Bay of Strangers (Manila Girls #2)

Kabanata 8

Kabanata 8

Tell

"Maven, sige na..." I tugged his coat—completely trying to persuade him. I know my persistence will get to him one way or another. He won't be able to resist me too.

He looked away, slightly trying to be annoyed but he failed. I chuckled lightly and tried to catch his eyes.

I can sense his defense, trying to put up a much higher wall so he wouldn't cave. After all, this is me we are talking about. Maven has always been to my rescue. He gives my caprices without even asking for anything in return.

He ruffled his hair and shut his eyes. My smile grew wider. Bibigay na 'yan!

"Maven, please... It's just a favor." Malambing kong saad.

"Just a way to help River, oh..." Daven added, trying to help me persuade his twin brother so he would give in.

"I don't know..." He trailed off and looked at us. Sabay kaming nag puppy eyes ni Daven.

Halos buong gabi kaming magkausap ni Daven para planuhin kung paano namin matutulungan si River na makahanap ng mas maayos at mas magandang trabaho para naman mas malaki ang kita niya. Until she suggested that their supermarket in Binondo or in Ermita can accept River. Marami silang branch throughout Manila and Metro Manila. They own it solely, walang franchise and such. Pinag-usapan namin kung paano namin mapapaayag si Maven gayong siya ang maaaring mag brought up nito sa parents nila dahil nangingialam din siya sa kanilang operasyon.

"Maven, maawa ka naman sa kanila oh..." Si Kodiak, umiinom ng energy drink niya.

I smiled at him and winked, thankful that he's helping too.

"Huwag kang sulsol, pre." Malamig na saad ni Maven.

"Matitiis mo ba sila?"

Natawa kami ni Daven. Maven snobbishly glanced at us then darted his attention back to his phone. Vanna who is beside him just shook her head at us—as if she's disappointed. Especially to me.

I don't know how I'm going to explain to her, but I'm hoping that she'd understand. She knows me to the core. Every fiber of my being has always been with her since time immemorial and I know she'll know that what I'm doing is for a good purpose. I really wanted to help River.

I ddon't know what changed but ever since I heard him talked about his dysfunctional family and the way his eyes equalled the inky blackness of the vast skies—I immediately hoped that somehow—I can be able to help him and lift his spirits up.

"Daven," I pouted at my friend.

"If it's up with me, Lei... I'll accept River right away. I'm so fond of him." She giggled like a little child. She even set her eyes on River who is busy talking to Chasen Giacomo.

I don't know if they're already close or something, but somehow I am glad that River's gaining friends or acquaintances of some sort. Mukha naman kasing magaling siyang makisama.

I may not know his whole story but based on the fragments of what I already know, he has ever reason to be lonely—just like what he told me the first time that I met him.

"Kasi naman why did you even offer to help him?" Si Vanna, hindi na nakatiis.

"Vanna, you know Lei's naturally a kind helper."

"I know but duh!" Umirap siya at tumingin sa labas. Lumapit naman ako sa kanya at tinusok-tusok pa ang tagiliran niya.

"Vanna,"

"Lei, come on! You barely know River Gaisano."

"Come to think of it..." I paused—preparing myself to reason out and to make appropriate reasons why I'm doing this.