"Aman—da".I blinked a few times. This was truly happening.
My fingers tightened its hold on the plastic of rice cakes that I bought outside this restaurant a few minutes ago.
Then she smiled.......and how that soft smile made me feel so different yet familiar at the same time.
"Hi—", Amanda's gaze was still on me. "It's good to see you".
Actually, both our eyes were focused on each another.
I nodded slightly and sighed before smiling. "Nice to see you, too".
"How—", she stepped forward a bit, but stopped herself abruptly. Then stepped back. Parang nag rigodon lang.
"Welcome to Thailand!", she looked at every one of us.
"Yeah, you already greeted us in the airport and the entire ride to the hotel", Belle snickered.
Amanda covered her mouth demurely. Bakit kung ako yung nagtatakip ng bibig, hindi ganito kahinhin?
"Wow—Who would've thought we'd all see each other here?", Amanda folded her arms and pursed her lips. I could sense her eyes glance at me.
"Yeah, and I'm also surprised to see you in a Filipino restaurant", Manang MJ suddenly said causing Amanda's lips to part.
She looked flustered bigla.
Manang MJ naman!
"Uh...yeah.....I mean....food's really good here and you know me, I can't say no to good food", Amanda grinned — awkwardly. "I'm friends with Celeste's mom", she quickly added. "Celeste is a great cook— yep". She nodded.
My Filipina-Italian friend chuckled and bit her lips. I have no idea bakit natatawa siya. Sometimes her sense of humor is odd.
But, bakit nga ba siya nasa Pinoy restaurant? Parang pinawisan tuloy siya.
"Oh, Amanda—", Belle held my ex-girlfriend's hand. "I was about to call you on Friday — I wanted to meet and tell you a little secret....., but since you're already here....", our Singaporean friend was giddy and couldn't contain her smile.
"Pulkit and I are getting married!", Belle yelled.
"What?!? Oh my God! Congratulations!", Amanda replied. I know she was genuinely happy for our friend.
Belle flashed her engagement ring and my ex-girlfriend started to jump in place before hugging her former roomie. They still have this kind special bond na despite not talking for a long time, close pa rin sila.
"When's the wedding?!", Amanda was grinning and wiped her forehead — then she subtly looked at me again. I could feel myself getting flushed.
Stop it, Ibyang!
"If everything goes as planned, we want to get married in December, but we still haven't decided where. I want you to come — please?", Bernadette flashed her puppy eyes.
Amanda smiled softly, "I wouldn't dare miss it, wherever it may be, I'll be there". Then nagulat kami ni MJ when she shrieked and hugged Belle again. "Ahhhh!! I'm so happy for you and Pulkit!"
"Thanks!", Bernadette was chuckling.
"We should celebrate!", Amanda's smile reached her ears. "When are you all free this week?"
I saw Bernadette's eyes get wide when she turned her head to face me. Para bang asking me if papayag ba ako?
"Uhm...Rab, our schedule is full this week, right?", Belle tried to smile.

BINABASA MO ANG
The Queen & I (WLW)
FanfictionTwo Women. One Pageant. And a Wild Adventure Fit for a Queen 👑 Rabiya Mateo, a simple Filipina with big dreams, has got her eyes set on winning the 5th crown for her country at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in hopes of bringing a better future for...