A Diamond Between Us

CHAPTER 50

"Merry Christmas, everyone!!!!"

We looked at each other when we realized that it as already Christmas. For almost a half-year, we have been staying here in California. We experienced a lot, but still more good things happened.

Blare and Edric's relationship grows stronger, they became official boyfriends on the twins' birthday last November.

Andrea and Eric are growing stronger too. There is no relationship that is perfect. They have a lot of quarrels, but they know how to handle them.

And, of course, I and Mark. Like them, we often argue too, but we don't allow that argument to be big. Mark has a lot of patience and understanding towards my attitude, and that's something I'm grateful for.

We're here now in a five-star hotel in San Francisco, California, celebrating Christmas with just the six of us.

Nakakalungkot nga lang kasi, ang dahilan kung bakit namin kasama ang kambal, celebrating Christmas, kasi hindi nila kailanman ginugunita ito dahil palaging wala ang magulang nila tuwing sumasapit ang season na ito. First time nila 'to, at kami ang kasama nila.

Tita Carol is always on duty in the hospital since she is the head doctor, so she needs to be there. While their dad is always in another country because Tito William is a seaman. Tito William played a big role on the ship. He was the commandant of the marine corps.

"Merry Christmas, guys!" Itinaas ni Eric 'yung wine glass niya at ganoon din ang ginawa namin.

"Merry Christmas, babe!" He gives Ada a kiss.

"Pinaka masayang Christmas namin. Maraming salamat sa inyo. Since meeting you all, you have made our lives even more special. You guys are amazing!" Napangiti ako sa sinabi ni Eric.

"Thankful din kami na nakilala namin kayong dalawa." I said, genuinely.

"Let's make this day more special, guys." Napatingin ako kay Andrea, hawak niya ang wine glass niya.

"How?" Wala rin kasi akong idea. Pero kagaya ni Ada gusto ko rin maging memorable ito.

"A pool party!" she said so excited.

Pool party! Not bad, p'wedeng-p'wede 'yon. Wala naman na kami ginagawa pagkatapos namin salubungin ang pasko, nakakain na rin kami. Nagbigayan na rin kami ng regalo sa isa't-isa, exchange gift 'yon.

Ang nabunot ko para bigyan ng regalo ay si Edric, habang si Edric ay si Ada, si Ada naman ay si Mark, habang si Mark ay si Blare, si Blare ay si Eric at ang huli ay si Eric ako ang nabunot niyang bigyan.

"Yeah! Let's go!" pag-agree ako.

Nagsitayuan na kami sa sofa kung saan kami nakaupo kanina at dumiretso sa roof top kung nasaan ang pool ng hotel. Buti nalang kami lang nandoon kaya na-solo namin 'yong pool. Kanina lahat kami ay naka-formal attire ngayon naka- shorts na lang kaming mga boys, si Ada ay black one-piece swimsuit.

We enjoyed the moment. Lahat kami nagsasaya, halos maubos na namin 'yong wine na hinanda ng hotel sa amin.

Phone ringing

Nasa kalagitnaan kami ng saya nang biglang tumunog ang phone ko kaya kinuha ko muna 'yon. Napangiti ako nang makita ang name ni Zoe.

"Hey! Merry Christmas, Zoe." Kumaway kami sa kaniya habang nasa pool kami.

Nakausap namin ulit sila. Ang saya lang kasi, ang saya-saya nila tignan. Kita ko sa mga mata nila kung gaano sila kakuntento na magkakasama roon. Walang duda na maayos na talaga ang lahat.