Six Degrees Of Separation

Conflict

"Watch the road."

"I am." I chuckled. It was hard to focus because Jho was dancing and singing along to the music on the radio.

"What's got you so chipper ba?" I asked.

"Wala, excited lang ako sa scavenger hunt." She said happily.

"Bukas pa ata tayo mag s-start eh." I checked my watch. "Baka kasi hapon na tayo makarating."

"By the way, bakit pala hindi sumabay si Mich sa atin?" Jho reached in and changed the song.

"Oh, Nicky's coming kasi." I explained. "Actually, lahat sila, may dalang jowa."

"Ang sad naman," She pouted. "Tayo lang walang jowa."

"Edi tayo na lang." I grinned at her. She smacked me on the arm.

"Focus on the road!" She rolled her eyes at me.

...

"Huy." I poked Jho. "We're here."

"Hmm." She stretched. "Nakakapagod yung byahe."

"Wow," I laughed. "Nakahilata ka nga lang the whole ride."

Soon, the others pulled up in the resort.

"Hey, guys!" Therese waved at us. She was with Jia and their boyfriends.

I introduced Jho to Rex and Miguel as the rest came one by one.

"Marquis, my boy!" Rex called.

Jamie's boyfriend, Marquis, exchanged greetings with the boys. Mich also approached us, arm in arm with her girlfriend, Nicky.

Again, I introduced Jho to the rest and they were already teasing us.

"Parang iba yung pinakilala mo sa amin last month," Nicky grinned.

"Oo nga, andaming chicks talaga nito. Alam na ba ng girlfriend mo yan?" Rex nudged me.

"She's not my girlfriend, guys." I calmly explained.

"Ooooows!" They all hooted.

"Wag kami." Rex scoffed.

"Narinig na namin yan," Miguel added.

"Ingat ka diyan," Nicky said to Jho. "Dami nang na-fall diyan tapos di niya naman sinalo."

"Naku," Jho pinched my back. "Baka sakin pa ma-fall 'to."

They all laughed and I looked amusingly at Jho.

"I like her already." Marquis said.

"Tara na, tama na lokohan." I dragged Jho towards the hotel.

...

"Aaaah. This. Is. The life." Therese stretched beside me. We were lying on the sand in front of the waves, watching the sun set. I closed my eyes and soaked in the remaining sun.

"There guys you are!" Jia said. "Antagal niyo naman!"

"Sorry," Jamie said. "Happy hour kasi!We brought you guys some cocktails."

"Bea, gusto mo ba ng daiquiri?" Jho asked.

"Uh huh." I opened my eyes and my eyes fell upon Jho. It had been a long time since I last saw her in a swimsuit and I was briefly stunned.

"Huy. Ano? Tulog?" She laughed.

"Bea baka matunaw," Mich called out.

I took the glass from her and I sipped some mango daiquiri.