Celestaire's POV
I TOOK MY BAG AND went out my room. Today, we are going to Batangas. Kumpleto kaming magkakaibigan. Blaze came, which I am happy about. Blaine and Alice was left behind because they have important things to do.
Bumaba ako ng hagdanan at nakita sila mom at dad. I just smiled at them. "We're leaving now. Bye, mom and... dad." Sabi ko.
"Mag-ingat kayo." Paalala ni dad.
"Have fun!" Mom said.
Napatitig muna ako sa mukha ni dad bago tuluyan tumalikod. Ever since I told him and mom about our trip to Batangas, his actions became a little weird. Weird, because he kept asking if he can come or if we could take some pictures of the place, even the staffs.
I didn't mind him and just agree on taking a picture of the place and some of the workers there. It's just a simple yet weird request, by him. It's kinda new of him asking me to take some pictures about where I'll go.
I went out the house and saw the van. Nakasandal si Ralph sa labas ng Van at nakangiting nakatingin sa akin. He walked to me and kissed me.
"Good morning, mahal ko." He said.
"Good morning, mahal." I said and kissed him.
He took my bag and carried it to the back of the Van. Pagkatapos ay pumasok na kami sa loob. As I went inside the van with Ralph, I saw Blaze on the driver's seat. He just smiled at me and mouthed 'good morning'. I smiled and greeted him too.
I saw Hetta, Jasper, Hetty and Gavi. Natutulog si Gavi sa third row. Habang magkatabi si Jasper, Hetta, at Hetty. Buhat buhat ni Hetty ang tulog niyang pamangkin.
"Good morning to all of you." I said.
They smiled. "Good morning."
We drove to the others. Inuna namin sila Kuya at Valerie. When we got there, kuya opened the door and helped Val to come inside the Van. Sa likod sila pumuwesto, katabi nila Alysha at Daniel.
Sumunod ay kala Daniel at Alysha. Pagdating sa bahay nila, agad pumasok si Aly na bitbit ang anak nila. Hindi na niya inintay si Dan, naglagay muna si Daniel ng gamit sa likod bago pumasok.
Mukhang nag-aaway silang mag-asawa. I looked at them in the rear mirror. Alysha hissed as Daniel was about to kiss her.
"Baby, let's not fight please. I'm sorry, okay?" Kalmadong ani ni Daniel.
Alysha rolled her eyes. "Ang bagal bagal mo kumilos. Ako na nag-ayos sa lahat, pati sa anak mo. Sarili ko nga hindi ko naayos!"
"Ano ba yan, nag-aaway pa talaga ang dalawang ito." Gavi tsked. Nagising na pala siya.
"Baby, you are already beautiful. Hindi mo na kailangan mag-ayos pa." He smiled.
Alysha tried not to smile and just rolled her eyes. "Hindi kita mamura, dahil may mga bata dito."
Daniel chuckles and kissed Alysha's cheek. Their baby held Daniel's face and giggled. Napangiti naman ang mag-asawa. Who would not smile because of that cuteness?
I smiled too and glanced at Ralph, who is smiling at me. I heard Blaze let out a loud sigh before staring the engine again. Our last stop is the twins before we finally drive to Batangas. Nang makarating sa bahay ng kambal ay nasa labas na pala sila.
Pagbukas nila ng pinto ay napasimangot si Isaac. "Sweetheart, bakit nandiyan ka? Gusto kita katabi eh."
Hetty rolled her eyes. "Diyan ka na sa likod ko."
Ngumuso si Isaac at naupo. Isaiah put his arms on Gavi's shoulder. Umayos ng upo si Gavi at natulog muli. Luckily, the van is sixteen seaters, we all fit and have more space way at the back. Pinaandar na ulit ni Blaze ang sasakyan at umalis na kami.
Sinandal ko lang naman ulo ko sa balikat ni Ralph. He chuckled and kissed my forehead. Malapit ako sa bintana kaya naisipan ko kuhaan ng video ang kalsadang tinatahak namin.
It is five am in the morning. Nag-aagaw ang dilim at liwanag sa kalangitan. I filmed a short video and posted it in my instagram story. I was busy checking some posts in instagram when Isaac spoke.
"Anong oras dating natin doon?" Tanong niya. Napatingin ako sa rear mirror.
"3 hours to 4 hours ang biyahe." Si Ralph ang sumagot.
"Weh? Tagal pala." Sabi niya at humikab. "Wala akong tulog eh."
Hetty raised her brows. "Bakit hindi ka kasi natulog?"
Tumawa si Isaiah. "Excited eh."
"Sinong hindi magiging excited? Kambal, ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng bakasyon. Si daddy kasi, parang hindi ako anak eh." Reklamo ni Isaac.
Isaiah smirked at his twin. "Kaya nga hindi ko inako ang negosyo."
"Madaya ka, gago--" Isaac snorted.
"Hoy, may mga bata." Saway ni Jasper.
Napatingin ang lahat kay Jasper. Nangunot noo ni Jasper sa reaksyon ng lahat. Umiwas agad ako ng tingin at binalik sa rear mirror ang tingin ko.
"Ano? Bakit ganyan kayo makatingin?" Jasper asked.
Isaac raised a brow. "Mature mo ah."
"Nakakagulat naman, nawala antok ko." Gavi said while leaning on Isaiah's shoulder.
"Pati ako nagulat." Sabi ni Hetta.
"Grabe kayo sakin." Madramang sabi ni Jasper. Lumingon si Jasper kay kuya. "May naririnig akong tunog ng balot ng chitchirya."
"Share your blessings, aba." Isaiah.
"Oo nga, gusto din namin." Isaac.
Tumaas kilay ni kuya. "My pregnant wife is craving for potato chips. Buntis din ba kayo?"
Naramdaman ko nagpipigil ng tawa si Ralph. Napailing na lang ako at umayos ng upo. I put my phone back to my bag. Napatingin ako kay Blaze na seryoso na nagmamaneho.
"Papalitan ka mamaya ni Ralph sa pagmaneho kapag napagod ka, para makatulog ka din." I said.
He shook his head. "I'm fine, I can handle. I'll just sleep when we get there."
Napatango na lang ako, bilang sagot at napahikab. Naramdaman kong sinandal ng katabi ko ang ulo ko sa balikat niya. Napaangat tingin ko sa kanya.
"Take a nap. Gisingin na lang kita kapag nakarating na tayo sa Batangas." Sabi ni Ralph na nakangiti.
I pouted. "Wake me up, when we reach a convenience store. Bibili ako ng makakain natin."
Tumango siya. "Sure, I will. Take a nap, mahal."
Ngumiti ako at dahan dahan pinikit ang mga mata ko. I yawned again before I dozed off.
I SUDDENLY felt someone out in the van. Napadilat ako at napansin na nasa isang gas station. Nangunot noo ko at tumingin sa tabi ko. I saw Ralph wasn't there. I looked at Blaze, who is outside drinking coffee.
"Morning! Kain ka muna." Gavi said.
I turned to her and saw she's holding a hotdog and bun. Kinusot ko mga mata ko bago lumabas. As I stepped out, I looked around. Where are we? Where is Ralph? Is this our first stop over?
"Where's Ralph?" I asked her.
"Umihi siya kasama sila Isaiah. Hetty and Hetta bought some foods. Kain ka na oh." Alok niya.
Kinuha ko ang hawak niya. I took a bite. "Saan lugar na tayo?"
"Ahh.. Aly anong lugar na ba ito?" Tanong niya kay Alysha.
Alysha looked at us. "Laguna sabi ni Daniel."
Lumingon si Dan sa amin habang hawak si Dani na tulog. "Yeah, we are almost there."
Tumango ako. Habang kumakain ay naramdaman ko may humalik sa pisngi ko. I saw Ralph. I smiled at him. After a quick stop, we went in the van and continue to go to our destination.
An hour passed and we finally arrived in Batangas. Nakangiti ako habang dinadama ang hangin. It's 8:40 am in the morning. Almost four hours na kami sa biyahe.
We arrived on the resort. The gates opened as the van went in. Blaze parked the van. We all got out and started getting our things out. Napatingin ako sa sign na nakalagay sa isang gilid, kung saan maraming halaman.
"Arena Blanca Beach Resort.." I said.
Biglang may umakbay sakin. I saw Isaac and Isaiah smiling at me. "Alam mo nakarating na kami dito." Sabi niya.
Isaiah nodded. "And it looks like mas pinaganda pa."
I nodded. "Kailan naman kayo nakapunta dito?"
"Hmm.. 10 years ago? Si Celestine pa kasama namin noon." Sagot ni Isaiah.
"We celebrated Hetty's birthday here before." Isaac.
"Ahh.." I smiled and looked at Blaze. "Edi may pictures kayo dito?"
"Oo naman." Sagot ni Jasper. "I have my old camera and new camera."
"Huh? Ba't dalawa? Yabang mo naman." Sabi ni Isaac.
"Tanga. Sabi ng asawa ko, recreate daw natin ang mga ginawa natin dito noon." Sabi ni Jasper.
"Ahh.. Pati yung nasunog na barbeques?" Isaiah laughed.
Lahat ay natawa sa sinabi ni Isaiah. Only I was confused on what he said. Si Blaze naman ay masama ang tingin sa lahat. What's with the nasunog na barbeques? I looked at Ralph, he leaned to whisper.
"Blaze, tried cooking the barbeques before. And he.. uhm burned them all." He whispered.
Nangunot noo ko. "Tinapon niyo?"
"Hindi. Kinain niya." Tumatawang sagot ni Jasper habang turo turo si Blaze.
"Gago, naaalala ko itsura niya habang kinakain." Natatawang sabi ni Isaac.
"Masarap ba?" Tanong ni Isaiah.
Blaze rolled his eyes. "Assholes." He took his bags and went in the lobby.
Napailing na lang ako. We decided to check in na. After checking in, binigay na samin ang mga susi namin. One room per couple. Blaze is alone in one room. He wanted to be alone.
Kanya kanya na kaming pumunta sa sariling mga kwarto. Nang makapasok sa room. Napangiti ako sa ganda ng kwarto. You can see the wonderful view of the ocean. Nilapag ko bag ko sa kama at nagsimula mag-ayos.
I put my clothes and some of my stuffs out. We are staying here for three days. I hanged some of my long sleeve shirts. Nilabas ko din ang mga skin care ko at inayos.
"I don't like this room. Gusto ko katabi kita." Sabi niya.
I chuckled. "Ayaw nila tayo magkatabi."
"Magkasintahan naman tayo ah. Hindi naman magkaibigan." Reklamo niya.
"Puro ka reklamo. Sa tabi ka na lang ni Blaze matulog? Isa lang kama niya." Sabi ko.
He smirked. "Okay, sanay naman na ako kay Blaze. Ikaw din, wala kang kasama."
"As if you can leave me." I said.
Natawa siya and I continue what I am doing and he is also organizing his things. Dalawa ang kama kaya hiwalay kami matutulog. Nakanguso lang ulit siya habang naagaw naman atensyon ko ng dagat.
Nang matapos ay tinignan ko ang labas ng veranda. I smiled as I watch the people at the beach. Kids are playing. Family's are bonding. Friend's taking pictures of them. This is just relaxing.
I felt a kiss on my cheek. I looked at him and leaned on to his chest. He chuckled and hugged me. He kissed my forehead and I closed my eyes, to feel his warm hugs and soft lips.
Unti-unti ko din minulat mga mata ko nang makarinig kami ng katok. Humiwalay ako kay Ralph at naglakad. Papalapit sa pintuan. When I opened it, there I saw Gavi and Isaiah.
"Tara na! Swimming daw tayo." Sabi ni Gavi.
Nangunot noo ko. "Agad agad?"
"Oo! Tara na. Baka magtagal pa kayo, mamaya na yan!" Isaiah said and chuckled.
Napailing na lang ako at nakitang natawa din si Ralph. I opened my bag and took out a swim wear and shorts. I went in the bathroom and changed my clothes.
Paglabas ko ay naka-purple bikini top ako at denim shorts. I took my hair clamp and put my hair up. I took my sunglasses and my flip-flops. I looked at Ralph, who is now wearing a sleeveless white shirt and beach shorts.
"Hello, beautiful." He said and kissed my cheek.
I chuckled. "Let's go?"
"Tara na." He said and lead the way.
Naglakad na kami papunta sa beach. Habang papunta ay hindi ko maiwasan hindi magandahan sa paligid. Maybe because it's been six months since I last went to a beach.
Nang makarating sa beach ay nakita ko agad si Jasper na hinahabol ang anak na masayang tumatakbo. Isaac and Isaiah are swimming now. Daniel and Kuya Connor are just beside their wives.
Nakangiti akong lumapit kala Hetty na nag-aayos ng mga pagkain. Tumulong ako habang si Ralph naman ay nakipag-kwentuhan sa mga lalaki.
While Hetta is grilling our food. Naghihiwa lang ako ng sibuyas at bawang para pang-sawsawan. Napasulyap ako kay Blaze na ngayon naninigarilyo.
"Ang aga aga, you are smoking na." I said.
He shrugged. "Gusto ko lang."
"Yung usok baka mapunta sa mga bata." Si Kuya Connor.
Blaze's brows furrowed. "Ilayo niyo. May usok din naman ang ihawan, it's not just my cigarette." He said.
Kuya just shrugged and let him be. Lumayo na lang din si Daniel at Dani, at lumapit kala Jasper na naglalaro parin hanggang ngayon.
"Hon, can you put sunblock on my back?" Valerie asked.
Tumango si Kuya at nilagyan ang asawa. Lumapit si Hetty. "Val, penge din ako mamaya ha?"
"Sure." Ngiting sagot ni Valerie.
"Hindi ka nagdala, Henriette?" Tanong ni Hetta.
"Nakalimutan ko eh." Sabi niya.
Napailing si Hetta. "Huwag ka na manghingi kay Valerie. Yung akin gamitin mo. Kasama ng sunblock ni Kaye."
Ngiti-ngiti si Hetty na ginalaw bag ni Hetta. Gavi smirked. "May sarili naman yan. Tinatamad lang kuhanin sa kwarto."
"Hoy, wala kaya. Si Gavi imbento." Sabi ni Hetty.
Napairap si Gavi. "Ako pa nag-imbento, hayst.. Maka-swimming nga."
Umalis na si Gavi at sumama sa kasintahan. Napanguso si Isaac at lumingon papunta samin. He acted like he is crying and came running to Hetty.
"Sweet, swimming tayo!"
"Mamaya! Lagyan mo muna likod ko." Sagot ni Hetty.
Ginawa ni Isaac ang gusto ni Hetty. Napailing na lang ako at natapos na gawin ang sawsawan. After that ay kumain na kami. Masaya kami nag-kukwentuhan habang kumakain ng salo salo.
I admit, this is really fun and relaxing. Minsanan na nga lang kami magkita kita dahil sa trabaho at sari-sariling buhay na. Sana wala parin magbago samin. We all are gonna be friends til the end.
After eating, we decided taking some pictures and swim on the beach. Hawak ko ang camera at kinukuhanan sila Jasper, Hetta at Kaye. Sa puno sila banda pumuwesto para hindi maaraw.
They both kissed their daughter's cheek and I clicked the camera. Napangiti ako habang pinagmamasdan ang kinalabasan ng litrato. Ngiting-ngiti ang bata dahil sa ginawa ng magulang niya.
"Ayan! Ang ganda talaga ng anak ko." Sabi ni Hetta.
"Ako ba naman ama." Sabi ni Jasper.
Hetta rolled her eyes. "Ralph, kayo naman ni Iya."
Pagkasabi ni Hetta ay bigla akong binuhat ni Ralph. Nanlaki mata ko at hinampas braso niya.
"Ralph naman!"
He chuckled. "Game na. Smile, mahal."
I pouted and looked at the camera and smiled. Hetta tooks more pictures of us, before deciding to play volleyball. May net naman kaya nagkayayaan talaga. Whoever wins will dare the other team.
It's me, Jasper, Hetta, Alysha, kuya Connor and Isaac against Ralph, Blaze, Hetty, Daniel, Gavi and Isaiah. Valerie can't play because she's pregnant, so she'll be counting the score of the teams. Siya rin ang nagbabantay sa mga bata na nakaupo sa kanya-kanyang stroller.
Hawak ni Gavi ang bola at nakangisi bago sinerve. Agad naman binlock ni Kuya at saktong na-toss naman ni Hetty. Alysha got the ball and I spike it, but na-block ni Blaze at nanalo sila.
Si Hetta naman ang nag-serve na agad nasalo ni Isaiah. He hit it and Isaac got it. He hit the ball, but Daniel suddenly got it, but Alysha blocked it and we won this time. Nakangisi siyang dumila sa asawa.
Natawa lang si Daniel. "Kami mananalo."
"Hindi yan." Si Aly.
The score is now tied. I'm catching my breathe as I laugh. I never had this fun for so long. I'm loving this outing. Napatingin ako sa paligid na may mga taong nanonood samin.
"Dapat panalo na kami eh! Si Daniel at Ralph pinagbibigyan si Aly at Iya." Reklamo ni Hetty.
Alysha smirked. "Ganon talaga."
Tumawa lang kami at ngumuso lang si Hetty. Valerie chuckled. "It's a tie naman. Whoever wins now, will dare the other team."
"I'm so gonna win this." Gavi.
"Baka kami." Si Jasper at sinerve ang bolang hawak.
Blaze blocked it and toss it. Ralph got the ball and hit it. Nanlaki mata ko at hinabol ang bola. Napadapa pa ako and luckily nahabol ko. My body ache, but the game must go on. Pinalo na ni Hetta papunta sa kanila. Tumayo ako at nakita na may sugat ako sa siko.
Binalik nasamin ni Isaiah. Tumalon si Alysha at pinalo. Nakuha ni Blaze at hinampas niya pero na blocked ni kuya. Nasalo pa ni Hetty at nahampas ni Alysha na biglang tumama sa ulo ni Daniel.
We all are shocked when Daniel fell down. Tumakbo si Alysha papunta sa asawa para tignan kung ano nangyari. Daniel sat down as he hold his forehead.
"Are you still mad at me? That hurts, baby." Sabi ni Daniel sa asawa.
"Hon, I'm sorry. Patingin?" Sabi ni Aly.
Daniel showed his face and we saw it's red. Lahat kami bumalik na sa cottage namin para gamutin. Kumuha ng ice bag si Aly at nilagay sa natamaan na parte ng mukha ni Daniel.
"Masyado kasi ginalingan." Sabi ni Isaac.
I bit my lips as I look at my elbow. Lumapit si Ralph para tignan ang nangyari sakin. Napailing siya at kumuha ng ointment sa bag niya.
"I'm sorry, kinapos kasi tira ko." He slowly said.
I smiled. "It's fine."
"Nasugatan ka tuloy. Does your body hurts? You dived the sand just to save the ball." He worriedly said.
"A little, but I can handle." Sabi ko.
Hinalikan niya noo ko at ngumiti. "Are you thirsty?"
"Yes."
"I'mma get you something to drink." He stood up and get some water.
"Are you tired?" Tanong ni kuya.
Napatingin ako sa kanya na ngayon nakayakap sa likod ng asawa. Valerie chuckled and put kuya's hand on her belly. Her bump is kinda showing.
"I can still run, hon."
"Still, baka inaantok ka o gusto mo magpahinga." Malambing na sagot ni kuya.
She smiled. "I'm fine. Ikaw ang naglaro rito. Do you wanna rest?"
"I still want to sleep, pero kung gusto mo dito muna tayo. Mamaya na lang ako matutulog." He said.
"Okay, let's go to our room." She said. Lumingon si Val samin. "Sa room lang kami. Inaantok pa si Con at may gagawin ako." Paalam niya.
"Let's all eat at dinner later. See you all." Paalam ni kuya bago kunin ang tuwalya nila.
Blaze stood up. "I'm sleepy too."
Tumango si Daniel. "Pagod ka mag-maneho, kaya magpahinga ka na."
He nodded and just left. Naiwan kaming sampu dito. Binigyan ako ni Ralph ng tubig at ininom ito. Napailing si Hetta nang makita humihikab ang anak nila. She smiled and kissed her daughter's cheek.
"Sa room din muna ako. Kaye is sleepy." She looked at her husband. "You can stay here if you want."
Umiling si Jasper at ngumisi. "Our baby is sleepy. Daddy should be there."
Umirap si Hetta. "Shut up and carry her stroller and bag."
Tumawa lang si Jasper at kinuha ang mga pinadadala ni Hetta. "Mga ninong at ninang ulit kayo."
Natawa na lang kami nang bigyan ni Hetta ng masamang tingin si Jasper tumawa lang ito at sumunod sa mag-ina niya. Napatingin ako kala Alysha at Daniel.
"Tulog na pala si Dani." Sabi ko habang nakatingin sa anak nila tulog sa stroller nito.
Napatingin si Daniel sa anak. "Ang ganda talaga. Kamuha ng mommy."
"Huwag mo na ako bolahin. Nagui-guilty ako sa pagtama ng bola sa mukha mo." Alysha said.
"Bakit hindi niyo patulugin ng diretso si Daniella sa kwarto niyo? Baka magulat pa ang bata sa ingay dito." Sabi ni Ralph.
Daniel nodded and held Alysha's hand. "I'm fine. Ipasok na natin si Shin. Baka pati siya matamaan ng bola." He said as he chuckles.
Alysha sighed. "I'll continue treating your face there."
"A kiss will do." Daniel said.
Napairap si Alysha habang tinatago ang kilig. "Oo na." Tumingin siya samin. "Pahinga lang muna kami."
"Asus, pahinga daw." Gavi.
"Napaka-ano ng utak mo, Gabrielle." Alysha said.
Tulak-tulak ni Aly ang stroller habang papunta na rin sila sa kwarto nila. I leaned on Ralph and looked at him. He looked at me too.
"Nagyaya na rin si Iya pumasok sa kwarto." Sabi ni Isaac.
Umiling ako. "Nope, I just want to walk at the beach."
"Pasok na rin tayo?" Isaiah asked Gavi.
Umiling si Gavi. "Ayoko pa. I wanna swim."
Ngumiti si Isaiah. "Then, let's swim."
They both chuckled and walked to the water. Naiwan kami nina Hetty, Isaac at Ralph. Yumakap si Isaac sa kasintahan at, ngumuso at sinubsob ang mukha sa leeg ni Hetty.
"Ano ba? Nakikiliti ako." Singhal ni Hetty.
"Nagugutom ako." Isaac.
"Kumain ka."
He pouted. "Sabay tayo."
"Hindi pa ako gutom, picturan mo na lang ako doon." Turo ni Hetty sa mga malalaking bato banda sa tubig.
Isaac just sighed and took the camera. Umalis na rin sila at tanging kami ni Ralph lang ang natira.
"Let's have a walk?" He asked.
I nodded. "Yes."
"Okay-- wait, mahal." He said as his phone started ringing. He answered the call. "Yes, dad?"
Tumango ako at pinalayo muna siya para makausap niya ang kanyang ama. Habang nakatayo lang iniintay si Ralph ay nagulat ako na may humawak sa kamay ko.
"Mamita!" He said.
Mamita?
A little boy giggled as he held my hand. Nangunot noo ko at magsasalita na sana nang may humawak bigla sa kabilang kamay ng bata.
"Tita Daphne!" The boy said.
"I'm sorry, miss." She said and looked at the little boy. "Don't just run off. Magagalit ako sayo."
"But, I want mamita--"
"Your mamita is busy. Doon na tayo." Sabi ng babae at hinila na ang bata papaalis.
Nag-mamadali silang umalis. I watched them and as they are leaving. Why did that little boy called me mamita? Maybe I have the same outfit as his mother or I look like his mother?
Biglang tumalon ang bata at niyakap ang binti ng isang lalaki. Napatampal pa sa noo ang kanya tita at napairap dahil sa ginawa ng bata. The guy chuckled and carried the little boy.
The woman whispered something and which made the guy look my way. Nangunot noo ko at lumingon para tignan kung may tinignan ba sila sa likod ko.
I looked at them again, but they just left. I was about to walk when someone snaked his arms around my waist.
"Sorry, dad just asked me something." He said.
I smiled. "It's fine. Let's go." Sabi ko at hinila siya.
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ashbellezza