CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4 – FIRST STOP

Britney’s Point of View

I woke up early because of my excitement. This is a long journey and for the first time, I will go out of a country with my friends though we’re not going to ride an airplane but it’s okay.

I packed my things first and get changed. I stared at my watch and it’s four in the morning and our departure is at 7.

While packing, I noticed Charlie sleeping deeply. He looks like a baby while sleeping. He’s tall and his voice is deep. He also has a babyface.

Kaye woke up and looked and me while frowning.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m just packing my stuff”

“What time is it?” 

“It’s 4 in the morning.” She instantly stood up and bring out her bag. He put out also a cup and a thermos.

“Let’s have coffee?” she asked. I looked at her and she’s pouring hot water in her cup.

“It’s still hot?”

“Of course! This is an expensive thermos so it should deliver its performance well” She bragged. I grinned at her and sat down beside her.

“I want too!” we heard a voice and Joy is now awake. She went to our location and get a cup.

“What time is it?” she asked.

I looked at her seriously.

“You don’t have a watch, girls? I’m tired of informing you of the time” I complained. Joy laughed because of my expression.

“Jeez, you silly! What time is our departure?” 

“7” I answered sparingly.

“You’re so snappy!” and she rolled her eyes on me. The sun started showing up and I love watching the sunrise. I am a morning person and I like exercising and jogging outside.

“You know what guys, I feel nervous...” Joy broke the silence as she spoke. Kaye and I looked at her and she seems serious.

“Why?” Kaye asked.

Joy took a deep breath and spoke. “I don’t want to leave this country. There is a lot that sinks into my mind.” I was worried about her because I know what she’s feeling.

“It’s okay, Joy. We are one and stand as one. This country won’t sustain us. Look at our situation now” I replied. I noticed Kaye was stunned. 

“You know what guys, I just realized that I didn’t regret what we did for the past months” I looked at Kaye and she was staring at the sunrise.

“I treated everyone like family. Yes, I admit I get annoyed with anyone sometimes but I think it’s normal. I just realized the sacrifices that the boys gave for us” I smiled as what I heard from her. I love a conversation like this.

“Imagine everyone is doing their best to provide us food. I owe a lot to these boys. They made the rest of my life happier” she added.

“You’re so dramatic, Kaye!” We looked at our back as we heard a voice behind us.

“Jeez, you’re ruining my moment” Kaye responded to Laine smilingly.

“Let me join!” she went to our spot and sat beside me.

“Are you ready sailing girls?” Laine asked.

“Of course!” Joy replied.

“How about you two?” I looked at Kaye and she smiled at me giving me a sign.

“We’re freaking ready!!!” We screamed concurrently. Because of our yell, the boys woke up.

“What’s happening?” Simon urged. We just laughed because of their expression.

~*~

Everyone was ready to start our adventure. We are now in the Real Quezon again and waiting for the ship to come.

Most of us are scared because we’re in the place where we did various crimes. I hope everything will go smoothly according to our plans.

“You bring all your stuff, everyone?” Jun asked and we nodded.

“That’s good. We’re going to leave the van here in Real. Don’t worry I have my friend who was living here”

“We won’t bring the van?” Simon asked.

“No. bringing the van will make the ship crowded inside” Jun answered.

“What will be our mode of transportation to other countries?” Minmin asked.

“Since we brought our money with us, we will use it to provide a vehicle. We’re going to use it in Colombia” 

“How many days before we reached South America?” Charlie asked.

“It will take us 20 days to one month to reach South America since we’re using water transportation.”

“Shit? Is it true? Why it will take us too long?” Kyle questioned.

“We’re going to have a lot of stopovers since the ship we’re going to ride need to deliver parcels in different islands and countries. We need to be patient.” Jun responded.

“What will happen to us within a month?” I claimed.

“We don’t need to worry about the food since the ship has stock food for the crews and us also. The ship also has rooms so we can sleep comfortably.” He answered. everyone seems convinced and I think Jun planned this well so we don’t need to worry too much.

“Do you bring your fake passports?” Jun asked and everyone lifted their passports.

“All right. That’s very identical to the original passport. We won’t need it since we’re not riding a plane but we will need it once we reach Colombia. We’re going to pretend as a tourist.” Jun took out something from his bag. 

“Here. Get yours and pass it” He passed us a card and it shows a fake I.D.

“What’s this for?” Charlie asked.

“For supporting documents and credentials. I brought also your Philippine Statistics Authority Birth Certificate in case we need it”

“Wait! I haven’t registered my birth yet. How did you get my PSA Birth Certificate?” Kyle asked.

“Stupid! It’s just a fake!” Kyle scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.

A while later and the ship came. Everyone grinned.

“We’re coming, El Dorado!!!” Laine shouted with excitement in her voice. The ship stops and a man went out from the ship and approached Jun.

“Hey bro!” Jun greeted him.

“Hola!” My eyes widened as I heard him.

“안영하세요!” Jun greeted.

“Is he Spanish?” Simon asked. The guy removed his sunglasses and I can finally see his eyes. Gosh, he has a blue eye!!!

“OMG, he’s so handsome!” I whispered and Charlie rolled his eyes on me. We can’t understand what they’re talking about since it’s Spanish.

“Oh guys, this is my friend, Captain Axle, my seaman friend. He will be our captain for this trip” The guy smiled at us.

“chico guapo” I interfered. I know how a few phrases of Spanish since I love watching Spanish Movies.

“muchos gracias, hermosa!” he went on my location and took my hand. He lifted it kissed the back of my palm. Gosh, my heart is going to burst...

“Good day to everyone! I will be your Captain for this journey. Jun is my closest friend and I would like to help him and also all of you to achieve your plans. We can now go inside of the ship” after saying his last words, we immediately go to the ship and entered.

“Gosh, this is freaking spacious!” Laine reacted. This ship looks similar to Titanic Ship.

“Make yourself at home...” Captain Axle said and he left. We sense that the ship started to move and it means, we’re now departing.

“Make yourself at home my ass” I heard Charlie whispered and I smiled. He’s so insecure.

“Guys, our first trip to Jomalig Island. Axle will give donations to the community there” Jun suddenly spoke.

“Huh? Where’s Jomalig Island?” Minmin asked.

“It’s still part of the Philippines and kilometers away from here, Quezon” he replied.

“Why he’s donating?” Kyle asked.

“The life there is not the same as here in the province. If we thought that living in the province is difficult, the life there is hardest triple or quadruple.”

“He’s an ideal guy. Does he have a girlfriend?” I asked curiously.

“No, since he’s doing what he wants as of the moment and enjoying a single life” 

“Oh, that’s nice!!!” I replied.

“Tsk! So flirty!” I heard Charlie whispered again and I rolled my eyes on him...

Minmin Point of View

We have reached the Jomalig Island now and we’re helping Alex distributing the boxes full of donations...

I noticed that everyone looks malnourished. The children look hungry and they are eager because of the foods we brought.

“Maraming salamat sir dahil naaalala mo pa rin kami! Utang na loob namin sa inyo ang mga biyayang ito! May makakain na po kami ngayon!” 

“Thank you so much sir because you remembered us. We owe to you these blessings! We have a meal to eat today!” said an old woman.

“Walang anuman po. Masaya po akong nakakatulong sa inyo. Babalik po uli ako at mas dadamihan ko po ang mga pagkain”

“You’re welcome. I am happy to help everyone. I will come back next time and bring a lot of food and stuff!”

Captain Axle replied. I don’t know why I smiled. I think it feels good about helping others either both small or big things.

I noticed a child eating dirty food that’s why I immediately get it away from him and give him the bread in my pocket.

“Pasensiya ka na bata dahil ‘yan lang meron ako. Hayaan mo kapag nagawa namin ang aming misyon, bibigyan kita ng mas madami”

"I'm sorry kid because that's all I have. Don’t worry, when we successfully did our mission, I will come back here and give you more foods” the child smiled and nodded at me that makes me determined and motivated.

Out of nowhere, poverty became a reason that makes me motivated to continue this journey. If I become rich someday, I would like to help other people also...