A Summer to Forever

6

It was 11:30 in the morning when we got back home from the mass. Tito Allan was cooking our lunch, while my cousins and I were just hanging out in the living room.

"What time alis mo bukas, ate?" I asked.

"Baka mga 7 AM siguro."

"Ang aga, ah. Hahatid ka ni Tito Allan?"

"Oo, kaya nga maaga, eh," she laughed.

"Paano naman ang Ryan mo?" Sam joked. "Kahit nakakadiri..."

Ate Jules laughed. "Nako, wala lang 'yun. Friends kami and medyo crush ko siya pero wala naman 'yun."

I was surprised by her response because she looked really interested with Ry.

"Huh? Eh mukhang enjoy na enjoy ka nga 'pag magkasama kayo," Sam pointed out.

"Friendly kami pareho, 'yun lang," she joked. "Besides, ganun naman talaga usually 'pag nagkakakilala."

This must be how Ate Jules deals with her social life. Well, it's given that she goes to parties here and there with her tagged pictures on Facebook. She's really friendly, indeed.

"Stop talking about my life nga," she said and looked at my direction. "Ano sa tingin mo kay Meng and RJ?"

"Huh? Meron ba?" Sam was surprised.

"Yuck." I said. But I was curious to know what they would say about it.

"'Di mo ba napapansin?" Ate Jules laughed. "Parang close na nga silang dalawa, eh."

"Hindi ba pwedeng friendly lang din?" I added.

"Napag-iiwanan na ata ako, ah. Kailangan ko na rin maghanap ng chickas ko," Sam said.

Ate Jules and I laughed at him.

"Pero serious talk. Alalayan mo na lang 'tong pinsan natin ha, Sam?" Ate Jules nudged Sam.

"Sus, kaya na niya sarili niya," Sam added. I threw a pillow at him.

"Kain na, mga anak." Tito Allan called us.

It was yet another fulfilling lunch with my uncle and cousins. Every mealtime is a happy one with them. It's just sad to think that Ate Jules would be leaving already tomorrow.

"Julia, saan mo gusto kumain mamaya?" Tito Allan asked.

"Kahit saan, Tito." She answered. "Pero 'wag naman 'yung meron na sa Manila, ah?"

We continued eating and sharing stories. Mostly teasing Sam over something he did in the past.

-----

Ate Jules was already dressing up for her dinner while I was still choosing what to wear. I looked at hear and saw that she picked out a nice casual dress, perfect for the night. It wasn't too long and too short either. It was flattering to Ate Jules' curves even though she had a slim figure. I wish I could be like her.

"O ano, may napili ka nang susuotin?" Ate Jules looked at me.

"Wala pa nga ate, eh." I answered. "Ano bang kailangang suotin?"

"Wala naman, kahit ano lang. Dinner lang naman, eh."

I reached for a tank top and a pair of leggings from my closet and wore it. Then, I got my denim jacket so I won't feel cold for the rest of the night. I overheard Tito Allan and Ate Jules talking earlier that she wanted to eat somewhere that was overlooking the scenery.

"Okay na ba 'to, ate?"

Ate Jules looked at me. "Balot na balot ka, ah?" She joked. "Pero okay naman, cute ang sa loob and I like na it shows your personality."