A Summer to Forever

21

"Maine, nagseselos ako."

I sat there, shocked with what I just heard from RJ's own mouth. I couldn't believe that he would be this vocal about his feelings so sudden. Maybe our mutual confession paved in the way for us to be more expressive and to have our feelings flourish more. Should I be happy that he was jealous with Baste or should I be worried that he's taking things between us so fast.

"Sorry," he squeezed my hand. "Alam kong wala akong karaptan magselos kasi hindi pa naman tayo, Maine. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit ko nasabi sa'yo 'yun."

I looked at him with sad eyes. I didn't know the right words to say to him.

"RJ, it's okay," I let out a deep breath. "But I'll be honest with you---"

I stopped speaking when I heard Patty and Sam's voices getting louder. They have already gone inside the backyard and were walking towards us by the poolside.

"Ikaw na kasi," Patty urged Sam.

"Fine! Dahil napaka-gentleman ko."

They walked in on us, sporting what seems to be a fake grin on their faces.

"Uhm, hi guys. May sasabihin si Sam," Patty pushed Sam towards us.

"Aray ko!" He looked back at her. "Anyway, how would you guys like if we stay for the night?"

"Huh?" I reacted within a second.

"Kasi we found out na meron palang beach party mamaya dito," he waved a pink flyer in the air. "There's a beer pong competition, tapos free-flowing drinks. And... Tiki-themed party pa!! How cool would that be?"

"I know right!" Patty butted in. "Plus, meron daw fireworks display later, bongga!"

No wonder the two would agree on the same thing. They were both party persons. Sam was obvious with his image as he would always initiate drinking sessions with us and is literally the life of the party. It was just part of his lifestyle. Patty, on the other hand, got used to attending parties since she was an active org officer in school. They would usually organize these wild college parties that college students would swarm to.

"Uhm, pass muna ako sa party. But sige, okay lang sa'kin mag-overnight dito." RJ expressed.

"Same here," I let out a small smile. "And, ikaw na magpaalam kay tito, Sam."

Patty and Sam high fived each other. "No problem! Thanks guys, ah!" Sam said in excitement. "At dahil dyan, sagot ko na ang kick-off drinks for the party!"

"Ayun naman, eh!" I cheered and gave Sam a satisfied look. "Pero bili muna tayo ng pamalit na damit. Wala akong dala," I laughed.

"Me too. And tingin ko naman lahat tayo 'di prepared," Patty laughed as well.

"Sure, punta tayong palengke." Sam instructed.

-----

Patty and I were in the backroom of a fashion stall in the market as we were trying on some clothes.

"How do I look?" She showed me herself wearing a tight-fitting tubed dress that flattered her body curves. It had big flower prints on it, embracing in the tiki vibe.