For The Stars Have Sinned

How many times have I looked at my wristwatch? I’ve been waiting for CareLikeGoldFish for some time now but he still hasn’t arrived. I sent a message earlier but up until now, still no reply. Why is that?

“Eleven o’clock,” I muttered under my breath.

The plane’s flight is one o’clock in the afternoon. I had ordered lunch and ate first. It’s half past eleven and Levi’s still not here.

I kept looking around at the entrance of the fast food establishment inside the Airport, hoping to see a familiar face but still nothing. Five minutes before twelve noon and he’s not around yet!

I don’t think that he’ll show up anymore. I sighed. We talked about meet up at the airport and traveling together to Bohol, but it seems unlikely to happen. There might be an emergency so he failed to come on time? I tried hard to understand but there was still a part of me that was disappointed.

My gaze cast down on my cellphone when it vibrated. There is a notification from the reading app. I opened it and my face darkened because of his message.

CareLikeGoldFish: I’m sorry, darling. Emergency. I can’t meet you up now. Can we move our date next month?

Date?

I blinked when I read that word and my anger subsided. My cheeks warmed and I cleared a throat. What a shame, he didn’t say anything about out meet-up but because he said it’s our date, so I’ll let this pass.

I looked up when I heard the announcement. The passengers were being called to the departure area. Sighing, I put the backpack on my back and carried the paper bags meant for CLGF, walking to the departure lobby.

I walked passed the other passengers sitting on the scattered bench near the departure area. A woman looked on my way while sipping on a straw stuck in the soda-in-can she was holding. I smiled a little before looking away. I wore the shades before walking to the departure gate. The gust of wind was strong and warm while I was climbing the stairs to the plane. Good thing I only had a backpack with me so I didn’t have any trouble.

After grinning to the stewardess and crew who greeted me, I went straight to my seat indicated in my ticket. I first put the paper bag inside the backpack before pushing it in the overhead bin and then sat on the seat next to the window.

“A pleasant afternoon to everyone. Welcome aboard Cebu …” the captain announced.

I made sure to put my phone on airplane mode before pushing it in my pocket. Then I looked outside the window. The sun was glaring hot and I could see the hot steam rising from the paved runway of the airport.

Fortunately, my parents and I went on vacation for a while in Panglao about three years ago. So I’m confident that I won’t get lost there unless the place has changed.

But I miss the beach a lot. Hopefully, the resort owner took care of the beach. The last time I visited, I had a bit of a bad experience because of poor maintenance. Well, maybe the place improved now? It’s years since that happened.

A few more minutes and the crew closed the door. The plane also ran on the runway and rose into the air. It’s like my stomach wants to come out. I gripped the seat handle tightly but I pulled my hand back when I realize I touched the hand of the person next to me.

After a while, the plane got out of the turbulence. The flight attendant also advised that we can unbuckle the seatbelt. I immediately looked at the person next to me and smiled shyly. The man was wearing shades. He was frowning while looking on my way.

“S-Sorry,” I apologized.

He frowned even more. “Don’t do that again, Miss.”

“Y-Yeah. I’m sorry again.”

Both my cheeks burned red in embarrassment and looked away.

I swallowed hard and leaned my body on my seat. There’s nothing I could do here but to close my eyes and sleep. I lost track of the time and when I opened my eyes, I heard the announcement of the captain. The plane is about to land.

I closed my eyes again and took a deep breath before opening them again and looked over the scenery outside the window plane. But all I could see is large fluffy looking clouds. My lips pursed and sighed. I really like to see the whole island from above. What a shame, it won’t let me enjoy it.

My gaze cast down on my wristwatch. It’s three o’clock in the afternoon. I reached for the seatbelt and reattached it to my body. After a while, the woman in front spoke again. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the Panglao International Airport. Please make sure one last time your seatbelt is securely fastened…”

I looked out the window. This time, the thick clouds have cleared so I can clearly see the blue and green colors that dominanted the scenery below. My eyes widened in awe. It’s breathtaking!

I huffed when the plane shook as we land. Although my stomach is churning but I never tried to grab the seat handle in fear that the man beside me will turn his scrowling face on me again.

A few more minutes and I felt the plane calm down. I gasped for air. Luckily, I didn’t puke. The crew standing in front announced again.

After a while, people stood up and queue on the aisle. The man still remained in the chair as if he had no intention of leaving. I shrugged. I unbuckled the seatbelt and stood up, taking the backpack from the overhead bins and putting it on my back. I did queue too.

A few more minutes and the cold and fresh air of Bohol kissed me. I smiled. Finally I’m back! It’s been years since I last inhaled the unique scent of the place.

I went down the stairs and joined the people walking towards the passenger terminal building. I took the cellphone and immediately called Tiden’s number while looking around.

The building is a singe-level structure. The roof is unique because it’s a multi-curved structure that seems to be floating on the surface, and I think it’s modeled after the Chocolate hills.

I just frowned when the other line buzzed. He cut my call? I stopped for a moment and called Tiden again. Fortunately, he answered.

“Tiden-”

“Rishell, where are you?”

“Ah. I’m at the airport.”

“I’m sorry, Rishell. Maingey doesn’t want us to be in the same hotel.”

“Huh?” I was stunned for a few seconds. Tiden and I talked about booking a room in the same hotel so that we don’t have difficulty meeting up. But now that Maingey doesn’t want to, it seems there is no choice but to go solo in booking.

I sighed and felt frustrated. That grumpy manager is really a villain in my life, but I have no right to make demands especially since TIden is under the management of Maingey’s agency. I pouted. “But we don’t have the same room, do we? She’s too strict. I’ll pay for the hotel room!”

“I’m really sorry. I didn’t pick you up and I can’t accompany you to the hotel.”

Even though I was a little disappointed, I chose to keep quiet because I could hear the tiredness in his voice. What kind of manager is Maingey to make the boys tired?

I scoffed jokingly. “Fine. I’ve booked a hotel room near Alona. I’ll see you at your concert. We’ll meet there for sure.”

“Alright. Be careful.”

“Yes, you too. Be careful and don’t miss a meal. Don’t overdo yourself because of your villainess manager.”

I was stunned when I realized my words were familiar. I remembered the last person who said that. It’s Lyndon. I snorted. I have to admit, since we talked about that missing a meal issue, I don’t skip meals anymore. Maybe because he has a point, I also don’t want the WiFi at home to be cut off.

“Alright, Rishell. The sponsors are back. Eat a lot and don’t stay up late.”

“I know.”

He said goodbye before ending the call. I sighed and looked up at the building in front of me.

“Miss, any plans to move forward?” a sarcastic voice sounded from behind.

I suddenly turned to the guy who asked. He was the one who was sitted next to me earlier. He had a bad expression on his face so I immediately stepped aside to let him pass. Then I realize I have been blocking the way. Thankfully, that guy was the last persom to got off the plane, else a long queue’s expected.

I just watched how he carried himself away in a suit and tie. That one was surely a businessman. But who’s he? The way he talk and his aura were too strong and too familiar. It’s a shame I can’t remember where I saw that guy before.