"What a good morning it is."
Hinawi ko ang kurtina at binuksan ang pintuan papunta sa balcony bago tuluyang lumabas. The sun was up and it was a bit hot. Sumandal ako sa railing at tumingin sa kanan, kung saan ang dagat. There were people surfing in the wild waves. I even spotted some friends there.
I didn't know how long I was standing there but when I felt hot, I decide to take a bath. Pagkatapos maligo, I wore my robe and did my skin care routine.
I checked my closet and decided to wear a white sleeveless crop top and white gaucho pants. I wore my shell choker and left my short hair down. I went downstairs when I was satisfied with how I looked.
"Good morning po, Ma'am!"
Nag-uunahan sa pagbati ang mga staff nang nakita ako. Since it's summer, ako ang nagha-handle ng café ng parents ko. We have a house just a few blocks away, but since I'm alone and there's a room upstairs, I decided to stay here. The café had a nice location. It was placed in front of the beach, which made it relaxing.
"Good morning. Welcome to Santahana! May I take your order?" the barista said the script behind the counter.
"One barista please," Sasy, my friend, answered.
"Hayop ka," sagot kaagad ng barista.
"Duty hours, Jericho," I strictly scolded him.
"Sorry, Madam." Echo looked at his watched. "Tapos na 'ko sa shift ko actually. Pwede na akong magmura. Hindi mo ako pwedeng sunugin."
"Excuse me? Sunugin? What do you mean?" I was so confused.
"I-fire. Sisantihin," he replied slowly.
I blinked, trying to understand his sense of humor. "Weirdo," I whispered when he turned around.
"Surf tayo." Ngumiti si Sasy, nakasandal sa counter.
"Next time. I'm still a bit tired." Kakarating ko lang kaninang madaling araw galing Manila kaya hindi muna ako sasama.
"Ay, sige! I'm just waiting for your barista. Ang tagal." She pointed at Jericho. He was still cleaning up the things he used.
"Ingat kayo. I'll eat muna. I'm so hungry talaga." Nag-order ako bago naglakad papunta sa usual table ko.
There were a few people who were silently eating their breakfast. My friends left. A few moments later, my food was in front of me. I ate silently, just like the people around me, while watching the waves.
I was busy sipping my tea when I heard the newscaster on television speak. The volume was a bit high, so I couldn't help but listen. I stopped sipping when a video of our president was played. He was saying something irrelevant.
Napairap kaagad ako kasi ang stupid ng sinabi niya. "Pathetic," I whispered to myself.
Natapos ako sa pag-breakfast ko pero hindi pa rin tapos ang news. Nakapag-edit na ako ng iilang photos, another politician-related news flashed on screen. Oh my god! They were never ending. Buti na lang kahit hindi ako masyado interesado sa politics, aware naman ako.
"Maradjaw na adlaw. Welcome to Santahana." I heard the waitress greet when someone was at the steps of the café.
"Jusko. Ang annoying mo." I turned my head slowly when I heard Sasy's voice again. Nakasunod sa kaniya si Jericho at isa pa naming kaibigan, si Cali. They were soaking wet from their surf sesh. Nilapag nila ang surfboard sa board rack bago tuluyang pumasok ng café. Ang bilis naman nila natapos magsurf.
"Sige na ba. Tulungan mo ako!" pamimilit ni Echo. He was only wearing his shorts, and a gold necklace was hanging on his neck now.
"I can't nga. Wala akong future sa shortboard. Kaya mo iyan. Ikaw pa, pagkamarajaw ra nimo!" Sasy encouraged.
"Come on, Sasy."
"If I'm a pro, I'll definitely help you. But sorry ka, pareho tayong palpak diyan."
They scanned the café, as if looking for someone. When they saw me, they immediately walked to where I was sitting. Cali greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.
There were no chairs left aside from the seat beside me, so Jericho had no choice but to sit there. Umusog ako nang kaunti. Tiningnan niya ako at tinaasan ng kilay. I looked back at him and shrugged.
May lumapit na waiter sa table namin. "Good morning. Can I take your order?"
"I'll have my usual. The french toast and mango shake. Thank you po," magalang na sabi ni Cali habang inaayos ang camera niya sa taas ng lamesa. She's a vlogger.
"I'll have the same, please." Narinig kong sagot ni Echo.
"Gaya-gaya," I whispered to myself pero narinig niya pala. He turned his head to me at tinaasan ako ulit ng kilay. Hindi ako nagpatalo. I raised my brow too. I took my cup of tea and sipped on it. It wasn't that hot since kanina pa ito.
The waiter looked at Sasy who had a hand on her chin. "Yours, Ma'am?"
"Ikaw," wala sa sariling sabi ni Sasy. Sa gulat ko, nabitawan ko ang baso. Nalayo ko naman ito sa 'kin kaya kay Echo ito natapon.
"Fuck," he hissed.
"Oh my god! Sorry!" I was panicking. Agad-agad akong kumuha ng tissue sa lamesa. I moved a bit closer to him para mas maabot ko ang katawan niya. I wiped his arm and leg na natapunan. He looked stunned at my sudden move pero pinagpatuloy ko ito.
I was aggresively wiping his body. I was too focused, but after a few more dabs of tissue on his body, I noticed that our table was silent. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakitang nakatutok sa amin 'yung camera ni Cali. Pinipigilan niya ang tawa niya, ang katabi niya ay nakaawang ang labi.
I flinched a bit before looking at Echo when I felt him hold my hand. Hindi ko napansin na nakapatong na pala iyon sa bandang tiyan niya. Nagkatitigan kami at doon ko lang napansin ang hazel brown niyang mga mata. He gave me a small smile, and I noticed the dimple on his left cheek.
"Ako na," he whispered in my ear. I stared at him for a while.
He had brown curly hair, thick brows and lashes, reddish lips that looked so kissable. Girls would probably feel insecure pag nakita nila si Echo. He was tall and tan, and his body had muscles in the right places. I just noticed now that he had a dimple sa left cheek niya na nakikita kapag ngumiti. Matagal na ba iyon?
"Ako na," ulit niya. I gave him the tissue at bumalik na sa ayos ko kanina. Tumikhim ako at umiwas ng tingin noong na-realize ang ginawa ko.
Gosh, Ariesse! Nakakahiya ka... But was I checking him out? If yes, bakit?!
"Order mo raw, Sas."
"Ay, oo. Tuna sandwich and iced americano na lang," nahihiyang sabi ni Sasy. Umirap ako. Iyan kasi, lahat na lang binabanatan! Nadamay pa tuloy ako! Umalis na agad ang waiter pagkatapos makuha ang order nila.
I was busy admiring the waves and some people surfing from afar. Some were chilling by the beach and taking pictures. Malapit na atang mag low tide.
I looked at Sasy when I realized something. "Where's Raya?"
"Shoot. Alam mo naman 'yon," Sasy answered and shrugged, typing on her phone. She suddenly looked at me and smirked. I stared back at her until hindi ko na nakayanan. Ang awkward!
"Unsa man? You're creeping me out," I told her.
"Wala lang," she replied while playing with her necklace.
"Creepy mo," I admitted. Kasi naman, eh. Tutukan ka ba naman bigla, hindi ka kabahan?
Dumating na ang order nila kaya kumain na sila. I continued admiring the waves while they eat. Tapos na ako. I took my phone out to take a picture of the beach. I added it to my IG story afterwards.
"By the way." I looked up when Cali spoked. "Acoustic nights later sa Sahara. Are we going?"
"Aba, g tayo," Sasy replied, her eyes still glued to her phone. Basta usapang gala, g 'to si Sasy.
Well, it's summer. Surely this break will be filled with us surfing, going on roadtrips, exploring the island again. Of course, the party held every night will always be the highlight of our summer break. Kaya ko naman kung wala iyon. Pero parang ang lungkot naman kung hindi ako makikisali, 'di ba?
"I'm going with my friends," imporma ni Echo. I looked at him at noong lumingon din siya, iniwas ko agad ang tingin ko. I swallowed hard and looked at the beach, feeling shy. Nag-usap pa sila sandali bago sila nagdesisyon na umuwi.
"Una na kami, Ari," mahinang sabi ni Cali. I stood up and gave her a hug. "See you later," she added and smiled softly. I nodded and smiled at her too.
"Chat lang. Sabay tayo later," Sasy said before going out. Umupo ako ulit at tumingin sa katabi kong hindi pa umaalis sa upuan niya. I waited for a while dahil baka aalis din siya pero hindi 'yon nangyari.
Tumingin ako sa kaniya. I shook my head. He looked at me with furrowed brows. "What?"
"Hindi ka pa aalis?" masungit kong tanong. His brow shot up and his lips formed an amused smile.
"Bakit? Do you want me to go?" he asked in a low voice. The smile on his lips was very evident. I rolled my eyes in annoyance before looking at him.
"To be honest? Yes," I answered with full honesty.
"And why is that?" mayabang niyang tanong, pinatong pa ang isang kamay sa lamesa. I rolled my eyes again.
God! Feel ko matatanggal na 'tong mga mata ko kakairap. It was a natural reaction whenever he spoke! Every word that comes out of his mouth just doesn't sit right with me. Tumingin nalang ako sa dagat at napagdesisyunan na hindi siya pansinin.
"Ba't ba ang rude mo sa 'kin?" nagtatakang tanong niya.
"I don't know. Your existence annoys me," I answered without looking at him.
"Talaga?" asar niyang tanong. 'Di ko napigilan kaya lumingon ako. Nagulat naman ako dahil ang lapit niya sa 'kin. He was wearing his usual smile kaya nakita ko na naman ang dimple niya.
Cute.
My eyes widened when I realized our position. I immediately placed my hand on his chest to push him. I looked away. He let out an amused laugh while shaking his head. He was obviously enjoying this. Naramdaman kong gumalaw ang upuan sa tabi ko at doon pa lang ako nakahinga ng maluwag.
Finally, I can enjoy my peace.
A few minutes later, tumingin ako sa gilid ko at nagulat kasi nasa tabi ko pa pala siya. Akala ko umalis na 'to, ah? Tinutukan ko siya. Tinutukan niya rin ako. I saw the hint of smile that was still on his lips.
"I'm sorry. Pero ba't ka pa ba nandito?" tanong ko ulit.
"To annoy you," he said and chuckled after that. "Joke lang. I'm waiting for someone." Tumawa siya ulit.
"Babae mo 'no?" I asked to annoy him.
"Secret," sagot niya at tumawa ulit. My question didn't bother him at all. "Joke lang!" He was still laughing. Saya niya, ah?
"I'm still really curious, why are you still working here for me?"
He shrugged. "Ever heard of summer job?"
"You're rich," I stated.
"Sila Dad ang mayaman, hindi ako. Iba iyon." He smiled at me. "Besides, experience. Hindi naman ako araw-araw rito. Depende kung may bakante lang. Simula high school naman gawain ko na 'to. Hobby na rin. Ba't ka curious, ha?" Nang-asar pa siya.
"Feeling ka," sabi ko kaagad.
Matagal na kaming magkakilala ni Echo. He also grew up here in Isla Ahora, like us. Best friend siya ni Sasy at close naman siya kila Cali at Raya. We have the same circle of friends too. Barkada kami. But I don't know. We really aren't close even when we literally hang out every single day! Parang iniiwasan ko lang siya in a way na hindi?
It just happens!
Tahimik ako kapag hindi ako comportable sa tao. While si Echo naman, he loves to joke around kahit na hindi niya close ang tao. Maybe that's the reason why we don't get along. We were the total opposite of each other.
"Echo, bro!" Parehas kaming napalingon nang may tumawag sa kanya.
"Bro!" sagot naman ni Echo. Tumayo ito and they did their weird bro handshake. Lumingon sa 'kin si Marco, our friend, at ngumiti.
"Uy, Esme. Kailan ka dumating?" tanong niya sa 'kin. He raised his hand in front of me, nakikipag-apir sa 'kin. I raised my hand to return his gesture.
"Kanina lang," I answered with a smile.
"Bakit hindi ka nagsabi? I could've picked you up." He glanced at Echo for a while. "Anyway, Sahara later?"
"Oo, pupunta kami nila Sasy." I gave him a meaningful smile. He laughed and shook his head. Humawak pa siya sa dibdib niya bago umiling ulit.
"Ano ba! Ayaw ko na nga!" I laughed at what he said. He turned to Echo again. "Tara na, bro," aya niya rito. "Alis na kami, Esme. Ingat!" paalam niya naman sa 'kin.
"Sige. Ingat ka." I waved at him bago siya naglakad palabas.
Echo frowned at me. "Paano ako?"
"What?" I asked, confused.
"Walang 'ingat'?" he asked, jokingly.
I rolled my eyes and looked at him with a fake smile on my lips. "Ingat ka."
He let out a laugh. "Ang peke mo naman, Madam." He was still laughing. God! Ba't ba tawa siya ng tawa?!
"Stop calling me that!" I reached for the table and got the first thing my hand made contact with. I threw it at him, without looking kung ano 'yon. Good thing, it was a piece of bread.
"Sige, sis," mapagbirong sabi niya.
"You're so annoying! Umalis ka na nga!"
He pinched my cheek, which shocked me a bit. He smiled once more before letting go.
"Cute," he whispered, shaking his head, before walking out of the café.
I held my cheek and blinked twice, not knowing what just happened. Noong natauhan ako, I went upstairs. I had nothing planned today so I just got my luggage and arranged my things inside my closet. I turned my speaker on and played some music.
I brought some of my books para maka advance reading ako for my class. I really enjoy studying. Buhay ko ang libro. And with the ambiance of the café here in Ahora, I think I would enjoy studying more.
Sa Manila ako nag aaral. La Salle. Third year. Business Administration. Supposedly sa Enderun ako, but chose a different path na lang to be with Sasy. Hindi ko kayang hindi makakita ng kaibigan sa school.
Pagtapos mag-ayos ng closet, I decided to clean my room a bit. I went to where my phone was and changed the song into something bop. After cleaning, I went downstairs and had a peaceful lunch by myself.
Umakyat ulit ako nang natapos at nahiga sa kama. I took my phone and checked my messages. Pinindot ko ang convo namin ni Raya at nakita na may sinend siyang photo. I opened it and saw a picture of a guy, probably kasama niya sa shoot.
iamraya: Ang gwapo oh reto kita?
ventosari: i told you, right? i'm not interested.
I sent my reply and placed my phone on the side table. I decided to take a nap. I woke up when I heard the notifications flooding on my phone. I reached for it and checked it. It was our GC.
sirene_: i'm omw na, esme.
iamraya: Cali agihi anay ako puhlease
mercalista: Dili baja ako
iamraya: Isa
mercalista: Hahaha be there in a few
ventosari: magreready na ako. i overslept.
I immediately took a bath and wore the first thing I got from my closet. I was arranging my hair noong bumukas ang pintuan ko at binungad nito si Sasy. Pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin at ngumiti.
"You look cute," sabi niya sa 'kin.
"Thanks! You, too."
She sat on my bed and checked her phone. "Nasa baba na raw sila."
I nodded. I applied my lip tint and got my small ratan handbag to put my important things in it. Bumaba na kami at nakita si Raya and Cali na busy nagpi-picture.
"Finally! Tagal mo, ah," masungit na sabi ni Raya. Naglakad siya palapit sa 'kin at tinampal ang braso ko. Ganda ng bati, 'no? I smiled at them apologetically before we went out.
Umangkas ako sa motor ni Cali. Si Sasy naman, si Raya ang pina-drive sa motor niya. Pareho kaming tamad mag-drive nito, eh. Pagdating namin sa Sahara, madami na ang tao. It was just a chill place. There was an acoustic band on one corner, setting up their instruments. People could request songs from them too.
Sana lang walang mag-away rito. Minsan kasi sa sobrang 'chillnuman' noong iba, sumosobra na at nalalasing, which would lead them to punching literally anybody. I swear, we've been there... Actually sila lang, nanunuod lang ako dahil hindi naman ako marunong sumuntok!
"Putik! Alam n'yo ba ang annoying noong photographer kanina," naiinis na kwento ni Raya.
I took my beer and drank from it. "Why?"
"Sobrang highblood, akala mo naman gwapo!" She rolled her eyes. "Seryoso nga, hindi ako nagbibiro! Kulang siguro sa dilig!" Natawa kami sa sinabi niya. Akala ko tapos na, pero may dinagdag pa siya.
I was reaching for some fries noong bigla akong siniko ni Cali. Nagtataka akong lumingon sa kanya. "What?"
"Diyan na si Echo." She gave me a meaningful smile.
"So?" I raised my brow to prove a point.
"So?" Cali mimicked me.
I raised my head noong may nakita akong anino sa harapan namin. It was Echo with some of his friends. He was wearing a black button down shirt na bukas ang tatlong butones kaya nakita ang necklace niya. He paired it with khaki shorts and black slides.
Nagkatinginan kami pero naputol din kaagad noong hinampas siya ni Sasy sa braso.
Kumunot ang noo ni Jericho. "What?"
"Wow. Hi rin." Umirap si Sasy at kumuha nalang ng fries.
"Tsk. Hirap talaga maging gwapo," mayabang na sabi ni Echo bago tumawa. "Sas, alam ko naman na cru- Pucha naman, oh!" Naputol ang sasabihin niya noong hinampas siya ulit ni Sasy. "Gago, ang lakas noon! Ano ba iyang kamay mo?!"
"Sige. Ituloy mo 'yon," banta ni Sasy at sinamaan siya ng tingin. Echo held both of his hand up, smirking meaningfully.
"Hoy, Kulot! Reto mo naman ako," ngisi ni Raya at may tinuro na kaibigan ni Echo.
"Bahala ka, uy. Baka ako pa ang malagot!" natatakot na sagot ni Echo. "Doon muna ako, ah. Baka magtampo kayo," biro pa niya saka ako sinulyapan.
Sabay siyang minura ni Raya at Sasy. Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang lamesa nila. Some of the guys were unfamiliar, probably he's friends from the city. Iyong iba kilala ko dahil hindi naman gano'n kalaki ang Ahora. Same faces everywhere.
We were talking about something noong nag ring ang phone ni Sasy. I looked at her at napansin kong hindi siya mapakali. She sighed and stood up.
"CR lang ako," paalam niya. Raya nodded while still talking to Cali.
I took my phone out para kumuha ng video for my IG story. I was moving my phone to the left to where the band was. Nahagip ng paningin ko si Echo na tumatawa.
"Matunaw, girl." Kung hindi lang bumulong sa 'kin si Cali, hindi ko mapapansin na ang tagal ko na palang nakatitig sa kanya.
I shook my head and immediately put my phone down. I don't understand why she said that maybe he'd melt. Tumingin ako ulit at nakita na lumingon si Echo saglit sa pwesto ko. He raised his beer at me and smiled. I just rolled my eyes in return.
"Bili muna ako," paalam ko sa kanila. It was still early, only past eleven, pero malapit nang maubos ang beer namin kaya nag-offer na ako.
I went to the bar and ordered two buckets of beer. I sat down on a stool while waiting. I could hear, the band from here but it wasn't that loud anymore. I noticed someone leaning beside me at the counter kaya lumingon ako. I could smell his perfume from where I was sitting. It was kind of strong.
"Hey," Jericho greeted me with a smile kaya nakita 'yong dimple niya. He fixed his hair to the side since it was blocking his face a bit. His curly hair looked so soft.
"Hi," tipid kong sagot.
"Ano'ng binili mo?" he asked me, still smiling. Ba't ba gano'n? Lagi siyang nakangiti. 'Di ba siya napapagod? O nangangalay?
"Beer."
"Are you having fun?" tanong niya ulit.
"Oo."
Tumawa siya at humawak sa dibdib niya. "Ang tipid mo naman magsalita. Ayaw mo ba talaga akong kausap? Dati mo pa talaga sinasaktan feelings ko!"
I took a coin out from my pocket and took his hand. Nilapag ko ang piso roon.
"Ano to?" he asked, clueless.
"I don't know. Piso siguro?" I exaggerated my reaction to make it sound more sarcastic.
Napaawang ang labi niya at biglang natawa. "What would I do with this coin?"
"Try mong kainin."
Echo shook his head at me, laughing. He raised a brow and tilted his head to the side a bit. He was still curious about the coin in his hand.
"Pangbili mo 'yan ng kausap," I explained. It was a famous joke before. He laughed again. I pursed my lips and stared at him. I can't deny that his laugh was heavenly.
"Sama ka sa 'kin," he suddenly said. Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya pero hindi ko pinahalata.
"Why would I do that?" I asked and raised my brow too. I fixed my hair using my hand because the wind suddenly blew stronger.
"I know you want to be somewhere peaceful," he said, sounding so serious.
Tumikhim ako bago nagsalita. "Yes, by myself."
"I don't believe you," he uttered, looking straight into my eyes. I blinked twice, not knowing how to react.
He turned to the waiter and told him to deliver the beer I ordered to our table. He looked at me and suddenly grabbed my hand. 'Di ako naka angal sa gulat. We stopped in front of a navy blue Shelby Cobra. He opened the door for me. I looked at him and he gave me a hopeful smile.
I sighed and went in. "Where are we going?" I asked when he went in the driver's seat and started the engine.
I looked around, baka nakita kami nila Raya! God, please, no! Ang dumi pa naman ng utak ng mga 'yon!
"Date," he said and gave me a smile.