"Congrats! Inom na this! Inom! Inom! Deserve!"
Raya was cheering so loudly. I happily ran to Sasy and hugged her tight. The Laban de Ahora awarding day was held today and Sasy placed as the champion in the women longboard category.
I let go of her and she smiled widely at me. "Thank you!" Niyakap naman siya ni Raya at nag hampasan pa sila.
I saw Echo from afar na kausap si Marco at ibang mga surfers. I slowly walked to where they were to congratulate all of them.
"'Di kaw makaya, tags!" I heard Luca, Echo's cousin, said to him.
"Sus, ikaw ang 'di makaya," natatawang ganti naman ni Echo.
I smiled. It was a famous phrase used dito sa isla. "'Di makaya." It's like "'Di ka ma reach" or something like that.
"Hey," sabi ko nang nakalapit na ako. Echo looked at me and smiled. "Congrats!" masaya kong sabi at niyakap siya ng patagilid.
He laughed. "Thank you!" he said, happily. He hugged me back ang slightly shook my body, parang nanggigigil.
Natawa naman ako dahil doon. "Echo!" sigaw ko at hinampas siya sa balikat. Tumigil naman siya bago tumawa ulit.
"But, I didn't win, though," he stated.
"Hey, third ka naman, ah!" I smiled at him to cheer him up.
He didn't win and placed third sa men shortboard category. But, it was still an achievement! Ang hirap kaya ng shortboard! Tapos the waves today were super big pa. I actually got scared while watching earlier.
"Yeah, I know," sabi niya at ngumiti. He didn't look disappointed. "I knew I wasn't going to win. Walang patawad si Marco. Galit yata sa alon, hindi namimigay," he joked and laughed, shaking his head.
"Bitaw!" I said and looked at Marco who was infront of us. "Congrats, bro!" masayang bati ko at niyakap din siya. He laughed and hugged me back.
Maki was the champion sa men shortboard category. He really did great. And like what Jericho said, Marco was ruthless when it comes to surfing, hindi talaga namimigay ng alon! Well, you should really catch more waves for more chances of winning.
"Thanks, lil sis!" Pinakawalan niya ako, masayang-masaya ang hitsura.
"Aray!" I looked at Echo when he screamed. He was rubbing the back of his head, frowning fakely. Nasa tabi na niya ang tatlo.
"Aray!" I looked at Echo when he screamed. He was rubbing the back of his head, frowning with his brows slightly furrowed. Nasa tabi na niya ang tatlo.
"Hoy, mga gago! Congrats!" It was Raya.
Echo was still rubbing his head. "Ganyan pala mag congrats?" Mukha siyang may samang loob bigla!
"Hala, galit?!" Raya mocked at binatukan siya ulit. Binatukan din siya pabalik ni Echo kaya nagkagulo sila saglit.
"Hindi nalang," natatawang sabi ni Echo at tumingin kay Sasy. "Congrats, Sas!" he exclaimed and gave Sasy a hug. Niyakap naman siya ni Sasy pabalik. She still had a huge smile on her lips.
"Kamatay! Thanks!" she said excitedly at hinawakan ang kamay ni Marco at Echo at tumalon-talon. "Oh my gosh, we won!" Natawa naman ako dahil doon. Parang bata talaga. Huminto siya at tiningnan si Marco. "Galing galing, ah! Champion tahay kaw?" biro ni Sasy.
"Kaya ko naman kasi maging champion," mayabang pero pabirong sagot ni Marco. " Ako pa ba?" Natawa naman kami sa kayabangan ng isang 'to.
"Oo pero maging champion lang sa puso ni Sasy, 'di mo kaya." Raya, being the mapanakit one, stated. Napasigaw naman kami dahil doon.
"Burn, baby, burn!" pang-aasar pa ni Cali, pumapalakpak habang tumatalon. She looked so cute!
"Ew," Sasy replied jokingly at hinampas si Marco.
"So saan ang handa?" Cali asked, jokingly.
"Hala! Kailangan mag-celebrate?" Sasy asked, her hand was above her chest, acting shock. "Char lang! May party sa resort later."
"Inom na naman, inom!" reklamo ni Raya. "Kapag ako namatay ng maaga sa kakainom, ikaw ang una kong mumultuhin, Sasy!"
"Then 'wag kang pumunta," Sasy said, frowning.
They took pictures for a while bago kami umalis. We started walking papunta sa kung saan naka-park ang mga sasakyan at motorcycle namin. Nakasunod kami ni Jericho kela Raya, Maki at Cali na nag-uusap. Si Sasy, naiwan.
Inakbayan ako ni Echo at agad ko naman ipinalibot ang isa kong kamay sa baywang niya. I was getting really comfortable with him. He kissed the top of my head and I smiled at his gesture.
"Sabay ka sa amin uuwi ng manila?" I asked, hopeful.
He was supposed to go home today, but he remembered that the Laban de Ahora awarding was today. So, hindi muna siya tumuloy.
He shook his head. "No, uuwi ako bukas. It's Kuya's birthday the next day, so..." he said.
"Oh, okay," I said. I understand why he needed to go back as soon as possible.
"I'll pick you up," he assured me. Ngumiti nalang ako sa kanya. He opened the door of his car at pumasok naman ako kaagad.
"Girl, dalian niyo, ha!" paalala ni Raya. "Huwag na muna kayong gumawa ng kababalaghan, please!"
"Raya," sabi ko sa nagrereklamo na tono. Malakas lang siyang tumawa bago umalis kasama sila Maki.
Jericho entered the driver's seat after putting his board on the back seat. He immediately started the engine at tumungo na kami.
"How's tito?" I asked carefully.
He sighed. "I guess, he's doing fine. Binabad ang sarili sa trabaho kaya halos 'di na namin makausa." He sounded blue as he shook his head slowly.
"Oh. Really?" My heart squeezed a little, feeling sad for him.
"Yeah. Nandoon naman si Kuya para bantayan siya," he said and turned the wheel. "But, since Kuya's birthday is approaching... he's.." He sighed, not finding the right words to say.
Tito James, Echo's dad, used to be a very playful and caring person. But, when Tita Vien asked Tito for a divorce, he lost it. I saw him after their divorce, and it saddened me to see that the playful Tito I knew wasn't there anymore. He became super strict and a workaholic. But... maybe that's his way of coping.
It's been three years since his parents got a divorce. I didn't know the reason though. I also didn't want to ask Echo about it. Nakakalungkot lang isipin because they were a really perfect couple. They were also friends with my parents, so I was really kind of attached to them.
"So, they will see each other again on Kuya Art's birthday?" mahina kong tanong.
"Yeah. As always," he said and shrugged. "Kuya doesn't want to celebrate his birthday kung hindi kompleto. Ang arte, akala mo bata," sabi niya at tumawa ng mahina. Natawa rin tuloy ako.
"It's going to be ok," I assured him.
He glanced at me and gave me a small smile. "I hope."
Nakarating na kami sa cafe and he parked his car at the side. I removed my seatbelt and looked at him because I felt like he was going to say something.
"I'm just going to change. I'll be back to pick you up," he said. I looked at my phone. It was already 4:15pm. Ang dali pala ng oras. The party would start at 5pm.
"Okay!" I kissed him on the cheek and I saw his eyes widened a bit. Tumawa naman ako at bumaba ng sasakyan. I waved at him before he left.
I opened the door and placed my phone and keys on the table. I took my towel and went inside the bathroom to take a quick bath. After taking a bath, I went to my closet and searched for an outfit.
I opened the door and placed my phone and keys on the table. I took my towel and went inside the bathroom to take a quick bath. After taking a bath, I dressed myself in a grey lace bralette, white skirt that had a slit on the left side, and my white sandals. I curled my hair to add some volume. As usual, my shell choker was on my neck. To add a little more glam, I put my small dangling earrings.
Honestly, I was kind of worried that I'll take a lot of time getting ready. Mahina pa naman akong gumayak. Kaya nga minsan nagrereklamo na mga kaibigan ko.
ventosari: i'm ready. i'm just waiting for echo.
sirene_: bawal taken here!
iamraya: Talaga Sas?
mercalista: I'm ready. I'll go now
I saw another message, it was Echo's. I immediately opened it. It was sent ten minutes ago.
jl_henares: Dito na ako sa baba.
jl_henares: I'll wait for you here. Take your time.
Oh, shit! Kanina pa pala siya! Kinuha ko ang gamit ko at nagmamadaling bumaba. Muntik na akong madapa sa hagdan at nakita iyon ni Echo. Natatawang tumayo siya sa upuan at lumapit sa akin.
"Where is he?" he asked, looking so serious, his eyes darted behind me.
Napakunot naman ang noo ko, not getting what he said. "What? Who?"
"'Yong humahabol sa 'yo!" he said in a exaggerated way.
Naintindihan ko na kaya naman hinampas ko siya. "Wala!"
"Nagmamadali ka, eh. Akala mo naman may humahabol," he said while laughing and shook his head.
I scanned him, Bagong ligo siya and he was wearing a white hawaiian shirt and grey shorts. His necklace was hanging on his neck and I can smell his perfume from where I was standing. It was stronger than usual. It seems like he oversprayed. Still smells good, though.
"Kanina pa ako tapos. I just didn't read your message," I stated.
"It's fine. I don't mind waiting for you." He took my hand in his before walking. Sumimangot ako at nakita niya 'yon. "Oh, bakit? May naiwan ka? Ano, kukunin ko."
"Ginagaya mo ba ako?" I asked because I noticed that we were always wearing the same color. Lagi nalang talaga!
"What?" he asked, confused.
"Same na naman tayo ng damit, eh!" pagmamaktol ko.
"Feelingera ka, girl?" pang-aasar niya kaya naman hinampas ko siya. Tinawanan naman niya ako. "Meant to be lang tayo!" he exclaimed jokingly and wiggled his brows.
I made a face. "Ew, kaluod nimo!"
"Ikaw ang kadiri!" ganti niya, nang-aasar pa rin ang tono. Nainis naman ako at tiningnan siya ng masama kaya naman mas natawa siya. "Chill, ang puso!" He tapped his chest twice.
Bumitaw ako sa hawak niya at nagmadaling maglakad kaya naunahan ko siya papunta sa kotse niya. I was about to open the door pero naunahan niya ako. Oh, yeah. How can I forget? Ang haba ng binti nito!
Umirap muna ako bago pumasok sa kotse. I heard him chuckle before closing the door. Pumasok naman siya sa driver's seat at tiningnan ako, nakangisi pa. Nainis naman ako agad at parang gustong burahin iyong ngisi sa labi niya! He's not Jericho if he's not annoying!
"Ano?" tanong ko na may halong inis sa boses at nakatingin sa kanya ng masama. He raised both of his hands at that.
"Oh, ba't galit ka?" I heard amusement in his voice when he questioned me. Mas nainis naman ako dahil doon. Anong nakaka-amuse sa nangyayari?!
"Hindi ako galit!" sigaw ko. Ang annoying niya!
"Ba't ka sumisigaw?!" patanong niyang sigaw. Obviously, inaasar ako.
Sa inis ko, hinampas ko siya gamit ang dalawang kamay. Hinarang naman niya ang braso niya sa mukha niya noong muntik ko na siyang matamaan doon.
"Aray ko! Mukha ko sis ha!" he said jokingly and glared at me.
"You're so annoying! Ugh!" singhal ko at umayos na ng upo.
"I know!"
Tumawa naman siya bago dahan-dahan siyang lumapit sa 'kin. Nagulat ako roon kaya hindi ako nakaimik. He smirked when he saw my reaction as he reached for something.
"Seatbelt," he whispered and kissed me on the neck before wearing his own seatbelt.
I came back to my senses when I heard him chuckle. Nilingon ko siya, medyo nakakunot ang noo dahil ramdam ko pa ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso ko. He shook his head, trying to hide a smile as he started the engine.
I was quiet the whole ride, naiinis ako sa kanya dahil kung ano-ano ang pinaramdam niya sa 'kin. It was around 5:30pm noong nakaabot kami sa resort. I immediately went down the car and closed the door before walking to the entrance, not waiting for him.
Nahabol naman ako ni Echo. He took my hand and intertwined our fingers. I tried getting my hand out of his grip but his grip was tight, pero hindi naman 'yon masakit. I glared at him bago umirap kaya huminto siya sa paglalakad at dahan-dahan niya akong hinila palapit sa kanya.
"Ano ba?!" iritang tanong ko.
I got annoyed when I saw that he had a small smile on his lips. His left hand held my waist while his other hand lifted my hand, bringing it to his lips and kissed the back of my hand.
"Sorry na." His lips formed a very cute smile, asking for forgiveness.
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko, nagtataka. "What?"
"I said, I'm sorry," he said sarcastically.
Hinampas ko naman siya dahil doon. "Nakakaintindi ako ng tagalog, tanga!" I hissed at him. "Ganyan ka ba mag-sorry?"
"I thought you didn't get it." A light laugh made its way out of his mouth. He held my cheek before planting a kiss there.
Nawala naman agad ang galit ko dahil doon. 'Di ko rin alam kung bakit ba ako nagagalit, wala naman siyang ginawa. Well, he is naturally annoying. But I don't why I felt different now! Is my feelings playing with me now?!
"I'm sorry," he uttered for the third time.
I sighed and shook my head. "It's fine. Wala ka namang ginawa, eh." I sighed again. "Tara na nga."
We went inside the resort at nakita namin na nasa may beach part 'yong party. They were still setting the bonfire at the center and the bar near the beach had the lights on already. There was a long table full of food that was placed near the bar. There was music being played too. May mga tao na rin doon, they were all busy talking.
Naglakad kami at hinanap sila Raya. Nakita ko naman agad si Sasy sa gilid na may kausap na lalaki. Lalapit sana ako pero hinila ako ni Echo papunta sa kabila.
"Andoon si Sasy," I said pointing to where Sasy was, kasi baka hindi niya nakita.
"Yeah, I know. Pabayaan mo na muna," sabi niya habang nililibot ang paningin sa paligid. I shrugged and decided to find our other friends. I immediately saw them so I pointed at their direction, making Echo look there too.
"Hey, bro!" Echo greeted Marco. Bumati pabalik si Maki at ginawa iyong weird handshake nila.
Lumapit naman sa 'kin si Cali. She gave me a hug before smiling at me. Si Raya naman tinaasan ako ng kilay at tiningnan ang magkahawak naming kamay ni Echo.
I was about to pull my hand out of Jericho's but napansin niya iyon at hinigpitan niya ang hawak sa kamay ko. He looked at me, his forehead creased a bit. His eyes were questioning my action. I just shook my head, completely dismissing him. Why was I even trying to remove it?
Nagulat ako noong siniko ako ni Cali at hinila palayo kaya napabitaw ako kay Echo. I looked at her confusingly.
"Andito si Chase," she whispered.
"What?" I asked because I didn't heard what she said dahil sa lakas ng music.
"Andito si Chase," ulit niya. Tiningnan ko siya ng may pagtataka sa mukha. She gestured Echo kaya naman naintindihan ko na ang ibig niyang sabihin.
"Nagkita na sila sa banana farm," I informed and sighed when I remembered their interaction.
"And?"
"They don't like each other," I stated and sighed again. Napabuntong-hininga rin siya.
"I just hope Chase wouldn't make a scene. You know him when he's drunk." She covered her mouth with her hand, looking fearful of the possibilities.
"I hope."
Lalapit sana sa amin si Raya pero may humila sa kanya para magpa-picture. She looked annoyed but smiled anyways. Noong natapos na 'yon, lumapit agad siya sa amin.
"Kamo na?" Pinanliitan niya ng mga mata, sinisisid ang sagot sa mga mata kong nakatitig pabalik sa kaniya.
"No," kalmadong sagot ko at sinamahan pa ng iling para maniwala siya.
"Ba't kayo magkahawak ng kamay kung ganoon?"
"Well, is that the basis to conclude that he is my boyfriend?" I said, sarcastically. "Oh, so that means you have a boyfriend, too?" I smirked when I remembered something. She's a model and she has a lot of issues kaya!
"Iba iyon!" singhal niya. "Pero bakit nga?" tanong niya ulit at pinagsaklop ang dalawa kamay niya sa harapan ko.
"He's... courting me," I said, shyly. Nagulat siya saglit pero noong natauhan, pinaghahampas niya ako. Her hand was so heavy! Natawa naman ako at hinampas din siya. Huminto siya at tiningnan ako ng masama.
"Oh, why are you happy?" nagtatakang tanong ni Sasy noong nakalapit. "Aray!" daing niya nang hampasin siya ni Raya. Ginantihan niya si Raya ng hampas.
"Nanliligaw na si Echo!" masayang sabi ni Raya.
"Sa 'yo?" pabirong tanong ni Sasy.
"Epal! Kay Esme malamang!" sarkastikong sagot ni Raya at inirapan si Sasy.
"Tarunga lagi." Sasy laughed. "But, I know. Echo told me," dagdag niya at nginitian ako.
"What?!" exagge na tanong ni Raya bago tinuro ang sarili niya. "So, ako lang talaga ang walang malay?!"
Sasy nodded. "Yes. It's because you're stupid!"
"What? Anong connect?" nakasimangot na tanong ni Raya. She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"'Di ko alam, pero tanga ka naman talaga!" Natatawang sagot ni Sasy. Natawa na rin kami dahil doon. "I'm happy for you," Sasy told me with a smile.
"Girl, hindi pa kami," natatawa kong sabi. It was true.
"Doon din naman ang punta niyo, 'di ba?" Nanlalaki ang mga mata ni Cali at puno ng curiosity iyon.
I didn't answer kaya hinila na nila ako papunta kila Echo. I saw them talking with some friends, pero umalis naman agad 'yong mga kasama nila noong nakita kami.
"Hoy!" bati ni Sasy.
"Hoy ka rin!" ganti ni Marco. Inirapan naman siya ni Sasy bago dumila. "Ang mature!"
"Let's eat na. I'm hungry." Sasy rubbed her tummy, pouting.
We took food from the table at searched for a seat. When we found one, we sat and ate habang nag-uusap. Saktong natapos na kaming kumain, dumami ang tao sa resort. Some were even drunk already, probably galing sa kabila. There was a party being held there too.
I was waiting for our drinks, with Echo and Cali, when I felt someone beside me. I could smell the alcohol from here kaya lumayo ako ng kaunti bago siya nilingon.
"Hey, Amilya!" Chase greeted. I almost didn't get it because his words were slurry.
"Oh, Chase," I greeted. I wasn't shock though since Cali already informed me about him being here.
Chase had a red cup on his hand, his shirt was open, his hair was messy, and he looked very flushed. He suddenly started talking about something, this time I really didn't get it. He was really drunk.
I got distracted when I felt Echo hold my waist and pulled me back a bit. "Chase, uwi ka na. You're drunk." I tried to push him away from me. Medyo dumidikit na kasi siya.
"What? I'm not drunk!" Hindi niya tanggap ang sinabi ko sa kaniya. He suddenly started to throw his hands everywhere, spilling some of his drink on my top.
"Shit!" I hissed.
Cali was helping me wipe my top when Echo suddenly switched our places kaya siya na ang nasa tabi ni Chase.
"Man, go home. Lasing ka na," Echo said in a low voice. I saw him holding Chase, trying to help him stand properly. Nagpumiglas naman si Chase kaya muntik na siyang matumba. Napabuntong-hininga naman ako.
"Get your fucking hands off of me!" Chase hissed before looking at Echo and pushed him. But, since Chase is drunk and Echo's taller, hindi naapektuhan si Echo sa pagtulak ni Chase.
Echo raised both his hads up, showing that he wasn't here to fight. "I was just trying to help, man-" Tinulak siya ulit ni Chase kaya napahinto siya sa pagsasalita. Echo didn't budge, so I tried pulling him back.
"Echo, let's go," I whispered while trying to pull him by his shirt.
Chase started to push Echo harder pero hindi naman siya pinatulan nito. Umiling lang siya kay Chase. He was trying to be patient with him.
"Come on, ba't ayaw mong gumanti?!" Chase shouted, frustratedly.
Echo shook his head again. "You're drunk, man," he repeated in a firm voice.
"What's happening here?" I heard Sasy asked Cali. Nasa likod ko sila. I was still pulling Echo so we could go pero hindi niya ako pinapansin!
"Ano, 'di ka talaga gaganti? Ano mabait ka na niyan?!" sigaw ni Chase.
I sighed before letting go of Jericho's shirt. I went in front of Chase kaya nagulat si Echo. He tried pulling me back pero hindi ako nagpatianod.
"Chase, go home. Don't make a scene, please," I said politely and looked around. There were some people watching, while 'yong iba naman, walang pakialam.
"'Wag ka ngang mangialam dito!" sabi niya at tinulak ako nang malakas kaya napaupo ako sa buhangin.
What the... fuck?
"Esme!"
"Echo!"
I was still in shock dahil sa pagtulak sa 'kin ni Chase kaya naman hindi na talaga ako nakagalaw when I saw Echo grabbed Chase by his collar. He puched him in the jaw and pushed him forcefully in the counter of the bar.
Lumapit naman si Cali sa 'kin at tinulungan akong tumayo. She asked me if I was ok, I just nodded at her. I saw Marco trying to pull Echo away from Chase pero hindi ito nagpatianod. He looked really angry!
"'Di kita pinatulan because I know you're drunk," Echo said slowly, halatang nagtitimpi pa. He tightened his grip on Chase's collar with so much anger.
I saw Chase laughed at that pero huminto nang hinigpitan pa ni Echo ang hawak niya sa collar nito. He was tapping Echo's hand, asking him to let go because he was getting out of breath.
"But, pushing my girl just because you're drunk is not a fucking excuse," he hissed angrily.
I shrieked when I saw him slammed Chase angrily on the counter. "Touch her again, I swear you won't see the sun," he warned, may diin ang bawat salita before letting go of Chase.
Chase immediately punched Echo on the back, without force. Echo pushed him lightly, causing him to fall on the sand. He shook his head, halatang disappointed at may kaunting galit pa rin.
"Get a life, man," Echo said and went to me.