Night Of Tranquility (Scenery Series #2)

Prologue

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual person, living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

Expect typographical, grammatical, informal words, and (-, r/d, dialogue) errors in this story. I will edit those once I finish writing the whole story.

***

"Holding the gold medal is.. Loren Clavista of the Philippines!"

I smiled for the picture while holding the medal na suot ko. It's probably my last international taekwondo competition since I'll focus more on coaching sa Philippines.

The cameras were flashing in front of me as a reporter approached for an interview. Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko pa bang makipag-entertain dahil I felt really exhausted... All I need is coffee and a sleep! Wait. That sounds weird, 'di ba?

"What are your plans after the competition?"

To rest, obviously.

"I'll take a break from competitions and focus more on teaching aspirants."

They asked more questions at kahit naiirita na, I still decided to be professional. After everything, pinauwi na ako ng manager ko and I went to a hotel I booked here in Thailand. I wanted to buy some souvenirs kaso parang bukas ko na lang 'yon magagawa sa airport.

[Congrats, Loren] Masayang bati ni Dad sa telepono.

"Thank you, Dad."

[People are waiting for you... and a famous agency is waiting for an exclusive interview]

"I'll take a rest.. Please, mamaya na lang po 'yan."

[Okay..]

Dad ended the call. Napahiga agad ako sa kama after taking a shower. This day was so tiring! Napatingin naman ako sa gold medal ko. But I guess it's worth it! I achieved my 10th gold medal in taekwondo.. Well, kinda planning to add more if makakaya ko pa in the next years.

I know kung ano'ng itatanong ng press. About my inspiration or things like that! Kainis. Napaka-common at cringe ng mga tanong!

Inuna kong replyan 'yong mga greetings ng relatives ko. Kaysa naman diyan sa mga hindi ko kakilala na magtatanong na nga lang, if-film pa! I really hate being photographed pero it's also my dream to be a gold medalist in international sport competitions... So wala akong choice.

As I was on my way outside the airport, cameras were flashing. I was with other people from the national team who also participated. I acted so awkward in front of them!

"Bakit ang dami?" Our coach complained to the staffs na kasama namin. "Give these kids peace!"

"Uh, coach. Okay lang." I said. "We'll ride the van na lang."

Nasa loob na kaming lahat ng van. We were talking about the next meeting namin. Probably a press conference next week or so. After everything, tatakasan ko muna 'yong cameras, and I'll stay low with the training center na a-applyan ko.

Ang tagal pa nga umandar no'ng van dahil pinipigilan pa no'ng guard 'yong humaharang na reporters. Hay nako!

At the back of the crowd, I saw a familiar face. Nakatayo lang, at nakatingin sa van na sinasakyan namin. It was so familiar! But I wasn't sure. Deja vu lang ba 'yon?

"Ma'am?" My secretary, Agatha, stole my attention.

"I'll just confirm your first attendance at Hyke Training Center tomorrow." My secretary, Agatha whispered.

"Oh... I was accepted?" I asked and she then nodded as an answer.

I nodded. "The driver will pick you up by 9 AM po." She added.

Nasa condo ako dahil I didn't want to stay at Dad's house forever, I also want to live alone and start my own life. Pero sometimes ay bumibisita naman ako doon... Ngayon ay bumili muna ako ng condo since hindi ko pa kaya magpagawa ng bahay.

I already applied as a mentor to that training center weeks ago. I was accepted in less than one day raw, sabi ni Agatha, and I'm pretty sure it was because of my background.

I stared at my collection which started seven years ago. I never expected that I'd pursue taekwondo. Since dati.. Akala ko it was only for fun. Especially since I had multiple sports. I still play all of them right now, pero sa taekwondo lang ako nakakuha ng maraming achievements.

"Congrats, Ms. Clavista! Thank you for joining our taekwondo training center." The manager appeared as I went inside.

"Oh.. thank you also.." I forced a smile.

"Here, ma'am," he walked in front of me at sinundan ko naman siya. "You will be accompanied by other coaches."

I waved at a little kid who smiled at me. Gosh, I remember my cousin, Audrey sa kanya.

My heart almost skipped a beat as I laid my eyes on a guy wearing a taekwondo uniform. He was holding a kicking pad while guiding the kids about the proper movements. I blinked twice. Tama ba ang nakikita ko?

"Uhm, may I take the restroom?" Paalam ko at tumango naman siya.

I quickly rushed to the restroom and sat on the closed toilet. I don't know what to do! I knew this was going to happen, pero hindi ko naman alam na pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko pa lang ay nand'yan na siya!

Alam ko na ang mangyayari. The manager will surely introduce me to every one. What's worse, makikilala niya ako!

I immediately called Agatha. "Hey, can you give me the details about the people of Hyke TC?"

[I'll have to ask the owner pa po. Why po, Ma'am?]

"Oh, I just found someone familiar. Can you do it for me, please?"

[Okay, okay po]

Bumalik na agad ako sa main room after taking several deep breaths. It's okay, Loren. Do this for your career. Napatigil ako nang salubungin ako ng manager.

"Ma'am, okay na po ba? I'll introduce you na po to every one since breaktime na rin naman."

"Ah, yes." I smiled.

We went to the main room kung saan lahat ng trainees ay nag-uusap at ang iba ay nagpapahinga. Iyong mga coaches naman ay nasa gilid lang. My eyes immediately looked for that one person.

"Firstly, I'll introduce you to our founder." Sumunod naman ako sa mga hakbang ni Manager.

Kaso... bakit papunta siya sa lalaki na 'yon?

He put down his phone as we approached him. Our eyes met, but his reaction was normal. Na parang wala lang. Na parang naging stranger na lang ako.

"This is our founder, Sir Frost Qiu Chua."

He offered his hand to shake with mine. Napatitig lang ako sa mga mata niya, trying to make him remember about the past. Bakit parang nakalimutan na niya? Habang ako... nahihirapan sa paglimot.

I want him to remember everything!

Kaso dapat ba talaga? It was all my fault anyway... am I being selfish for not wanting him to forget about the past?