My Last And My Only

Chapter 139: Sun, Sea, and a Little Bit of Jealousy

"You kids go ahead."

Dean waved them toward the van while adjusting the cap on his head.

"We'll stay here."

Lou nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Alicaya smiled from beside her.

"And don't worry about dinner."

Christine looked hopeful.

"...Should I be worried?"

Mr. Alicaya laughed.

"No."

"You should be hungry."

"We're setting everything up in the backyard while you're gone."

Aiah looked at Chico's father.

"Tito, you don't have to go through all that."

"Nonsense."

Mrs. Alicaya lightly tapped her arm.

"Your friends are here."

"We don't get to host all of you every day."

Lou smiled.

"We'll take care of everything."

Dean nodded.

"You just enjoy yourselves."

Christine raised both hands dramatically.

"I accept this arrangement."

Yves nudged her shoulder.

"You accepted before anyone asked."

"I know."

"That's called initiative."

Everyone laughed.

With one last wave, the group climbed into Chico's van and began the drive to Oslob.

The sun had barely climbed higher when they reached the beach. They left so early.

The water shimmered beneath the morning light, impossibly blue against the white sand.

Francheska slowly turned in a circle.

"This doesn't even look real."

"It does," Lindtsey said, already lifting her camera.

"It just photographs really well."

Christine stretched both arms toward the sea.

"I have found peace."

"You've been here for six seconds," Yves replied.

"Exactly."

"The peace was immediate."

Everyone laughed.

"Let's change first," Nica suggested.

A few minutes later, the girls emerged from the changing rooms one by one.

Christine wore a bright floral rash guard.

"I refuse to get sunburned."

"Smart," Gwen said.

Francheska wore a light blue swimsuit with a loose cover-up tied around her waist.

Nica opted for a sporty two-piece with a white shirt thrown over it.

Lindtsey was already wearing a bucket hat before anyone else had even finished changing.

"Prepared as always," Yves teased.