CAOHAGAN ISLAND

(Undated)

Such a beauty to behold, anyone who has seen it will definitely agree. With its fine, golden and white sand, crystal blue water and green and rich rainforest, Caohagan Island is love itself. Located on the northern part of Northern Samar, this island is considered to be a hidden paradise. No matter its grandeur, however, the people in the nearby islands dreaded it and that fear have spread all throughout the entire province.

It is believed that many years ago, a man and a woman lived alone on the island; their names were Nicolas and Pambria. They were so in love with each other that they were satisfied to live by themselves. Being an enchanted island since then, Caohagan bloomed and became even more seductive due to the love that its tenant felt for each other. The sand became even finer and the water, bluer. The rainforest also bore different kinds of fruits and vegetables that the couple lived full and happy.

Until one night, it was already past mid-night when Nicolas was roused by a slow but loud knock on the door. Thinking that it might just be some remnants of his dream, he decided to ignore it and succumbed to his slumber once again, but he was just about to close his eyes when the knocks returned, this time, even more persistent than the first.

His brows furrowed as he slowly climbed out of bed. Who could be knocking at this hour and to think that they are in an island? As he donned his pants and shirt, Nicolas stole a loving glance at his sleeping wife, Pambria. Unable to resist, he bended down and kissed his wife on the forehead before quietly going out of the room.

The knocks still continued and as he stretched his neck to get a better look at the shadows outside, he was able to make out a couple of them. Suspicion rose from his mind as he cautiously closed the bedroom door behind him, making sure that he won't make any sound as he tiptoed near the front door.

He peeked at the window quietly. The darkness from the house, provided him an ounce of protection from being noticed. There were five men; they all looked beaten and tired, probably because of the travel from the other island to here. Once again, the question of why these men were here at this hour in the first place clung to Nicolas’ mind. He set the suspicion aside, however and decided to just help them.

“What do you need?” he demanded.

The men scampered by the sound of his voice and one of them, walked closer to where Nicolas' face was perched on.

“We're sorry to disturb you in the middle of the night. We just wanted to seek refuge for a couple of hours....” the man said.

“We just need some food for we haven't eaten anything since this morning...” the other man stated.

After a few moments of hesitation, Nicolas grabbed his jungle bolo from where it was hanging by the back of the door, tied its knot around his waist and opened the door.

“Follow me. I'll take you to the stock room...” he said calmly and pointed at the stock room next to their house then closed the front door behind him.

He walked ahead of the men to open the door of the stock room and stayed by it as the men entered. They opened each and every decanter filled with food and started to munch on while Nicolas just stood outside and watched them, though he was so tempted to ask them the reason for their abrupt travel.

One of the men, the one who first spoke to Nicolas by the window, turned to him and appeared to have read his mind, instead of giving him answers, however, the man started to laugh. To Nicolas’ puzzlement, all the other four also stopped eating and started laughing as well. Suddenly tensed, Nicolas eyed them suspiciously; his hand crept around the hilt of his bolo. Something about their manner of laughing made him uncomfortable.

“Thank you for the food”, one of the men mocked in between guffaws of crazy laughter.

“Did I miss something?” Nicolas asked warily.

"You see, we're here for another game.” the man nearest him spoke. His voice deep and dangerous but he has a blank expression on his face as he gaze somewhere else.

"Game?” Nicolas asked. His brows furrowed as he tried to assimilate what the man meant.

"Yes...” said another man.

Startled, Nicolas turned to the man with a start. He was not even aware that someone sneaked out behind him! But before he could react, the man gave him a hard fist on the face that has sent him facedown to the ground. He did not even get the chance to move as they took his bolo and all of them came and took turn at beating him to death. Their devious laughter echoed in his ear as his body felt almost numb with their ceaseless assault. Blood oozed out from his mouth, his eyelids heavy and painful. When the men stopped, Nicolas was breathless, his whole body ached and bled and he seemed not able to move. He just lied on the ground, motionless as he watched the men walk out of the storage room, laughing. Then with one last look at him, they closed the door of the stock room and by the looks of it, they even barricaded it with the same wooden plank he’s used.

"Who are you?” Pambria demanded.

She awoke when Nicolas left her side and decided after a few moments to check on him. But when she opened the door, she stepped back in terror as these men looked at her and smiled salaciously.

"Look at what we have here... See? I told you she's something... It is a fine game indeed...” one of the men stated to his companions without taking his leering eyes off her and stepped inside the room. Pambria had no other choice but to step further back until she was pinned on the wall.

"W-who are you? What have you done to my husband?” she asked again. Her voice shaking with unhidden fear.

"Aww... Don't worry, sweet, he is resting as of the moment and won't be disturbing us. You see, we are deeply in need of adventure and you seem to be the best!” the man said in a feigned gentleness. Then suddenly, he grabbed her by the shoulders and shoved her hard onto the bed. Pambria gave out a scream when her head bumped hard on the wall.

"Aaahhh!"

Nicolas’ heart leaped in fear when he heard his wife's scream. Somehow, he thought the men will just leave after beating him up, but it seems as if they have another plan in mind and that concerns Pambria.

Willing himself to get up, he ignored his complaining body and tried to slam it to the door as hard as he could. But to his aggravation, the cursed door just shook a bit but did not open.

In his ears, he heard Pambria's frantic screams followed by the men's leering laughter. Feeling the desperation, unwanted tears sprang from his eyes as another cry from his wife resounded, muffled by the men's loathsome sound of enjoyment.

"Nicolas!!!"

Pambria was pinned on the bed, even if she fought hard; her strength was just not enough to match the men who held her down. The men were just too strong for her. Her tears flowed from her eyes as one of the men positioned himself on top of her and bit her breast, so hard that she could swear it bled. Due to the pain, she called out Nicolas’ name but it was nothing compared to the men's loud laugh. Her fear was just doubled by her worry about her husband for he could be dead somewhere. She twisted when she felt the man entered her and she cried harder, helpless and disgusted. Then he slammed into her hard that she squinted from the pain, hate pierced through Pambria's being as his release came with a shudder. Feeling helpless and defeated, Pambria just couldn't cry any harder.

Before the man got off her, he grabbed one of her breast and squeezed it hard then laughed as Pambria cried in pain.

Her mind dazed from the horror of what just happened. She turned her pained eyes and saw that another leering man was lounging towards her. Too drained and afraid, Pambria scooted to the wall like a trapped rat and pleaded the man for mercy.

"Please... Don't do this...Sto-o-p..."

She tried to elude the man's hand as he stretched out to grab her but the man bump her belly with a hard fist. Air left her lungs as the pain struck her, she braced one hand over to the painful spot and still tried to defy the man with her other hand, but the pain sipped all her strength to fight, effortlessly, he brushed her hands away and positioned himself on top of her then started to pound his possession into her.

Nicolas tried again to slam to the door the moment he heard Pambria shout his name. With hatred and worry strumming in his heart, he gave out another blow and finally the door swung open. He got out and run to the house as quickly as he could. He could hear Pambria's helpless cry as the men continued laughing.

"Please, don’t do this.... Sto-o-p...” his wife pleaded, her voice hoarse and helpless.

Fury filled his heart with the sight he arrived with. One of the men was sitting on the sofa, shirtless like the others. He had his feet perched on the table, his fly open and he looked painstakingly satisfied. Without a doubt, he just finished his round with his wife. Without preamble, Nicolas ran towards the sitting man, intending for a brawl, but when he got near enough, the man stood up, took a dagger from his back and before Nicolas could realize what it was, the man pierced the dagger into his flesh. He looked at the man as an excruciating pain seared through him while the man smiled in satisfaction and pushed the blade deeper into his body. His knees gave in and he sprawled on the floor.

Pambria's faint voice still rang in his ears so as the laughter of the men who were ravishing her but Nicolas was unable to do anything. His body seemed numbed and too exhausted that, with tears of hatred flowing from his blazing eyes, he fixed his gaze to the room where his wife was trapped. Every cry, plead and scream tore his heart apart, then finally darkness embraced him.

It was dawn when the men came out with satisfied smiles on their faces and there was nothing but cold silence coming from the room. Nicolas was awakened by their chatter but remained still with his eyes closed as he listened to them.

"What do we do with him?” he heard one of the men asked.

"What? He's dead.” another answered.

"Better to make sure...” another man said and he felt him kneel by his side.  Unprepared, Nicolas screamed from the pain when a sharp blade tore his flesh again.

"See? He was just dozing..." said the one kneeling beside him and stabbed him again and again until he was covered with blood and was unmoving.

Then vaguely, he heard the men depart. He opened his eyes and roamed it around him. The men were gone, grasping for air, Nicolas forced himself and slowly crawled to the room where his wife was.

"P-pambria...” he crooked but no movement came from the bed, though he can see one of her legs dangling on the side of the bed.

Grabbing the edge of the bed, he used it to hoist himself up. Wincing at the pain his stab wounds were causing him. He could feel his life leaving his body, but he fought it to check his wife.

Then he finally gazed on Pambria, lying still on the bed, naked and bruised all over. The left side of her head was bleeding and there was a long and deep slit on her neck where a generous amount of blood was flowing, her right breast bluish and swollen. Nicolas’ shoulders shook with uncontrollable anguish as he looked at his wife. Her beautiful face bruised, tears that had dried up marred her cheeks and her eyes were open, they seemed to be looking at the ceiling but they were blank and lifeless!...

With shaking hands, he gently closed his wife's eyes and using the last ounce of strength from his body, he laid down beside her, gently placed her head to rest in the crook between his arms and shoulder, then he wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes.

"I l-love you, Pambria. I'm s-sor-ry I failed you...” he whispered, his tears not stopping. Then, he felt death coming to him; he kissed his wife on the forehead and took his last breath.

As soon as his soul slipped from his human body, a thick layer of clouds formed above the island hiding it from direct sunlight, though its beauty still remained, gloom and despair can be felt in it. Many have tried to visit and stay on the island but all of them cower back to where they came from right after with the same reason, the loneliness on the island was unbearable that the people can't bear it to stay...

SEPTEMBER, 1951
PAMBUJAN, NORTHERN SAMAR

Last night, while she lay in her bed, she saw before her eyes, the face of the most beautiful woman she has ever seen. Not because of the superficial meaning of the word, but because of the true and pure love shining on her face. Marring that beauty, however, were anguish and pain, of loss and of love forced to end by a tragic event. She talked to her, and confirmed a promise that their family have long been guarding and trying to fulfill.

Feeling a surge of inspiration like that of which she has never felt before, she started to paint the face of the woman. Her graceful strokes brought life to the canvass and each color blossomed in her delicate ministration. When she finished, she once again gazed at the woman she just painted. She was, indeed, beautiful for underneath that beauty lies the purest of heart, who can love eternally, even beyond life. The woman was Pambria.

Even from the start, Hilda Saavedra Samaniego has been different. She has a gift that most people won't believe to ever exist, that was the gift of 'sight' and all her masterpieces were inspired by all the things only she has ever seen. Coming from a prominent family in Northern Samar, Hilda knew nothing of hardships and sacrifices. However, regardless of their family status, she never fails to remind herself of what their true family origin really was and what she saw last night, made it clearer and truer than ever before. In the province, people believed that once a Samaniego fell in love, it was the truest of all. And now, her gift of 'sight' will prove it, giving them a purpose and a deeper understanding of the word, love. She slowly walked outside of her studio all the way out of the old Anahao house where she and her family lives in every summer. Grasping both sides of her kimona, she slowly walked towards the shore. She looked directly across the vast ocean of the pacific, where, not so far away, the island of Caohagan lies. Her heart heavy with emotions as she recalled the moments which Pambria showed her. Her beloved husband and how they lived on the island. They loved each other like no other; they believed that their bliss will last until they're old and gray. But that fateful night has happened!

Tears fell down her face, her shoulders shook as she cried for them. As she tried to understand how that brutality could happen to two lovely people who only wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. The sea touched her wooden-slippered feet and reached the hem of her kimona as she walked near the shoreline but she no longer cared if it got soaked, she felt pity and anger mixed together that she wanted to explode. Then suddenly, a strange wind caressed Hilda's face. It was so comforting that she slowly smiled. It was Pambria and she promised her last night, that she would guard the island with her life until Nicolas and she finally returned…

March 2014

            The sun seemed to make everything more perfect than it already is. The rich and thick rainforest appeared to be greener, the sand, fine and golden white, compliments the clear blue water of the ocean. Indeed, she was in paradise. But the splendor of the island couldn’t seem to match the beauty of the man who is holding her now and couldn’t even surpass the pleasure that he is eliciting with his every touch. He tilted his head to one side and gently wooed her lips to open for him using light sweet kisses. Succumbed by pleasure, her hands slowly caressed his chest and encircled his neck with her arms then she gave in and slightly opened her mouth to let him in.

A soft groan escaped his lips before he plunged his tongue inside her mouth in a gentle caress, a surge of pure sensation run though her, making her shudder. It seems as if every time his tongue plunged inside her mouth, it electrifies her whole body, making her nipples ache and her loins tingle with so much need. Taken by the pleasure and the knowledge that they were both naked and only the clear-blue water covers half of their bare bodies, she opened her thighs apart and straddled the man. Encourage by the soft moan that he gave out; she tentatively placed her tongue inside his mouth, imitating the way that he did it to hers. And she was not disappointed at all. He meet her soft tongue with his and in a matter of seconds, it became an erotic battle.

Their soft gasp interrupting the pleasure they felt on their kiss that they strained to get closer to each other. Her aching nipples rubbed against the soft wet mat of hair on his chest as the water gently swayed, sending tremors of delight through her, while below, she can feel his hard shaft pressing against her sensitive core. He pulled away from their kiss, but before she could create a sound of protest, he trailed his deep kisses down her throat, to her collar bone and he bended her backward just enough for him to reach her breast. He chuckled softly from the sight of her erect nipples and placed one peak into his mouth to gently suck on it. His hands were also doing their own magic as it glides down to her bottom to grasp her behind, pressing his hard shaft harder against her. Couldn't seem to help it, she cried out and pulled on his hair.

"I love you so much...” the man rasped before turning his attention to her other breast.

A languorous smile formed on her lips and she slowly rubbed her hands down to his neck, to the broad expanse of his shoulders and well-muscled arms and back to his soft hair again. She grazed his scalp with her finger nails as she completely surrendered her breasts to his torturous mouth.

"I love you too...” she answered in a voice thick with passion then moaned deeply when she felt his fingers touched her on the spot where most pleasure seemed to burst.

Still feasting on her breasts, his fingers continued its delicious prodding, and she held him tighter when he brushed the aching nub that was seriously asking for attention. Sensing her reaction, he touched it again slowly this time, prolonging the sweet torture that she bit her lower lip to prevent another cry of pleasure. Then he lifted his head from her breast and watched her face intently. Down below, she felt his shaft seeking entrance. Tentatively at first, then inch by inch, it was inside her, all the way to the hilt! She opened her mouth but no sound came out and prepared herself for the pain that was supposed to follow, but she felt either pain or discomfort. He also remained still as he watched her reaction, making sure not to hurt her more than she might already feel. Opening her eyes, she looked at the eyes of the man who held her. Its intense gaze probed her soul while a soft smile touched his lips.

Slowly, he eased out making her catch her breath and eased inside again, her eyes shut close as the movement struck her with pure ecstasy. Then he did it again, slowly at first then coming in faster and faster that she felt blinded by the pleasure of it. And then deep within her being, she was about to reached her climax, his soft groan adding to the sensation! Then... then...

"RING!!!"

Bria abruptly sat up on her bed. She was awakened by the angry call of her alarm clock. Feeling unsatisfied and wanting from her unfinished dream, she sighed in frustration, slumped back onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. It was the same dream again and she's been dreaming about it since she was 16. Hard, though she tried, she couldn’t fathom why that dream always invades her slumber. And the weird part is, when she awoke, she couldn’t recall the face of the man, though his touch and the sensation of his kiss remained, leaving her feeling empty and lost. She can still feel his kiss, the taste and the intensity of it, she can even feel the love between them but still, she can't recall his face at all! Even the island is not familiar to her. She is very positive that she has never been there all her life or she would know where it is. Totally aggravated, she howled herself out of bed to take a shower, knowing only too well that the cold water won't satisfy this unwelcome craving within her.

Shaking her mind off her erotic dream, she focused on something far more realistic. Her rest-day is over and it's once again the start of the week for her. That thought at least, gave her some semblance of equilibrium; she focused on her day ahead and washed herself more fastidiously, grabbed the towel after and got out of the bathroom to prepare for work. Bria is a call center agent in one of the companies in Makati, has been for six years now. Good though she maybe, she still has not been able to go up the ladder yet because, first, she's a hopper and second, she seemed not to really know what she wanted in her life. She goes around trying to look for something she has not a hint about! She was just 18 years old when a car accident took her parents from her. Caught up in grief and shock of her sudden loss, she decided to move to the city to seek for that something, thinking that finding it would once again bring her home but up until now; she still has not found it.

Rummaging through her clothes in her small closet, Bria picked a black baby t-shirt, pants, clean panties and bra then went back to where the bed was to spread her outfit on it. She stared at the garments for a while but not really seeing it as her mind wandered. This has always been the same routine for her. Go to work at night, come home, eat, sleep, wake up again and prepare to work. At first, she thought that the reason why she keeps on dreaming about her erotic dream was because she needed a little adventure. She might just be bored she thought, so she tried a lot of different ways to feel the rush, she even tried to entertain some suitors, but the dream just became more vivid and real that Bria started to feel confused about a lot of things and she found herself having difficulty opening up to another man.

She was not really the superstitious type or someone with any paranormal instinct, but she strongly feels that the dream is trying to tell her something, it could be the key to what she has been looking for. She sighed once again and started patting herself dry with the towel then bended over to cover her dark tresses with it after. She donned her clothes one by one and sat down on the edge of the bed. When she lounged towards her bedside table, a grin slipped from her slips as the bed gave a familiar creek.

Working for six years made her independent. She was able to get herself an apartment of her own. It has one bedroom, a kitchen, restroom and a small dining/living room. She was also able to afford some furniture and appliances to adorn her house with and she can even say that, she has almost everything that she needs. But still, there is a longing in her heart that can never be appeased until she find that something!

After putting on some loose powder on her face and some lipstick to enhance the color of her lips, she stared at her appearance on the mirror. She's plain... That is quite obvious. She wears no other make up aside from loose powder and lipstick and her preparation was done, though many would say that she is not completely lacking in her appearance. Her eyes have the shape of almonds, with dark brown color. It was fringed with thick dark lashes and natural black underline that makes her eyes look more expressive. Her eye brows were black and thick and proved to be untouched by razor or any other sort of flocking most women do to their own eyebrows, but still it arched artistically above her eyes giving her a kind facial expression at the same time, arrogant. Her nose was delicate and slightly thin, that compliments the shape of her face, her mouth, shapely mouth with its natural pinkish colored lips and full texture. Framing her face is her thick, raven-black and wavy hair, it is long enough that it reaches her waist and she likes to let it loose most of the time.

As far as her body is concerned. She is used to wearing plain, shapeless t-shirts and skinny jeans but they couldn’t hide her delectable form. Her breasts are full and well-endowed that they rose on their own without the support of a bra, her waist narrow, and her hips wide and well-rounded. She is also blessed with a perfect butt that makes everyone look every time she walks by. Plain though she maybe, she is still a sight to see. But the thing is, appearance is not important to her, she will never be happy completely unless she find what she is looking for. And with that she was positively sure.

Looking at her watch, she gasped when she noticed the time. Her shift starts at 9 pm and it's almost 8:30! It is time for her to leave or she will be late. Gathering her bag from behind her bedroom door, she bustled out of the house and locked her apartment before leaving.

"...alright. Once again, thank you for calling and have a great day ahead!” ending her 22nd call with a smile, she pressed the After Call button to allow herself some rest before another call comes in.

Bria was about to start to create her notes from her previous call when a message popped up on her screen. It came from Rhea, her friend from another team. She smiled as she read her message.

Private Message

From: Rhea.Sandoval

To: Bria.Velozo

________________________________________________

Rhea.Sandoval: Hey girl!J

Bria.Velozo: Hey! Wazzup?

Rhea.Sandoval: What a day! Its queuing and I hate it. I feel so tired...

That message made her smile wider before sending a response.

Private Message

From: Rhea.Sandoval

To: Bria.Velozo

__________________________________________________

Bria.Velozo: I know. I am too. Don't worry, we've got 2 more hours left and the day will be over…J

Rhea.Sandoval: What?! Two more hours?! Huh! That's still a long time to go...

Picturing out how her friend was possibly pouting at the moment, she already anticipated her response.

Private Message

From: Rhea.Sandoval

To: Bria.Velozo     

_________________________________________________

Rhea.Sandoval: What?! Two more hours?! Huh! That's still a long time to go...

Rhea.Sandoval: You know what, I've been thinking. Let's go on vacation. What do you think?

Bria.Velozo: That would be really nice. But where would we go?

Rhea.Sandoval: Well, I know just where to go. Hehehe!

Bria.Velozo: Ok. Let's talk about it after shift and I think, it would be fun if we asked others to tag along, right?

Rhea.Sandoval:  Uh hu! I am already getting so excited!

Bria.Velozo: Hehehe! Me too, it’s been a long time since my last vacation...

Rhea.Sandoval: Great! Let's discuss it further later then.

Bria smiled and then pressed the Auto-In button to receive her next call. Just thinking about their upcoming vacation already lightened up her mood even more that she became extra perky when her next caller came in.

"Good job, Santos!” Ricardo Samaniego stated as he sat on his chair, holding a brown envelope in his hand.

"Thank you, sir!" Santos replied proudly and sat himself on the chair across his boss's table.

This task was given to him a year ago, but it has not been a very easy assignment, considering the fact that all he was provided for as a lead was a picture. No name or any other information. But unlike all the other detectives who handled the case before him, he succeeded and found the girl. Feeling the same curiosity that has been nagging him from the time his employer declared the importance of finding the girl; he inclined his head and peered through the documents that his employer was now studying.

"Please forgive me, sir. But may I ask as to your relation to the girl and why is it so important to find her?" he inquired.

Raising his eyes from the documents he was looking at, Ricardo pierced the detective with a cold stare, before he spoke.

"I don't think that that is something you need to concern yourself about..." he said simply.

Santos backed off immediately and nervously blurted out his apologies. He doesn't really want to anger the man, knowing full well who he was and his heritage. Samarnons were not to be irritated, for if they ever were, it will definitely be ugly.

"I-I'm sorry, s-sir... I didn't mean to p-pry--"

"You may go now. You're payment will be given by my secretary outside and I'll call you if I ever need your assistance again." Ricardo interrupted him.

"Of course! Of course! Thank you again, sir", Santos eagerly replied, stood up and walked out of the office.

Ricardo stared at the closed door for a minute before turning his attention back to the documents he was reading. His plan will finally start; he just needs to make sure that she is the right woman. If not, then the search will have to continue. After a couple of minutes, Ricardo stood up from his chair, turned his back on the table and gazed outside his office building. Anticipation sipped through his body but at the same time, worry filled it as well. What if they were wrong and all this time, they have been working on something entirely absurd?

But no, he shook his head silently. He must not dwell on any doubts at the moment, anyway, he will find out if this was all a sham or not in a couple of hours.

"Who else would be coming then?" Bria asked Rhea. After discussing the details of their upcoming vacation yesterday, the latter focused on getting some more people to come along and just left Bria to plan the other details like accommodation and transportation.

It is their lunch break and both decided to do it together even if they had a different schedule, that way they could talk about the vacation more. After grabbing two mugs of brewed coffee and bagel for each other from the cafe where they normally hang out, they decided to sit on the nearest vacant table and munch on their food.

"It will be an all-girl trip, by the way. I just thought it will be more fun that way, you know, we can just hunt down some cute boys once we get there", smiling wickedly, Rhea stated, making Bria roll her eyes out. She just knew what her friend was thinking and the bad part was, she still hasn’t gotten used to it regardless of their 4 year-long friendship.

"So, who's going to come?" she impatiently asked.

"You, me, Trixie and Sophie..." Rhea stated before indulging a bite on her bagel.

Bria sipped on her coffee first before replying. "And did you tell them where?"

"Yup! And they all agreed." Rhea said and winked at her.

She smiled in return and also took a bite on her own bagel. Their conversation continued while they ate. They will be filing their 3 days leave two weeks from now and they all agreed to file it following their rest day that way their vacation would be longer. It was also summer so travelling won’t be that of a hassle at all and besides, it’s just a small province anyway. They’re definitely sure to have fun. When their lunch break was finally over, Bria and Rhea started to walk the short distance to their office building but they haven't gotten far yet when Rhea stopped and grabbed her by the arm. A little startled, she just looked at her friend inquiringly. Her brows furrowed, however, as she followed the direction of Rhea's pointed lips. Looking back to where they came from, she saw a man standing next to the table where they ate their lunch. His hands are hidden inside his side pockets and looking at his stance, it seemed as if he is directly facing and looking at them too. Together, they stared at each other and Rhea smiled teasingly at her. Unable to return that smile as of yet, she looked back at the man and tried to narrow her eyes to further speculate his appearance.

He was built perfectly. He was tall too, probably about 6 feet tall. His hair was wavy black and cleanly cut; eyes were dark and piercing, strong nose and sensual lips. His shoulders were broad that it fits the tight fitting shirt that he wore, in the distance she can also vouch for the man's flat stomach. His arms were muscled and strong by the looks of it. Since he was wearing a white summer pants, she couldn't describe how his legs looked like but she can be very positive that they were as well muscled as his arms. He also wore a pair of black summer shoes which gives the impression of being at ease.

And he was, indeed looking at them with a slight smile on his lips. But it’s not the handsomeness of the man which made Bria get a closer look; it’s the familiarity of him that made her stand and wait as the man walked towards them with the same ease that reflects his appearance. He stood directly in front of them and his smile broadened as his gaze fell on her. Bria's heart gave a thud as she took a closer look at his face. It seemed as if she had seen the man already before, somewhere she just couldn’t remember. Then like a rolling film, her erotic dream came into her mind and the face of her lover became clear. It's him!

A hot sensation crept from Bria's neck to her face. Afraid that the man would be able to read her thoughts, she abruptly looked away. However, her heart stopped its erratic beating and sank a bit when she heard the man speak.

"Hi there, ladies!" he greeted, "sorry if I kept on staring at you. I just can't help it"

Rhea started to face the man with a sweet smile on her lips before introducing herself. "It's quite alright. I'm Rhea Sandoval and this is my friend Bria Velozo. You are?"

He smiled and apologized politely. "I'm sorry again. I'm forgetting my manners. I am Ricardo Samaniego..."

As the introduction continued, Bria's frown deepened with puzzlement.

"I love you so much..."

Even if it was hoarse, Bria can definitely recognize that voice anywhere. And now that she is hearing the voice for real, she wondered why it does not give her the same thrill of excitement as it does in her dream. But even if that was so, she reminded herself not to give in just yet. It was already strange that she had to dream of her erotic dream ever so often, especially with a man whom she doesn't even know, now however, that this man is here, in front of her, in real flesh and blood, the answers to her ‘why’ questions might just be answered.

Bria blinked when she realized that Ricardo was speaking to her and placed on a timid smile as she focused on what he is saying.

"I know this is all too sudden, but I would like to ask you out to dinner, if you don't mind..." Ricardo stated. Her mind rattled for an answer but before she could even think of a single thought, Rhea joined in making Bria turn to her in both surprise and disgust.

"That would be lovely!" Rhea exclaimed, ignoring the pinch that Bria did on her arm. "Well, better if you have other friends who are as handsome as you..." she added and followed it with a flirtatious laugh while Bria grimaced in embarrassment.

Fortunately, Ricardo did not take offense on that and just laughed as well before answering. "Well, I can definitely recommend some of my friends to come along..."

"That is awesome!" Rhea squealed in excitement but winced when Bria once again pinched her arm even harder.

Making her mind up, Bria did not give her friend another minute to speak, "Maybe next time. We're sorry but for now, we really must be going. Goodbye, Ricardo!" she hastily stated and pulled her friend as she half ran towards their office building.

"What did you do that for?" Rhea demanded as she tried to keep pace with Bria. She was dragging her friend along with her without a single glance back to Ricardo. When she did not say anything, Rhea snatched her arms away with enough force that made Bria stop and look at her again. They are already inside their office building and were now awaiting the elevator.

"Don't you know that what you did back there was rude?" her friend scolded her as if she just did such a grave offense.

She almost laughed at the look on her face. "C'mon Rhea, you don't even know him. Why did you agree to go with him in the first place? Is it just because he is good looking? I never thought you were that susceptible to physical appearances!" she scolded back.

Rhea just gave her the yes-I-am-susceptible kind of look which made her laugh and threw her arms in the air in surrender. "Okay. Then you are susceptible. But I certainly am not. So can we just be a little cautious?"

"But you didn't entirely turn his offer down. What difference does that make?"

Bria closed her eyes in exasperation and touched her forehead with her palm, "I know. But I want to test something...." She answered and before Rhea could interrogate her about it, she gestured her hand in front of her to stop, "please, just be my biddable best friend for now and don’t ask me questions yet, because I wouldn't be able to give answers that I don’t have myself!", she was breathless when she finished.

Rhea just stared at her, eyes round with wonder and mouth slightly open, she looked astounded but after a few moments, resignation reflected through her eyes making Bria sigh in relief.

"Alright... Fine...", but her face animatedly changed when she faced her again, "but admit it, he is really handsome, right?"

Rhea beamed at her and she nodded eagerly in agreement. As they entered the elevator, her mind wandered back to Ricardo. Is it just a coincidence that he would be the man in her weird dream? And he was real! And she doesn't know him at all. Well, the biggest question is, why does she dream about that dream in the first place?

It’s not like, she's just longing to have sex or something, and she’s a virgin, for Christ’s sake! So, why? Also, it’s not JUST the sex. In her dream, she can feel the love between them, like they were somehow bound together by that pure love.

"I love you so much..." was what the man said and it sounded so sincere and pure that it touched her very soul and made her want to pleasure him as much as he was pleasuring her.

So while Rhea continued blabbering about Ricardo, Bria can't stop pondering on her dream and how Ricardo would alter everything now. Is this all? Is this God's way of sending her a message, a very blunt message to be certain? Is Ricardo THE one? While she contemplated on this, a tiny but pertinent voice deep within her shouted in disagreement. There is something else, something more frightening but more rewarding, that awaits her somewhere, and she will find that out soon enough. If she and Ricardo would meet again by accident, then fate was really involved in all these.

The sun was now about to shine but Ricardo couldn’t seem to find the slumber he desperately needed after his encounter with Bria just a few hours ago.

"Bria Velozo..." he tried the name again on his lips and he can't help but smile inwardly.

Finally! He searched high and low for her for almost three years now and he'd almost given up hope. Well, who wouldn't? The reasons why he needed to look for her seemed unrealistic in itself already but he knew he had to have faith. And now, he still can't believe that she really exists and that the story was somehow true, though, it is yet to be tested. He won't let her get away now, that, he vowed to himself. The family needs her, very badly. He is an engineer, and a successful one at that. Growing up, he had always been fascinated with buildings and infrastructure that when he got to college, he enthusiastically took Civil Engineering and graduated with flying colors. Also a part of his childhood was their family's treasured secret. His grandmother never failed to remind them of its significance to their family that it became a self-made mission of his. He smiled to himself, he found her!

Rousing himself from bed, he decided to switch plans. Well, Bria does not seem to be the sort who would fall willingly to physical appearances, and he certainly hoped that she is indeed not that type of person, he thought to himself as he grabbed his toothbrush from its holder just above the sink and gently poured a genuine amount of toothpaste on its brush. He was captivated though by the beauty that simply refuse to be hidden beneath her simple garb. And he mused, this is a good start. At least, liking her won't be too much of a challenge. Facing the mirror, he started to brush his teeth.

He was already looking forward to their next encounter. Once that happened, he could start with his plan. The phone in his bedroom suddenly rang, interrupting Ricardo's thoughts. He gargle some water in his mouth, threw it up and grabbed a clean face towel hanging next to the sink. While wiping the water from his face and hands, he walks back to his bedroom and picked up his phone.

"Hello?" he answered.

"Hey, Rick!" the man on the other line responded.

"Anthony, what's up?" his mood became even better.

Anthony is his brother. They have always been close and both of them knew about the promise that their grandmother always reminded them about. Though, Anthony never really took it seriously as Ricardo did. And unlike him, Anthony tended to be the serious type. Business has always been his number one priority. Ricardo on the other hand, enjoys the play, especially if it concerns women.

"Actually, mom asked me to call you. She just wants to know, when you'll be back..." Anthony said.

"I'll be back a week from now and I have the best news!" he stated, his excitement evident in his voice.

"What is it?"

With a proud smile on his face, he answered, "I found her..."

There was silence on the other line for a moment that Ricardo thought he had lost connection, but Anthony spoke before he can check.

"What do you mean?" confusion vibrates on his brother's voice.

"The woman in granny's painting. I found her. Unbelievable, but its true..."

Another silence followed, but he knew that Anthony was still on the other line. He can hear him breathing deeply. He knew exactly what he was feeling. The story of their grandmother was the kind of story that doesn't normally happen in real life and now that a proof came about making the tale truer than ever, it takes time to absorb.

"That's amazing..." Anthony whispered.

"I know. When I saw her last night, I couldn't believe it. But she's real and I talked to her...." he said, amazement also mirrored in his voice.

"Does she...know?"

"Of course not, but I have a plan...."

"I see. Would you like to tell mom?"

"Yes, I'll call her later. I just have to go to the office today. Actually I have to go in a couple of minutes. I'll talk to you later..." he stated.

"Ok. Talk to you later. Bye...", then they hung up.

"Have you prepared everything for my vacation?" he inquired at his secretary. The day was almost over and he didn't even notice the time. He had to finish a couple of revisions and make sure that their other new projects were well on its way. A couple of meetings as well occupied his day. But despite all that, he felt awesome! Around noon, he asked his secretary to prepare everything for his trip as he tried to plan his next encounter with Bria Velozo.

"Yes sir. Here you go..." his secretary confirmed at the same time, handing him a brown envelope, which Ricardo guessed, contained the details and itinerary of his upcoming vacation, and then she asked him if he needed anything else, when he said no, she walked slowly out of his office.

A triumphant smile touched his lips as he tried to plan ahead. Tapping his fingers on the table, his mind drifted back to the time when his grandmother told them, for like the hundredth time, about the story of Caohagan Island and how it affects their family...

“Caohagan Island is the measure of the depth of our true being as a Samaniego...” she proudly stated.

Slowly rocking her chair, her head rested on the headboard and her eyes gazing out the window to the sky, while Anthony and Ricardo sat on the floor on both sides of the rocking chair, their young faces serious as they listened.

"Can you tell us the story again, granny?" young Ricardo eagerly requested.

Granny turned to him and smiled. "You want to hear it again?"

"Yes!"

"And you, Anthony?" she turned to his brother.

Anthony smiled excitedly and nodded. Satisfied with their reaction, she rested her head on the head board again, her face changing, as if she was transported to a different place.

"Pambria first appeared in front of me when I was 16 years old. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You know why?"

The young ones shook their head.

"Because her face shone with love. A woman in love is the most beautiful of all. Especially if the love is true and pure as Pambria's..." she stated.

Anthony and Ricardo frowned in confusion but remained quiet as their grandmother continued with the story.

"Long ago, Pambria lived in Caohagan with her husband, Nicolas. They loved each other and lived a happy life. Pambria was so happy that even if she came from a rich family from the village, she chose to live in an island with just her husband....", she continued with a smile on her lips as if she was really seeing the couple together.

"Until one night, their peaceful life was disturbed by a tragic event. Caused by envious evil men who scorned the love between Pambria and Nicolas!” her expression changed from happy to angry. "They were killed, mercilessly!" she forcefully spoke. Tears streamed down her eyes to the side of her cheeks. "After their death, the island became lonely and the only time it will be lifted is when Pambria and Nicolas returned to renew their love..."

"But granny, if they died, how would they return?" asked Anthony, his voice filled innocent confusion.

Granny turned to him, a loving smile on her face. "Their bodies died, but their love is still alive...."

The 12 year old boy frowned deeper, unable to understand his granny's meaning. She laughed softly as she looked at her grandchildren.

"Someday, my love, you will finally understand. And you, both of you, will have to find her and take her to Caohagan..."

"Will she be a granny like you?" Ricardo asked making his granny laugh.

"No dear. She will be as she was and one of you will be her Nicolas. That's the promise..." she stated and though she can still see the confusion marring their young, handsome faces, she rested her head again and closed her eyes....

That was the promise, Ricardo thought. He stood up and faced the ceiling to floor glass wall of his office. As a young child, that story had been one of his favorites and when he turned 19 and went to Caohagan Island, the story became a mission for him. He felt the loneliness in the island. It was the most painful experience he ever had and from then on, he believed the story to be true.

After a week, Ricardo set his plan in motion. He decided to let that much time pass to make sure that Bria would think their second meeting was just a coincidence. He would have to gain her trust first that way he can fulfill his purpose and bring her to Samar. But fate was really fickle most of the time. His high hopes shattered and worry filled his heart because he just got out of Bria's office building, but he was informed that Bria went somewhere else, but to where, no one seemed to know. To his greatest disappointment, his plan needs to be postponed then, because he will also have to be leaving this afternoon to Samar. He was supposed to ask Bria out to dinner first and let her know of his interest, that way when he returned; he will be able to continue to woo her. But now, the plan has changed. Frustrated, he walked towards his car and drive on.