Serendipity (Dauntless Series #3)

Chapter 25

Manilka isn't busy on the following days so she accompanied me on my vacation. Since we only have two days to make the most of it, we decided to cut ourselves off from our job so we can fully enjoy our stay in Huatulco. We snorkeled in Maguey Bay, watched the turtles hatch, and visited some secret beaches on the first day. I even got a tattoo on my clavicle. It was so fun.

"I should book travels more often," sabi ni Manilka habang umiinom ng cocktail drink. Nakatambay kami ngayon sa dalampasigan at hinihintay na lumalim ang gabi bago magpasyang umakyat na sa aming kwarto. "Wala rin naman akong makukuha kung lagi akong magpapakasubsob sa trabaho."

"Ilang taon ka na sa Phenomena?"

"5 years."

Tumango ako at tinungga ang aking mint julep. "Yup. You definitely deserve this trip."

Pareho kaming natawa. Maya-maya ay nahiga si Manilka sa buhangin at pinatong ang kaniyang ulo sa kaniyang mga kamay. Mabilis ko siyang tiningnan bago pa man niya ako mahuli na nakatitig sa kaniya. I cleared my throat and pretended to admire the moon instead.

"I worry about my parents, though. Dalawa nga ang anak nila pero palagi naman kaming wala sa bahay. My older brother practically lives in the hospital. He's got the toughest job between us so I try my best to be there for our parents."

"You're a good daughter, Manilka. They deserve to have you."

"I get that a lot," she laughed. "But the real deserving was me. My parents accepted me wholeheartedly. They didn't judge me when I came out. How was it for you?"

"About what?"

"When you came out? What did your family say?"

Nilingon ko siya. Nakaabang lamang si Manilka sa sasabihin ko. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kaniyang labi ilang sandali bago ko napagpasyahang sagutin ang kaniyang tanong.

"I didn't come out. I just told them about Krystal. She's a friend and we hooked up several times already. Though I remain closeted to my mother's side of the family. I don't want them to judge me."

Despite the loud sound of the waves, I still heard her sigh. Naupo na rin siya. Naramdaman ko ang kaniyang palad sa aking balikat kaya napapikit ako sa sensasyong dala noon. She has that effect on me.

Nang mag-alas 10 na ay napagdesisyunan naming bumalik na sa aming mga kwarto. Tahimik lamang ako sa gilid habang naghihintay na bumukas ang elevator dala na rin ng pagod at kaunting tama ng alak. Manilka is stealing glances at me. I suppressed my smile and rested my head on the wall.

"Do you want... to stay in my room for the night?" I offered when we stopped in front of my door. Natigilan si Manilka at halatang nagulat sa sinabi ko. Parang gusto ko tuloy bawiin iyon dahil sa reaksyon niya. "Or don't---"

"I would like to, but let me get my things on my room. I'll be back before you know it." agap niya. My mouth twitched. Tumango ako at ni-swipe ang keycard. Agad naman siyang tumakbo pabalik sa elevator. Her room is located 2 floors from mine.

Nakahinga lamang ako nang maluwag nang makapasok ako sa loob. Humiga muna ako sa kama saglit para magpahinga bago dumiretso sa banyo para maligo. Medyo binilisan ko rin ang aking pagligo dahil baka dumating na si Manilka. Paano kung nasa banyo pa rin ako nun?

Natigil ako sa pag-iisip nang biglang tumunog ang doorbell. Napapikit ako. I knew it! I haven't even rinsed the body wash on me thoroughly. God! Bahala na nga. I stepped out of the shower and reached for the robe and towel. But why does showing up like this embarrass me? She already saw me in a bikini earlier.

"Hello. Sorry for the mess," I said after opening the door for Manilka. Her mouth dropped as soon as she saw me. That made me want to run towards the bathroom immediately. Pinapasok ko siya sa loob dala ang maleta niya.