Memories Begin in Summer

Chapter 12: Maki

"Doon lang ako sa bilihan ng pasalubong. Puntahan niyo na lang ako kapag tapos na kayo."

Vic left us with Leonel. Bibili daw si Leonel nang mga damit ng Sto.Nino nila kaya sumama siya kay Vic. The rest of us stopped in front of a small stall of accessories. I've saw a variety of designs that peaked my interest kaya niyaya ko si Sid na tumingin. Sinag and France came with us since she wanted to check some bracelets.

"May titignan lang ako sa kabila, Okay lang?" Sid asked me. I looked at the stall beside us. They're selling Hats, bags and wallets.

"Sure."

"Babalik ako agad. Diyan ka muna kina France." He said before walking towards the neighbouring stall. Binalik ko na din ang tingin ko sa mga accessories. I prefer silver than gold, kaya 'yon ang chinecheck ko.

"Tignan mo, Sinag. Ang ganda, oh." France pointed out the colorful beaded bracelets.

"Gusto mo ba?" Sinag asked.

"Hmm... Pwede naman."

I looked at the bracelets too. I think it's a friendship bracelet. The sign says that it's customizable so people can pick their preferred color and beads. The starting price was 25 pesos, but it can go higher depending on the design.

"Pili kayo. I'll pay." I told them. Both of them looked at me with surprised eyes.

"Hala... Nakakahiya naman, Maki." France said, embarrassed.

I smiled a little, "It's nothing, France. Take it as my 'appreciation gift' sa inyo."

We may have not spent that much time together like how Sid and I did, but they also helped me enjoy my stay here. They really welcomed me, and they never made me feel like I'm out of place because they always include me on their discussions. Kapag may hindi ako alam, kinukwento nila 'yon sa'kin.

"Sure ka?" France asked. I nodded.

"You can also choose for Vic and Leonel. I don't know their favorite color, so kayo na lang pumili."

France's smile grew bigger. "Sige, sige... Thank you, Maki!"

We all picked our preferred colors for the bracelets. We didn't customized ours, since it will take a lot of time before the seller could finish all. I picked the gray, black and white one for myself, and the green, yellow and white bracelet for Sid, since green was his favorite color.

I paid when Sinag and France finished choosing their bracelets. Sakto, bumalik si Sid nang natapos kami.

"You didn't buy anything?" I asked him when I saw him not holding any plastic bags.

Sid shook his head. "Sa perya ko balak gastusin pera ko," he answered before taking the plastic bag on my hands. "Ano 'to?"

"Accessories," I answered.

We stopped in front of a closed store. Wala masyadong tao rito, kaya dito nila naisip na hintayin sina Leonel. While waiting, I nudged Sid. He looked at me, confused. "Give me your hand."

I saw his cheeks flushing after I asked him. "B-bakit?"

"Just give it."

His confused eyes stared at me as he give his right wrist. I held his hand and wore the bracelet I brought for him.

"Thank you for being my friend, Sid." I told him.

Without him, I'll prolly spend my three months inside our house. That's so boring. I don't have anyone else to talk to besides Lola since Yumi isn't always around. She spends her day outside, playing with the children in our street. I tried playing with her, but it was so tiring. They have a lot of energy! I just couldn't keep up with them kahit isang oras. Spending time with Lola is fun too, but how can I tell her my days if nasa bahay lang ako lagi?