MANUEL's P.O.V.
I commend Latrice's rapport with my two sisters. I can see that she's at ease with them as my sisters are comfortable with her company. Celestine and Elena wholeheartedly invites her in our activities. Obviously, they are playing cupids to Latrice and me.
And - I am grateful that they are my sisters.
Our itinerary for today is a road trip to Subic, Zambales. Again, I obliged to be the driver. We visited the zoo and the ocean park, but I no longer suggested a visit to my house. We went to the mall right away. While we were at an ice cream parlor inside the mall, Celestine pronounced the greatest surprise of my life.
"Manuel, do you still remember the trip to Palawan which Benedict reserved months ago?" Celestine asked me.
"Yea. What about it? That is for next month, right?" I asked her and she nodded.
"I'm afraid we couldn't use it. You see we'll be very busy next month, plus we have to travel to Rome anytime for our pre-wedding pictorials. So I'm thinking that you and Latrice may use it instead."
"What about Elena?" Latrice interfered.
"I'll be going with them," she responded and faced Celestine.
My turn to ask Latrice - "Are you free by then? That would be on the third week next month. That's already summer vacation."
"But I have to ask for Dad and Mom's approval first."
"I'll talk to them. I'll travel to La Union next weekend."
"Alright. That would be better."
"Aye! You'll enjoy it there!" Elena exclaimed.
The reservation is a 10-day stay in Palawan. And that is more than enough to enjoy the beauty of the place. I bet that is one of a kind experience. I am just so happy to spend it with my best friend, Latrice. I know she is hesitant but excited at the same time. Well, both of us are.
My siblings and I dropped off Latrice at the terminal. And the moment she got back in Baguio, she sent me a text message.
"I am grateful to have met you and your family. Every moment with you guys is exceptional. Up to now, I do not have any idea what made me worthy to have a best friend like you. Thank you for everything, not merely for the extravagance and free travels you are extending to me but most especially for the chance of letting me be a part of you and proving to me that you are and will always be a part of me.
PS In all honesty, I am excited about the Palawan Escapade. J"
In response, I called her up and said good night.
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The following weekend, I travelled to La Union to ask the approval of Uncle Louie and Auntie Beatrice. At first, Aunt Beatrice was undecided. But when Uncle Louie decided to allow Latrice, Aunt Beatrice stopped resisting. Uncle Louie even joked about his desire to come with us. I meekly told them that it's good for two persons only.
I had to go back immediately to Batangas when I got a call from my Dad. I proceeded to the library once I got home. What we talked about was a serious issue - a matter of life and death (?). It was something that I didn't want to be consumed with at the moment.
I wanted to break free from it. I wanted to avoid the topic at this point in time. I wanted to forget about it.
But could I really run from it for a long period of time?
