Chapter 22

"Do you want some drink, madam?" Napatingin ako sa lalaking nagsalita. Bahagya naman akong natawa na si Archie pala 'yon. He's giving me a glass of apple juice. Alam niya kasing hindi naman ako umiinom.

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate this kind gesture," tugon ko at saka ko kinuha sa kamay niya 'yong baso. Hindi naman maalis sa labi ni Archie ang ngito. Ang sarap lang kurutin ng pisngi niya sa tuwing ganyan ang mga ngitian niya sa akin. Natatandaan ko naman 'yong sinabi sa akin ni Ate Mallory and I don't think I'll ever cross that line.

Nasa isang tabi lamang kami, nakapuwesto kung nasaan ang isang stool table. Pinatong naman niya ang siko niya sa stool table habang ang isang kamay niya ay may hawak rin ng wine glass. Pinanood ko siyang inumin ang laman no'n.

"Alak ba 'yan?" pagtatanong ko pa.

He chuckled. "I wished pero hindi pa nila nilalabas ang mga alcohol. Though sa tingin ko limited lang din dahil ayaw ni tita na malasing ang mga guest niya at the end of the day."

"Ah, I see... mabuti naman. I really don't drink kasi, e."

"Pero madalas kayong nagpupunta ng mga kaibigan mo sa bar? What are you doing there?"

I scoffed. "Wala. Sinasamahan ko lang sila. Tambay gano'n. Inom-inom ng juice kasi 'di ko talaga keri uminom ng alak. Magagalit din si papa so nope. Anyway, okay ka na ba after that day natin sa hepa lane?"

He grunted. "It was so bad, but I love the food there, though I wouldn't eat there again. Maybe you would cook some for me, marunong ka ba?"

"Duh? I work in a fast-food chain before, ako pa bang hindi marunong?"

"Then let's do it sometime! Sa condo ko if may time ka."

"We'll see... but I told you na makasasama sa iyo 'yong pagkain ng marami and you still insist."

"E, sabi mo rin kasi I should try and so I tried! It was so worth kahit na-dehydate ako whole day yesterday. Now I feel better, mabuti na lang talaga. I was about to tell Bennett na hindi ako makapupunta ngayon, but I think I made the right decision to come and now you're here as well. Do you think it's tadhana?"

I chuckled. Sinapo ko ng palad ang mukha niya kasi namumuo na naman 'yong kakaibang ngiti sa labi niya.

"You know that I've been wanting to come at you kanina pa?" kwento nito sa akin. "It seems like Mallory wouldn't want to leave you alone and I just couldn't get to you. Inilalayo ka ba niya sa akin?"

Agad naman akong umiling. "No, she's not. May mga pinag-uusapan lang din talaga kaming for girls only. And she's being nice to me. Did you know that she gave me this dress?" Pumaikot pa ako para ipakita sa kanya ang suot kong damit.

Pansin ko naman ang mata ni Archie sa akin at tila sinuri niya rin ako sa suot ko ngayon. "Oh, wow. I don't think the word perfect's enough for you. Geez, Isel. How can you be like this?"

I shrugged off. "I guess, I can be natural as I am."

He nodded, agreeing to me. "I must concede to that. I have no words to say. Would you like to take a picture with me? Pang remembrance lang?"

"Sure, bet na bet ko 'yan."

He took his phone out saka niya inabot sa akin. He requested I should be the one taking the picture. Ginawa ko naman at pumwesto sa likod ko si Archie. We took a different shots and poses, until he wrapped his arms just around me and then we smiled in front of the camera. Parang wala lang naman iyon. It was fun and I enjoyed it. Saktong pagkababa ko ng phone, I noticed that someone was watching us across the pool area.

It's Bennett and he's just standing there, looking in our direction. Nang mapansin niyang nakatingin na ako sa kanya, he just shifted his attention away at saka siya tumungo papunta sa villa house kung nasaan naghihintay ang kanyang parents.

Guests are still coming in and everything is all settled na naman na. Hindi rin naman nagtagal nang lumabas si Ate Mallory mula sa villa at inanunsyong magsisimula na ang party. Pinapuwesto na rin naman kami nito kaya umalis kami sa kinatatayuan namin at sinamahan ang ibang guests. Archie and I stood side by side. Hinahanap ko naman si Cinema sa paligid, but she's out of my sight. Paniguradong wala naman siya sa loob ng villa so where she could be right now?

And a little while, their mom walked out of the villa, and with the music bombing so loud, it was a total celebration. May confetti pang sumabog at hinangin ang ilang piraso na siyang nagkalat naman sa may pool area. Everything is fun. Parang kapatid lang din nila ang mother nila. She doesn't look like their mom. Napakabata ng hitsura nito. She's so elegant in her red velvet spring dress. Wala masyadong disenyo iyong suot niya, but she nailed it. Tama nga si Ate Mallory, si Cinema nga ang lalaban pag tungkol sa kausotan.

She was in owe when she saw the people who attended her birthday. Mostly relatives and friends lang ang nandito, some are their business partners as well. She went to the mini platform at inabot naman ni Ate Mallory ang microphone so her mom could give a short speech to start the party.

"First of all, I'm not expecting this grand celebration for my 40th birthday. Tumatanda na talaga tayo, but we shouldn't forget to have fun! Thank you all for coming and celebrating with me. Sabi ni Mallory, I should only make this speech quick so I guess thank you, and please have fun. I'll join with you guys later."

"Their family is one of a kind," Archie muttered. Napakunot noo naman ako sa sinabi niya.

"Pa'no mo naman nasabi 'yon?"

Napakibit balikat na lamang siya. "They've got everything... like I don't have to explain it, kitang-kita naman."

"Ah, I see... but you know what, it doesn't even matter if they've got it all. We can't be like them, of course, but we can be filled with so much happiness kung sa tingin natin ay kuntento na tayo sa kung anong meron tayo. We don't have to get all the things in the world, minsan may mga bagay na kukumpleto na lang sa atin... hindi lang natin alam."

"Yeah, I thought so... I think I am now..." He looked at me and smiled.

Hindi ko na masyadong inisip pa 'yong sinabi ni Archie. Baka echos niya lang talaga 'yon. At dahil magka-group kami sa project namin, he would atke advantage of me. Hanggang kaibigan lang talaga—pero baka kainin ko lang ang mga salita ko at the end of the day so I'll try my best to keep my mouth shut na lang.

Papagabi pa lamang and the party became livelier. I know that I should be mingling with them and talking to other guests pero nahihiya naman ako sa isang tabi. Mostly ang mga guest din naman kasi ay elders—mga ka-edaran ng parents nina Bennett at Ate Mallory. Meron din namang mga teenager, mga ka-edad namin, at mga bata na patuloy na hinahawi at inilalayo sa swimming pool.

Ang sabi nila, by eight in the evening pwede na raw mag-swimming o kung sino bet ay laban lang kahit lamigin. Mabuti na lamang at hindi umuulan ngayon dito, balita sa akin ni Tessa kanina na ang lakas daw ng ulan sa Manila. May pararating daw atang tropical storm mamayang gabi at baka magtagal iyon hanggang Miyerkules.

Nasa iisang table naman ako kasama nina Archie, Bennett, Cinema, at iyong ilang pinsang lalaki at babae nila Ate Mallory. Pasado alas y sais na at kumakain na kami, actually kanina pa pwedeng kumain at halos nagpapabalik-balik na lang din naman ang mga guest. Limited lang din naman ang mga bisita and they only intend to keep it close for their family, friends, and relatives.

Saglit lamang ay dinaluhan kami ng birthday celebrant, ang mother nina Bennett at Ate Mallory.

"How's everyone?" she asked, namumutawi ang ngiti sa labi niya and she's giving off so much joy in her aura. She's very content with what happened to her birthday... I hope I can give this kind of celebration sa parents ko. But, oh well, okay lang din naman kung hindi basta magkasasama-sama kami.

Sabay-sabay naman kaming sumagot as if naintindihan ni tita 'yon. Natawa na lang din naman siya.

"It's good to know that everyone's having fun and enjoying everything, lalo na 'tong mga foods natin. Thanks to Mallory for organizing everything for this day."

Ate Mallory smiled, tried not to cry. "Of course, ma!"

"Anyway, kung gusto niyo pang kumain, 'wag na kayong mahihiya. And if you wanted to go to swim, go na. Some guests are leaving na rin naman and some stayed para mapag-swimming."

"Mag-swimming ka rin po ba, tita?" tanong ni Archie.

Umiling naman ito. "Oh, no, Archie. As much as I want to, but I've heard Mallory set up a body spa for me so I guess that'll sum up my day today."

"Hon," may tumawag naman sa kanya. As I look at that person, it was her husband. Ang babata pa nila tingnan at halos wala sa edad na kwarenta. I wanna aged like them when I grow up. He looks like Bennett though. May features din naman na nakuha si Bennett sa mother niya, but he got his nose from his father. Lumapit naman ito sa asawa niya at pinalibot ang kamay sa baywang nito. "Guys, I'm going to pull my wife away for now. One of our family friends are leaving early."

"Oh, I see. I'll just see everyone around, alright? Enjoy!"

When they both left, all of us continued eating. Natigilan naman ako ng sikuhin ako ni Archie sa tabi ko. Bago ko pa siya lingunin, bahagya akong napalingon kay Bennett at nahuli ko siyang nakatingin sa akin at agad na binawi papunta kay Cinema.

"We should change na!" anunsyo ni Ate Mallory at tumayo na siya sa kinauupuan niya. Napatingin na lang din naman kami sa kanya. Nagtaka naman siya dahil kaming lahat na kasama niya sa table ay hindi umaalis sa mga kinauupuan namin. "Ano na, guys?! Let's go!"

Kinuha na naman ni Ate Mallory ang kamay ko. "Tara na, Isel. Let's change na."

"Ah, sige..." aniko at saka sumunod na lamang sa kanya.

Nagsitayuan na rin naman ang ilan sa mga upuan nila. Nilingon ko si Cinema na tiningnan kami. I don't know if she wanted to join us or what. Isinama rin kasi ni Ate Mallory 'yong isang babaeng pinsan niya.

"Gusto mo sumama sa 'min, Mallory?" pag-aayaya ko sa kanya.

Naramdaman ko naman ang paghigpit ng pagkahahawak ng kamay ni Ate Mallory sa pulsuhan ko. "Oo nga, sama ka or sabay na kayo ni Bennett?"

"I would love to join you, guys! Kunin ko lang 'yong damit ko sa room namin."

"Sure, sure!" Ngiti pa ni Ate Mallory. "Hintayin ka na lang namin sa room ko."

"Tara na, babe," pag-anyaya naman ni Cinema kay Bennett at saka hinatak na niya iyon papunta sa kung nasaan ang kwarto nila.

Nang umalis na naman kami sa table. Nilingon ako ni Ate Mallory at napabuntonghininga na lamang ito.

"I hate that you did that," she muttered.

Napangiwi naman ako. "Ay, sorry, ate. Baka kasi feeling niya inaayawan natin siya."

"Hindi na 'yon feeling, alam na niya 'yon." Ngisi pa ni ate. "But let's show her na hindi rin tayo magpakakabog sa kanya. Alright?"

Napangiti ako ako. "I knew you would say that, ate. Let's bring the best in us."

Pagkarating namin sa room ni Ate Mallory, it's almost like big as her room sa bahay nila. Though I feel like mas comfortable ro'n sa totoong room niya, but this feels like different din kasi. Beach vibes and all. Nakagiginhawa.

"Game na ba?" tanong ni Ate Mallory sa amin. Tumango naman kami sa kanya at hinanda na namin ang mga pamalit naming swimsuit.

Naunang magpalit ng damit iyong pinsan ni Ate Mallory. Mabilis lang din naman itong nakapagbihis and she's quite perfect with her one piece swimsuit. Nag-maong short shorts din siya para hindi gano'n ka-revealing. Sumunod naman si Ate Mallory at mga ilang minuto lang din naman siya at lumabas siya ng bathroom na sobrang revealing naman ng kanya. She's wearing a black tankini and foldover swimsuit it perfectly fit on her.

"Ang pretty at ang sexy mo naman, ate! Ayoko na nga! May panalo na, e!" Nag-agree naman 'yong pinsan niyang babae sa sinabi ko.

"Sus, kayo ha! Mga bolera! Ikaw na next, Isel. Flaunt your swimsuit na!"

Tinulak na niya ako papasok sa loob ng bathroom. Bibilisan ko na lang din naman ang pagbibihis ko kasi nakahihiya naman kung tatagalan ko pa sa loob ng banyo. Isang peach plunge swimsuit ang pinahiram sa akin ang pinahiram ni Ate Mallory, though I preferred to wear 'yong pinahiram sa akin ni Tessa dahil mas simple lang 'yon at hindi masyadong revealing. Since she said na may suot naman akong bikini cover up. Para siyang fish-net na parang shirt pero butas-butas.

When I'm finally done, humugot ako ng hininga para sa lakas ng loob. Hinarap ko ang pinto at saka ako lumabas. When they saw me, Ate Mallory exclaimed her excitement nang makita niya ako. Gano'n din naman 'yong reaction ng pinsan niya. She thought I look gorgeous in it, sexy yet simple.

"Sabi ko na nga ba para sa 'yo 'yan, e," ani Ate Mallory.

Doon lang din namin napansin na nandito na pala si Cinema at nakatayo lamang siya sa pinto. Nakatingin lamang siya sa amin. Para bang nagmamasid.

"Ikaw na, Cinema..." sabi ko naman sa kanya.

"Sure! Anyway, you look pretty in it, ha?"

I giggled. "Thank you!"

Nang lagpasan niya ako para pumunta sa banyo, natawa na lang din si Ate Mallory. Kinuha niya agad 'yong phone niya at nagpicture-picture kaming tatlo. When we heard she's about to go out of the bathroom ay agad na tinigil ni ate ang pagkuha ng litrato. Cinema walked out of the bathroom in her two-piece hot pink swimsuit. Halos strings na lang ang nakasalalay ro'n upang hindi malaglag.

"You look beautiful, Cinema!" pagpuna ko.

Napangisi naman ito. "I'm always does."

"True, sana ganyan ka-fit ang katawan ko!" Sabik na tugon ng pinsan ni Ate Mallory. If I'm not mistaken, her name's Herlaine.

"Diet at tamang exercise lang 'yan," sagot ni Cinema and I know Ate Mallory doesn't like the way she speaks up. "Anyway, let's go, guys. I wanna swim na."

Lumabas naman kaming apat and when he headed to the pool area. Mabuti na lang din ay wala na iyong mga bata, though may kiddie pool naman at may mga ilan na namang nag-swimming do'n dahil sa kukulit ng mga bata. May hot tub, at almost kalahati ng athletic pool ang pinuntahan namin ngayon. They said this will go down to four feet hanggang eight feet na lalim. I was so scared, hanggang five feet lang kaya ng height ko.

There were trees, lamp lights, and music around the area. Buhay na buhay pa rin ang celebration. Ang ibang guests ay piniling subukan ang spa at karamihan naman ay nadatnan na namin na naliligo na sa pool.

As we're getting there, we saw the boys coming in on their board shorts only. I;ve seen Bennett top-naked once, but why does he look so hot ngayon? Gano'n din si Archie. They looked both so fit, may anim na pirasong abs at matikas din ang kanilang mga braso. Nilingon ko si Cinema and I can see her eyes twinkling when she saw the love of her life.

But as we get closer to the pool, I'm not sure if I tripped or someone pushed because the next thing I knew, my body plunge on the pool.

***

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Let me know your thoughts! I would appreciate it so much!

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