EINILLE filed a five-day mandatory leave to rest her mind. She planned to go hiking in the North to ease her sadness. She had to make herself busy and regain her normal life after what happened. She couldn’t sulk forever.
She readied her things for her hiking adventure. And the only thing she was not prepared for was the coming of an unwanted visitor. Valentino, her overconfident suitor, came unannounced just now!
“Hi! Oh, I see that you’re ready.” He flashed out his signature teasing smile. He was comfortably sitting on the sofa. Beside him was a sixty-liters black mountaineering bag, with a folded trekking pole on the side pocket.
“What are you doing here?” She gaped at him. She just came out of her room with her hiking bag.
“Oops, sorry. I let him in!” Shari shouted from the kitchen. She wore her uniform and appeared ready to go out for her duty.
Shari even winked at her before leaving, “I’m going. Enjoy your adventure and have fun!”
Shari hurriedly went out the door. She paused for a while to playfully salute Vale before strolling out.
Vale stood up and put his hands to his pockets, “I heard you filed a mandatory leave. And I found out you’re planning to go North to hike. So, I decided to join,” he sounded as if invited.
At this point, Einille knew that Shari had sold her to this devil.
Einille rolled her eyes. Her patience with this man was running out. Maybe he was born naturally numb. She simply wanted alone time to contemplate everything. Now she would deal with another nuisance.
“Please, I want to be alone.” She held her head up. She wanted inner healing, and the last thing she wanted to happen was to be with this person—her opinionated suitor.
“Don’t worry. I’ll leave you alone. I understand your sentiments. Let us pretend we didn’t know each other.” Vale reasoned out, lightly scratching his head, and he added, “Or let me be your photographer.”
Her eyes narrowed, “I don’t mind if you want to join. But let me tell you, in case of emergency, I will not be liable, okay? I’m planning to scale two mountains.”
She wanted to scare off this man. Maybe he would change his mind.
As for herself, she knew her limits. She had trained on land navigation and jungle environment survival, and this hike would be easy. But for Valentino, she somehow doubted it.
“Which mountain we’re gonna scale?” Vale sounded excited.
“Mount Ulap and Mount Pulag.” She raised her one brow, looking at his unbothered expression. These mountains were the highest in Luzon, and it would not be easy for a beginner.
Vale grinned, “Piece of cake.”
“Conceited! I will not help you if your knees couldn’t make it to the summit.”
“Promise, I won’t bother you.” He raised his right hand as if taking an oath.
Einille knew that no matter what she says, Vale would not change his mind. On the other hand, she thought it was better if Vale would tag along because she would make him her bodyguard. Why not? With his physique, for sure, he would not complain if she made him a porter.
“Can I make a suggestion? If you want a more challenging hike, why don’t we try the Kibungan Cross-Country? That’s equivalent to fifteen mountains, and it would only cost us three days.” Vale said as if giving a bright idea. He referred to the long strenuous trail that would cross three provinces.
“Try that alone since it’s your idea,” she said sarcastically.
Honestly, she considered his notion. But she preferred to scale Mount Pulag because legends say it was the playground of the gods. Maybe a god of the mountain would help her to ease her pain.
“Forget what I said.” Vale giggled. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes.
“You’re suggesting mountains with greater difficulty, yet I doubt on the strength of your knees.” She rolled her eyes.
“That’s harsh, Ein. With my build, you think I’m not athletic?” Vale heartily laughed.
“Yeah, you’re like a walking steroid.”
Vale cackled out loud, “That’s funny! Now, what if it’s the other way around? What if you’ll need my help along the trail?”
She glared at him, “That will never happen.”
“All right, you say so. Shall we?”
Einille nodded. She double-checked her things before they got out of the house.
VALE painted a smile on his lips while staring at Einille’s glowered expression. She gazed at him, trying to catch his stealing glances. But he would look straight and make a serious face. They just arrived in Baguio and waiting for the van that Einille had rented. It was almost four in the morning. The temperature was chilly compared to the province where they came from.
“Don’t blame me if you couldn’t survive this.” Einille reminded him again. She had been threatening him throughout their journey, which he didn’t mind. He found her cute, trying to make him back off.
He learned about this hiking from Rab and Shari. The two supported him to give Einille company to ensure her safety. Plus, he wanted to unwind as well. The General let him go on this trip, and everything went smoothly.
“You’re looking down on me that much? You think I’m not fit to climb?” He chuckled. He was prepared. He even settled a medical certificate because it was one of the requirements in scaling these mountains. It was a bit insulting that this lady looked at him that way. Did he really appear that incapable?
“Let’s proceed to Mount Ulap. It would take four to six hours of trekking. We’ll do a traverse.” Einille said, looking thrilled even if she held her expressions.
He nodded, “You’re the boss.”
A moment later, a white van came. And a plump middle-aged man got down from the vehicle. He was smiling and introduced himself as Rudy, their driver.
Vale thought there would be some other passengers inside the van since it usually worked that way. But it turned out, Einille rented it supposedly for herself alone.
“I didn’t know you were this serious with your alone time. Thank God, you let me tag along with you. I’m glad,” he said, shaking his head.
“You sit to the passenger seat beside Rudy, talk to him so he won’t get bored. I’ll be sitting at the back.” Einille ordered.
“This van is spacious. Let’s be seated at the back.” He took his attention to the driver, “Right, Rudy?”
“Yes, sir!” the driver chirped.
“See?” He opened the door and helped Einille got inside. He hurriedly arranged their hiking bags.
Einille remained quiet. And she stayed that way until they reached their first destination.
Vale respected Einille’s silence. Only the loud Bluetooth speaker connected to Rudy’s phone could be heard, giving directions on which part to turn right, or left.
The driver used an app, and Vale prayed it was accurate to prevent them from getting lost.
Rudy had noticed their silence, and he started to play soft rock music.
“My apologies, but I really liked listening to music.” Rudy said, adjusting the speaker to a high volume.
A famous local song reverberated inside the van. It was about cheating. Rudy was emotionally singing to the beat of the music. While Einille’s brow almost formed a line, trying not to be distracted in her sleep.
“What the heck? Rudy, please, change your playlist.” Einille could not stand it anymore. She was so irritated.
Vale, who was seated on the other side, didn’t stop Einille from ranting. He understood why she was like that. His heart softened for her.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. Let me try an upbeat playlist.” Rudy scratched his balding hair. And a moment later, the infamous Bohemian Rhapsody echoed inside.
Vale happily sang to the lyrics.
Einille stared at him. And for the first time, he witnessed her genuine grin. There was an invisible tug in his chest, catching that million-dollar smile.
THE two have met their tour guide for today’s activity, a young man who introduced himself as Greco.“The traverse would take six hours at a normal pace, and if slow, eight hours,” Greco explained. He also gave trivia about the place, and Einille was fascinated while she listened.Vale was quiet at her back, and his eyes traveled around the mountainous area“Ein, I suggest you leave your things here. I’ll bring your tumbler and other important things. You might find it hard carrying that much on your ascent.” Vale sounded worried.Her eyes rolled upward. This man was really belittling her! Although she didn’t train lately, she was sure her knees could take the load of her hiking bag. She had been taught like this before, and she didn’t see any reason to fail.“Why don’t you leave your bag to Rudy? If you think you can’t make it, just wait for me here. I’ll be quick.”
VALE smiled when he viewed the ecstatic face of Einille when they reached the endpoint of their traverse. She enjoyed their adventure for this day because she was so lively. Her happiness was genuine, and he was glad. He hoped that it would last long. “I can’t believe it! Next on our list is Mount Pulag.” Einille started to remove her trekking shoes that full of dirt “Ma’am, I suggest you dropped by at Mount Kalugong tomorrow. It’s like a park,” Rudy suggested when he started driving. “I agree. There’s an overlooking view of the city on top,” Vale said. He noticed the wondering face of Einille. Before they reached the endpoint, she asked him if his body was sore and pushed him to drink a pain reliever medicine. He just laughed at her. The mountain was so easy to scale. It was suitable for beginners. “Have you been at Mount Kalugong?” Einille asked. He gave her a slight nod as a reply. Then Einille agreed on Rudy’s suggestion to drop by
AFTER lunchtime, they immediately traveled to Bokod, where they had to register at the Department of Natural Resources. They didn’t find any hassle since Rudy was an expert driver. They asked him to wait for them there since the van might find it hard to go through the uphill route going to Camp One. They attended a seminar since it was mandatory before the climb. After that, they handed them the medical certificates and other requirements stating they were fit to climb. Several trails were going to the summit of Mount Pulag, but Vale chose the easiest. “We’ll trek to the Ambangeg trail. Since all these trails will only lead to one summit.” Vale said, explaining the pros and cons. “I want the challenging route. Let’s try the Akiki trail.” Einille said. The trail she mentioned would take three days to reach the summit. That was her original plan only if they didn’t drop by to the park earlier. “I’d like that, too. But I’m concerned about you, don’t for
“ADVANCE!” Einille screeched. Vale lost count of how much Einille yelled that word. They never stopped walking and passed by to the hikers in front of them, which they would give way for them to go through. While the elevation went high, the oxygen runs low. They had to make a breathing technique by deeply inhaling and exhaling through their mouth Vale could see that Einille was tired, but she never complained. She held bottled water, and they only stopped for a few minutes to refill from the water source. “Let’s have a five minutes rest. You’re tired,” he said while sipping to his hydration pack. Einille hardly shook her head, “I can do this. Let’s proceed.” They continued the trek, and they finally reached Camp Two. But Einille didn’t stop. She just followed the hikers to the front. She was dedicated to seeing the sunrise, which he perfectly understood since this was her first time scaling this mountain. He had been here many times a
THEY went back to Sorsogon after a week. They spent little time exploring the City of Baguio before going home. Einille suggested trying ghost hunting, but they couldn't do it due to her tight schedule. Besides, she was sure that Vale would be around anytime she needed him. Vale sent her home because he left his car there. And they could not miss the teasing stare of Shari. Her cousin was off-duty and waiting for them. Shari immediately asked her about their activities for the past week when Vale left. “It seemed the mountaineering adventure refreshes you. And surprisingly, you and Vale looked closer now. Is this a rebound relationship?” Shari tickled Einille’s waist. “We’re friends now. Don’t get me wrong, I never planned on getting into a new relationship. When the time is right, I will. I’m thankful to Valentino. I like his company. He is witty and funny, plus drop-dead gorgeous.” Einille did not conceal her smile while Shari rolled her eye
VALE moved fast, and he pulled his caliber .45 pistol and pointed it to Hero while he shielded his body in front of Einille. “If I were you, don’t try that.” Vale’s voice sounded dangerous. His usual playful expression was gone, only a stern face of an assassin. “Hey, easy! I’m just getting my car key.” Hero stepped backward. Perhaps he knew he was on the losing side, especially that Shari was only a few meters away from him with her gun in hand, pointing at him as well. “Einille says, get out! Don’t bother her again, or else you’ll have to deal with me.” Vale slowly puts his gun down. “I’ll go for now, but I’ll come back soon.” Hero strolled fast, going out of the house. They all breathed out in peace when they reached the roared of an engine going away. “Sorry about that.” Vale sharply exhaled. He lightly scratched his hair after he rested his gun to the holster behind him. Shari came closer to them. “I swear, I would h
EINILLE’S eyes traveled around when she reached the firing range. And somehow, she felt a disappointment because Vale was nowhere in sight. She held herself not to frown since she had expected him to be here earlier than her. “Hey, your neck might crack. Are you looking for someone?” Rab teased. He just came, wearing the black and red uniform of a Range Officer. “Excuse me? I’m just checking around the number of participants.” She rolled her eyes to conceal her embarrassment. “You say so. Vale won’t be around now because he had to run some errands. He sent a representative, though. Didn’t he tell you?” Einille shook her head, “He dropped by at home last night. He said he’ll be here.” “There must be an emergency. Although I’m surprised, Vale used to be your worst nemesis. Why a sudden change of heart?” Rab giggled. Einille got the notion that even she didn’t tell anything to Rab, this man knew what was going on between her and Vale.
EINILLE quietly settled on the passenger’s seat. Vale concentrated on driving beside her. He would give her a furtive glance from time to time. He appeared lost in his thoughts “Are you still uncomfortable with me?” Vale broke his silence. “It's not like that. I’m just conscious because I’m reeking of gunpowder.” “Don’t worry, no one will smell you. I won’t do it either.” He giggled. “Crazy! Where are we going to eat?” “I know somewhere. By the way, are you still on a diet? Because the last time you told me you’re into intermittent fasting.” “Intermittent fasting is not a diet, but an eating schedule. Besides, I’m not worried even if I gained weight. Is that a problem?” “Of course not. You’re still pretty even if you gained weight. It won’t change the fact that I like you.” Vale’s eyes still on the road, “Being confident is the new sexy,” he added Einille swallowed and cleared her throat. Vale had always been straightfo