As Boeing 747 joined the friendly skies of San Francisco, California en route to Manila, Savannah was seated beside the window admiring the view inside the aircraft. With a book on her lap, she intends to enjoy the 14-hour non-stop trip. She is going to see her friends from high school, finalize the transfer of her parents' landholdings to her nephews and nieces, and tie some loose ends from her first relationship.
Earlier this year, she learned that her ex-boyfriend from many years ago was still hurting and blaming her for his behaviour... He was always on the lookout for a relationship, he never stopped, while he was married for many many years. Savannah thought that she had this huge responsibility to fix it. She didn’t know-how. She decided to have a long talk with Eli. Maybe, just maybe, he would listen to her. She was in deep thoughts, not noticing a guy sitting on the aisle seat.
Hi.... I am Adam, your seatmate on this 14-hour trip, extending his hand to Savannah.
Savannah acknowledges the handshake. Nice to meet you! Still in deep thoughts, thinking of ways how to approach the issue. It’s been more than 10 long years. She is determined to fix it for her peace of mind. Did he forgive me already? What if he refused to see me? I haven’t seen him for many many years. Savannah was having mixed feelings.
Adam knew that Savannah was in deep thoughts by glancing at her from time to time. He assumed that she wanted to be left alone.
Adam's heart is pounding rapidly. He doesn’t know why. He is excited. He would like to know her. We have 14 hours. I will make sure that I get her attention.
A year ago, Adam went home from work earlier than the usual time when he discovered that his wife of 15 years was in bed with a friend. He was devastated. At the same time, their daughter also came in and witnessed all of her mother’s infidelity.
Adam left the house and got himself an apartment near his work. He filed for divorce and was granted after a year. His daughter is in her early twenties and moving in with her boyfriend of 5 years.
It was a rough 2 years for Adam.
His sister Susan lives in Tarlac, Philippines. She manages the farm that her family-owned for the last 40 years. Since you’re retired, already help me manage the farm. You can relocate here and look for a wife.
I am not interested in looking for a wife Susan, though I am willing to relocate there for a change. I will contact my old buddies. I will let you know when to expect me and thank you for thinking of me. I do appreciate that.
We are family, Adam I am so concerned about you. It's not a good idea to grow old without someone beside you. I will not force you. I will respect your decision and boundaries.
Meanwhile, Savannah opened her laptop and started typing when the light went off.
Let me help you with that. He turned on the light on Savannah’s head and directed the light to her laptop. There you go, you can type now! Adam said.
Thank you seatmate [she forgot his name]
You’re welcome. It’s Adam. My name is Adam.
Sorry, I am into a lot of things. I apologize for not remembering your name.
It’s okay, yes I can see that you’re pretty occupied. If you want to talk, I am your seatmate in the next 14 hours. Sure.... I don’t mean to ignore you and thank you for understanding.
Adam was observing Savannah. She was tall, pretty face, no ring, just simple stud diamond earrings but a lot of bracelets on both wrists. She doesn’t even wear make-up. Maybe she is in her late 40’s. She was avoiding eye contact, distant, sweet smile, slim delicate fingers, unpainted nails, and her hair was shoulder length. She looks sophisticated, reserved, alluring and professional. Adam is attracted to Savannah, at first glance. It's like the first time I’ve ever seen your face...
"The first time ever I saw your face I thought the sun rose in your eyes and the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave to the dark and the endless skies".
Adam was humming the song repeatedly calling Savannah’s attention.
I know that song. Savannah said.
Really, it's an old song. The lyrics are very romantic. Adam responded.
Yes, it was Adam. I remembered when I was in high school, someone gave me a tape that could be played on an old tape recorder. That was in the mid 70’s. Tape A...that song plays for 90 minutes and the backside is " You are so beautiful by Joe Crocker." 2 songs in 180 minute tape....that was so romantic then and now maybe for someone who is hopelessly romantic. Sad because until now I did not find out who gave that tape to me.
Adam thought, now we can talk.
That was so romantic indeed. He did not come forward? Adam asks
No, so until now I am still guessing and wondering. Savannah quips.
So sad for him, so what brings you to Manila Savannah?
I am visiting my mother’s province and tying up all the loose ends regarding my parents' properties. I am the eldest, appointed as executor of the will. It is my responsibility to finish the transfers. And another issue about my past mistakes that I have to close the book.
So this trip is very important.Yes, it is. I have to finish all of it because I have no intention of coming back to my birth country.
You sounded so bitter....
No I am not...'she smiles at him.
She had a sweet smile. She’s more beautiful when she smiles. I have to get to know her now.
It is okay to talk, it’s a 14-hour trip. May I sit beside you. I don’t want to be shouting here.
The aircraft has 3 4 3 seating, and they are seated in 3, so Adam is sitting on 34A, 34B is vacant, and 34C is Savannah. It's okay to move to the vacant seat to whisper and not disturb others, hahaha. Adam moved to the 34B seat. Adam was rejoicing; he felt that his heart would like to get out of his chest. Savannah sounded so relaxed now. I hope we can be friends before the end of this trip. Why not? So what brings you to Manila? I am relocating to Tarlac to help my sister run the sugar plantation. I just retired, you know, so early retirement hahaha.......nothing else to do. I might as well be productive and enjoy the remaining days of my life. And maybe, I can find my soul mate. Permanently? So, you're looking for
Why you're interested in my life story? Savannah asks Adam I would like to get to know you! Adam said Why? Adam chuckles...I told you mine so I was hoping you tell me yours! Fair enough...okay, let me give you some snippets... When I was 18 years old, I had my first boyfriend. He is older than me, around 5 years gap. We had been boyfriend/girlfriend for 5 years until I called it off. I was immature at that time. I was jealous and insecure, still a student. He hold a very important position in the bank. He traveled and brought her secretary cum teller. Words reached me that they are having a relationship, though he did not confirm that. I was mad as hell. I break off with him. I got married but not to him. He was devastated. His family hates me. After 20 years of marriage, my husband left us for another younger woman. Take note..younger woman. I left with my children and immigrated to California. Got a working visa and
Adam and Savannah enjoyed each other's company. They laughed, they ate, drank, then laughed again. You’re a good listener Adam and easy to talk with.... I am sure you could be a great boyfriend or even a husband. Don’t forget to send me an email when you’re getting married. She will be so lucky to have you. Thank you Savannah, appreciate that coming from you! Remember Adam, communication is very important in any relationship. You can communicate well, coming from your heart. I can feel your sincerity. I will pray that you can meet someone that you deserve. You’re a good person. Sav, your patronizing me huh! No, Adam.... I am expressing my opinion and thoughts about you. This is very memorable for me Sav... I will always cherish the moments of our 14-hour trip. Same here Adam... I will not forget you! You made my trip so easy and comfortable. The real truth about why I don’t go home very often is because the 14 hour
Savannah’s trip to CN province is another hour on the plane. Excitement and mixed emotions are setting in. Will they be able to recognize me or will I may be able to recognize them? It was sunny but a little bit windy in CN province when Savannah arrived. She was met by her friends, had the prelim lunch, said hello to one another. It was a sumptuous lunch, happy moments, and picture taking. They agreed to meet again at dinner time. Meantime, Savannah checked in at Bella’s bed and breakfast for 20 days. Her plan is to walk on the beach every morning, do some writing, take pictures and will visit the famous butterfly farm in the area. CN province was an old community even before the discovery of the Philippines by Magellan in 1521. The early settlers were believed to be direct descendants of the group of datus who escaped from the court of Brunei (Borneo) to evade the enmity of a ruling rajah. In 1571, Juan de Salcedo a
Early morning before the sunrise, Savannah was walking on the beachfront, enjoying the breeze and the walk. It was refreshing. Unbeknownst to her, a tall guy wearing a ray ban was watching her. After an hour, she received a text message that her friend Allan was running late. Then, she was approached by an unknown guy. Good Morning Mam, We would like to invite you for a cup of coffee in our tent. Thank you but no thanks! I am waiting for my friend to pick me up to have breakfast. Maybe, while waiting, my boss can share coffee with you. He is the commander in chief of this province and a 5-star general. Savannah was irritated..... Tell your boss, even if he is a 10-star general, I will not have coffee with him. We are being hospitable to you Mam. Please don't shut us up! The tall guy wearing a Ray Ban was approaching them. What is going on here? I am inviting her for a coffee, Sir! I overheard
While Ari and Savannah were in the middle of the ballroom, a tall guy from the entrance of the ballroom was watching them dance. He felt a dagger was thrown into his heart. It was hard to watch them dance the way Ari held Savannah in an intimate position. He had difficulty breathing. He went out for a while and breathed, then after 20 minutes he went back and whispered something to the person guarding the entrance of the hall. The guard went to Ari and whispered something. That time, Ari and Savannah were now seated at the table.Let him in and join us here at our table. Ben, please add another chair beside me. My nephew is here.A tall guy is walking to the table with a wide smile and hugs Ari.Hi Uncle Ari, It's been a while.Yes, it's been a while...good to see you, Adam.Hey, Adam, it's you! Why are you here?Yes Sav, it's me! How are you?I am fine Adam... Thank you!Did you know each other? Ari was surprised.
Meanwhile, a military officer was watching from a distance and recognized Savannah. He waited until the General and Savannah were back, seated on the table, then he approached Sav.Hi Ms. Sav, I hoped you would remember me. We are neighbors. You’re my sister Ann’s friend.Ohh Yes, I remember you Cris, my neighbor? And we are friends on Facebook, right! Savannah said.Who can forget a childhood neighbor who stole my brother’s heart? Cris jokingly said.You’re funny! Edna here?No, unfortunately, she missed seeing you. Her mother is in the hospital. She needs to attend to her.Sorry to hear that. What happened?She slipped into the bathroom, her hips were dislocated.Is she okay now? Savannah askedShe will be. Let’s have a chat later to catch up. Cris said.Why not now Cris? Sav responded.May I be excused for a while. I need to talk to Cris alone.Ari said, Sure.... Cris,
You told me, Allan, she’s a childhood friend. Tell me something about her, Ari asked.Sav belongs to a big family. Her father has 10 siblings and 8 of them migrated to the US. When we were in high school, she was one of the beauties we had. She's always wearing stateside tops and shoes. Tall, beautiful, and smart. She was one of the most active students in extracurricular activities in our class. Though she was shy at that time, she gained a lot of friends. Her family was very protective of her. She can't attend parties, no weekend movies except she goes with her family. I don’t know if it's tough for her, but it seems that she’s good at coping with her father’s strict guidelines. She turned out to be okay. She is a good person, decent, and focuses on what she does. She doesn’t play around.While Allan and Ari are whispering, Savannah is brought back by Cris.General... As promised, I am returning Sav to you, without any scrat