Sweet Pacific Breezes (Provincia de Marina Series #4)

Kabanata 19

Kabanata 19

Sweet Pacific Breezes

"Damn, girl!" our crowd cheered when I went back to our table. Tulala pa ako dahil hindi ko alam kung ano nga ba ang iisipin. Of course, the first thing that comes into my mind was that was my first kiss! And that Isidore didn't want to see me have a body shot with a random stranger.

So he would rather kiss me. My lips were tingling and I can still feel his lips on mine. Kinagat ko pa ang aking labi para mapatunayang totoo ngang nangyari iyon.

Cristy was passed out on Karlo's shoulder when I sat beside them.

"She's going to be frantic about it," sabi ni Karlo.

"She missed the show." I shrugged my shoulders. Nagpatuloy ang aming laro.  Panaka-naka ay tumitingin ako sa table nina Isidore. His friends were still talking and he was joining them too like the kiss didn't even happen.

I wanted to shrug it too but I know I like him. I liked the kiss even though I wasa bit drunk to even absorb all of it. Basta ang alam ko, nagtagal ang labi niya sa akin. I can still feel his warmth and I don't I could get over it so easily.

Hindi na naulit ang dare sa akin. They got tired of the game and so we just ordered whatever we like. Kaya ko pa namang uminom pero si Karlo ay tumigil na dahil ihahatid niya pa raw kami. I even suggested that we stay in a hotel. Aalagaan ko na lang si Cristy para sa kaniya. I'm sure he wouldn't touch Cristy without the latter's permission. Ganiyan niya nirerespeto ang kaibigan ko kaya na kay Karlo na talaga ang boto ko mula pa noon. Cristy might dream about a lot of boys but I know, she wouldn't waste the opportunity with the good guy like Karlo. Kung mayroon mang lalaking makakatagal sa kaniya, si Karlo na iyon.

I do wish I could find a guy like my friend. A guy who knows my value as a woman and a guy who respects me regardless of our views and differences. Bihira na ang ganoong klaseng lalaki sa mundo. And even if I do find one, sigurado ba akong siya na nga iyon? Totoo nga siguro ang sinasabi ng iba. I maybe smart enough for scholarly things but maybe, when it comes to love, I'd be a fool. Magbubulagbulagan ako sa lahat kasi ang gusto ko lang makuha ay ang gusto ko.

And maybe, they are right. I like Isidore even when he doesn't see me as an equal. I like him even if he doesn't feel the same. I like him for his passion. I fell for him for whatever he is. That's why it frustrates me when he said that all I feel for him was just a mere illusion. What I feel for him was nothing and he could never respect whatever it is. Hindi ko inakalang may taong hindi kayang tanggapin ang nararamdaman ko.

"Cleora, are you not drunk? Feeling ko ikaw ang may pinakamaraming nainom sa atin," Tina commented. Unti-unti na kasing umaalis ang iba. A few guys left a while ago. Ang ibang kaibigan ni Tina ay ganoon din. Cristy's head was already on my shoulder while I was sipping my beer.

"I'm fine. Kayo?"

"Yep. O-order pa ako, last bucket na lang din. Do you want to order another drink?"

"Hindi na. Beer's fine."

I'm trying to get drunk, you see. Para naman mamanhid ang katawan ko. Because for a moment, I want my mind and heart to be at peace. Kasi simula nang magtrabaho ako sa clinic, a lot of things had occupied my mind. He occupied my mind and it was as though, I was in a hypnotic cycle, I couldn't get out of it.

Cristy slurred in her sleep. Kababalik lang ni Karlo mula sa CR nang maalimpungatan si Cristy at hinanap nga si Karlo. The latter immediately transferred her head on his shoulders. Sandaling napangiti ako sa sweet na gesture na iyon. I was already used to it and I felt jealous all of a sudden.

Why...in my twenty-three years of living in this world, on this island, ngayon pa talaga ako nakaramdam ng selos? Why do certain dreams flash through my mind like I wanted to experience all of those sweet gestures with certain someone? Why all of a sudden I was yearning for a cold yet warm touch to embrace me?