At Last, Him

Chapter 7: Through Thick and Thin

After dinner, Cam and I slipped out quietly, making our way toward the infinity pool near the Acqua Bar. The path was softly lit, and everything about the evening felt serene, almost dreamlike. Nakakamangha ang pool, isang malawak na tubig na nagpapakita ng mga bituin sa kalangitan sa itaas. Tahimik at kalmado ito, parang bumagal ang mundo para lang sa amin.

Dahan-dahan kaming sumisid sa pool, ramdam ang banayad na init ng tubig na bumabalot sa amin. Sumandal ako sa gilid, ninanamnam ang paligid—ang katahimikan, ang banayad na kaluskos ng mga puno, at ang malamig na simoy ng hangin na nagpapalamig sa lahat ng bagay. "This place," I murmured, "it's like some kind of paradise."

Cam nodded, glancing around with the same amazement I felt. "Yeah, it's hard to believe this is real. Kind of makes you want to never leave."

I turned to him, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Salamat ulit sa regalo, Cam. I know I said it already, but it really meant a lot to me. I actually wanted to ask... why a portrait?"

Cam looked out over the water, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Hindi mo natatandaan? Back in high school, palagi mo akong kinukulit, humihiling ka ng portrait mo. And I always told you no, like a million times, because... well, I wasn't exactly used to doing something that, you know, sweet for you."

I laughed, the memory rushing back. "Yeah, I remember you'd always say, 'Don't count on it, Shan.' I never really thought you'd actually do it."

"Well, you're different now," he said, his voice soft. "You've always been special, but I think back then, I just didn't know how to show it. You've been a true friend through everything, and I guess... I just wanted to give you something that felt real. Something that's actually a piece of me."

Saglit na nanatiling nakabitin ang mga salita niya sa pagitan namin, mabigat at puno ng kahulugan. Hindi ko napigilang ngumiti, nadadala ng emosyon na hindi ko inaasahan. "Cam, that's... you know that means a lot to me, right?"

He shrugged, looking away, but I could see the hint of a smile on his face. "Yeah, well. I figured it was about time I came through for you."

Feeling a rush of warmth, I leaned back against the edge of the pool, looking up at the stars. After a pause, I glanced at him, remembering a different time, a memory that felt distant but precious. "Do you remember when we first became friends?"

His expression softened, his gaze thoughtful. "Of course I remember."

***

I was in my 4th year High School, excitement buzzing through me as we gathered at the small resort owned by my classmate, Paul. The air was thick with the scent of sunblock and anticipation, our group buzzing with energy as we set up for our commercial shoot to endorse Emperador Coffee. It was a sunny afternoon, and the vibrant blue of the sky framed the rustic charm of the resort. We needed to film a lively party scene, complete with a DJ spinning catchy tunes and classmates dressed to impress, ready to dance and celebrate.

As the cameras rolled, laughter echoed through the air, blending seamlessly with the rhythmic beats. I watched as my classmates danced, the sunlight glinting off their hair and casting playful shadows on the wooden deck. The crew was in high spirits, yelling playful directions while the DJ pumped up the crowd. Nakaupo ako sa gilid, iniinom ang juice ko, at pakiramdam ko ay halo ang excitement at nerbiyos. Nasa eksena ako, pero parang observer rin, ninanamnam ang sandali.

Once we wrapped up filming, the energy shifted. Nagmadali kaming pumunta sa pool area, sabik na magtampisaw at magpalamig. The water shimmered invitingly under the sun, and the laughter continued as we splashed around. It felt liberating, a perfect way to celebrate our hard work.