My flight to Tagaytay took two hours from Manila. But it took another hour because I asked more questions about where Aunt Magda's Hacienda was. She is known here in Tagaytay. From the city, I traveled to their town, Hacienda Paraiso.
This is the name of my aunt's Hacienda. According to papa, when he called in the morning, he talked to Aunt Magda and said they were excited to see me.
When I saw the sign on the side of the road where it had the name 'Hacienda Paraiso,' it still had an arrow. The sun was shining brightly, and I think it was noon.
I was also not hungry because piles of food and water were in the front seat by my side. I am just a little tired.
The road to get it is bumpy, and the grass grows on the side of the road. I even passed a wooden bridge under an apparent stream. I was amazed because it was clear and I saw small fish there.
I smiled all night. My car was moving slowly, and the window was down.
The air is also different because it is spotless and refreshing. Different from in Manila. Dad was right about the idea that I was more okay here.
When I crossed the bridge, the road was bumpy again. It is not cement but only muddy. I even came across a truck of mangoes. It looks like a new pick and will be deposited in that market. I could almost see a star because of the mango I saw, and I suddenly turned sour! I like to eat those!
Next to the truck was a truck of coconuts. Wow. I'll be right there, but I'll be happy here because there's a lot of fruit.
I continued biting my lip and saw a house made of organic ingredients only. The roof is made of wood, and the rest is wood. Very good!
As I continued to drive, I turned because an arrow was placed on the side 'this way.'
When I turned around, the road was paved, so I adjusted my driving. From here, I could see the vast land full of mango, coconut, and various kinds of flowers in the distance. The advantage is the sunflower, which attracts attention to the extent of the hectare it covers.
"Wow," I said in great amazement. I can't imagine that there is a town here in Tagaytay that is far from the city that is so beautiful. I would prefer it compared to Manila.
The climate here is not hot because the cold prevails.
When I reached a high white gate, I stopped the car. I don't have the courage because the gate is beyond people, and the wall is broken.
I rang the doorbell three times, and security exited the gate.
"Who are they?"
"Kylie Hernandez. Aunt Magda's niece." I said to it, and it immediately touched its walkie-talkie.
"Come on, ma'am. We'll take care of your luggage," he said, so I went in.
Entering, I was immediately amazed. The house was so simple that it looked like a resthouse. White all below and above with fragile columns.
It has a balcony before entering. On the side of this house are three trucks similar to the one I saw before. There are baskets with only flowers and fruits. Suddenly, I spat.
On the balcony, I saw a lady who looked like papa come out the door. Turned brown, dressed it up to the knee, and with glasses. Far away, there is this smile on his face.
"Hija! Is that you?"
She said to me, hugged me, and caressed my face.
"Good day, aunt."
"Oh. You're so big! I was still watching over you back then. Wait, come in first. Are you hungry? I have food ready. "
I smiled at him because I was very welcome here in his house. Even inside, the air is fresh.
This house was at the top of the hill, so I saw the shrinking town below where I had come from before.
Inside, I saw three helpers cleaning and greeting us as we entered. The security forces immediately entered my luggage.
"Have a seat! I just cooked this because I'm from a hacienda, and I'm gathering because I'm looking for an extra hacienda worker."
I smiled at its spoonful of rice and stewed pork. She also put a banana on my plate.
"There's nothing my aunt should be ashamed of because I'm a nuisance at your work."
She laughed and sat in the chair opposite me.
"I'm alone here, no, so I also need a companion. It is so dull here. It's also boring because there's no love life. "
I was amazed because she was talkative and happy.
"Thank you very much."
"That's okay. I'm in favor of you being here. I heard you're pregnant. Timing! Because we harvest a lot of fruit. "
"Really? I can help, aunt. It's probably not difficult."
"You can do anything you like here, Kylie. Just pick up the light ones. If you want to help, we have a lot of workers here."
"Are they working for you?" I will ask.
"Yes, and they have free accommodation there. Behind the mangroves is the residence that I built. Because I love them."
"You're so good."
I haven't been here a day, and I'm enjoying it. After we ate, he dragged me to my room.
"This is your room. If you need anything, call me, huh? Don't be shy." Aunt Magda said, so I hugged her. This is true. I feel excited about a mother's care.
"Thank you so much, aunt. I don't know what to do without you and papa." I cried into tears.
" Feel at Home. I used to tell your father that you were here with me first, but he didn't want to because he said you preferred Manila."
I could not speak because of crying.
"Oh okay. Take a break so you can visit the Hacienda this afternoon! Lots of flowers there. "
I was excited by what he said because I was full and tired.
I arranged my clothes and put them in the closet. I also showered and got dressed.
I hear the chirping of birds and the gentle gusts of wind. It's so quiet here, and that's all I can listen to. There was also the noise of trucks and people passing by.
I was suddenly sad and caressed my tyan.
"So let's do this, baby," I say. I close my eyes when I remember Clinton again and am eager to smell him again.
There was a part of me that softened for him. There is also a part of me that is stubborn. But I know very well how much I love you, but pride prevails.