That One Summer

ii

Dining Table

While eating, the tension at the dining table was palpable. Therese, accustomed to getting her way, pouted as she asked permission.

"Dad, I want to go to Singapore tomorrow with Joli and Kanata," she insisted.

Ding Dong glanced up, a frown creasing his brow. "No, diba may pupuntahan tayong conference bukas?"

Patrick chimed in, his tone was gentle but firm. "Therese.. You promised, diba?"

"Next time, promise na talaga!" she replied, her voice tinged with impatience.

Jasmine intervened, "Pa, don't worry. Me and Dy will go with them."

Therese's face lit up. "Perfect! You're the best sister talaga ate! Love youuu!"

"Sige na nga. Basta call us agad when you arrived there and send your itinerary. Keep safe and Jasmine, ikaw na bahala sa kapatid mo ha?" Ding Dong said, admitting defeat.

"Yes dad, thank you so muuuch! I really love you dads! I'm gonna call them and book our flight ate!" Therese exclaimed excitedly as she rushed to her room.

~

Zoom Call

Fyang slouched in her room, a hint of exasperation in her voice as she spoke to her friends on the call.

"Mga Baklaaa! Buryong buryo na ang eabab na to," She groaned, sinking deeper into her pillow. "Buti na lang malapit na matapos ang summer."

Kai nodded vigorously. "Yes bruh! You've been gone all summer."

"Gani! Miss na pud kaayo ka namo. (Oo nga! Miss ka na rin namin.) Buti nga diyan malamig, dito tirik na tirik ang araw." Kolette exaggeratedly added.

"Ay Bakla, alam ko na." Fyang said, her eyes sparkling. "What if sumunod nalang kayo dito? Ako na bahala sa lahat."

"Oh my ghaaad bruh!! You're an angel heaven sent! I could kiss you right now!" Rain exclaimed.

"Pag sure uyyy!! Manghipos na ko karon dayun!" Kolette added. (Sure ka talaga? Magliligpit na ako ngayon agad.)

"Nabook ko na ang flight niyo mga bakla. Lipad na kayo agad bukas, na send ko na din yung details sa gc." Fyang said.

"Ang bilis naman! Kaya sa'yo ako eh! See you tom bruh. Mag aayos na ako ng gamit." Kai said enthusiastically.

Kolette chimed in, "Uy si Rain baka magselos, hahaha. Basta Fyang ah, sugata mi sa airport ugma." (Basta Fyang ah, sunduin mo kami sa airport bukas.)

"Oo nga, bakla." Fyang replied. "Good night guys! See you tomorrow."

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Excitement rippled through the group as they exchanged eager glances, unaware of the rivalry that would soon unfold.