The Present Is You (You Series #1)

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 22 - ORIGIN OF THE NECKLACE

"Magkano 'to, Ate? Wala ba itong discount?"

"Grabe. Ang yaman-yaman mo Yvenne, humihingi ka pa ng discount? Jusko naman ha."

"Mind your own business, Camille!"

We're currently here at the stalls outside the resort. The store owners sell souvenirs like bags, shirts, accessories, and miniature stuff made out of seashells and clays.

I wanted to buy something for Momo. One cute little fur ball from the first stall caught my attention, so I'll buy it later when we get back.

"Gusto mong magpagawa ng singsing, Brooke? Libre kita." Sabi ng katabi kong si Alex.

I looked at where he was staring and saw a bearded old man making something using candy wires. I think it's a ring and he's twisting it to curve a name on it.

"Gusto ko rin magpagawa para sa amin ng boyfriend ko!" Our classmates began crowding the old man's store.

Camille went beside me and snuck a peek to the crowd. "Ano'ng meron? Bakit nagkakagulo sila?"

"The store owner is making a ring with a name on it." I answered and pointed the stall.

Her eyes widened and she immediately join in on the crowd. Nagkagulo na dahil sa biglaang pagsigaw ni Yvenne. Naapakan yata ang paa niya noong sumali si Camille sa kumpulan.

"Hala, ako rin! Yvenne, libre mo ako!"

"Ayoko nga! Inapakan mo 'yung paa ko! Ang sakit!"

I shook my head and walk towards the next store. This one is full of enchanting accessories. Cute ones. Most of them were made out of shells and pearls. I even saw a couple heart necklace.

I suddenly remember Felix.

Is that ghost doing okay while I'm gone? Well, he's been alone for almost 24 years. He couldn't possibly be lonely without me for just a day, right?

"May nagustuhan ka ba, hija?" The lady sitting on the side asked. Goodness. I didn't even notice her.

Lumapit ako ng kaunti sa mga paninda niya at pinagmasdan iyong necklace na kapareho ng kay Felix. The resemblance is uncanny. Kung dala ko sana iyong kwintas ay baka matukoy ko ang pagkakapareho nila.

I stared at it for a while when suddenly, I realized something.

It does look like Felix's necklace! What a coincidence.

"Uh, excuse me, kayo po ba ang may gawa nito?" I pointed the necklace.

Dumungaw ang tindera at pinagmasdan ang tinuturo ko. Umiling siya.

"Hindi eh. Iyong lola ko ang may gawa n'yan. Sabi niya ay noong kapanauhan pa raw nila ang ganiyang disenyo. Inuulit-ulit niya lang daw gawin dahil ang kung sino raw ang bumili ng pares na kwintas ay tiyak na magkakatuluyan o magtatatagal ang relasyon habang buhay. Proven and tested." She explained to me with a smile on her face.

Wow, that was deep but I'm not sure if that convinced me about relationship advices. I don't believe in superstitious beliefs.

"Really? How much for this?"

"Mura lang 'yan, hija. Pero mukhang wala ka naman yatang kasintahan eh." She concluded while scratching her nape.

She even tilted her head to confirm if someone's hiding behind my back.

My eyebrows met. "Kasintahan?"

"Huh? Uh-"

"Boyfriend. Wala ka raw boyfriend, Brooke." I turned to see Camille leaning towards me. Nakatingin na rin siya ngayon sa mga accessories sa harapan ko.