Winning Hurricane

XXII - Vertebral Column

"Ready?"

"What if they don't like me?" I can't help but ask.

He stared deep into my eyes as he cupped my face, "They will surely like you, love."

"What if nga?"

He chuckles before enveloping me in his warmth. Hindi ko mapigilan hindi siya amuyin. I swear, he really smells so good minsan gusto kong ikiskis ang damit ko sa damit niya para kumapit sakin yong amoy. He smells too sexy. Funny, may amoy ba ang pagiging sexy? Basta, ganon!

"Babe, they're my friends and they are important but they're not the one I'm spending my whole life with. I chose you and if they don't approve of that then it's their problem."

For the first time, I returned his embrace. I circled my arms on his waist the he started swaying us slowly before lifting me up to swirl around! We both laughed at his action.

"So, are we good now?"

"Yeah."

I know it's too soon.. but I don't want to break-up with him either.

We were quiet the whole ride. Kanta lamang sa car radio ang maririnig but it didn't felt awkward. We were comfortable with the silence enveloping us. Paminsan minsan magkaka-tinginan kami and he will smile.

Tumigil kami sa isang exclusive and private beach. Kinakabahan ako sa totoo lang. Hindi ko man lang to nararamdaman every practical or recitation. I really hate the feeling!

He chuckles when he held my hand. Sobrang lamig kasi ng kamay ko, buti nalang hindi nagpa-pawis, ang clingy pa naman masyado ni Hurricane! Gusto lagi nakakapit.

"Chill baby, they won't eat you."

"Yeah, whatever. Tara na."

I've been here before with my siblings. Bawat hakbang talaga nahihilo ako sa kaba. I tried calming myself. Natanaw ko kaagad ang friends niya.

There are four boys and three girls. If I am correct, sila yong madalas namin nakakasabay sa coffee shop dati. The girls were too busy taking pictures habang mukhang kakalangoy lamang ng mga boys.

I saw someone awfully familiar. He's wearing his glasses. Fudge, so friends talaga sila! I suddenly remembered when he's hitting on me! Ako na ang nao-awkwardan and siya pa ang unang nakapansin samin.

"Hurri!"

One of the guys called. Tumakbo siya papalapit samin, suddenly nakuha namin ang attention nilang magkakaibigan.

Hurricane's hand tightened on mine, assuring me everything will be okay. My facial reaction remained stolid. Hindi ko alam kung ngumiti ba ako, pero kung oo, sobrang liit lang siguro.

"Hey,"

"Tsk! Traydor ka talaga bro!" the guy joked as he looked at Miguel. "Hello, Chandy! Nag-kikita na tayo sa coffee shop dati."

This is so awkward.

"Chandy!"

Napatingin ako sa tumawag. It's Barb, tumakbo siya palapit samin kasunod ng iba. She's so pretty in her nude bikini. She's smiling widely and I suddenly felt guilty na pinag-selosan ko siya. She's actually nice.

I heard my boyfriend cleared his throat. Puro sila naka-ngiti ng nakakaloko sa kanya.

"Love, si Kenzo, Eric, Casper and Miguel." He pointed the boys one by one, "And here's Martine and Patty." Pakilala naman niya sa dalawang babae.

I remember Patty. She's the one who approached me sa LIT and she's smiling making me feel welcomed. Martine just gave me a small smile while the boys seems all nice naman.