LATRICE's P.O.V.
DAY 9: The moment I woke up the next morning, I knew things are going to change.
I opened my eyes and looked at Manuel who was cozily sleeping beside me. We are facing each other and our feet are tangled together. I was hesitant to move since I didn't want to wake him up. Again, I closed my eyes and remembered the zealous moment we shared last night - and also the others during dawn. When I felt him move, I pretended slumbering. I am certain he's already awake, yet I was feeling coward that very moment. I waited for him to get out of bed before I faced the other side of the bed; even so, I pretended to be asleep.
I was surprised when I felt his lips on my forehead. The brute! I know he's aware of my show. Nevertheless, I didn't open my eyes. After a minute or so, I heard the bathroom door opened. The minute I was sure he was already inside the bathroom, I opened my eyes and got up. I looked for a comfortable outfit in my luggage.
"Latrice! Would you want to shower with me?" Manuel shouted from the bathroom.
"No. Thanks!"
Minutes later, he came out only with a towel covering the lower part of his body. In spite of that, I hold back myself from contesting it to him. What for? I've already seen him fully naked. Why be startled now? He might just tease me.
I immediately got into the bathroom and locked the door. I stayed there for almost half an hour. I checked on my upper body which is totally covered with kiss marks. Good thing I picked a pair of tee and shorts a while back.
Breakfast was already served on the coffee table the moment I stepped out the bathroom. Manuel was extra thoughtful when we were eating. It was around 10 in the morning when we moved out the hotel.
Because it's our last day in El Nido, we shopped for souvenirs. We pigged out and entertained ourselves with the other sceneries in El Nido. Manuel looked adorable and charming when he's trying to be sweet from time to time. When we got back at the hotel, he requested one staff to set up a bonfire for us. We just freshen up in our room for a while and went down the seashore.
We seated next to each other. Despite what happened last night, there was no awkward moment between us. As a matter of fact, we got cozier in each other's company. Most of the time, we've held hands while we were sightseeing around. Maybe that's what you call 'mutual understanding'. We never talked about last night, yet we were still comfortable being together.
"Latrice, about last night..." I waited for him to continue.
Well, I think he's right. We should discuss about it.
Unfortunately, his phone rang. He excused himself and I just nodded in agreement. He walked to a place where I could no longer hear his conversation with the caller. Out of nowhere, Francis came into view.
"Why are you here? I already told you, I am not coming back to you. I don't love you anymore. I am already in love with somebody else."
"Yeah, I got it. You're in love with your best friend. But baby, listen!"
"C'mon! I am not your baby. And if you don't have anything good to say, you may leave now."
"Alright. I'll go straight to the point. You know Cassandra Vasquez, right?"
I nodded and remembered last night's conversation of Auntie Esmeralda and Manuel about her. As far as I remember, she is the girl in the boutique last month who acted like a prima donna. And I've learned last night that she's Francis' cousin.
"She's about to be engaged with Manuel. And that's set on Celestine Selegña's wedding." I was startled with Francis' revelation. Is he telling the truth? Nah, maybe he's just trying to destruct my feelings toward Manuel. Nonetheless, I wanted to be clarified.
