A Lifetime of Adventure

Chapter 13

Lance's POV 

"Come on man. Don't be a killjoy" Steven said. He is like a brother to me, as we are the regulars in the principal's office in my elementary years. 

"I still have a pile of drawings to do man. I slacked off bigtime these past few weeks. But at least I enjoyed the parties" I said in a proud tone

"Dude, this trip is really gonna push through. I'll really slap your head if you back out from this." Kyle said 

"Plus, I am not going to be a free man anymore soon. I am already planning to propose to Zandra" Ady said

"Just cram those damn drawings before we go. Your the king of procrastination right? Like old times, hold your fucking title" Franz said 

"Okay fine, just make sure that this trip is going to be worth it" I said 

"Dude, its fucking Tiara who arranged the itinerary. The possibility of 'no fun' is almost zero" Franz said 

"Start finding a girl dude. Its been years since your breakup. Do you plan to be a bachelor till your 30s?" Ady said

"I've met a lot of girls but they are just not my type" I said

My thoughts went back to Ellery again. She is my girlfriend since college. She has all the features of the girl I'm dreaming of. Our relationship is going well in the first few years but we broke up since she cheated with another man. 

The succeeding girls that I have met are just full of bullshits and sweet words to get what they want. I just want a well-bred and sensible woman. Where the hell would I find that. 

I sighed. "Where will we go again?"

"Man, we're going to Siargao! I have been repeating it to you since last week" Steven said 

"This weekend right? 4 days 3 nights" I said 

"YES!" Steven answered 

The remaining days of the week went by fast. I completed all my responsibilities in the office these past few days so I'm sure that I would get the whole weekend off. 

The day of the flight came. Ady was already calling me early in the morning to confirm that I wouldn't back out last minute. I gave him a vague answer because I am still mentally asleep. 

I tried to further piss them off by being a little late for my flight. But when I met them at the airport, they all gave me a head slap real hard. I almost thought that I will loose my senses because of it. 

Our airport experience is almost perfect if only Kyle didn't forget to remove his tablet from his check-in baggage and Franz forgetting to bring down his backpack from the plane. This shitheads will always be boys always and forever. 

Upon arriving the hotel, I got impressed with architecture and the overall design of the area. In an architect's point of view, this place is like a paradise to get design ideas and inspirations from. Plus, it feels like a home that I wouldn't get tired going back to. Well, choosing the best hotels in the area is always Tiara's specialty. 

Everyone is already excited to hit the beach and surf the entire afternoon. We just left our bags and changed our clothes in the hotel room and  headed out to the beach. 

It didn't take long before we caught ourselves standing altogether on our own surfboards towards the beach. Steven and Ady are currently doing some surfboard tricks that amazed the locals and tourists nearby. They always get the most attention among the group as they are the most attractive and are experts in flirting. 

After enjoying the beach for a couple of hours, I left them to get some drinks in the bar. I was casually talking with a foreigner until I saw a girl going down the van with a big smile on her face. I just gave her a quick glace and gave my attention back to the person I am talking to. 

Our beach experience became a lot better after some drinks. We are reminiscing our past experiences and nonsensical actions during our teenage years. Eventually, our conversation led to updating each other about our careers and professional growth. I can't believe that these previous bottom-of-the-class boys are already fine men who are excel in their own endeavors. 

We didn't realize the time until the sun is already setting. I sighed and enjoyed the view. It looks so peaceful and serene that pulls you away from the fast-paced world out there. Deciding to move to the pool chairs since the beach area is already closing, my friends chose a spot near the girl I saw in front of the lobby earlier. 

Seeing her asleep, she looks more attractive that I thought. She has soft features that resembles a filipino chinita. In a glance, you wouldn't see her attractive, but if you stare at her face, you would realize how attractive she is. It could make your heart flutter. But there is a certain vibe in her face that I couldn't really grasp. My gut feeling tells me that she looks exhausted, not physically, but at an emotional level. 

One skill that I have learned over the years of interacting with different people is having a gut feeling about what the other person is thinking or is going through. Most of the time, it is reflected on their faces or is manifested through their body language. 

Although most of the time, it is not confirmed by the person I am talking to, I always try to modify our conversation so he/she could be comfortable and I can make them feel that the area around us is a safe space. 

Looking at her and what she is wearing, I stood up, got a beach towel from the lifeguard and laid it out on her to protect her from the cold winds. 

Returning back to my friends, Ady teased me "Mukhang may potential na tayo ah. Nakikita niyo ba guys"

"Type mo? You're staring at her for more than a minute" Franz said while his eyebrows moved up and down 

"Hindi, gentleman lang" I said 

They all shouted things that obviously means that they do not believe anything that I say

_____________________________________________________________________________