Sunburst

Kabanata 7

~ BRIELLE~

~ Halian Peninsula: Oceanid Beach Resort; Friday; 0521pm ~

The sun, the beach and annoying Alexander.

Nandito kami ngayon sa isang beach villa for the long weekend. May pageant kasi later tonight and Aileen's pets will be performing so isinama nila ako.

What I didn't expect is this view. I'm lounging by the beach waiting for the setting sun while drinking my cold strawberry daiquiri when a group of women decided to flock by the beach bar not far from where my lounger was and started squealing like pigs. Now, How am I supposed to relax and enjoy myself?

"You know, if looks could kill, Alex would have been six feet underground."

I put down my Strawberry Daiquiri and glared at this abominable pest who's now lying on the lounger next to mine.

"What do you want Aaron?" I didn't bother to make contact, because I know ang lawak na ng ngisi niya.

"Nothing much. Just wanted to hangout with my beshy," he said nonchalantly while sipping his drink.

"Tch. If you have nothing to do, just banish yourself. I don't need your company."

The pest just laughed. Where is Aileen? Why am I left with the pest and the king of the jungle, who's fooling around with the squealing pigs? This is not turning out to be a cool and relaxing day to me. It's an annoying pain.

"So? Ilang beses mo nang pinatay sa isip mo si Alex?"

"A million times," I answered in a heartbeat.

"Too honest," he chuckled. "So? Wala ka bang planong palayasin ang babaeng parang linta kung makakapit sa kanya?"

"Who cares what he does. I just wish they wouldn't block my field of vision. Ang ganda na sana ng view of sunset if wala sila sa background."

"Hmmm. Sabi mo eh." He shrugged as if not interested, but knowing this pest. There's more to those boring words.

"Ano nanamang pinaplano mo?"

"Wala ah. I'm just drinking a nice cold whisky sour and enjoying the view myself. Ganda kaya ng sunset."

"I don't believe you." My eyes focus on him, trying to figure out his plan. "Iyang tingin na 'yan hindi mapagkakatiwalaan kaya sabihin mo na kung ano man ang iniisip mo."

He sighed dramatically na parang sumusuko na sa kakulitan ko, pero alam kong acting lang 'yon. Exaggeration. Fake. Itong pesteng 'to pa, magaling umakting 'yan.

"Akala ko kasi kaya mong pasunurin si Alex sa 'yo. I mean, you managed to make him bring you breakfast everyday for a whole month in just a phone call, not to mention he took care of you when you're dead drunk and that's not an easy task to do. Ang ingay mo kaya kapag lasing. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit 'di ka pa niya tinatapon sa pinakamalapit na bangin, pero tignan mo ngayon, hindi mo man lang magawang agawin ang kanyang pansin."

Aba'y siraulo 'to. Sinasabi ko na nga ba may walang matinong sasabihin ang pesteng 'to. It's true that I managed to make Alexander agree with my whims and fancies but it's not because he wanted to. It is because of my negotiation skills, convincing attitude and goddess beauty that he agreed.

"Eh ano naman kung napasunod ko siya. Hardwork 'yon. Fair trade. Walang pandaraya na naganap. You could say we both benefit from it," I said smugly.

It's the truth. At least on my side.

"Sure, let's go with your assumption."

Napataas agad ang kilay ko sa sinabi niya. "You don't believe me."