"Lies are hidden"
"Lies are hidden"
"Lies are hidden"
"I can't breath! Let go of me!"
"There are lies hidden in here."
"Let go! Let go!"
"Hidden, lies, hidden, lies, hidden lies"
I woke up suddenly in bed due to a dream I was having, only to find her hugging me close as she slept.
The dream featured that shadow again, wrapping its arms around me and placing its hands on my chest while repeating the same haunting phrase "Lies are hidden."
Humihingal ako at dahan-dahang umupo sa tabi niya, she's completely in slumber. Pero bakit ganun? The shadow is hugging me too like what she's doing, the only difference is that the shadow puts its palm on my chest.
Do I have a deeper connection with her that was not yet revealed?
Tumingin ako sa mahimbing niyang mukhang natutulog.
Ang bait talaga pag tulog parang hindi ako tinulak sa bus nang malakas.
I gently caress her delicate face, tracing its contours and lips, it feels like there's really a force that solidified our connection and my feelings is just growing day by day. Tumingin ako sa orasan, it's 3am.
"3am?" I sighed. I find myself questioning once more why I consistently wake up at 3am after experiencing that recurring dream.
Tumingin ulit ako sa kanya, nilagay ko nang dahan-dahan ang unan na ginamit ko kanina to not wake her up at para ayon nalang din ang yayakapin niya. Pupunta ako sa room namin nila Sav at doon matutulog ulit, hindi naman siguro siya magagalit. Isa pa, nawala ako nang bigla kagabi without them knowing where am I. Baka nabahala rin siya sakin.
Tumayo ako at kinuha ang suot ko kagabi at pasimpleng lumabas mula sa kwarto niya, maingat kong sinarado ang pintuan ng kwarto niya para hindi siya magising. Naglakad ako papunta sa room namin na hindi malayo sa room niya. Madadaanan ko ang open terrace ng floor bago ako makakarating sa kwarto namin. Malapit na ako sa kwarto nang may nahagip akong dalawang pigura ng tao na nasa dalampasigan. I squint my eyes to have a clear view pero hindi ko sila makilala but their physique is familiar, a very familiar persons.
Sigurado akong dalawang lalaki ang nakikita ko, ang isa nakatayo at ang isa ay nanonood lang. Feels like they're having their own time. Pero bakit 3am? Hindi ko nalang pinansin at naglakad na papunta sa room namin as I'm still sleepy.
Nakarating ako sa room, upon entering our room and opening the door, I'm greeted with the sight of them all fast asleep. Savannah's legs are resting on Raya's stomach, Raya's arms are sprawled across Charlotte's face, and Charlotte is sleeping with her mouth wide open.
Bahagya akong natawa sa position nila. Akala ko ba mga expensive itong mga to. I thought they won't sleep besides each other pero tingnan mo naman, parang hindi anak ng mayayaman pag tulog. Pumunta ako sa tabi ni Charlotte's since may space pa na natira, siguro nilaan niya sakin. I notice a pillow and a comforter nearby, and I carefully drape the comforter over their bodies to shield them from the growing cold. Then, I settle down beside Charlotte. As I lay there, Charlotte gradually wraps her arms around mine and places her legs over mine.
She's mabigat pero okay lang.
I close my eyes gently, finding comfort in their presence as they sleep beside me. Though the meaning of my recurring dreams eludes me, there's a sense of tranquility in being close to them.
"Frey! Freyja!" malakas na sigaw ni Charlotte habang dinadaganan ako nito.
"Arghh!" I groaned in irritation. Ang aga palang pero ginugulo na niya ako mula sa pagkakatulog ko.
"Charry, you're so noisy..." Reklamo ni Raya na nakahiga pa rin.
"Damn it. Get out!" Savannah yelled. Nakahiga pa pala tapos ang isang bruha lang ang nag-iingay.
"Si Frey ang ginigising ko hindi kayo," natatawang sagot ni Charlotte.
"Ano?" I asked.
"Anong ano? Saan ka pumunta kagabi? Hindi ka namin nakita. Nag-antay kami nila Sav sayo hinanap ka pa namin kasama si Ma'am Vivien." Sagot nito.
"Yes, where was you last night? We're so damn worried." Dagdag ni Sav.
"Don't tell us you're with Ma'am Rhea?" Raya asked.
"Omg wait! Wala si Ma'am Rhea kagabi tapos ikaw rin so... so it means?" Charlotte asked. Her wide eyes bore on mine.
I quickly rise from the bed upon hearing Charlotte's words. Apparently, they were unaware of my absence last night.
"I was with her." I answered. Bahagya namang lumaki ang mata niya pero ngumingisi.
"What the - so anong ginawa niyo? May lambingan bang naganap may ano ba hehehehehe..." Sabi nito. Parang bata lang na excited makinig sa storya ng matatanda.
"Manahimik ka nga. Wala naman, nag-usap lang kami." I reasoned. Napangiwi naman siya sakin.
"Talaga? Usap lang?" natatawa nitong tanong, "As in usap lang?"
"Oo."
"Bakit ang tagal mo nakabalik dito?"
"Kasi gusto ko."
"Gusto mo ang alin? Yong ano ba..." Natatawang sambit niya.
Binato ko siya ng unan para hindi na makasalita pa nang binato niya rin sakin ang unan pabalik. Charlotte playfully starts hitting me with a pillow, accompanied by laughter. Natatawa narin sila Savannah at Raya, who are still groggy.
After a while, we all leave the room and make our way to the dining hall for breakfast. Tumatawa kaming nakarating sa hall kasi may pinag-usapan kami habang pababa.
Nasa malayo pa lang ako ay ramdam ko na ang mata na nakatitig sakin. Nakakatusok. It's there that I notice her, her gaze intense and almost angry, fixed upon me. Galit na galit siyang nakatitig sakin. Nasa food section siya distributing trays for students para sa breakfast. Bahagya akong napatigil at kinabahan pero agad naman akong kinuyog ni Charlotte papunta aa kanya para kumuha ng tray.
Maingat niyang binigyan ng tray si Savannah, sunod si Soraiya tapos si Charlotte. Nang ako na ang bibigyan niya ay hindi siya kumilos, tinaas niya lang ang isang kilay niya habang nakatitig sakin. Inilahad ko ang kamay ko pero hindi niya ako binibigyan kaya ako na ang kumuha pero natigilan ako nang tinampal niya ang kamay ko.
"What's your problem?" I abruptly asked.
"What? What do you mean what's my problem?" balik niya sakin. Her arms crossed. Tumingin ako sa paligid, marami nang student ang kumakain pero buti walang nakakapansin samin.
"Ikaw, pahingi na ako ng tray." I responded.
"No way," she coldly replied.
"Please..." I begged. Tiningnan ko siya with my puppy eyes pero ayaw talaga. "Bahala ka pag nagutom ako at mamatay kasalanan mo, mumultuhin kita at ang magiging anak mo, magiging apo mo, at ang mga magiging apo mo sa tuhod."
She sighed in defeat at binigyan ako ng tray pero padabog. Bahagya akong natawa habang nakatingin sa kanya, ang sungit talaga. Kinindatan ko siya at ngumiti ako but she just rolled her eyes at umiwas ng tingin sakin.
Pumunta ako sa table nila Charlotte habang dala ang breakfast na kinuha ko.
"Akala ko ba nag-usap kayo? Bakit ang sungit pa rin niya sayo?" tanong ni Charlotte habang kumakain.
"Malay ko sa kanya," I answered. Umupo ako sa tabi ni Charlotte. Wala si Savannah kasi sasamahan niya raw mag breakfast si Cat at ang mom niya kaya kami lang tatlo sa table.
"Baka nakulangan sa usapan niyo kagabi," natatawang sabi ni Raya.
Nagsisimula na naman sila.
"Dapat sinagad mo na ang usapan niyo. Just look at her," sabi ni Charlotte habang nakatingin sa likod ko. Bahagya akong napatingin sa likod and they're right, she's glancing at me with her icy gaze.
"Hayaan niyo na at may tuyo ʼyan." I answered.
"Guess what, Frey? We're all heading to the beach for a swim, professors included, along with the students from both SU and GSU," Raya excitedly announced as she finished her meal.
"Yep, get ready to feast your eyes on some sexy bodies!" Charlotte playfully grinned.
Her words ignited a surge of excitement within me. It meant she'd be in a beach outfit, and my mind couldn't help but wander to those thoughts, causing a blush to creep up on my face.
After finishing my meal, Raya and Charlotte left my side to join their partners and for Charlotte to visit Samantha. Tumayo ako sa table para isauli ang tray na nilagyan ng breakfast nang makita ko siya na nasa malayo, nakatingin pa rin sakin habang nakahalukipkip.
As I observed her, our eyes locked for a moment, but she soon walked away. Mabilis siyang umalis, my curiosity and concern pushed me to follow her. Agad naman akong tumakbo at sumunod sa kanya - only to be met with her angry inquiry, "Why are you following me?"
"Kasi galit ka sakin!" I asserted, keeping pace with her.
"So you already knew? Then stop following me!" Her frustration resonated in her voice. Sumusunod pa rin ako sa kanya kahit hindi ko alam saan siya pupunta.
She entered a restroom, and I followed, grabbing her arm to turn her to face me. Her gaze, cold as ice, pierced mine with intense scrutiny.
"You left my room without telling me," she said angrily.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to disturb your sleep. It was a difficult decision," I explained, holding onto her arm.
"I don't care! You left me alone, and for a moment, I thought you were still in my arms, but it was just a damn pillow!" Her anger was palpable, mixed with evident frustration.
"I just wanted to return to our room. I knew my friends would be worried," I responded, attempting to clarify my actions.
"Did you dislike being in my arms?" Tears glistened in her eyes, threatening to fall.
A cry baby. Iyakin pala si ma'am.
"It's not like that," I reassured gently. "I'm sorry."
I shifted to embrace her, my body enveloping hers. She didn't resist, allowing my hug. Softly, my hand caressed her back, offering comfort. She was genuinely angry that I had left her room without notice.
As I leaned in, her lips caught my attention, and I found myself wanting to kiss her once more, but our moment was interrupted by distinct footsteps entering the room. Mabilis ko siyang kinuyog sa isang cubicle she's still embracing me. Masikip ang cubicle para sa dalawang tao kaya nagsiksikan kami dalawa, preventing the person who just got inside to notice us.
The person breathed heavily and for the moment there, I know this person. It's Ma'am Vivien for sure and I know she knows it too. Tiningnan ko siya at gulat nalang akong nagkasalubong na naman ang kilay niya habang nakatingin sakin. Pinisil niya ang kamay ko nang madiin bahagya akong napapikit sa sakit.
"Stop it, ma'am." I whispered. Her icy gaze still locked on me. Masakit ang pagkapisil niya. Maya-maya pa ay naglakad ulit ang tao sa loob at nag turn on ang faucet.
Mabigat akong huminga habang hawak ko ang waist niya while she's leaning on me. Bigla nalang lumamig ang katawan ko ng hipan niya ang leeg ko, purposely. Pinigilan ko siya baka malaman na nandito kami then suddenly she slowly plants kisses on my neck, I gasped.
"Ma'am..."
She didn't listened to me at patuloy na hinahalikan ang leeg ko while her arms on my back. She began to devour my neck with her mouth and tongue in sync. Hindi ko siya mapigilan because deep inside me wants it but part of me wants to stop her to avoid the person from noticing us pero ayaw niya akong tigilan.
"Fuck..." I murmured while letting her. She pinned me against the wall and still she continue kissing, sucking my neck. Her tongue is licking it, and I can say she's doing a good job.
Dahan-dahan niya akong tiningnan and she leans her face on mine and I thought she's gonna kiss me pero ginalaw niya agad ang ulo niya papunta sa tenga ko.
"Make a sound so she will notice," she whispered playfully. Uminit ang buong katawan ko nang dinilaan niya ang tenga ko, and she wobbles it. I want to fucking moan, for damn sake. Her hand making its way to my legs, pinching it that makes my body shiver.
I lingered my arms on her neck, letting her whatever she wants to do. Lumabas na ang tao at nakahinga ako nang maluwag but she's still at it. I slowly move my hand to lift her face, nagsalubong ang mga mata namin at wala akong sinayang na oras kundi angkinin ang mga labi niyang kanina ko pa gustong halikan. Tinulak ko siya nang maingat against the wall as I owned her lips, our connection solidified again. I gently put my tongue inside on her mouth as her tongue meets mine, our mouth is moving along with our tongue inside. Left or right, right of left I didn't let any part of her mouth be wasted.
Dahan-dahan kong dinikit ang katawan namin so I can feel her chest on mine, adding to the hot sensation sprawling all over my body. Nawawalan na ako ng bait and I want more but I was thankful na naghahabol na kami ng hininga causing us to stop for a moment. Our lips parted and our gazes meets each other.
Our eyes held a silent understanding, a mutual desire that seemed to linger in the air. Yet, we both recognized the timing wasn't quite right. With a smile, I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"You also have that kind of-"
"Shut up, Mercedez!" she interrupted me with a playful tap on my shoulder.
"In that moment, were you worried Vivien might catch us?" Her eyebrows furrowed as she leaned in, her arms encircling my neck, settling on my lap.
"I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to resist the temptation," I admitted, chuckling.
"You left my room," she whispered softly, her face nestled against my shoulder.
"I'm sorry."
"Promise to stay in my room tonight?" Her request was accompanied by a hint of insistence.
"Hmmm..."
"Be sure about it."
"I will."
"Good."
Her gaze lifted, and our lips met once again in a passionate kiss. Time seemed to suspend as we lost ourselves in each other, giving in to the unspoken emotions that swirled between us.
After that moment nauna siyang lumabas sa restroom at sumunod ako na parang walang nangyari.
Parang nothing happened lang.
Bumalik ako sa room namin na nakangiti. As we parted ways she said she still have more things to do. Naabutan kong umiiyak si Raya and beside her is Charlotte and Savannah, comforting her. Napatakbo ako sa harapan niya.
"Anong nangyari?" I asked, worriedly. "What's happening here?"
Umiiyak pa rin si Raya pero hindi nagsasalita sila Charlotte at Savannah. This is the first time na nakita kong umiyak si Raya.
"Raya? Anong nangyari?" I softly asked her. Tumingin lang sakin si Charlotte saka nag gesture na tanungin ko pa.
"C-cassandra...hic...she's..hic...she's fucking pregnant." She cried.
"What the fuck?" sabay kaming tatlo napatanong sa kanya. Raya burst in crying pero mabilis namin siyang kinomfort by tapping her back at kumuha na rin ako ng tubig.
"Ilang buwan na ba kayo?" Charlotte inquired. "Diba kakapakilala mo lang niya samin?"
"Nearly month." She answered.
"Look at this dumb bitch, crying over a girl who she recently meets." Savannah abruptly said, galit pa itong nakahalukipkip.
"We can't judge her, maybe mahal niya na si Cass, diba?" Charlotte added.
"I am. This is the first time I've treated someone with my loyalty." Raya answered, still crying.
"Baka hindi naman ginusto ni Cass, Ray." Sagot ni Charlotte, she taps her hand on Raya's back. "Hayaan nalang natin ang babae na ʼyon, wag natin siya e-judged agad."
I sighed. Napasampal nalang ako sa mukha.
"Who got her pregnant?" Savannah asked.
"Her boybestfriend." Nagtinginan kaming tatlo na nakakuyom ang palad.
"Tangina pala ang babae na yon asan na yon at sasampigain ko ang pagmumukha niya potangina nun fuck that fucking bitch!" Galit na sigaw ni Charlotte. Bigla itong lumabas at sinundan ko siya para piliting pumasok ulit. "Where's that bitch!? Where's that fucking bitch! Ipakita niyo siya sakin, Cassandra where the fuck are you!" She yelled. Hawak ko ang bewyang niya preventing her to escape my arms she seemed so furious.
Kanina lang ang kalma niya ngayon siya na mismo ang kakana kay Cass.
"Charlotte, stop!" pigil ko sa kanya. Naiwan pa sila Savannah comforting Raya inside.
"No, Frey! She hurted Raya, she hurted my bestfriend. I will fucking kill her! Cassandra, fuck you!" pagsisigaw niya sa labas. Tumingin ako sa ibang room at mabuti nalang walang ibang tao na nakatingin samin. Pinilit ko siyang pinapasok sa loob para pakalmahin.
"Tigil na, Charlotte. You're heavy." Reklamo ko hawak hawak pa rin siyang gusto kumawala sa kamay ko.
"I will find her! I will find that bitch. I swear to God, hahanapin ko yong bestfriend niya at babarilin ko silang dalawa sa ulo. You're a whore Cassandra! You're a whore!"
"Charlotte!" Savannah shouted. Sabay kaming tumingin sa kanila at mukhang hindi na umiiyak si Raya. Kumalma naman si Charlotte agad at bumalik sa loob pero galit pa rin.
Silence echoed the room, walang nagsalita samin, hinintay lang namin si Raya na magsalita.
"Her period was delayed last month, she said. But I thought it was normal. Earlier, nung pumunta ako sa room where she is nasalubong ko ang bestfriend niya and I wonder bakit alam nun na nandito siya." Pagkwento ni Raya, "I stepped inside only to find her holding a pregnancy test. Mabilis kong kinuha sa kanya and nakita ko it's positive..." Umiyak na naman si Raya after niyang ikwento samin.
"So they both liked what happened." Savannah answered.
"Ginusto nilang dalawa yon because that bitch is a fucking whore!" Charlotte exclaimed, her anger is evident.
"Tama na," I softly said para kumalma siya. "Nangyari na, ano pa bang magagawa natin?"
"Kill that bitch and her bestfriend!" agad na sagot ni Charlotte.
"Charlotte," suway ko dito.
"Wala naman akong pake kung anak siya ng Lee Family. She's still a whore."
"Don't shed tears over that girl, Raya. Recognize your value. You're a renowned figure whom everyone desires, and you've allowed that one girl to disrupt your life when you have the opportunity to be with countless others." Savannah stated.
"Absolutely!" Charlotte exclaimed.
I observed as Raya's tear-streaked face gradually regained its composure. The news of her girlfriend's pregnancy by someone else had left her broken and in tears. Savannah and Charlotte stood by my side, their mere presence conveying unspoken solidarity within our shared room.
"We're here to support you," I gently offered, extending my hand to hold hers. "You'll overcome this."
Savannah's expression exuded empathy as she nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Raya. We're standing with you."
Charlotte's voice joined in, a soothing presence. "You don't have to face this alone. Baddies forever!"
Ngumiti si Raya samin. Her reassuring smile is palpable.
"Let's change our clothes. Maliligo pa tayo sa beach!" Charlotte said, napalitan na ng ngiti ang galit niyang mukha kanina.
"There's many girls outside, Raya. Choose your bet." Natatawang sabi ni Savanah.
Bahagya akong napangiti sa kanila. "Alright, ako ang mauuna!" Sabi ko sabay pumunta sa dressing room, nag-unahan naman kami ni Charlotte.
"Mauna may tae sa pwet!" sigaw nito.
As the weight of Raya's anguish gradually lifted, we collectively change for our swimsuits for the beach party that awaited us with the professors and fellow students. Raya's newfound composure emitted a sense of unity and resilience, even amid her personal turmoil. After namin magbihis nag suot kami ng shirts kasi hindi naman kami fully mag bikini pag lumabas.
"Let's go, guys," Raya suggested, her voice more composed. "I won't let this overshadow our enjoyment."
We all nodded in excitedly. Sabay kaming apat na lumabas at bumaba. An exhilaration swept through me as I stepped onto the beach's gentle sand. Charlotte, Raya, and Savannah sat beside me, and even before we unveiled our bikinis, it was obvious that we had gained attention. We were surrounded by whispers and compliments from our fellow students, which induced a sense of expectation.
"I guess we're already drawing attention." Raya laughed while fixing her beach hat.
Savannah's gaze scanned the area, observing the onlookers puzzled looks. "You know how these things go, so I'm not surprised," she said.
Cat hastily moved in the direction of Savannah with a sly grin on her face. "Hey, babe, are you ready to flaunt your beach body?"
Savannah rolled her eyes, but her lips curved into a teasing smile. "You know I am."
Tumayo si Savannah kasama si Cat. Savannah remove the shirt she's wearing and her sexy body faced us. Nakita ko rin kung paano pumula ang mukha ni Cat kaya palihim akong tumawa. Inilalayan ni Savannah si Cat papunta sa dagat para maligo tapos naiwan lang kami.
Naiwan kaming naiinggit.
As we settled onto the beach beds, we watched the other students gleefully enjoy their time swimming and playing in the water. The sun cast a warm glow, and the sound of waves crashing added to the idyllic scene.
"It's nice to see everyone having a good time," sabi ni Raya, I can see her beaming expression now. Thank God kasi hindi siya mukhang malungkot.
Charlotte nodded in agreement. "Yeah, parang hindi ka lang nasaktan kanina." Sabay kaming tatlo tumawa.
"Huwag lang siya magpakita sakin." Pagbabanta ni Charlotte.
"Hayaan mo na. It already happened." I said, calmly.
"Frey is right. Let's just forget about her." Raya said.
I leaned back, absorbing the soothing atmosphere. "This is exactly what we needed, a little escape."
Raya confidently stood up, shedding her shirt to reveal her petite and slender figure. The onlookers around us couldn't help but react with amused exclamations. Following her lead, Charlotte also removed her shirt, revealing a black bikini that complemented her slim and alluring physique. Encouraged by their actions, I slowly got up from the beach bed and discreetly took off my shirt, unveiling my blue bikini. The sight left both Raya and Charlotte momentarily stunned.
"Frey, you have such a toned and attractive body," Raya exclaimed in surprise.
"Wow..." Charlotte breathed out, clearly taken aback by the unexpected sight.
"Tigilan niyo ako as if hindi rin kayo sexy." Natatawang sabi ko.
Umupo ako ulit, sa hindi kalayuan natanaw ko ang papalapit na si Ma'am Vivien. She's also wearing a brown bikini.
Her booing is... I cant believe she is huge. Hindi naman halata sa kanya.
"Hi!" a girl greeted me surprisingly. Nakasuot rin ng bikini na lapat na lapat sa katawan nito.
"Ah..." I said. Tumingin ako sa direksyon nila Raya at Charlotte na palihim na tumatawa.
"I'm Ivana," nakangiting sabi nito sakin while offering her hand. Ito yong nakalaro namin sa basketball yong tinulak si Savannah.
"H-hi...hehe" I hesitantly accepts her hand for a handshake at wala pang balak na bitawan ang kamay ko.
Charlotte then faked a cough para makuha ang attention ng babae sakin. "Gusto mo bang maglaro ulit? Hindi na basketball, tulakan nalang ano game ka ba?" nakangising sabi nito. Tumawa si Raya na kinahiya naman ng babae kaya umalis ito pero nag-iwan ng malagkit na tingin sakin.
Hindi ko na ito tiningnan na lumayo bagkos ay inikot ko nalang ang tingin ko and my eyes landed on her again. Nakatayo siya, nakahalukipkip na nakatingin sa babae na halos tusukin niya ng tingin ang babaeng lumapit sakin kanina, her eyebrows almost in meet. And I saw on the other side, Maam Vivien, nakatingin rin sa babae nang masama. Parang pinapatay na nilang dalawa ang babae na kani-kanina lang lumapit sakin.
"Dalawa kayo sa buhay ko.." Pakanta na naman ni Charlotte. "At ako ngayon ay kailangan nang mamili"
"Isa lang ang maaari..." Dagdag ni Raya na nagpipigil ng tawa.
Masama akong tumingin sa kanilang dalawa at sabay naman tumawa ang mga bruha. "Tingtininingggg! Ma'am Vivien is wearing a brown bikini and Ma'am Rhea is wearing a casual beach outfit... sino ang pipiliin ni Freyja!!" sabi ni Charlotte na ginawa pang mic ang lalagyan ng lotion.
Tawang-tawa si Raya sa nagaganap samin. Nakita naman naming papalapit si Ma'am Vivien, swaying her hair showing her slim and physique body. Nanahimik ang dalawa nang nakalapit na sakin si Ma'am Vivien.
"Ang ganda ng dagat Raya, tara maligo muna tayo, ang init kasi dito banda satin." Sabi ni Charlotte sabay kuyog kay Raya.
Naiwan kaming dalawa ni Ma'am Vivien.
"Frey," Ma'am Vivien's voice reached me as she settled beside me on the beach bed.
"Ma'am," I acknowledged, making space for her to sit.
A warm smile graced her lips as she gazed at me. "You look incredibly alluring and charming."
"Thank you. You too, ma'am." I replied, returning the compliment.
She reached for the lotion on the beach bed. "Would you like me to apply some lotion for you?" she offered.
Realizing I had no real reason to decline, I nodded.
Meanwhile, from a distance, Ma'am Rhea's intense stare remained fixed on me, stirring a mix of nervousness and apprehension. Umalis siya mula sa kinatatayuan niya. I want to follow her pero naglalagay pa ng lotion si Ma'am Vivien.
Please...
Nasa malapit lang sila Charlotte at Raya engrossed in a game of beach ball. With a subtle gesture, I motioned for their assistance. Charlotte winked and nodded in response. A well-aimed hit toward Ma'am Vivien's direction. Tinamaan nila si Ma'am Vivien pero sigurado naman akong hindi masakit kasi light lang naman ang weight ng beach ball. With their help, they provided me the perfect diversion, allowing me to slip away unnoticed and follow Ma'am Rhea.
"Ma'am!" sigaw ko habang sumusunod sa kanya. Patuloy lang siya sa paglakad nang hindi ako pinapansin.
"Ma'am!" sigaw ko ulit. Binilisan ko na ang lakad ko na halos tumakbo na ako para maabutan siya.
I suddenly seized her hand, causing her to halt in her tracks. Her face twisted with anger and coldness, her eyes reflecting her fury.
"Ma'am-"
Before I could utter another word, her open palm connected with my cheek in a resounding slap. Sinampal niya na naman ako.
"Don't you dare talk to me, Mercedez!" she spat, her anger palpable.
"I didn't have a choice," I countered.
"Yes, you have. Don't sleep in my room. Don't speak to me. Keep your distance from me! Womanizer!" Her voice was laced with bitterness as she turned away, leaving me bewildered.
Naiwan ako habang hawak-hawak ang mukha kong nakatanggap na naman ng sampal galing sa kanya.
Her jealousy had taken me by surprise. It wasn't a situation I had anticipated or even desired. Sighing with frustration, I returned to the beach bed, only to find Charlotte absent and Raya sitting alone. The day had left us all in a state of confusion, wondering what had transpired.
After hours of contemplation, Raya and I returned to our room, followed by Charlotte and Savannah, both of whom wore somber expressions. We collapsed onto the bed. Nakahiga kaming apat at nakatingin sa ceiling.
"Anong nangyari sa inyong dalawa? Why do you look so downcast?" Raya inquired.
"Cat slapped me," sagot ni Savannah.
"Sinampal lang naman ako ni Sam," Charlotte added.
"Bakit?" Raya asked, laughing.
"I accidentally brushed against a girl's legs and she became furious." Savannah answered.
"I got slapped because I was jealous of a guy near her tapos it was just her gay bestfriend." Charlotte said.
"And you, Frey?" Savannah turned her attention to me.
"I got slapped too, by her." Tumawa silang tatlo, natawa na rin ako.
The room echoed with our shared laughter as we recounted our similar experiences. Lying side by side, we found solace in one another, drawing closer like sisters. As we drifted into the night, I held onto the hope that tomorrow, our final day, would bring better moments.
-
Alam niyo ba na ang sinigang
ay masarap?
🌱.