Chapter 38
Trip
Kinabukasan ay maaga akong nagising upang maghanda. Nagkasundo kaming bibisita sa isang hidden beach resort sa Palawan, with Winter as our guide.
Franco was looking hot in his summer shorts and an emerald floral printed shirt, lahat ng butones ay nakabukas, showcasing his chiseled chest and abs. Nakasandal siya sa hood ng sasakyan, naghihintay sa amin habang nakatingin sa cellphone niya. Papalapit na kami nang biglang bumulong si Demmi.
"Know what? If I didn't have Austere, I'd probably be fucking him," she said giggling.
Agad akong napalingon sa kanya. "What the hell, Demmi! Maghunos-dili ka nga."
"It's true. And I'm wondering why you haven't developed any feelings for him when he's especially sweet to you all the time," she continued, raising an eyebrow.
Napakunot ang noo ko sa sinabi niya. "Franco and I are just friends. I appreciate him a lot, but I'm not looking for anything more right now. You know that."
Magsasalita pa sana siya nang biglang nag-angat ng tingin sa amin si Franco at matamis na ngumiti.
"My babies," he said. He stood up straight and spread his arms, ready to hug us. He looked like a playboy with so many ladies when he said that.
"See? Gosh. Who wouldn't fall for that guy? You should date him, for real," bumulong ulit si Demmi kaya siniko ko siya.
"Good morning," he hugged each one of us before he guided us to the car.
Kasalukuyang single si Franco. Hindi ko rin napansin na may sinusuyo siyang babae or baka hindi ko lang alam. Pero ang sabi niya ay wala siyang nililigawan. It's quite unusual for a guy to have a traumatic experience and choose not to mingle anymore. I know there's a deeper reason behind his decision to focus solely on himself.
As we settled into the vehicle, Franco's cologne lingered in the air, a mix of citrus and something musky. Demmi was still giving me teasing looks, but I chose to ignore her. The drive was filled with light chatter and music playing softly from the radio, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Si Winter ay dadaanan namin sa resort dahil siya ang magdadala sa amin sa hidden beach na pupuntahan namin. Maulap ang panahan kaya magandang magbilad sa dagat without worrying to get sunburned before the wedding.
Nang makarating kami sa resort, sinalubong kami ni Winter na naka beach dress, her hair cascading down her shoulders in loose waves. She was smiling widely as she opened the car. Nasilayan ko rin si Ruan sa malayo, mukhang hinatid si Winter nito palabas.
"Ready for an adventure?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement while settling herself into the backseat.
"Absolutely!" sagot ni Demmi. "Can't wait to see this hidden gem you keep raving about."
"Wait 'til you see it. It's like a slice of paradise," Winter said.
As we drove through winding roads surrounded by lush greenery, Winter shared stories about the hidden beach, and how she discovered it during one of her spontaneous trips.
When we reached the boat that would take us to the hidden beach, Franco stayed close by my side. Demmi was right. He was always attentive, always making sure I was comfortable. He was sweet and caring to all of us, but I received extra attention. Though I appreciated his special treatment, I was content with our friendship and couldn't ask for more.
We finally arrived at a secluded cove, the sound of waves crashing against the shore greeting us. The beach was pristine, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters that seemed to stretch endlessly. The sun peeked through the clouds, casting a soft glow over the landscape.
