Chapter 2 A Place to Breathe

"We're here!" Ivy exclaimed cheerfully as the van came to a stop in front of the reception area.

One by one, they climbed out of the van and began unloading their bags. Matet took a moment to glance around. The resort was beautiful-wide open spaces, palm trees lining the paths, and just beyond, the sea shimmered in the distance. The waterpark wasn't small either-something the kids would definitely enjoy.

"Wow! This place is amazing, Ma!" her eldest daughter gasped in awe. "We're really staying here for three days?"

"Of course. That's why you better enjoy every moment," Matet replied, happy to see the delight sparkling in her daughter's eyes.

"This place is fancy," added one of their companions, looking around.

"You're all going to love it," Ivy chimed in. "Especially the kids-look, there's a whole waterpark right there."

"Thanks again, Iv. Your recommendation was spot on. I feel like I might actually get to relax here," Matet said, taking in the view. "The resort owner must be very wealthy."

"Not just rich-filthy rich!" Ivy grinned mischievously. "And rumor has it? He's hot. The kind that'll make your panties drop!" She gave a playful wink, clearly enjoying herself.

"Hey! Cut it out," Marvin scolded. "Staff might hear you."

"Oh, come on, cousin! Can't you just let me fangirl a little?" Ivy pouted.

"We're here to unwind, not ogle the resort owner," Matet teased, pinching Ivy on the side.

"Ow! That hurt!" Ivy cried out dramatically. "But seriously, Tet-you never know. You might like him. He might even like you."

"As if she is like you, getting asthma attacks from seeing a good-looking guy," Marvin teased back.

"Shut up, will you?" Ivy snapped, trying to hide her grin.

The playful mood settled a bit as Matet remembered she still owed Marvin for the van rental. She reached into her bag, pulled out a white envelope and handed it to him.

"Here, Vin. For the van rental."

"No need. I'm just happy to have brought you all here safe," Marvin said, holding his hands up in refusal.

"That's really how my cousin is-never takes money. Always willing to help," Ivy said proudly.

"Well, that won't do for me," Matet insisted. "I know how expensive gas is right now. And this place is far. You should be paid properly."

Marvin looked at her. "Tet, don't worry about it."

"If you won't accept it, we'll just find someone else to drive us home," Matet replied, feigning offense. "I don't want to be a burden."

Eventually, Marvin gave in. He took just enough to cover the gas and tried to return the rest. But before Matet could grab the excess money, he quickly tucked it into his mother's bag.

"What's this?" asked Aling Minda, clearly surprised.

"That's yours now, Nay," Marvin said, already turning away.

Matet and Aling Minda exchanged a glance. Matet gave her a small nod, silently telling her to let it go.

"Well, we're off then," Ivy said, climbing back into the van.

"You're really not staying with us?" Matet asked, a bit disappointed.

"Come on, you guys enjoy. I'm already tired of this place. If it were Boracay, I wouldn't even think of leaving!" Ivy joked.

"You know we couldn't afford Boracay," Matet replied, smiling. That had been the original plan when she and Ivy talked about vacationing once she got back from abroad. But the budget didn't quite stretch that far, and besides, she wanted her family with her.

"Alright, alright. Have fun!" Ivy waved as the van pulled away.

Once the van disappeared from sight, Matet turned to her group. "Let's head inside the reception area." She led the way, and the others followed.

Inside the lobby, she walked straight to the front desk.

"Good morning, ma'am," the receptionist greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning. Reservation under Matet Gariz. I booked it two days ago."

"Let me check," the receptionist said, typing on the computer. "Room numbers 503 and 504, ma'am. Here are your room cards. Enjoy your stay."

"Thank you," Matet replied, then turned back to her group. "Let's head up."

When they opened the room, they were greeted by a spacious and bright interior. Everyone's eyes widened in amazement.

"Auntie, we're really sleeping here?" Thea asked, clearly thrilled.

"Yes," Matet smiled. "Nice, isn't it?"

"It's huge! There's a big TV and air conditioning too! It's gonna be so comfy!" the girl said with delight.

They didn't come from money, so Matet knew this was a new kind of experience for most of them. And as it turned out, this wasn't just any resort-it was high-end.

She had thought it was just a modest resort, since the booking was surprisingly affordable. She hadn't expected it to be first-class. What puzzled her was how cheap the rate was-especially with the ongoing promo. She had no real answers and no one to ask, so she simply chose to keep quiet about it.

"Are you really sure this place was cheap?" her mother asked, clearly skeptical. She had asked the same thing several times already.

"Yes, Nay," Matet replied, trying not to sound exasperated. She just showed them the booking receipt to put the doubts to rest. She also checked the room next door and settled Lea's group in there.

After unpacking, she called out, "Let's head down to the canteen. We're way past lunchtime."

"We brought food," her mother said, holding up a container of 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢 𝘯𝘪𝘺𝘰𝘨 and 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨. "I cooked it this morning."

"Nay, you really didn't have to wear yourself out cooking," Matet said, slightly exasperated. Her mom was like that during family events-always prepared, always with food in hand. The classic "always ready" mom.

"I just thought we could save for today, Tet. Food at the resort is probably expensive," her mother explained.

"Nay, the package I got includes our meals. You don't have to worry," she said gently. But her mother still looked unsure, concern etched on her face.

"Really? That's even possible? I thought meals were separate," her mother asked, firing off questions.

"It depends. The resort has different packages. I got the one with meals included," Matet explained.

"Oh, I see. Well, let's eat what I brought today. No sense wasting food."

"Okay, Nay. I'll call Lea and the others so we can all eat together," she said, then walked over to the next room.

They had split into two rooms. Matet was with her two kids, Thea-who didn't want to be away from her eldest-and her youngest sibling. In the other room were Lea and her child, her mother, and Ronnie. The adjacent rooms had a family suite setup, with a master bedroom and a kids' room. Mark and Yanyan were also expected to arrive later and would be staying there too.

"Are you guys ready? It's time to eat," Matet said as she entered the room.

"Where are we eating, Teh?" Lea asked.

"In our room. We're eating Nay's packed food today. Tomorrow we'll eat at the resort's restaurant."

"Got it." Lea immediately stood up, not even done unpacking, and followed her.

"After we eat, you can head down to the pool if you want to swim," Matet told the group.

"Really, Ma?! We can swim already?" Laine lit up.

"Of course. Just don't go near the adult pool, okay? It might be deep. Stay in the water slide area or the kiddie pool," she reminded them.

"You're not coming with us, Tet?" her mother asked.

"I'll follow later. I just need to call Ate Bel," she said. She wanted to check what time her older sister-who lived in the city-would be arriving with Mark and Yanyan. She had invited them, and they said they'd catch up.

"Alright then. We'll head down first," her mom said, getting ready.

"Don't forget your room cards! You won't be able to get back in without them," Matet called out as Lea and the others left.