, and of course, I'd be more careful next time." I smiled sweetly at the queen.
"I was just so glad my son saw you," she sighed sadly and touched my cheek more.
That gave me a reason to be brave enough and glanced at Seb's way. He's standing behind his father, silent and staring intently. His eyes are bloodshot and gloomy.
"T-Thank you for saving me, your majesty." I mumbled and smiled a little at him.
He stopped. I saw how his mouth parted to say a word but his father whispered something to him.
Seb stopped. His forehead creased but nodded, lowering his head.
"You have to take a very good rest tonight, hmm? Do not attempt to join us for dinner. My Sebastian already cooked dinner for you tonight. What is important is that you'll rest well."
My stomach churned with the thought of Seb cooking for me but he might've been guilty of what happened to me. He shouldn't. It isn't even his fault.
"Of course, your majesty." I smiled at her. "Thank you."
"Felipe, Sebastian, you can go first to the dinner. I'll follow you both if she's sleeping."
"Your majesty," I hesitantly called. "You don't have to..."
"I insist!" she shook her head. "You two, leave. Sebastian, mi hijo, make sure her highness' foods are still warm. She needed something to warm her stomach."
"Yes, Mama." He nodded, glanced my way again but I looked down.
When the two left, I felt the queen stood. I lifted my head to watch her and saw her checking something on the vanity mirror inside my room.
Queen Mila is such a beauty. Sebastian got a lot from his father. His cocky smile, playful face and by the way he sneered but while looking at the queen and Sebastian, I realized they have the same liquid black eyes.
"What is it you're looking, your majesty?" I asked. "Maybe I could help?"
"Oh, I was just looking for a comb, mi hija." She chuckled.
"It's inside the drawer, your majesty." I answered and she opened it, took the hairbrush and giggled while walking back towards me.
I just watched her with a small smile on my face. I was waiting for her to brush her hair but what shocked me is when she went behind me and touched my head.
"Your... majesty?"
"Let me brush your hair, mi hija," she mumbled. "You have a gorgeous hair! Oh, I would love to have these natural wavy curls!"
"I got this either from my father or mother's side, your highness," I answered.
She touched my hair and words aren't enough to explain the bursting feeling of being overwhelmed when the hairbrush touched my hair briefly.
"Thank you, your majesty," I whispered, my eyes swelling. "Thank you f-for brushing my hair. No one h-has ever done that b-before..."
"Oh, you don't have to thank me for this." She sighed loudly, "I will willingly brush your hair anytime, Gabriela. You don't have to thank me for doing this simple thing."
No, your majesty. I have to thank you. You didn't know how grateful I am. You didn't know how that simple thing warmed my heart.
"That simple thing meant a lot to me, your majesty." I smiled, feeling a bit sleepy now that she's massaging my scalp.
"Then, I'm honored, Gab." I bet she's smiling while saying that. "I told you already. Before, I was only wishing to bring back my son, to turn back the time so I could have saved my son on my womb. So, I could have him on my arms but now that heavens heard my prayers and he's back, I'm afraid I became more ambitious."
"How so, your majesty?" I shifted my face to look at her.
"I just wanted to have my son back before but right now, I am wishing for daughter, too." She pinched my cheek.
"Your majesty..." my eyes stung the same time my voice shook upon hearing it. "I'm not deserving—"
"You deserved everything—the best in this world. You brought my son back to me."
I bit my lower lip.
"I... do you know we're together before..."
"I've missed my son's life for years, do you think I'd miss a thing?" she smiled.
"I-I'm sorry..." I whispered, "I'm sorry, I... I've hurt h-him a-and..."
"Do not stress yourself, Gab." She smiled adorably. "Take your time. I'm in no position to judge what you've been feeling. I may be Sebastian's mother but I am no judge of his feelings, too. Take your time. It will dishearten me to not see you back together but I would understand whatever your decision will be."
I lowered my face.
"I-I'm sorry, your majesty..."
"You do not have to. I just want you to know that if you needed something, I am here. You may have left for a reason I didn't know, but I can feel it isn't because you aren't in love with my son anymore."
I fisted my palms and bit my lower lip.
Oh, God. Did she know we have Melody?!
My heart almost burst.
"Anton is such a secret keeper. I've been bribing him to tell me what he knows but he said he valued your friendship. I may be his auntie but..." she tsk-ed then grinned.
My heart relaxed.
What she said made me chuckle instead, "I-I'm sorry, I asked h-him to not tell a soul to everyone about some... things."
"Oh, it's okay! Anton is such a brat but Felipe and I made sure to raise him as a man with honor. I was devastated of my lost before that we've treated Anton as one of our own. He is, anyway. Still. Sebastian and him are our sons." She sighed.
"I'll let you and Sebastian work on things in between you two but I wanted to give you a heads-up. I might... you know, meddle a... bit? Hehe."
That definitely lifted the mood. I chuckled.
"Got it, your majesty." I smiled, "b-but I'd like to think more. This has been a rush for me a-and, Sebastian's mad..."
"Oh! I doubt!" she chuckled, "he may be good at lying but he could never lie to me! He's deeply in—" she cleared her throat. "H-Hey, son! You're here!"
I shifted my gaze and saw Seb standing in the doorway with a tray of foods on his hand.
Sebastian was eyeing his mother who looked horrified now.
"H-How long have you been there?" the queen asked, "Gab and I are just talking! I didn't tell her anything!" she defended.
Seb just lifted his brow and stared intently at his mother who coughed and stood abruptly.
"A-Anyway, the dinner might be starting! I gotta go. Felipe m-must be missing me so bad! Ah..." she looked at me, "eat well, mi hija! And hijo, make sure her highness will eat. If not, I'll feed you to the sharks instead!"
"Ma..." Seb frowned. "You've been mimicking the captain now?"
"What? It's cute, eh?" she grinned. "Anyway, I gotta go. Remember what I told you, hmm? Feed the princess or I'll feed you to the sharks. You choose."
She tapped his shoulder and ran away like wearing a long dress was nothing to her and vanished immediately into thin air.
When we heard the door slammed, the awkward silence filled my room. Seb and my gaze met halfway but ended up looking away from each other.
"Kumain ka na," he cleared his throat. I heard his footsteps approaching.
I bit my lower lip, remembering that scene earlier. If I got bravery enough again, I would tell him the reason why I had to leave him but after that, I would leave him alone.
He suffered enough because of me. He was hurt, not just emotionally but also, physically. I would never forgive Catherine for lying to me.
She told me Seb was there—only from afar, watching. However, she never mentioned he came and begged to talk. I didn't know he was hurt by those guards around Catherine this time.
Thinking of the times I've inflicted pain on Seb was heart wrenching.
I was hurt how our talk earlier ended up but my heart breaks for him. I understand his anger and resentment. I understand he doesn't want anything to do with me. And if it wasn't for him, I might've died. If I did, how 'bout my Melody? How about my baby? It would shatter me if I would leave her alone like that.
I could never forgive myself for wishing of vanishing when I have a blessing waiting for me.
He lowered the tray on the bed. I saw him walk closer to the side to get a table to put the tray of foods on the bed but I caught a familiar box on my side table with the bracelet on the top of it.
My cookies...
I remembered dropping it when a woman bumped into me. Our eyes met. I averted his gaze and stared at my fingers.
I heard his sigh. He slowly placed the table in front of me then transferred the plates. The foods in there were creamy steak with corn and rice, there is also a bowl of creamy mushroom soup and what stopped me was the drink he placed on my table.
"BJ..." I mumbled.
"Binili ko kina Ate diyan, naalala mo pa naman, 'di ba? Alam kong madalang lang 'yong ganyan sa planeta n'yo kaya..." he cleared his throat. "...a-ayan."
My throat dried up. I reached for the BJ and took it, sipping it slowly and the moment it filled my throat, I felt refreshed but at the same time, hurt.
This used to be a happy memory for me but right now, thinking of how it used to be one. I was hurting.
I felt his stares. I brought my gaze from where it was coming from and locked eyes with him. His was warm and intense. It made my heart pound harshly inside my ribcage that I had to look away.
"T-Thank you, your highness," I whispered and focused on my foods.
He sighed, "ayos ka na ba? Masakit ba ang ulo mo? May dinala akong gamot dito, inumin mo para 'di ka lagnatin."
"I'm okay, thank you for saving me." I answered in a low voice, silently eating the foods he brought for me. It was still the same, delicious. Like before. I just couldn't explain how those things we did before is too painful to imagine now.
He sighed again. I didn't know how many times he did that already. He stood from the bed, dragged a chair near my bed and sat beside me, near the side table.
He took something and placed it on the bed, I secretly took a peek and realized it was the bracelet I did.
"Nasaan 'yong lagayan mo ng beads? P'wedeng pahiram?"
"H-Huh?" I blinked and stared at him.
"Nasira 'yong lock no'ng bracelet ko no'ng nahulog kanina. Aayusin ko lang." He said, shocking me.
My eyes dropped to the bracelet I made earlier and realized the lock broke but it wasn't what made me stop. Now that he's wearing a plain white short sleeve shirt, I saw the bracelet I made for him before... years ago. Still, on his wrist.
"M-Me na," I mumbled. "Please don't worry about that, I would fix it. I'll keep it na lang if you don't want—"
"Akin 'to, 'di ba?" he lifted the bracelet in the air.
"You didn't want it. I don't like to force you into accepting a-anything from me, your highness. From the very start until now, I always give you trouble. You should be in the dinner now instead of sitting beside me. I would eat, I promise. You can leave now, I don't like you to waste your time for me—"
"Fuck that dinner, Gabriela. Sa tingin mo ba uupo ako rito sa tabi mo kung ayaw kitang kasama?" he asked me straightforwardly. "Sa tingin mo ba makikipagplastikan ako rito para bantayan ka kung kaya kong 'di ka makita? Huh?"
I gasped and bit my lower lip.
"You must be guilty for what happened," I answered. "It wasn't your fault I drowned. I fell on the water because of my clumsiness. I'm sorry, too, because I'm overreacting—"
"Bakit ka tumakbo? Kasi 'di ba, gago ako?" he asked. It made my lip pursed. "I did my best to think ill of you, to despise you after what you did but look now? Just seeing you made me a damn dog chasing after his master. Thinking of desperately begging you, thinking you'd take me back like you didn't abandon me before. Because you didn't want me around anymore!"
My hand trembled.
"Amputa, napapa-English tuloy ako ng diretso!" he whispered again but I caught it and stopped my lips from saying anything funny. He wasn't joking so... I shouldn't even dare laugh.
"Bakit ka rin kasi tumakbo? Sabing ako na pupulot ng cookies mo, you could've have waited and we—we could try and talk again when my head is cool but you ran." He pointed out.
"Y-You chased after me, kaya of course, nag-run ako." I answered back.
"Ayon nga kasi..." he sighed, "kaya nandito ako kasi gusto kong masiguradong ayos ka."
"But the dinner? Maybe they're waiting for you."
"Paki ko sa kanila," he hissed and stood, taking my bag from the couch and opened it to take my jewelry box out. "Dugong-dugo na ilong ko kaka-English, samahan mo pa ng Espanyol magiging Spanish bread na talaga ako nito. Puta."
I almost choke on my BJ. He stared at me with a hidden smirk on his face but shook his head afterwards and looked down to my box to take the mini screw out.
"Good citizen ako ngayon kaya sasamahan kita rito. Kumain ka na bago pa lumamig 'yan at kasalanan ko kung bakit ka tumakbo at nahulog. Sorry din. Kung 'di ba naman ako tang ina." He hissed under his breath.
"I know naman na you're tang ina." I said. He lifted his face and frowned, readying to say something but I spoke first. "But you don't have naman to blurt it out while saying sorry. Yabang you naman na you're saying patawad and then will say you're gwapo?"
His jaw clenched. He opened his mouth to say something but sighed loudly afterwards.
"Ikalma mo, Sebastian. Ikalma mo, baka masyadong nababad lang 'yan sa Chlorine ng pool." He whispered to himself.
I watched him fixing the bracelet eagerly, the old one was still on his wrist. I may have not noticed it these past few days because he's always wearing his coat or a long sleeve shirt, now lang na simple shirt lang.
His body became more athletic now. He has a great body before when he visited Bikini Bottom but noticing his broad chest and the way the shirt hugged his body, it felt weirdly amazing and...
He glanced at me. I looked away and proceeded into eating.
"Ano bang..." he cleared his throat, getting my attention back again. "Anong nangyari bakit ka biglang nahulog sa pool? Paano kung nalunod ka? Edi ang gara naman no'n? Akala ko ba sirena ka tapos may nalunod na sirena? Tinuruan na kita, ah? Langoy dikya ka pa rin ba?"
I coughed from drinking the BJ and glanced his way.
"Hey!" I spat, "I know how to swim na! I perfected the mermaid like swim position pero it's because of my dress!"
"Tss, sino ba kasi nagsabi sa 'yong magdamit ka ng mahaba? Ang kapal pa ata no'n, ah?" he looked my way.
"I didn't know naman na I'll fall down on the pool. I'm not manghuhula." My lips pursed but realized my dress is different from earlier. "W-Who... who changed my clothes?!"
He glanced my way and shot his brow up. My cheek heated up.
"Don't tell me... you..." I slowly hugged my body.
"Luh? Makaasta naman 'to, akala mo naman 'di pa nakita ang lahat-lahat sa 'yo." He smirked evilly, "ano ba sabi mo no'ng kagabi? Nabisita ko na rin naman ang Bikini Bottom—"
I screamed and threw the pillow on his face.
He fell on the chair. I gasped loudly and covered my mouth.
"O-Oh, God. I-I'm sorry! You kasi!" I exclaimed and he touched his waist. I was so worried when he stood with his face crumpling. I was about to help him but he raised his hand to stop me.
"Ayos lang, ayos lang..." he said, "umupo ka na r'yan at kumain, hija. Nananakit batok ko sa 'yo. H'wag kang mag-alala, 'di ako nagpalit ng damit mo. 'Yong pinsan mong terrorista atsaka 'yong maids mo."
I gulped, shyly, I nodded and tried my best to focus on my meal instead but it was hard when he's staring at me from time to time.
I know he's trying to lift the heavy atmosphere around by talking to me like before but still, the tension was there. The strand of my hair fell while I was tasting the almost finished soup that I placed it back on my ear but after a few moments, it fell again.
I sighed, annoyed now. I lifted my finger to place it back but before I did, the side of the bed moved and I was stunned when he was now sitting just beside me and collected my hair on his palms.
"What are you d-doing?" I asked, stunned.
He didn't say anything but I felt how he gently fixed my hair, combing it with his fingers and put it in a ponytail.
My eyes shut closed when I felt his breath on my nape. I can feel his warmth behind me. His chest pressed against my back. We heaved a deep breath, together in unison. I felt my heart racing with his, mostly when his finger grazed from the side of my neck to where my necklace is.
His touch felt so warm. I shut my eyes closed when his finger touched my skin briefly until it reached my pendant.
"Can we talk now, Gabriela?" he asked huskily and that's when I woke up from the daydream. I panicked, without hesitations, I moved away and fixed the empty dishes.
"T-Thank you for the dinner, your majesty." I said in such urgency and stood from the bed, putting the dishes back on the tray. "I appreciate your stay here and for cooking me dinner but I do not want to waste any of your time. I know you have a lot to do, I am in no position to let you stay here to take care of me."
"Gabriela..." he called and stood. "Let's talk—"
"I'm quite exhausted, your majesty." I lowered my head. "I'm afraid I could not entertain you."
"Quit that majesty thing, Gabriela." He sighed loudly, "can't we just talk like we used to? I am Seb, okay? Call me that again. That majesty bullshit is tiring to hear, I don't want to hear it from you too."
I didn't answer. My heart's squeezing hearing it from him but I don't want to disrespect anymore. After the pain I inflicted, I will be a thick-faced woman if I treat him like before when he deserved the respect.
I heard his footsteps approaching. I stayed standing on the side when I saw his shoes in front of me.
"Put it on," he commanded, showing me the bracelet but I know better.
He was just guilty because of what happened earlier.
I lifted my hand and held his palm, lowering it.
"It's not your fault I fell. I completely understand you didn't want the bracelet—and anything that has to do with me. Yes, it hurts because y-yes, I'm in love with you. Still. But love does not force, right?"
I lifted my gaze to met his. It was filled with confusion. It was dark and serious.
"What are you saying, Gabriela?" his forehead creased.
"I-I did something horrible to you before," my eyes stung while looking at him. "I-I left you after the promises I made. You're right, I'm good with making promises b-but better in breaking them. I realized I am acting like I did nothing wrong to you before and I'm so sorry... I'm wrong. You are a good man, Seb. I'm in love with you, still. But if this love of m-mine would end up hurting you in the process, I better keep it with me."
"Gabriela," he called, his jaw clenching. "Galit ako, oo. Galit na galit ako dahil umaakto kang walang nangyari matapos ang lahat. Nagagalit akong ngumingiti ka lang parang tanga na naman akong nahuhumaling sa 'yo pero tang inang puso 'to... kahit anong galit ko... kahit anong sabi kong kalimutan ka na, ikaw pa rin."
I sniffed. I lowered my head.
"I waited for you all those years... maybe you'll have mercy on me and come back. I will open you with open arms. I would..." he sighed, "I would w-willingly accept you again even if you've hurt me but y-you never once checked on me. You said I was in trouble, t-that I might get killed but every damn day, I beg for you to talk. But you only watched me getting beaten and damn it, Gabriela, you didn't know h-how broken I am everytime. H-How could you watch me like that? Is that love for you?"
It made me sob. My eyes got filled with tears and shook my head.
"I-I'm sorry, I k-know I shouldn't have decided alone for us but t-that time, it was the best I could think of to save you..." I mumbled.
If I could turn back time, I could've protected you better. I could've left you without inflicting you with much pain. I should've told you the truth from the very start.
"Put this on me if you're really sorry," he whispered and grasped my palm. It was trembling, mostly when our fingers touched and again, the familiar electricity rushed through my veins.
I pulled my hand back and shook my head.
"I-I'm sorry," I whispered. "Y-You should leave, I don't deserve y-your mercy... you'll always end up hurting because of me..."
He sighed loudly. I walked past him but he caught my wrist and slowly pulled me back.
"Gabriela, mag-uusap pa tayo..."
"P-Please, your majesty. Do me a favor and save yourself from me. I d-don't deserve it." I whispered and pulled my hand from him, caging myself in the bathroom instead, sobbing.
I didn't know how long I stayed inside the bathroom, weeping. The moment I heard the door closed, I cried my heart out while sitting on the floor, clutching my painful chest.
When I went out, Anton was already there and when he saw my face, he offered me his arms that I ended up crying again.
"I'm sorry," he sighed. "I looked for him last night but he won't talk to me. He refused seeing me, I didn't have the chance to clear everything up but I made it clear to him earlier while you're sleeping there isn't us. You're a friend, Gab. Tell me what to do, I will talk to my cousin."
"Y-You don't have to," I whispered back. "I-I don't want to hurt him any further. My mother might do something horrible. I don't want Seb to think I'm approaching him now because he's a royalty—like me. I have loved him way before I knew what he is b-but maybe, it wasn't meant for me? That happiness I am getting would not suffice the pain I inflicted."
"How about Melody, Gab?" he asked, "the kid is dear to me, how 'bout her?"
"I'd let her know if it's time," I whispered back. "I would not deprive her of her right of meeting her father b-but I have to make sure Seb would be ready to see her. I don't want my daughter to feel neglected or rejected, Anton. I-If Seb didn't want anything to do with me, it's okay if I got hurt. Just not my b-blessing."
The day was exhausting enough. After talking to Hernando about my siblings and my blessing, I fell asleep with thought running inside my head.
I feel so confused about what my decisions would be. Or if I'm taking the right or the wrong path so I have to think further and rest to decide with an open mind but while I was thinking, I fell asleep again and had the same dream I had earlier.
It was weird. I've seen myself—as a sirena. Maybe, it's because I was underwater for a few minutes. Maybe the water got inside my brain and messed with my dreams but it was really vivid.
It was clear inside my dream how the harsh storm almost flipped the ship. How the pirate fixing the sails from above fell and almost drowned and me—might be langoy dikya here in real life, swam like an expert. Like a real sirena to save him from drowning.
I managed to take the man back on the ship and saved him but just when he opened his eyes and our gazes met, I heard people calling his name and in fear, I went back on the ocean to hide.
I thought it was just some crazy dream. That it might just be because I was watching Little Mermaid thousands of times already that I'm dreaming I'm a mermaid, too, but I literally had goosebumps when the next day, the tour happened and I saw the familiar shipwreck.
It was the Lost Island. They call it Navagio or Shipwreck beach because literally, a shipwreck can be seen on the shore.
I've seen this in photos before, when my cousin and the boys told me the story of this island but I have never thought I got an exact vivid look of this ship in my dreams—back when it was working and new.
G, Lucian, together with baby Magnus are telling the guests about the tale and I can't help but listen again. Feeling the weird feeling inside my chest. I remained staring at the ship when I felt someone staring my way.
When I looked for it, I saw Sebastian watching me from the distance. He's with the boys but his eyes are stuck on me, serious with his palms inside his shorts.
My heart ached. I held my chest and closed my eyes.
"The pirates then risked their lives to save the princess," my cousin told everyone and like my first reaction before, I ended up with my eyes watering again.
I was with Anton. I avoided Sebastian in any chances I possibly could now that I am still clearing my head about what happened yesterday. I can notice him not taking his eyes off me. From the moment we had breakfast, when the boys talked to me and asked how I am from yesterday's incident until we rode the yacht for the tour, he was watching me.
"Our next destination would be the Hidden Lagoon," Lucian announced and while we're on the yacht and I was resting my back on the barricade and exchanging stories with Anton, he was on the other side with the boys. Just near us.
"Cap, nababaliw na si Baste." I overheard Romeo laughing, "ang weird daw ng panaginip niya, may sirena raw."
"Ayan! Kaka-cellphone mo 'yan!" Lucian hissed, laughing.
"Gago," Baste hissed. "Totoo nga, para naman 'tong mga tanga. Gwapong pirate nga raw ako ro'n tapos nahulog ako sa dagat."
"Little Mermaid yern?!" Owen exclaimed, they laughed exaggeratedly. I bit my lower lip to focus on Anton's stories because I've started being distracted now with eavesdropping.
"Mga gago ba kayo, totoo nga kasi." He answered, "nando'n nga kayo, eh. Si terrorista nando'n tapos si Cap daw 'yong pangit na pirata—"
"Baka gusto mong ihulog kita sa dagat, kamahalan?" Lucian threatened.
"Baka gusto mong sumbong kita sa Mama ko, Cap?" he threatened back. "Ma, oh, si Cap—"
He punched Seb's stomach that Seb gasped loudly and touched his stomach.
"Cap, h'wag mong saktan si Baste! Gold 'yan! Baka mamaya gawin nilang hapunan 'yong mga pugot nating ulo!"
"Ang kadiri nitong gagong Romeo Save me na 'to," Seb hissed. "Kung ikaw lang din hapunan ko mamamatay na lang ako sa gutom!"
"Gago ka, sinasabi mo bang 'di ako masarap?" Romeo hissed back but Seb just gave him a horrible look and pretended to be vomiting.
"Kadiri ka, 'di bale na lang mamatay sa gutom! 'Di n'yo gayahin si Ian, nakikinig!" he hissed.
"Huh?" the lost Ian asked, "bakit na naman ako dinamay? Inaano ko kayo?" they continued talking but my eavesdropping stopped when G came closer with a cup on her hand.
"Hi, Gab-Gab! Want mo ng fresh buko shake?" she asked and offered.
"Ah, thank you, G." I smiled softly. "But nag-BJ na kami ni Anton."
We both jumped when we heard something fell. I looked around to look for it when I heard Sebastian's voice.
"Ano ba 'yan, Cap! Ayusin mo nga d'yan, nagwawala tuloy si basher!" Owen laughed loudly.
"'Di ko sinasadya, tanga." Seb hissed.
"Ay, 'di ba sadya? Sorry, parang nakita ko kasi sinipa mong malakas no'ng may ibang ka-BJ—"
"Ipapabomba ko talaga 'yang bunganga mo, Owen." He threatened and Owen's eyes widened, zipping his mouth playfully afterwards.
G stepped aside and on the ground, I saw a piece of plastic chair flipped over on the ground. Seb was frowning too while crouching and taking it back.
"Bakit ka nagagalit?" Lucian laughed from his place, "pasensya na, medyo maalon kasi rito sumasabay ata sa mood ng sirena."
I stayed quiet until we reached the hidden lagoon. We were asked to wear a life vest because we're riding a kayak—a yellow small boat working by the help of paddles—to enter the lagoon.
It has a small opening where only small kayaks could enter.
"For anyone joining, you could choose your partners now."
I looked around, looking for Anton. I was planning to wait for him so we could ride but he's nowhere to be find. Where is he?
Then, out of nowhere, I saw Sebastian approaching. My heart hammered. I looked away and fisted my palm to calm myself down until I felt his presence getting closer.
"Gab—"
"T-There you are, Ian!" my eyes brightened and dragged Ian who froze when I got him.
"G-Gab?" he asked me, wide-eyed.
"We're partner, right? Yey!" I exclaimed happily and he just blinked.
"H-Huh?" he asked, confused. He looked behind me and saw how his face turned pale. "Well, may p-partner ka ata—"
"I want you to be my partner, please? Pretty please? I'll feel tampo if you won't. Want mo ba na sad si Gab-Gab, Ian?" I even showed Ian my adorable cute eyes and he licked his lower lip, stared behind me, back at me and then gulped harshly.
"O-Okay, p-partner tayo..." he scratched his nape and bowed behind him and when I took a secret peek, Sebastian was throwing sharp daggers at the poor Ian.
Oh, God, Ian. I'm so sorry for dragging you into this mess!
He helped me to the kayak. He was seated on front while I was behind. While waiting for the go signal, I saw the confused Anton looking around for me and when he saw me below, I waved at him with an apologetic smile. I mouthed sorry.
He nodded and smiled but then his smile faded when Owen came and tapped his shoulder.
"Tara, pre, partner tayo!" he exclaimed cheerily.
"The fuck? Get off me, fucktard!" Anton hissed and moved away.
"Ay, Englisher ka nga pala. I said, we should be partners. I am good with paddle-paddle, you know?" Owen grinned. Anton just shook his head and cursed in Spanish. I almost laughed.
"Let's partner, your majesty!" when I heard Catherine's voice and saw how she clung on Seb's arms, my mood shifted.
I don't have the right. I know it for sure but I was jealous, I admit. It was like the clouds covered the bright sun and it made me angry.
"We should get going, the weather's not good. It might rain." Lucian announced and when I looked up, the sun hid behind the dark clouds.
We got inside. Ian was so good in kayaking while I was new kaya we're mabagal pa at first. The first batch from the other yacht got out with amazement on their eyes that I got more curious.
I've seen this in photos but no words are enough to describe how breathtaking it is when we got inside the lagoon.
It was bluish and clear, I saw a tiny turtle rose up and hid again beneath the waves. The large rock formation was astonishing and when I heard Ian calling me, I smiled.
"Hmm?"
"Ayan 'yong kwento namin sa 'yo noon." He said, "tingin ka sa baba."
I followed him and my mouth parted when I saw from below another shipwreck. It looked reachable but I know for a fact it was just an illusion because no one had succeeded in reaching it before.
"It's beautiful, your highness! Oh my God! I'm gonna cry!" when I heard a high-pitched voice, I looked from the distance and saw Catherine squealing, slapping the annoyed Seb's arm.
Owen laughed from the distance, he's with Anton. Romeo is with his girlfriend, Juliet, and Lucian was with my cousin.
A few guests came in and Lucian began telling the continuation of the tale because they're interested and begging to hear more.
"The ship got the princess' body after falling down the cliff in this very ship. However, they got lost, accidentally got inside her through that entrance." He mentioned the space overlooking the vast ocean where a ship could enter. "But unfortunately, this entrance has no other way out. They got stuck."
"The tale has a lot of versions but this one explained how this ship ended up below. While the princess with the pirates were in their journey, the sea witches are watching them—the mermaids."
My heart squeezed painfully. I couldn't explain why.
"They've witnessed the love story of the princess and the head of the pirate, they rooted with them that when they found out they got killed by the people of the palace, they took revenge. It was said they lured the guards by their beauty and drowned them. They even dragged the ship down with them so no one would escape their karma." G continued.
The scenes inside my dream played again inside my head.
"Oh, the tale is great but it was tragic." I overheard Catherine, "I can't help but imagine you're the pirate while I was the princess, your highness." She touched Seb's shoulder.
"Dugong ka, gaga." He mumbled blankly.
Owen and Romeo burst out laughing.
"Yes, your highness?" the confused Catherine asked, "I'm sorry but I didn't get it?"
"Nothing, Cath. I was just saying you're such a funny woman. Ha-Ha-Ha." He faked a laugh.
"Gagong Baste, pangit gumanap." Ian laughed in front of me.
Lucian and G heard it too but they tried their best to stop themselves from laughing.
"But is there any reason why the mermaids dragged the ship down? Is it solely for revenge? I can't help but wonder," Anton then called their attention.
It made me wonder too. I touched my necklace and stared at the depths of the clear ocean, seeing the old but still visible ship below.
"That's what that version says but like I said earlier, it has different ones. One of it, might be another reason—a real possible reason why the mermaids had revenge."
"What is it?" Queen Mila asked.
"This version varies from the known one, this focuses more to the sea witches and it was said here that the queen of the ocean, the queen of mermaids fell in love with one of the ship's crew."
My chest squeezed. I touched it and closed my eyes when it stung.
"It was said that because the pirate crew, Leandro, died in the hands of the palace guards, the queen of the sea witches, Isabelle, got her revenge to avenge her love's death." Lucian said.
My cheeks dampened. I suddenly found it hard to breathe.
My eyes watered that I hastily opened my eyes to take the tears of my sight but in between the blurry vision I am seeing with tears hovering, I saw Sebastian staring intently from the distance and like me, he was stunned. I saw his black eyes glistened and on his cheek, I caught a tear fell.
My head started spinning.
"I-Ian..." I called him and touched my necklace to try and remove it. It felt like choking me, I couldn't breathe! "I-I'm s-sorry but could we go out now? I-I think I couldn't breathe..."
Ian panicked. He didn't even hesitate to paddle and get us out of here and just as I reached the yacht, I ran to the barricade, removed the necklace of my neck and when I successfully did, my chest felt a lot more relaxed.
My eyes are still glistening in tears. I heard Ian asking if I was alright and even offered to give me water but I refused.
"I'm o-okay, thank you," I whispered and when he left. I raised the necklace in the air to stare at the pearl, the wind made it dance the same time the ocean made a harsh wave crashing against each other.
"You felt it, too..." I jumped in shock when I heard that voice. I panicked that the necklace slipped in between my fingers in fell in the ocean.
"Oh my... no!" I screamed loudly.
"What's that?" Seb ran beside me, looked down and with my tearing eyes, I held his shirt.
"T-The necklace fell..." I mumbled, "I-I'd get it—"
"No, let me." He said and before I could say something, he stripped off his shirt and jumped in the ocean with no hesitations to retrieve it.
They still aren't back from the tour inside the lagoon. Catherine was irritated when I saw her and Ian's talking to someone on the yachts phone so I didn't have anyone but Seb.
I waited for him to rise up, to go up with the necklace but moments passed and he still isn't going up, I panicked.
I walked back and forth, praying he'd show up anytime from now and a minute passed again and I had no choice. I am not really that good with swimming. I'm no professional in free diving but without hesitations, I dived in to save him.
I was so afraid. I opened my eyes and looked for him but he was nowhere. I lifted my head again, to get some oxygen and when I submerged in water again and saw him stuck on the reef, I swam.
He was moving to get off but open seeing me and opening his mouth to maybe stop me, his oxygen vanished and his movements slowly became limited until he stopped moving.
No... no!
I swam even faster. It might be the adrenaline who gave me enough power to fight against the current that when I reached him, I untangled him from the reef and pulled him up with me in such haste.
I was almost out of oxygen. I thought I would drown with him but I thought of my blessing.
Melody...
I shouldn't die. She shouldn't lose a mother, she shouldn't lose a father so in my remaining strength, I gave my all and saved him.
"Gab!" I heard Ian's voice, he helped me pulled Sebastian up the yacht, pulled me up and I didn't get what he was saying because my focus now is with Sebastian.
He was unmoving.
"W-Wake up... wake up!" I whispered desperately while pumping his chest. I moved my face closer, opened his mouth to give him oxygen and started pumping his chest again.
"No... No... wake up, Seb!" I screamed, my tears are salty against my eyes. "Wake up! It's not f-funny!"
I then repeated the cycle, crying in desperation so he'd listen and wake up for me but he wouldn't. I was so scared, I panicked and did it again.
Heavens... sea witches, please, heed my prayers. Save my Sebastian, please... save him.
He coughed the water out. My hands fell from his chest and cried.
"S-Seb..." I called and cupped his cheek, "S-Seb, are you a-alright? Are you..."
He opened his eyes, our eyes locked and in his black liquid orbs, I saw my reflection.
"Isabelle..." he called, not taking his eyes off me.
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