Lie To Me

Chapter 28: 28

Memories came crashing as we approached the island. My heart beats wildly and my breathing

becomes hard; the breeze was cold but I was sweating.

I closed my eyes harshly and tried hard to even my breathing.

Breathe, Jia. Breathe. I mentally told myself.

I know I can do this; I have to do this. I won’t let an old wound scare me forever, I must overcome this

fear.

"You can say here for the meantime. You can go swimming first or whatever you want while we are

preparing for the lunch. Just please be safe and if ever something happens, call us immediately." Kuya

Roy briefed us when reached the shore of the camp site.

We just listened more to their orientation and when they gave us the go signal, everyone cheered on

excitement.

"Give me your hand, Ma'am." Kuya Ben asked. It was waiting for me at the outside the boat, supporting

everyone that going down the boat.

I reached out my hand and nodded. He smiled at me.

"Are you sure you're okay, Ma'am?" He asked. "Your hands are cold."

"I’m fine, Kuya. It’s just the breeze and I touched the water earlier." I reasoned.

He just nodded and didn't comment.

"You can leave your belongings in the mess hall while we fix the tents." Kuya Roy.

"We'll just call you when it's done and the food is ready." He added.

Everyone followed. Some rested at the hall while others went to the beach after settling their things.

I stayed at the hall to take care of our belongings. I took out my phone. There is no signal all over the

island so it is useless now, we can only use it for pictures, videos and music.

I snapped a picture of the beach. The line of coconut trees and clean sand are beautiful to look at. The

sparkling sea water is enticing to wade through. But to think that I would go down there sent chill on my

spine.

My knees tremble at the thought.

The food was served after fifteen minutes. It's a buffet of sea foods, meat and vegetables. Shrimps,

crabs, fishes, seashells, chicken adobo, steamed eggplants, okra and sweet potato leaf were

seductively served in front of us.

"God, I’m so hungry." Paul said.

We dined in together. There were five rows of long tables throughout the hall that we all occupied.

"Gosh. These are all delicious!" Camille commented. It eats taste all the food served one after another. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Have some adobo. It’s the best!" Ruth said as well.

They still had a lot of comments about the food before finishing. It took us an hour to finish. They are

very happy with the food served to us.

"Not every day, we are given a chance to eat as much as these. So just eat!" Nico's words.

We were all full to the brim. I kept falling asleep. I approached the hammock and lay down. Relaxing

myself.

You can do it, Jia. You are brave. I told myself, smiling.