Kanunay Nga Padulngan

Chapter 26

"Maliligo ka?" Tanong ni Third sa'kin.

Yakap-yakap ko pa 'rin ang bulaklak na binigay niya, aminadong overwhelmed pa sa ipinakita niyang gesture.

"Uh, yes. Ikaw?"

I can't even bring myself to look at him. Nahihiya ako na hindi ko maintindihan! Ang lakas-lakas ng kabog ng puso ko...

"Oo 'rin. Sasabay ako sa'yo, kung ayos lang."

I bit my lower lip as if that would help me contain my feelings. Tumango ako nang marahan at nagpaalam na 'rin para makapagbihis ng panligo.

I changed into a royal blue two piece swimsuit. Wala naman ako masyadong pakialam nang i-pack iyon, pero naco-conscious na ako ngayon. It was the only bathing suit I brought so I had no choice anyway. Its ribbed push up top was cropped, revealing my small tummy and slim waist. High-waisted naman ang parter niyon na high leg bikini bottom.

Hindi na ako nag-retouch pa dahil gusto kong maabutan ang sunset. Sinuklayan ko lang ang nakalugay kong buhok matapos mag-reapply ng sunblock, at lumabas na ng CR.

My heart fluttered when I saw how beautiful the sunset was. Bilog na bilog ang araw na papalubog. The skies' orange tint reflected on the waters, and it made the gentle crashing of the waves look and sound even more special.

Kakaiba nga ang sunset sa South.

"Hi baby,"

Chuckie immediately ran to me. Lumuhod naman ako para salubungin siya ng yakap. He was licking my face and was enthusiastically wagging his tail.

"Are you happy, my love?" Nakangiti kong sambit.

I can feel his overflowing joy. And I have a feeling that it's because of Third's presence.

Nakipaglaro pa ako kay Chuck saglit bago tuluyang lumusong sa tubig. Katutulog lang ni Vania dahil sa pagod at kasama niya ngayon sa kwarto si Ate Josa.

Hindi ako nilapitan ni Ikatlo pero kanina ko pa ramdam ang titig niya.

"Ang sexy mo lalo ngayon, Jex." Ngumisi si Neoh.

"Mabaliw lalo si bestfriend mo niyan." Segunda naman ni Dale.

Inirapan ko lang sila. Maya-maya pa, sabay na umalis sa tabi ko ang dalawa. Hindi na ako sumunod dahil parang alam ko na kung bakit nila ginawa 'yun. And I realized I was right when I felt Third beside me, half of his body is already under the waters. Topless siya kaya kitang-kita ang maputi at matipuno niyang dibdib.

There was my heart beating like crazy once again. Guess time could fly and everything could change but his effect on me.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat sabihin o kung dapat ba akong magsalita kaya tahimik lang ako. Ganoon din naman siya. We were just there... feeling the warm water while watching the sun hide itself. No one talked... but I wouldn't have it any other way.

The silence was surprisingly comforting. Even without words.... I felt so peaceful. His presence was calming to me. And he was the only one who can do that.

"Ang ganda ng sunset 'no." Pagbasag niya sa katahimikan.

Ngumiti ako at tumango.

"Parang ikaw,"

Umawang ang aking labi at agad na napatingin sa kanya. Nagkatinginan kami at sabay na natawa nang marahan.

"Ang korni mo pa 'rin pala." Sagot ko.

Ngumisi siya lalo. And I swear, he looked so damn gorgeous.

"Pero totoo naman. Ang ganda-ganda mo."