Chapter 1: Sh.e.l.l and Sand

Finally, it's the summer!

She, Roselda or better known as Eda with her friends, has always yearned for this day. She's a jolly and ever cheerful girl, always smiling and a joker, playful yet also graceful, kind and friendly; but the first thing to notice about her was the color of her skin. She was morena or tan-skinned, which actually complimented her beauty. Her hair which fell past her shoulder was quite unusual with its reddish-like dye, which indicated her fondness in staying under the sun. Often she would be found playing by the beach, or else soaking there.

Today, Eda could not hide her excitement. It's the first day of their summer vacation which meant she has the whole day to stay in the beach. She could no longer wait. Her feet have been itching ever since, as if she was already feeling the tickles of the sand under them. There were so many to-dos flas.h.i.+ng in her mind, but only one thing was above them all―the gathering of sh.e.l.ls that she will use for decorations.

“Eda,” she heard her name.

“Yes, Mang1?”

“Come here first.”

“Coming.”

Roselda carefully folded the book she was reading earlier, Sh.e.l.ls & Crafts by Matilda Pipin, and placed it on the only table in her small room. She borrowed it from the public library in town and has been reading it for a few days now.

When she came out of the room, her Mamang1 was waiting for her. She was holding a basket and Eda was sure that it has food inside.

“Can you bring this first to your Papang2? I’m sure he's hungry now,” said her mother to Roselda.

“I’ll take care of it, Mang.” she smiled as she reached for the basket and then said her goodbye.

The sun was glaring by the blue sky while clouds could not be found up along; but Roselda did not mind these as she sauntered down the road to her Papang. In fact, she really liked the feel of the sunbeam kissing her skin.

“Pang2!” she called the old man sitting on a chopped trunk, laying on his lap was the net that he has been mending for a few days already.

“Take your lunch first.”

The elderly man turned to her. “Eda. I've been waiting for you.”

Roselda put the basket to his side while the man laid down his work to start his meal.

This translation is posted only in Sharramycats. If you're reading this on a different site then you're only nurturing aggregators.

“Pang?” Roselda gently called.

The old man stopped ladling his food. “Eda, I know what you’re gonna say. Go ahead. But do not be late, and don't wander to the―”

“Rocky area. 'They' might make fun of you.*” Finished Roselda while mimicking his father's voice. “I know, Papang.” She grinned.

(*TN: The original text is: Baka ma-engkanto3 ka; which has no literal translation in English but can basically mean that she might be found by a supernatural being and then get played with, charmed, cursed or misled from her direction. I'm open for suggestions.)

“Fine. I’m just reminding you. Just don't forget.” Her father answered back.

Roselda happily said goodbye and went on her way to the beach.

Roselda walked bare while slowly wandering along the white sandy sh.o.r.e. Her eyes were attentively gazing at every step she treaded. Once in awhile, she would bend down and pick the sh.e.l.ls that she'd found along and put it in her net bag hanging on her waist.

Roselda’s young heart was full of joy simply with this.

It's already twilight when she noticed that her bag was already heavy. She has lots of sh.e.l.ls and conches now. But then she noticed something. She had reached the front of the rocky place where it was forbidden by her elders to go near. They said that this was a portal to the place of the engkanto3. But Roselda did not believe in fairy tales. It's all imagination. It was just a tool to scare children like her. She looked back from where she came from and smiled.

No one would see her, she told herself.

She slowly stepped to the middle of the two rocks that served as the entrance of the rocky area and stood there. She waited for any supernatural happening as said in the rumors. But nothing happened, so she went straight ahead.

“It’s stunning.” Roselda said loudly to herself.

She was amazed at the rocky enclosure. It’s a beautiful view. From where she's standing, she could view the steady descent of the sun to the west which made the sky looked like a blend of orange and red paints.

“You’re right,” someone said.

Roselda was startled. “Who's there? Is somebody here?”

Laughter was heard in some distance. “Please, miss. Don't be afraid. I just want to watch the scenery.”

“Where are you? Why won't you show yourself to me?”

“Just here by the rock. Come, join me at looking around,” his voice responded.

Roselda blinked. A large rock was resting in front of her. Perhaps the voice came from behind it. She went over and was surprised at what she saw.

A young man sat there. But this was not a typical young man; because his lower body was that of a fish.

He's a merman.

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1Mamang (Mang) - mother; also called as nanay, ina, mama, mommy, mom in Filipino

2Papang (Pang) - father; also called as tatay, itay, ama, papa, daddy, dad in Filipino

3Engkanto - from Spanish word 'encanto' (incantation or charm); a Philippine mythological creature synonymous to fairies, fays, nymphs, deities, G.o.ds or G.o.ddesses who are believed to be guarding the seas, rivers, forests, trees and mountains. They are also a.s.sociated with dark beings that bring sickness and bad luck.