Drowning Emotions (Isla Series #5)

02

"Marquez, you can leave." The prof gave me a nod when I passed my exam paper.

"Thank you po!" Finally! Tapos na ako sa finals! Confident ako sa mga sagot ko dahil nag-aral naman ako noong isang araw.

"Daya mo," Paige mouthed when I waved at her as I walked out of the classroom.

"It's the most beautiful time of the year..." I hummed as I walked in the hallway, putting my airpods on.

"Veronica, pwede pa picture?!" Two students came near me, holding their phones up with huge smiles on their lips

"Sure! Sige, diyan kayo tayo." Kinuha ko ang phone noong isa habang tinuturo iyong magandang spot dahil white wall doon. Hindi nakaimik iyong mga babae. "Sige na, beh! Taray lighting diyan!" I urged.

"I think they meant picture with you." My blockmate, Zion, chuckled behind me.

"Ay!" Natawa ako nang malakas bago tumango. "Sorry, naiwan yata braincells ko sa classroom. Kunin ko muna, ah." Umakto pa akong babalik sa classroom kaya natawa sila.

Since I packed the things I need to bring for my shooting, I just washed up at home and find my mom to tell her I'm leaving already. They were on the garden, nagba-barbecue. My sisters were lighting some lusis to take pictures. They were already in there white dresses, santa hats, and headbands.

"Ma, alis na po ako," mahinang paalam ko, nakasilip sa may sliding door.

"Sure, dear! Bye!" She didn't even spare me a glance and just waved her hand.

"Happy holidays po!" I greeted.

"Smile, Vy!" Hindi niya ako pinansin. Napangiti ako nang mapait bago tumalikod.

"Sabi ko nga Happy holidays, Ica. Have a safe trip. I love you," bulong ko sa sarili bago binuhat ang cage ni Mishu at hinihila na ang luggage ko palabas.

The van was waiting for me outside. Natulog lang ako sa byahe at nagising na naroon na sa isla. The sunrise was so attractive that I escaped from the crew, wanting to breathe for a while since my heart was feeling really heavy.

"Surfing, Ma'am?" one surfer instructor asked me.

"Okay lang, Kuya! Thanks!" pagtanggi ko. Halos lahat ng nakakasalubong ko ganoon ang tanong. Lahat sila tinanggihan ko.

"The tides are good today, Ma'am. Surfing?" another surf instructor asked me while I was snapping a picture of the sunrise.

Nanigas ako. It was a familiar voice, drawing my attention to him. My brows raised. Iyong si Maki! Matalas ang memorya ko kaya kahit na ilang linggo na ang lumipas alalang-alala ko pa siya! That embarassing moment in the bathroom's bar was stuck in my mind like a tattoo! Nakakahiya ako!

Tinagilid niya ang ulo niya, mukhang inaalala kung saan niya ako nakita. I surveyed him. He was wearing black beach shorts and was carrying a surfboard on his left arm, the other was holding his rushguard. The water in his hair was dripping down his neck and chest. Obviously, he went surfing.

But he asked me? Surfing instructor din pala siya! All around nga! Sipag, ah!

"No, thanks," pagtanggi ko at iniwan siya bago pa niya ako maalala.

Wala pa akong kain kaya naman inaya ko si Calista, isa kong vlogger friend. She also grew up here. I haven't seen her for quiet some time now since pareho kaming busy. Sobrang genuine at hinhin niya. I can't relate! Buti na lang kaya niyang tiisin ang kaingayan ko!

"I missed you, girl! How are you? I haven't seen you for so long!" Niyakap ko siya kaagad pagkarating niya. Lumayo ako at nawala ang ngiti ko nang nakita si Manu sa tabi niya. He was one of my past flings! "What is he doing here?!"