Episode 10

Chapter 9

I slowly opened my eyes before I got up and yawned. It's morning. I immediately looked at the door.

Wow it seems like the first time no one bothered me in the morning. Who will be my tour guide today? Maybe he's not there yet or maybe he's busy? They are princes anyways. Nevermind. At least now I'm ahead of them.

I immediately got out of bed and got ready. While I was brushing my teeth, I suddenly remembered what happened yesterday.

His chest still hurts suddenly and I need to know why. Whoever my tour guide is today, I will definitely ask him.

After I got ready, I opened the door to see if the tour guide was there and it looked like he was already here.

"…yeah, I'll deliver it."

“...Yes. I'm working on it. Maybe later I'll be able to finish it.”

"...Of course..." he turned to me at once and was surprised. “Oh, I need to hang out now. I have something to do.”

“...Yes, yes later. Bye,” he ended the call at once and pocketed the phone.

A prince with a telephone call appeared in front of me, Prince Edmondo. We first stared at each other when he suddenly smiled at me.

"Good morning Yani," he greeted.

“Uhm uhh hi. Good Morning. Did I bother you?” I asked.

“No it's fine. It's just a call from a customer,” he replied.

“Uhm okay. I think that must be important so you can take care of that first, I wouldn't mind. I'm fine if we move this tomorrow.”

“No, it's not urgent and I have to fulfill my responsibility with you first. That can wait.”

"Okay," I just answered.

"So let's go," he offered.

We walked to the Earth Cabin. It has really been awkward from earlier until we are walking just now because no one spoke. You can just hear the footsteps of our shoes. Of all the people I met, he’s probably the busiest prince.

Later on, we also stopped in front of a large mountain with a cave at the bottom. This is awesome. I bet this is definitely the entrance to their cabin.

“So here we are. Here,” at the same time he handed me a paper bag.

“What is this for?” I took it and looked at wha’s inside and took it... "Wig?" I asked while holding it.

“Wear it. Earth people like me are conscious of what we wear and look like. If you won't wear that, they might think you are an intruder.”

“Really? Earth people are like that?”

“Well, some of them but others don't really mind.”

"Oh," I put on the wig. It's a brunette straight wig. Exactly the length for my hair but I think, it's not just 'earth' people who are like that. Every cabin I go to but because of his order, then let’s wear a wig.

"Let's begin," he said as we entered the cave.

When we get to the end,

“So Welcome to the Earth Cabin.”

If normal people are the ones in where I am standing now, it would seem like their cabin is just a normal city but since I am not normal, I am very surprised at their place.

There are plants but no trees. The buildings, houses and even the very roof of them, are made of stone. It's just made from different colors but still they are stones. Seriously, the hardness of this place, if you know what I mean.

"The thing that only makes our cabin special is everything is made a variety of rocks and stones," said Prince Edmondo as we walked. “Even the things inside a house. Furnitures, appliances, even our beds are made of rocks.”

I stopped looking around because he caught my attention. "Wait, even your beds are made of rocks?" I asked.

"Si, ('Yes' in Italian)" he replied.

“Okay? How can you sleep on 'hard beds'?”

“No, they are not hard. They are made of our finest and softest stone.”

The surprise on my face is still there. "Is there such thing as 'softest' stone?"

“Yes. Want to know how soft it is?”

“Sure.”

We entered an unoccupied house and went straight to a room with a stone bed and he sat there.

"So that's the softest stone?" I asked.

“Yup. Try sitting on it,” he offered so I sat down.

Wait... what's 'soft' here? When I sat down, my butt still hurts.

“So this is it?” I asked again.

"Yes," he replied.

Okay. Am I just numb? I don’t feel it.

“Uhm okay. It's soft,” I just said and stood up.

Yeah sure. He said it. If it’s soft for him, then it is soft. Anyways, he’s an Earth guy. Maybe only people like him feel that way. We just left the house.

Well speaking of numb, "Uhm Prince Edmondo, I have something to ask."

"What is it?"

“Uhm well, you know, I mean about Jethro—”

Ring! Ring! Insert his cellphone ringtone.

"Wait, hang on," he took his phone out of his pocket. “Yes?... ”

"...I'm busy here..."

"...I told you earlier that I'll deliver it later..."

Wow. From what I can hear in their conversation, the customer is obviously demanding.

"Okay okay. I'm on it...”

“...Yes, yes. Bye,” and he ended the call at the same time. He let out a sigh. "Of all the customer..." he whispered but I heard him turn to me at the same time.

Ah. I know what he will say.

“Yani—”

“I know. I know,” I cut him off. “You need to deliver something quickly. I'm fine about it.”

"I'm really sorry about that," he apologized.

"It's okay."

“Uhm maybe I can call someone to take my place. Is that okay with you?”

“Sure. If he or she don't mind,” I replied.

“Come. Let's go to my place. I know someone who will,” and at the same time he walked away.

I just sighed and followed him. He doesn't seem to be the right person to ask to.

“Oh yes sorry about a while ago. You were saying something about Jethro?” he asked as he looked at me.

"Oh…" he remembered. "…uhm I was suppose to ask if uhm… well Jethro is uhh…"

Shacks. What is the English of ‘manhid’ again? "Coldhearted?" he said.

I was surprised and looked at him. “Yes. That's the word and uhm…”

“He did something to you?”

“Oh none but I don't know. I did something to him?” I answered with a question.

He was shocked. "What do you mean?" he wondered.

“Uhm…” Shall I say it? But because if I tell him he might just worry, and I noticed that he’s a busy person and he might not be able to get it.

"Yani, is there something wrong?" he asked sincerely.

I went back to reality. "Oh uhm I was just thinking, why is Jethro that coldhearted?" I just asked.

He stopped walking so I stopped too. "Prince Edmondo?"

"We're here," he said.

I immediately looked in front of me and saw a large stone palace. Wow. This is something new.

I did not realize that Prince Edmondo kept walking in so I immediately followed him. When we entered, everything was really made of stone of different colors.

We went straight to his office and when it opened, there are framed cross stitches on the walls and when I looked around the place, his belongings on his desk were almost crocheted or knitted. A woman also came.

"Good morning Prince Edmondo," greeted the woman and she bowed in front of him.

“Yes, good morning. Is the box ready?” Prince Edmondo asked her.

“Yes, your highness. Good to go.”

“Good. Put it immediately in a cart. I just have to change,” ordered Prince Edmondo.

“Right away, your highness.”

Prince Edmondo looked at me and was surprised. "Oh wait, Lyn, are you free if you're done with this?"

Ah, her name is Lyn. Maybe he’s Prince Edmondo's assistant or secretary. He turned to Prince Edmondo.

"W-why did you ask your highness?" Wow. She blushed. I think she has a different kind of understanding of ‘free’.

"It's just..." he turned to me. “… I want to introduce to you a new visitor here and her name is Yani. She needs a tour guide in the cabin and I have things to do. By the way Yani, she's Lyn my assistant.”

Okay uhm should I bow or shake hands or what? Anyways I just bowed and also stood up straight while she gave me a serious look.

"So are you available Lyn?" Prince Edmondo asked again.

“No I'm not your highness. I have a schedule later after I arrange your delivery,” she replied.

Asus. She was just disappointed because he expected Prince Edmondo to say something different.

“Oh. Well you might have anyone in your mind you think he or she is free?” Prince Edmondo asked.

“Why does she need a tour guide? She's not even an Earth girl.”

Wow, she’s angry. So it is true that earth people are conscious. She noticed my wig.

“You saw that huh. Well yes she is not an Earth girl but she can control the earth element and not only that—”

He did not finish what he was going to say because I immediately covered his mouth. His assistant was surprised.

“Uhm he means I'm uh... I can control the earth element. That's all. There's nothing special about me,” I finished what he was about to say.

Look, I just don't know why I don't want them to know my power to control the eight elements no matter who they are. The princes and the king are enough.

"Okay please let go of the prince now," she said.

Oh right, I'm sorry. I immediately removed my hand.

"Wow, that was fast," said Prince Edmondo.

"Sorry," I immediately approached his ear. "Please don't say anything about my ability," I whispered to him.

"Oh okay," he whispered back.

I was surprised at his assistant's face because the jealousy was obvious on. Seriously, she’s jealous right away? It’s just a whisper.

"Okay so where were we?" said Prince Edmondo.

Screek… gradually the door opens.

“AH!” Toogsh! We immediately looked at where the sound came from and saw a girl lying on the doorstep.

Okay. Who is she? Stalker? She sat down and massaged her face.

"Donna?" said the jealous earth girl Lyn.

She looked at us first before she finally stood up and bowed.

"I'm really sorry for disturbing you all…" she apologized at the same time she also stood up straight. “I wasn't eavesdropping. I was just trying to look if I need to clean the office or not. I'm sorry. Please forgive me,” she said in panic and bowed again.

I just looked at her full of astonishment. We have not yet said anything while she said a lot already. Prince Edmondo approached her.

"So you're Donna..." he said.

She stood up straight again. "Uhm uhh... ye-yes your highness," hse bowed again. Doesn’t she get dizzy with bowing all the time?

“Can I ask? Are you free by the moment?” Prince Edmondo asked.

She was slightly surprised by what Prince Edmondo said. "Uuhh… uuhm… uuhh… I'm…" she stammered in response while she also blushed. Great, I think she’s thought the same like what his secretary thought about the word ‘free’.

“I… uhm I mean just tell me what I have to do, your highness. I'm a maid anyways.”

“Oh right. Well you see, I have a visitor here that needs a tour guide for this place. Do you mind being her tour guide?”

She looked at me and was a little surprised but she also immediately bowed in front of Prince Edmondo.

"It will be my pleasure, Prince Edmondo."

“Thank you so much, Donna. Don't worry about your work. I'll talk to your head later.”

She stood up straight away and there was a smile on her face after the prince said that.

"So, I'll leave her to your hands."

She nodded her head happily once she looked at me and walked over to me and bowed in front of me.

"Hello po. I'm Donna,” she said.

There she is again. She bows to almost all the people. She is too polite.

“Uhm, you don't really need to bow because I'm just a visitor here and uhm I'm Yani.”

She stood up straight. “Okay. Let's go,” she walked away at the same time.

I followed her when, “Uhm Yani…”

I stopped immediately and turned to Prince Edmondo. "Oh sorry for being rude, Prince Edmondo." I bowed. "I will be going, your highness."

“Uuhh yes but about your question…”

I was surprised at what he said and immediately stood up straight in no time. "I'm sorry to say this but regarding about that, I'm not the right person to answer that and I know this is not the right time but if you may, please forget whatever happened between you and Jethro and just ignore him."

I was completely surprised by what he said and stiffened in my place.

“Miss Yani, come on. Let's start the tour,” Donna invited so I came to my senses.

I just turned around and went to her without saying another word.

As we walked, my companion's face is filled with joy as I began to be troubled by what Prince Edmondo had said.

What does he mean? Why did he say that? I feel like curiosity is attacking me.

“Can you believe it? Kinausap ako ng isang prinsipe kahit isang maid lang ako sa palasyo niya. Kung sinuswerte nga naman, (A prince talked to me even though I was just a maid in his palace. I’m so lucky)” she looked at me at the same time. "So saan mo gustong magsimula? (So where do you want to start?)"

She was a little surprised because I just looked in the other direction and did not reply to what she was saying.

“Oops, my bad. That was Filipino actually. I'm actually a Filipina.”

I just came back to reality when I heard her speak.

“Hah? Ano yun? (Huh? What's that?)" I asked.

There was a build-up of silence between us as we looked at each other.

“Oh my God! Nagfilipino ka rin! Pilipino ka? (Oh my God! You also spoke Filipino! You’re a Filipino?” she said as she could not believe what she heard.

“Ah hehe. Ganun na nga. Pasensya na kung hindi ako nakikinig sa mga sinasabi mo, (Ah hehe. That's right. I'm sorry if I didn’t listen to what you said)” I said while holding the back of my neck.

“Ooohh. Awesome. May Pilipino rin pala rito, (There are also Filipinos here)” she said happily. Wow, she’s hyper.

"So, you're Donna aren't you?" I asked.

“Yep. And you are?”

"Yani," I replied.

“Ah. Nice meeting you,” she smiled at me at the same time.

"Uhm you too."

"So let's start the tour," she began. "We have here the Earth hospital," she pointed out at the same time. “Of course the sick earth people are brought there, then the various restaurants and stores of course for our food. Oh and also, mostly our food is solid because our teeth are hard...”

This is new. Before, princes are my tour guide but now, a girl but what’s something more refreshing to know, she’s a Filipina. That's more than okay than getting a nosebleed for all the English words they are saying.

“And last but not least, we have the Earth Academy, the one and only school here in the Earth Cabin. So, that's all. Do you have any questions?”

"None," I replied. "Actually there is but it’s not about this cabin, can I?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Uhm maybe you have any idea how to make money here?"

I'm sorry. Yes, I am so desperate to make money. I just want to buy a notebook and pencil, as well as an eraser. In fact, that is the next thing I will ask Prince Edmondo after the first question I asked a while ago because he knows something about business but… anyways.

“Money? Well, just work. It’s just like what happens in the Philippines,” she replied.

"Ah, so I can also sell, like a business like that?"

“Uh-huh. That is also possible .

“Oh. So does that mean that I need to graduate from college before I can work? ”

“Well, you can. But it doesn’t matter.”

“Doesn’t matter? How? ”

"Like being a maid in the palace of princes like that." Wow. She’s obviously happy with her work.

"Yes, but I think that’s too low and not enough to support my needs."

I looked at her avoiding my gaze and her face became serious. Shacks. I spoke harshly. Like you did not even experience yourself to become a waitress in a canteen Yani.

“Ah sorry. That's not what I mean. I mean...”

"Not because you have the brains doesn’t mean you can belittle the stupid ones," she whispered to herself.

"Uhm come again?"

"Nothing," she said and gave me a smile. "So, are you going back to the Main Cabin?" she asked.

"Ah, right. Just point me to where— wait, how do you know I came from the Main Cabin?”

“A while ago. Prince Edmondo says you are a visitor here so you are definitely not from here in the Earth Cabin. When I also look closely, it’s obvious that you’re only wearing a wig.”

Of course. She was peeking earlier.

“So let’s go. I will take you to the exit,” and we went to the cave.

After coming out, I immediately removed the wig.

"Here..." as I handed her the wig. “...just tell Prince Edmondo, thank you. Thank you too. Sorry if I bothered you.”

"It's okay. Prince Edmondo will talk to my boss anyways.”

“Ah. Right. Bye then Donna. See you next time,” and waved at her.

“Yeah. You too. Be careful,” she said and waved back as we walked in separate directions.

I think I will meet a Filipino in every cabin. Well, no one is for sure but you’ll never know.

So, I need to work to make money but where will I work? I can apply a maid here in the Main Cabin. Will they accept my age? Do they also need proof that I graduated even in high school? Oh right. I haven't graduated from high school yet because I was kidnapped.

Psshh. Maybe I could just ask King Gabi. I'm sure he knows what to do. As I walk to his office...

(Music Now Playing: Song from a Secret Garden by Secret Garden)

Oh wow. Nice song. What is this? Is it from the speakers or someone is playing this? I followed where the sound was coming from to find out.

Upon following it, I passed a room and glimpsed at what’s inside but after passing it, I stopped and stepped back to the side of the door of that same room.

Shacks! No WAY! Is that really him? I slowly peeked in and was startled again and couldn't believe what I was seeing.

OH MY GASH! It is him! He’s playing the piano while a floating violin made of ice played alone next to him.

Wow. So this is what King Gabi means that his instruments need to be made of ice so that while he plays one, another instrument could also be playing. Amazing. I’m serious. It's so nice to see it for yourself.

A coldhearted prince playing such a beautiful music.

You can feel the song. I'm know I’m not a person who is musically inclined but it's obvious from how he is playing it, you can feel the sorrow. I can also see the sadness on his face. He doesn't sing like King Gabi said or maybe the song doesn't really have lyrics. I slowly leaned over to see find a good angle.

Oh shacks! I’m getting out of balance!

"Oh!" Toogsh!

Ouch. I fell to the floor. That’s painful.

Shacks. The song stopped… meaning… I looked up.

"What are you doing there?" he asked in a very serious tone.

Uh-oh. This is trouble. Jethro is standing in front of me now. I didn't say a word and we just stared at each other.

"Why are you there?" he asked again so I sat down in no time.

"Uhh ano uhm... we-well you see uhm…"

"How long have you been there?"

“Huh? Ah what I mean is... uhm…”

"Answer me clearly," full of authority he said.

Okay fine. I stood up. "Sorry. I didn't mean to hear and see you play okay? I was thinking what the music was so I looked. I didn't know you were the one playing it.”

There was a build-up of silence between us.

“I did not say that you are not allowed to see or hear me play. I’m asking you why are you there,” he replied numbly.

Ah okay. Sorry. He looks angry so I was scared for a minute.

"Ahh uhm well, because the song is beautiful so I followed where it was coming from, and so I peeked in here then I fell down."

He did not speak. "So, uhm you're not angry?" I asked.

He frowned. “Why should I be angry? Anyone can hear that.”

“Ah. That’s good.”

None of us spoke after that.

"Yani / Jethro," we spoke together. Woah. We were both surprised.

"You first," he said.

Well, that’s new but yeah. Just like what others said, 'ladies first' it is indeed. "Uhm well, I just wanted to ask if—"

I stopped suddenly when I remembered what Prince Edmondo had said earlier.

"If what?" I just went back to reality when he asked that but I just looked at him. Should I continue?

“Are you going to ask or not? If none, I will leave,” he turned around and walked back to his instruments.

"I-in a moment!" I said so he stopped. "Uhm I forgot about it so uhm, you want to say something right?"

He did not speak after that and there was silence between us for a few seconds when…

“Nothing. It doesn't matter anyways,” he replied coldly and continued to walk towards his instruments.

I was left there wondering but okay. He already said so. Maybe it doesn't really matter. I just left and went to King Gabi's office. When I arrived, I knocked and went inside.

"Uhm, King Gabi…"

He was writing but he also looked at me when I called him.

"Yani," he smiled at me. "What made you come here?"

"Uhm I just want to ask something."

“Yes dear. Anything. What is it?”

Should I ask him? Is he the right person Prince Edmondo is referring to? But if yes, is this the right time?

I shook my head in no time. Why have I been thinking this for a while now? Maybe I should just forget it all, just like what Prince Edmondo said.

“What's wrong my dear? Are you having a hard time to say it? ” he asked.

I was surprised because of that and smiled at him. “Oh no. Ah hehe. I just want to ask how to have money here in this nation.”

King Gabi was slightly surprised and also gave me a smile. “Oh I forgot to tell you about that…”

He said that every cabin has no college. Their only school is really their school. When you finish there, there is an exam to find out what works for you.

Since I was in the Main Cabin, it was okay for me not to work. He said I just go to him and ask for money. Even a job is not allowed here? Your life here is really just lika a princess once you’re in this cabin. I'm lucky then. When he was about to give me the money...

“Can I ask? What do you plan to buy anyways?” he asked me.

"Oh well just some notebooks and pencils or pens and uhm some eraser," I replied.

"What for?"

“Well, I want to write things that are happening to me right now. You see, I love to write.”

"A journal?"

"Yes."

"Wait did you mention this to Jethro?"

“Well yes— wait. How did you know?”

He was surprised by what I said. "Did he tell you?" I asked.

He didn't say a word and I don't know if it was just my eyes but he smirked.

“Uhm King Gabi? What's wrong?”

"So those things were for you," he whispered to himself that I did not hear.

"Uhm what were you saying King Gabi?"

"Oh nothing," he said, smiled at me and gave the money to me. “Use that wisely.”

“Yes, your highness. Thank you.”

“No problem. Just approach me anytime you want.”

"Sure," I said and bowed in front of him. "Thank you once again," and walked away. When I was at the door,

"Oh and by the way, you don't need to buy those things anymore," he said so I stopped when I heard him and turned to him.

"What was that?" I asked again.

"What I mean is, why won't you stop by your room first before you spend your money?" he said.

"Why?" I wonder in question.

"You'll see," and he smiled at me but just like a while ago, he smirked.

Okay? I finally left his office. What else did King Gabi find out? Sheesh. He really knows a lot. Well, he is the king of this place so it’s like every move of the people here, he will really know.

And because I am an obedient child, I went to my room. When I arrived, there was a paper bag next to the door. Okay, what is that?

…I think it’s a trap. You don’t me King Gabi. You can’t fool me.

I slowly approached the paper bag while looking to my left and right. Maybe it's a prank and someone is watching me now. When I arrived besides the paper bag... nothing happened.

Hmm... I took the paper bag and opened it a little farther away from my face as I closed my eyes.

...

Okay. Nothing is happening yet. I opened my eyes and just looked what is inside. Whatever it contains—

I was shocked and my eyes widened at what I saw.

OH... MY... GOD!! You are fooling me. Why does this contain notebooks, pencils, pens and erasers? I didn’t tell anyone to buy this...

Wait... tell anyone?

"...did you mention this to Jethro?"

Did he really... I smiled and at the same time I faced the other direction and ran.

I don't know if my guess is right but I think it came from him! I need to find him. I immediately went to the room where he played earlier in case he’s still there.

When I arrived there he was about to leave, carrying a case of violin made of ice. He looked back at me with a poker face but I immediately approached him and hugged him.

I separated from the hug immediately and of course his face was shocked. I just smiled back at him.

"Thank you," I said. He was surprised by what I said. "Thank you so much for the notebooks, pencils, pens and erasers you provided."

He was just looking at me in shock but he also immediately avoided looking at me.

"How did you know?" he whispered, enough for me to hear.

"Who else did I tell about this but you, right?" I answered in a question.

He did not speak back. “But why did you buy those? I didn’t tell you to buy it,” I asked.

"It’s not something for you to know," he replied coldly.

I was a little surprised by his answer but I just chuckled about it.

“Hehe okay. Whatever you said so."

He still avoided looking at me and no one spoke after that. There was an awkward silence but again, in that silence, I realized what I had done.

Shacks, I hugged him! Shacks, shacks, shacks! Now wonder my position is awkward now.

"So uhm anyways…" I said breaking the silence. “…I’ll be going then. I'm excited to write. Thank you again,” and I walked away but I also stopped at the door.

"Oh about that," I turned to him at the same time. "I don’t know if I will call that a gift but honestly, you were the first person to give me a gift even though there was no important occasion, so I was really happy," I added and immediately ran back to my room.

I don’t know if I’m in a hurry because I want to write or because I want to leave my place earlier but when I got to my room, I immediately took the best notebook and pencil he bought and wrote.

I wrote everything, from the strange things that happened at school when I was still in the Philippines to what happened today. It was a bit long so when I finished writing, I also fell asleep immediately.

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