The Gentle Truth

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4 | Birthday

Everything seemed to have fastened, and we haven't heard of Damon since then. Joaquin told me that they've already broken up. At first it was his decision, then the latter agreed later on. But still, there were times when I would notice Waki spacing out, probably thinking about him.

He may not have been vocal about his issues nowadays, but I knew him. I knew that something's been bothering him. I couldn't wrap my head around what Damon said. His words awakened my curiosity. Yet, I still don't want to interfere with anything they have.

I simply lifted my gaze to watch how he maneuvers the car smoothly. While I am seated in the passenger seat. We're heading to La Union, at their private beach resort. It's his birthday celebration and he just decided to go spend it in their resort. Also to talk to his grandfather about their recent fights. To clear everything and make peace with the old man.

Kasama namin si Tere, na nasa backseat habang busy sa kakanguya ng mga chichirya. Joaquin drives seriously, in deep thoughts. It was afternoon when we got there. The smell of the salty air coming from the beach was somehow relaxing. The waves crashed against the shore, creating a repeating melody in my head. Teressa and I were roommates. We'll spend Waki's birthday with his family. Tita Amelia really wantsp us to be part of their celebration so here we are.

"Bes, tara swimming tayo. May dala akong mga bikini!" Napabuntong hininga ako.

"Tere, ayoko. Hindi ako sanay sa ganyan. Tsaka hindi rin iyan babagay sa akin." She snorted.

"Excuse me? Anong hindi babagay? Ang sexy sexy mo kaya! Tinatago mo lang sa mga long sleeves at long skirts mo no! Tsaka minsan lang to, kaya mag-enjoy na tayo! Besides, beach party naman talaga ang celebration ah bukod sa mismong dinner kasama ang pamilya ni Joaquin."

Well, I'm really not comfortable with wearing revealing clothes. It's not my style. But maybe I was just being so conservative.

"Ano? Dali na! Para may mabingwit tayong papi mamaya sa after-party!"

"Ewan ko sayo, Teresa. Kung ano anong sinasabi mo." She beamed a teasing smile.

"Wala kang choice at sasamahan mo ako." I rolled my eyes playfully. I'm actually happy that we're here. We got to spend our time in such a beautiful place.

Sa huli ay napilit rin ako ni Tere na suotin iyong bikini na dala nya. Two piece iyon na kulay pula. Sinapaw ko na lang sa puti kong halter beach dress. Tuwang tuwa pa sya habang tinitignan ako. Napagdiskitahan talaga ako kasi nilagyan nya pa ng make up ang mukha ko. Light lang iyon at masasabi kong pwede na, pwede na kong ilibing.

"Oh diba! Bagay sayo, bes! Look at that face! Innocently seductive! Kabog!" Hindi ko mapigilan ang mapangiti habang tinitignan ang itsura ko. Medyo bumgay din ang mahaba at maalon kong buhok sa lahat ng pinaggagagawa ni Tere.

"Hindi ba ako mukhang ewan neto?" Paninigurado ko. Sasagutin nya na sana ang tanong ko pero may kumatok sa pinto ng room namin.

"Si baklusha na siguro yan bes. Teka pagbubuksan ko lang ang birthday girl." I chuckled. Muli ko nalang pinasadahan ng tingin ang sarili ko sa salamin ng banyo. I couldn't lie...uhm I kind of looked good. Thanks to Teresa's magic.

"Happy Birthday Bading! Pucha, ayos ng porma ah! Lalaking lalaki." Narinig kong biro ni Tere kay Joaquin. Narinig ko rin ang pag-angal ng isa. Komportable na siyang ilabas ang side nyang iyon saamin.

"Gaga ka! Dyosa ako!"

"Dyosang may lawit." Walang prenong sabi ni Tere kaya halos magkarambola na sila ni Joaquin doon.

"Bruha ka parin. Kasing itim nyang eyebags mo ang budhi mo." Sagot ni Joaquin. "Anyways, nasaan si Lai? Tara na baba na tayo, dinner na eh. Tomguts na me." Tahimik kong inaayos ang strap ng heels na suot ko.