Bruised (A Thomas Torres Fanfiction)

Nine

The past day have been nothing but fun for us. Compared to the previous years, there were only 10 of us who went to Batangas for my birthday celebration. Despite the smaller number, the fun never toned down. To be honest, I think I prefer these smaller celebrations because everyone seems closer and more involved in activities whether it be swimming, grilling by the beach, playing beach volleyball, or any other group activity.

It was now Sunday and I've managed to avoid swimming with the group. I would just sit by the shore wearing a loose shirt and shorts that reached just above my knees but never go to the water in swimwear. They would just shake their heads as they question why I'm not swimming this time when before, I would always be the first one in the water. It's not that I don't want to. If you were to ask me, I would go and dip myself in the water in a second. The only problem is, I am, once again, painted black and blue. I guess it's my bad to have brought a two-piece swimwear but when I think about it, it wouldn't really matter if I wore a one-piece because the bruises are evident on my upper arms and thighs as well.

Breakfast was eventful because it was Thomas', Ara's, and Mika's turn to cook this morning. Yesterday, Kiefer, Von, and Thirdy were in-charge of preparing breakfast and I must say, the Blue Eagles make a really mean batch of chocolate chip pancakes. The La Salle tributes (I'm kidding) opted for ham and cheese omelets. Mika was the one cooking while Ara was serving us. Thomas, on the other hand, was the one who was beating the eggs.

"Morning," I greeted Denden and Amy who just joined us at the dining table.

"What do you guys wanna do today?" I asked as Ara placed a plate of omelet in front of me. "Thanks, idol!"

"Swimming na lang tayo sa pool," Denden responded as Kiefer and Von took their seats.

"Bagsak pa rin si Thirdy. Napagod ata kahapon," Von chuckled.

"Tapos si Kiefer, maganda gising," I grinned. "Good morning daw Mika, sabi ni Kiefer!"

Mika just laughed but I can see a shade of pink dusting her cheeks as she continued to cook.

"Ang aga-aga," Kiefer pouted. "Grabe ka talaga, Tina. Porket kaka-birthday mo lang e,"

Breakfast went smoothly after that and we all decided to just walk around town for a while looking for a place to have lunch. We ended up in Johanna's Grill where the best ribs in town are located, they say. True enough, they did and their cheesecake was to die for.

"Parang bata," Thomas chuckled when he looked at me. He was seated beside me at lunch all thanks to Aly, Yeye, and Kiefer, not that I minded though. I didn't even bother reacting anymore because I know that it'd just cause more teasing if I say something.

"Huh?" I mumbled as I placed the rib that I was chewing on back on my plate. I quickly grabbed a napkin and wiped my lips.

Thomas just shook his head. "Ilang taon ka na ulit at bakit parang mas malinis pa kumain ang 6 years old sa iyo?" He joked as he took a napkin from the dispenser before quickly wiping the smudge of barbeque sauce on my cheek that I missed.

"Sweet na sana nung gesture kaso nang-asar ka muna e," I teased. "Oh, Thomas. How are you ever gonna charm someone?"

Aly coughed while the others were snickering. I raised a brow at them but they just shared knowing smiles as if they all knew something that I didn't. What? Was it something that I said? I just shook my head as I dismissed their weird actions.

On the way back to the resort, everyone was happily contented with the food. Von, Thirdy, and Aly were walking ahead while Mika and Kiefer followed. Ara was walking with Amy and Denden, which, once again, left Thomas and I together trailing behind everyone else.