chapter 3

The body has been removed from the cabin already. The crew found an open area just near the shore wherein they can bury the corpse along with his head. Other passengers were still crying about the incident in their makeshift tents while some teachers, who were out gathering food inland for everyone to eat during the time wherein the men wrecked the door of the cabin, were shocked and cannot accept the news. Their only hope of getting out of the island is quite far-fetched by now.

In the corner, near the coconut-looking trees (as the beach is surrounded by lots of it), teacher Mary was surveying the area and trying her best to pinpoint the suspects who could have done such an act. The thing is, she may be still cannot believe that something like that happened here but the experience is not quite surreal for her. She was an investigator before and still managed to keep her ID, thinking it might help her in the future—which it did. It has been a long time now since she last saw a corpse, and it did terrify her at first, which made her screech in an unbecoming manner.

Things have been better for teacher Mary lately. Her husband has stopped drinking and her eldest daughter just recently graduated from high school with flying colors. It has been a marvellous year for her so far—save for this. She is very aware of her personality being an organized freak and having a mild OCD which quite explains everything that she has been doing so far, but she cannot keep her composure for long if something else will happen.

Had I missed something on the barge? How come I was not able to notice something right before the seaquake happened? She keeps on asking herself.

Her gaze fell on a moving dot from the woods. It was Alyssa. She came from inland and she was carrying lots of fruits with her in a backpack of some sort.

Teacher Mary can see lots of apples and oranges, and some grapes being dumped in a malong placed on the sandy seashore near the white tent which has been designated as their storage and food area. She turned and was about to go back to the blue tent to start the meeting when a sudden realization hit her fast enough that stopped her foot in midair, avoiding another step forward.

Apples, oranges, and grapes? How on earth are they here in Bantayan?

She quickly approached Alyssa. Of course, still with a well-composed gait and posture.

“Teacher Alyssa, may I know where you got those?” She asked when she reached her who was about to go back inland again. She pointed at the fruits that have just been placed on the malong.

“Oh, hi teacher Mary. Since we have a lot of free time on our hands, Ritchelle, Vhina, Jelly, and I were finding something to eat in the jungle. We luckily found these,” here, she gestured to the fruits, “and it's a wonder why such an island has these kinds of fruit."

“Didn’t we have enough rations already? I thought some people have already gathered quite some food earlier today?”

"Yes, cher. Some even added the little food they have salvaged from the barge in the yellow tent. However, after the commotion regarding the captain, some have gone their own way, bringing an ample provision with them. We thought we might need to replenish our stock."

“Well, that’s very weird. Anyway, are you sure you picked those fruits from their trees?”

“Yes, cher. Jelly was the one who was really appalled the most. She kept on blurting things like how impossible it is and that there’s no way that it can grow here. Well, for me, I don’t really care what grows here as long as they’re edible,” Alyssa replied while munching an apple she just grabbed and took a bite.

What a strange island, teacher Mary concluded.

† † †

An emergency meeting has been called in the biggest tent among all others on the shore—the blue tent. Of course, there is no way it is painted blue; instead, stenciled driftwood hung on top of the protruding metal of it. People who chose to stay were congregating outside the tent, nervously waiting for the decision. The student council officers have been isolated in the orange tent with teacher Selena and Norkie guarding the perimeter—teacher Mary does not want them to hear the news about the captain of the barge.

Inside were teacher Mary, Jelly, the doctor, and an old-looking man who Jelly guessed might be in his late forties and must be a businessman based on his torn suit. He has a balding head and a clean-shaven face with drooping eyes. The four of them were the selected ones who will make a decision based on the influences they have outside the island which can boost their chances of being saved.

There are no chairs available so they need to improvise, like piling up things enough to resemble the function of a seat. They have salvaged the study table of the late captain and used it inside the tent wherein the four of them were seated around in a tense manner—especially Jelly.

She is the youngest and amateur-looking one out of them.

Jelly has been included in the meeting since she saw what was inside the captain’s cabin, but it was more likely because teacher Mary summoned her and no one has the guts to challenge it. At least, that was what she thought.

The presumed-businessman tried to correct his seating position to make himself much more comfortable, but too difficult for him to do because of his weight. He finally settled. He then rudely asked, “And why would a young woman be ’ere with us?”

“Come on, Dr. Niel, she’s also a teacher, and she’s old enough to share her own opinions. It wouldn’t hurt to have her around, would it?” The doctor who has taken care of Jelly from the moment they got stranded—and also the one who nursed her back to a stable mental state after the incident in the captain's cabin—answered very calmly. He reminds her of the most favorite uncle of a group of children around her neighborhood in Tabogon. “You're a professor in a well-known university in Cebu and you should know how a teacher's opinion can give quite an impact. I do believe that you know it because you're a teacher yourself.”

So he’s not a businessman, Jelly corrected herself.

“I’m sorry, but can’t we just start this meeting? People entrusted us with how we’re going to move on from here on out. Aside from the captain being dead, we still have some missing people. One of the barge crew members reported about twenty people all in all, including those who went inland. Now, isn’t that more concerning than fighting over why someone’s presence annoys you a lot, doctor?” Teacher Mary interrupted. Jelly was not sure on whose doctor she was referring to, but she would surely bet that it was the professor.

Dr. Niel was taken aback for a moment by the sudden team-up against him but immediately recovered in just a single pretentious cough, which Jelly believed his petty attempt of clearing his throat. "I was supposed to be 'aving a seminar in Salazar Colleges of Science and Business in Bantayan one hour ago, or maybe hours already. By some logical sense in which the sun is positioned right now outside and by 'ow much 'eat it 'as tormented us, I'm assuming it's more or less two in the afternoon already."

Jelly had a wild thought that he and Vhina would surely not have a peaceful conversation would an opportunity occur.

“So,” teacher Mary continued, making accurate guesses of what the professor is trying to point out, “they might have been contacting you already. And, since they can't reach you, obviously, they might have already called someone from your university.”

“Actually, I think it’s quite convenient for us since the distance between Hagnaya and Bantayan is not that quite far. Port operatives on the island might have been alarmed already with our untimely arrival since missing for almost one hour if my guess was right based on the travel time,” The doctor with the goatee contributed in the conversation. This silenced teacher Mary, and she gave him a condescending look.

“You’re right there, um... what was your name again?” Dr. Niel asked.

“Lorena.” The doctor let out an attractive chuckle and clarified, “Actually, I’d rather appreciate it if you’d just call me Shawn. It’s my given name.”

“Wait. Are you the well-known Dr. Shawn Lorena? A successful entrepreneur-doctor in Rodrigo Sotto ’ospital?”

“Now, that is something that I’d rather like you not calling me around, especially in front of everyone. Just call me Shawn, please.”

"So, are we going to come up with a decision here now?" Teacher Mary interrupted once again, asserting her authority between the two big shots. An instructional supervisor is nothing much compared to the two of them, yet her personality and pride cannot just give in and be inferior because of their job titles.

The two went back to being serious again. Dr. Niel was about to say something when Jelly suddenly stood up.

“Um... Aren’t we already in Bantayan?” Jelly blurted out in the middle of the tense atmosphere. The three turned to her direction, and they gave her a blank stare which turned to something close to realization.

“That’s actually a point worthy to be taken,” The professor replied.

“Well, I did not think of it. It completely went over my head,” The doctor admitted.

Teacher Mary gave her a soft and warm pat on the back, silently commending her. "Now, we might think we are already in Bantayan, but everything else here just doesn't make sense. We should have seen more people a few hours ago."

“Maybe we’re not really in Bantayan island, but on one of the surrounding islands? What do you think?” Dr. Shawn started guessing, pulling out a half-emptied Nature Spring bottle from his dirty-white long coat—finishing what was left. He wiped his bearded mouth in one swift motion which gives off a sexy vibe. Jelly cannot help noticing how hot he is for his age.

“You might be right. So all we need ’ere is maybe just to wait for the rescue to come,” Dr. Niel warily concluded.

“Not really just wait. Let’s at least survive. We can divide the remaining crowd to different groups doing specific tasks. Ain’t it the best thing we can do for now?”

“'ow about the children? I've seen some students in one of the tents 'ere," Dr. Niel gave a judgmental look straight to teacher Mary's eyes, who, in turn, did not budge. “Come to think of it, why are there some students with you?”

“It’s not really weird for us to bring them along, especially if we have some training to conduct for the betterment of the school’s student council. You should know that, professor.” Teacher Mary simply retorted with a tinge of authority in her voice.

“Is there really a need to bring them all in Bantayan? I don’t see the need quite frankly.”

“Don’t worry, we have their parents’ consents and they’re in good hands.”

“’ow sure are you they’re all in good ’ands, teacher?”

“Why does it matter to you that much?”

“Well, because I’m a teacher myself.”

“It’s just as much as having field trips. The complete change in environment helps in boosting their learning experiences.”

“Does it really ’ave to be in Bantayan? There’s a lot of educational environments in Cebu City, or near the neighboring provinces and municipalities. Why ’ere?”

Their argument continued for another few minutes and the remaining two were rendered speechless, not daring to talk their thoughts out, fearing to be lashed at any moment.

Dr. Shawn moved closer to Jelly, who consciously noticed it, making her heart climb up her throat. “Hi, teacher Jelly. How are you feeling?”

She seemed confused about how to reply. Don’t be stupid! Answer him straightly with confidence! "I'm doing well, doc. Thanks for your help."

“No worries. Are there times wherein you feel a bit dizzy?”

“Well, sometimes. But it’s not really something serious to be worried about, so I just don’t usually mind it.”

“Don’t neglect it just like that. It could be something serious. Or worse.”

Jelly shied away, embarrassed about what she has just said. “Umm... okay. I’m sorry.”

“Just make sure to drink a lot of water. It’s the natural way of curing dizziness.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“I’ve heard you’re a Science teacher. What major did you take in college?” Dr. Shawn transitioned smoothly.

“Biochemistry.”

“Oh? So you’re good with chemical processes within or relating to any living organisms?”

“Not really. It’s not my choice to be a Biochem student. It’s my sister’s.”

“So, what’s your preferred course then?”

Here, Jelly took a moment to answer the doctor. She barely can look him in the eye, much more answer the very question that she is mostly embarrassed to tell in front of him. No one knows yet what she likes doing in life, not even her sister. But she felt a sudden urge to share it at the very moment.

Of all people she can confess it to.

It took another few moments, during which the doctor waited patiently before she muttered: "I want to enroll in a Medical school. I want to be a doctor."

Dr. Shawn paused for a moment. “Well, isn’t Biochemistry a pre-med course?”

“Yes, but not BSEd. I want a BA or BS degree. I don’t really like teaching in general.”

“It’s still great though. Being a teacher is not easy, especially talking in front of your students. I once had a lecture in front of aspiring doctors in UR Med before. Up until now, I can still feel the nervousness I've felt during that time. It's quite scary.”

Teacher Mary interrupted them in the middle of their conversation, halting Jelly in her way of replying to Dr. Shawn. “I think this meeting is nowhere giving us fruit any time in this manner.”

“It’s because you keep on babbling nonsensical stuff,” Dr. Niel defended.

“Oh? Me? Aren't you quite a talker yourself?”

“Why don’t we just come up with a decision that we can agree on?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you earlier! But we just kept on talking about irrelevant stuff, not focusing on our primary objective anymore!” She’s almost losing her cool. I can't believe I'm having difficulty in dealing with this fat baldy! She screamed internally. “Okay, let’s make all of this quick and rational. Should we start dividing the remaining people and give them tasks to do?”

All three did not reply, which, for teacher Mary, is an indication that they all agree.

“Good. We’re done here. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

† † †

Rex was still answering the S-tier level English workbook that his uncle has entrusted him on the barge which he needs to finish if he wants to know the basic rules of grammar, and on how he can masterfully break the rules to create some effect in writing. He does want to become a teacher, but not to teach English.

He wants to teach kindergarten.

He is not completely committed yet, but he once visited a daycare center with lots of small children which he thinks he can easily put inside his pocket if he wants to. He was amazed by how the teachers handled every one of them, despite the cries and small fights here and there.

For him, it looks fun.

On the side note, he keeps on wondering what has happened outside and why they were not allowed to go out without a teacher to accompany them. He also keeps on thinking about where his uncle could have been. He has not seen him yet and Josh did not visit him likewise.

Someone patted her left shoulder. When he turned, a finger was set up waiting to poke her cheek.

It was Maynard, the auditor.

“Are you done yet? We might as well plan with the budget of this retreat. Or maybe you have started already,” He drowsily said.

Maynard is a chubby four-footer student, looking almost like a typical fat bully. With his small uniform accentuating his obesity, showing bulges and excess fat in every gap of the fabric, he looked like he was about to steal Rex his pocket money.

Rex stopped his work and faced him, squarely saying, “Look, I might be one of the officers but I don’t plan on being friends with you—much more with everyone else.”

“Man, come on. I’m your best pal in terms of this kind of work. A treasurer and auditor are inseparable beings in the council. Might as well befriend me.”

“You know the reason why I signed for this, right? Don't worry, I'll finish the budget plan and pass it to you immediately for double-checking. No need to come and talk to me.”

“Man, you’re a letdown. Just make sure to put it there near the makeshift table that I’ve created,” He replied, pointing to a pile of clothes and driftwood.

After Maynard went back to his place, Rex continued his work. He was doing the subject-verb agreement part when he felt a tingling sensation on his cheek. It tingled much more as time passes by to the point wherein he cannot ignore it any longer.

He stood and stumbled, hitting his backpack that serves as his table to work on with the workbook. He tried to stand again and reached out for the opening of the tent, only to be blocked by Joseph, who was standing condescendingly. Despite his personality, he managed to ask Rex something.

“Where are you going? Didn’t teacher Selena say that you need to ask her permission if you want to go out?”

“Yes, I’m going to ask her now. Clear the way if you don’t want to get hurt.”

“Oh? Were you a delinquent before? What a foul mouth you have.”

The tingling sensation is starting to evolve to a tinge of pain. “Move it fast. One more talking and I’ll hit your mouth.”

“Try me. I’m the acting president right now and I have the right to disci—”

He’s been hit. Hard.

Joseph rolled to the floor with a loud thud when he hit the metal post that keeps the tent standing. He quickly sat down in disbelief and wiped his bleeding lips. “Now, you’ve done it. Swear to God, you’ll never leave this tent while I’m here.”

“Didn’t I warn you already? Don’t try to threaten me like that or else I’m going to hit you again.”

“You know what? I’m supposed to be not talking with you because I’m playing the role of a shut-in antisocial nerd who just wants to play video games at home all day long. However, I can totally drop the act and at least show you something interesting right now,” Joseph said in a mannerism that Rex found unfamiliar. He was astounded by the switchover.

“Again, where are you going?” Joseph repeated.

“Shut it, nerd.”

“That’s my ultimatum, and now you’ve wasted it. Thank you for your service in the student council.”