The Realms of Ethair

by Cecilia Beatriz

  In one of the classrooms of a public college, a girl fixed her gaze outside the window. Her eyes watered as she sneezed for the third time. Classes had just been dismissed and most of her classmates were streaming out of the room. Some of them groaned and complained how the rain would inconvenience their ride home. The girl inwardly sighed as she gathered her notes.

  She retrieved a red jacket and umbrella from her bag. She was in no hurry as she headed for the gate while weighing her options. Since it was still early, she could wait and see if the rain would let up. Or, she could just try her luck and hope for the best.

  The first option was a waste of time and she felt that the rain would continue until late evening. A slight quirk of her mouth was the only indication of her frustration as she stepped into the rain. The girl tilted her umbrella forward against the wind and rain, slightly obscuring the view in front of her.

  “Kristina! Wait.” Recognizing the voice, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Kristina turned to see him running towards her. “You’re going home, right?”

  “Yes.” She waited for him to continue. Sensing that there wasn’t any forthcoming, Kristina continued: “Don’t you have practice?”

  The tall lanky boy suppressed a grin.

  “No. I quit, remember? Have to get serious since we’re graduating this year.” He swung his backpack onto his shoulder. Then he added quickly: “Actually, I was wondering if we could share the umbrella since we take the same route, if it’s okay?”

  “Sure.”

  “Thanks.”

  Kristina deliberately ignored Peter when he offered a hand to hold her umbrella.

  She warily observed her companion at the corner of her eye as they waited for the bus. He shifted his weight from side to side, a sign that he wanted to discuss something uncomfortable.

  “Tina.”

  So, he’s calling me by my nickname now, she thought.

  “Tina, I want to apologize for not telling you sooner about Ina and me. It’s just that I couldn’t help it – what was happening between us – I know you think I’m making excuses but it’s true. I was going to tell you. The right time just never came.”

  Does he really mean that? Kristina wondered. She was the one who broke off with him sensing that there were a lot of things to consider. To begin with, they didn’t have much in common. He was sporty, laidback and outgoing. She was studious, introverted, and led a not-so-ordinary life.

  He easily accepted her decision to revert to being friends. However, it upset her when he suddenly turned his attentions toward another girl a month after the break up.

  The whole class witnessed Peter and Ina’s growing feelings for each other. It was only when one of her classmates thoughtless question if she was okay with it, that Kristina became completely aware of what was unfolding right under her nose. At the end of the day, she was no longer sure which part of her was more hurt – her heart or her pride.

  “There’s really nothing to forgive.” She gave the tiniest of smiles to reassure him that she meant it. Peter looked relieved.

  “You’re too good.” Smilingly, he shook his head.

  I’ve heard that before, she thought. Well, that happened a year ago and he’s broken up with Ina two months ago. Kristina stared at the road in order for her companion not to see her amused expression. “Bus is here.”

  Thankfully, the seats available were few and separate providing her a chance to get away from her ex-boyfriend.

  As expected, the bus ride took less than an hour; however, it did not save her from getting soaked as a strong wind blew the rain towards her back. Its unexpected assault almost knocked the umbrella from her hand. As she fumbled to get a better grip, she nearly collided against a stranger. Muttering an apology, she proceeded homewards.

  Shortly, she noticed the splash of feet behind her, in spite of the sound of rain hitting the pavement. Footsteps drew closer making Kristina tense. To end the suspense, she forced herself to look back and see who it was.

  No one.

  The street was empty except for a number of people going the opposite direction.

  With a sigh of relief, she turned forward.

  Her heart jumped as she saw a young man standing before her. He stood at least six feet tall, his dark hair and clothes dry in contrast to the weather. He held an umbrella which served more as a costume prop rather than carry out its initial purpose. The rain didn’t touch him, not even his “prop”. It seemed to hit an invisible barrier surrounding his person. Taking a step closer to Kristina, a warm sensation hit her face and coursed through her. A tiny part of her noted that she was out of the rain thanks to him. Involuntarily, her alarm faded and calm set in. Looking up at his eyes, she was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion.

  Something trickled down her cheek. Touching it, her fingers came up wet. Kristina realized that there were tears. The man smiled at her softly, embraced her, and whispered something in her ear. She couldn’t understand the language he used. Whatever it was, it felt like a heavy burden was lifted from her.

  He took a step back, still smiling, and said: “Remember, you are not alone.”

  Suddenly, a blinding light engulfed him. When Kristina opened her eyes, the street was empty again and the stranger had disappeared. She blinked a few times to see if she had been dreaming stopping short of pinching herself. The man was truly gone.

  The next several weeks passed swiftly as Kristina prepared for her final exams and met her group mates to prepare for their thesis’ defense. The memory of her strange encounter had a habit of resurfacing on her mind when she was completely at ease. Oddly, it was a welcome distraction for it brought her the same feelings she felt at the time.

  “Tina, Tina,” someone called. Kristina snapped out of her reverie and glanced at the faces of her friends. Her eyes rested on Mindy. As usual, her friend’s curly hair was pulled back and black-rimmed glasses dominated her small face. The girl’s brow was raised as well as the corner of her mouth. “Where’ve you been?”

  “Sorry. What were you saying?”

  Mindy gave her a speculative look. Shrugging her shoulders, she said: “I was saying that, maybe, we can go to the mall on Saturday to celebrate a little. It would be just the four of us, you, me, Liza, and Nica.”

  “We can watch that movie you mentioned,” Nica encouraged. Her short hair bobbed as she nodded. “What was it called again?”

  “The Flame Thrower,” Kristina said automatically.

  “The reviews say it’s good,” Liza said. “It skipped some parts in the book but, overall, the movie remained faithful to the story.”

  “Are you talking about the Flame Thrower?”

  The girls turned their heads toward the newcomer. A boy with a face filled with acne and of medium build carrying a black backpack leaned on the empty table next to theirs.

  “Hi, Fred. Where’s your group?” Nica asked.

  “We’ve just split up. We’ll be meeting at Peter’s later. So, are you going to watch?”

  “We’re planning to.”

  “Ah. That’s nice. The guys were talking about celebrating on Saturday…assuming we pass the defense. You know, booze and DOTA. Congrats by the way. I passed by our department’s office. They were really impressed with your group’s work.”

  “Uh, thanks.”

  “I wish we get the same feedback tomorrow. Anyway, I’ve got to go, don’t want to be late.” Fred made his way to the cafeteria’s exit.

  “Come on, Tina. Let’s watch the movie. You know Nica's going back to the province soon,” Mindy said, shaking Kristina’s arm.

  “Fine,” breathed Kristina. “I’d love to.” Their thesis was a success. They were graduating in a week. What could possibly go wrong?

  *****

  Saturday. Kristina had come an hour early before the time she and her friends had agreed on. She was browsing a book by the entrance of the bookstore when someone tapped her shoulder. Kristina’s smile faltered when she looked up and saw Peter.

&nbs
p; “Tina.” He tilted his head to one side.

  “Peter. What’s up?” She managed to say in a stilted tone, her voice a bit high.

  “I’m with Fred today. He’s right over there.” He pointed at the direction of the office supplies section.

  “Oh.” Kristina saw Fred scanning the counter full of pens. Her gaze returned to Peter, who was staring openly at her.

  “I miss you, Tina,” he mumbled.

  “You miss me,” she repeated. Alarm bells rang in her head. Is he trying to get back with her?

  There was a rumor circulating around the college how Peter and Ina had broken up. It was pretty nasty when dirty linen was being aired in public. She, however, knew most of the truth since the girl had confided in her. Naturally, both parties were at fault but kept her opinion to herself.

  Lifting the corners of her mouth into a smile, she said: “You’re overacting. We just saw each other yesterday during practice.”

  An awkward silence followed.

  “You’re right. Forget what I said.” Peter raked his hair with his fingers. Just then, a beep sounded. He retrieved his mobile phone from his pocket and started texting rapidly.

  His attention elsewhere, Kristina made her way to one of the bookshelves she favored in the store and found something she liked. The only problem was the book she wanted lay on the top shelf. At the corner of her eye, she saw a tall young man beside her. She was too shy to ask for his help.

  She had been looking for that book for some time and tried to reach it by herself. On her toes, her fingers grazed its spine. A hand appeared, plucked the book, and handed it to her. Kristina hesitantly accepted it and started to speak but the words of gratitude froze in her mouth.

  Chapter 2

  Kristina

  It was the stranger. He looked different with his long hair shortened but he still carried the same aura he exuded when they first met; and his eyes sparkled with humor.

  “You’re welcome.” He bowed slightly – an odd courtesy for the 21st century – and turned on his heel.

  “Hey. Who was that?” Mindy said behind her and stared curiously at his retreating back.

  “He helped me get this. “ Kristina waved the object in her hand. “I couldn’t reach it.”

  “Right.” Doubt colored Mindy’s voice although she kept her facial expression neutral. “Well, are you buying that? The others are waiting for us outside.”

  Kristina looked at the book in her hand, sighed and fell into the long queue at the cashier with Mindy.

  “Did you know Peter’s here?” Mindy asked.

  “I saw him a while ago. He’s with Fred.”

  “Liza invited Peter to watch the movie with us.”

  “Hmm.”

  “She’s been sending text messages on the train the whole time. Liza was texting him 'til we got here.”

  Ah. So that’s what it was. Peter had been staying with them on and off during break for the past few months.

  “I don’t like it,” Mindy said shortly. “You know what he is – what he’s done. I thought we were friends. All along he was targeting –” Her voice rose to an audible volume, making heads turn towards them.

  “Are you sure about this?” Kristina kept her tone down, hoping Mindy would follow her example.

  “I’m positive. She wouldn’t hear any of the reasons why she should put a stop to it. She’s already defending him,” Mindy whispered.

  “You know I’m on your side but I can’t intervene.” The lady at the cashier received payment for the book and handed Kristina the change.

  “I know. You had a history together – it’s bad enough what he did to you and to Ina, especially.”

  “I broke up with him, remember?” Kristina added. She was amused with her friend for forgetting that small information.

  “Fine.” Mindy rolled her eyes.

  “If we can’t change Liza’s mind, we’ll just have to be there for her whatever she decides on.”

  “How can you be so calm?” Mindy grumbled. Resignation crossed her features as they joined the others.

  The movie didn’t disappoint. It was packed with action and suspense. It was almost with relief that it came to an end after one and half hours of excitement. The company, on the other hand, was a bit quiet after they left the theater. Unanimously, they decided to go to Starbucks. Fred offered to order for them as they searched for an available table.

  Kristina noticed a group about to leave. She moved towards it and placed her bag on the vacated table and turned, only to realize that she was alone. No one had moved. All eyes were on Liza who made her excuses to them. There was a family emergency and she had to go home. She assured them it was nothing serious and accepted Nica’s offer to give her a ride.

  The atmosphere surrounding the remaining members became more awkward. Peter was brooding over his cup and Mindy was obviously pretending he didn’t exist. Fred seemed to be completely unaware of the undercurrents. He was happy enough to talk about the movie and their upcoming graduation even if his audience lacked his enthusiasm. “By the way my mom’s friend is meeting us here. He’s kind of a nerd – helped us with statistics in our research. Remember him, Pete?”

  “Art?”

  “Yep. I offered him coupons for that fancy resto near our neighborhood when we passed the thesis defense. He refused. Says there’s no one he can take with him. So, I promised to treat him here instead. There he is.” Fred waved to the man in a loose white polo shirt.

  “Huh. That’s your friend?” Mindy said.

  Catching the girl’s tone, Fred added: “We could take another table if you’re not comfortable with him around.”

  “No,” she blurted out. “It’s okay. He looks like a really nice guy, unlike some people.” The last was spoken under her breath.

  “How did you—” he was interrupted when Art arrived at their table. The topic soon forgotten as a flurry of introductions ensued.

  Fred had gone back to the counter to order his friend a cappuccino. Peter went with him. Mindy had gone to the bathroom after giving her friend a conspiratorial grin.

  Kristina saw it and a bubble of laughter escaped from her lips. Her friend had jumped to an entirely ridiculous conclusion. She saw Art looking at her with amusement and the laughter subsided. She cleared her throat, opened her mouth then closed it again. A small frown formed on her face. Before she could try to utter a word, Art gestured for her to stop.

  “You’re confused and I apologize for that.” He waited for her response. When none came, he continued: “You might think that I have planned this, I haven’t. I would like for you to believe as I have that this is part of the Great Plan or what you commonly refer to as fate.”

  The stranger from the rain and the bookstore was one person and he now has a name. Art. She wasn’t sure what to make of that statement. The sincerity seemed genuine; yet, it sounded like an abused line from a movie. What was that saying? Once is an accident. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is...

  He leaned forward.

  “And, please believe me, I’m not your personal stalker.”

  Now he’s a mind reader? Kristina released a breath she hadn’t realize she was holding back. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “You sound so serious, stranger.”

  Art remained quiet.

  “What gave you the idea that I’d think you’re a stalker?”

  “Your face gave you away.” He paused. “You are right in one thing. I am a stranger to this country. It would mean the world to me that you see me as a friend. If it’s alright, can we start anew without suspicions and first impressions?”

  “You’re asking much, aren’t you?”

  “I hope you’ll humor me.”

  “Just friends, then?”

  “Yes.”

  Kristina was spared to answer when Fred returned with a tray of waffles and an order of Frappuccino and with Mindy right behind him. He was grinning from ear to ear. Mindy hadn’t wasted time sharing her assumptions with him. “Pete t
ook off,” he began. “He said sorry and to have fun.”

  “What took you so long?” Kristina asked.

  “He was flirting with the barista,” Mindy replied. It was an outright lie and everyone knew it. “Anyway, what were you two talking about?”

  “I was saying how beautiful your country is,” Art replied, flashing a smile towards Mindy.

  Their new friend’s real name was Arthur Menesarios. He could speak Filipino, Japanese, Spanish, and German fluently and could understand ten languages. They discovered he had been to different parts of the world due to the nature of his work. At 28 years old, he was one of the few in his company who occasionally got assigned to a special case. His job primarily involved finding missing individuals which required discretion and good judgment. The length of time it took to complete a mission could be weeks, months, and even years. His last assignment had brought him to the Philippines three years ago. It was only last month that he completed the assignment. Art decided to stay in the country after he was granted his first vacation leave. He had a year ahead of him before his company called him back.

  *****

  Her mobile phone vibrated on her desk. She had switched it to silent mode for a while now, ever since her ears became sensitive to sound. The LCD screen displayed Mindy’s name on it. Kristina groaned inwardly at the barrage of questions her friend had prepared for her. Reluctantly, she picked up the phone.

  “What happened?” Mindy asked.

  “Hi, Mindy.”

  “So, what happened?”

  Mindy, the quiet girl in class and loyal to a fault with her friends, angry over a playboy; worrying over her best friend’s future heartbreak; and now, asking excitedly about a guy they barely know after assuming there was something about him and Kristina.

  “He wanted to be friends with me.”

  The line on the other end remained silent.

  “Hello?”

  “Tina. I know you’re hiding something from me. There was this look between you two that I saw back at the bookstore. I admit you looked pretty surprised, but you know each other.”