A Summer to Forever

22

Sam and Patty left for the party, leaving me and RJ still hanging out at the dining table.

He excused himself to use the bathroom and I went to the beach to have some alone time.

I like having late night walks at the beach, listening to the sound of the waves that come crashing into the sand. It gives me the inner peace that I couldn't find anywhere else. I guess I have just been connected with the ocean in some way.

I found a spot where I could sit on, enjoying the cool breeze in my face. I played with the sand, rubbing in between my hands, giving me a soothing sensation.

"Enjoy na enjoy ka dyan, ah?" I heard a voice behind.

I looked back and saw RJ smiling at me. I smiled back.

"Moment moment lang by the beach," I joked.

He walked towards me and gestured if he could sit beside me. I nodded to agree.

"Nakaka-miss yung ganitong moments sa beach," RJ said while digging some sand and playing with it. "Nung bata pa kasi kami lagi kaming pumupunta sa beach every summer. 'Yung mommy ko kasi, gustong umuuwi sa Pangasinan every summer vacation."

"I know the feeling. Laking beach din ako," I chuckled.

RJ looked at me and smiled. "Hindi ka natatakot mag-isa sa beach kahit gabi na?"

"Sabi ko sa'yo, laking beach ako. Na-try ko na nga ata pumunta sa beach ng lahat ng oras."

"Mag-isa?"

"Well... 'Di naman ako mag-isa palagi. Pero ewan, 'di naman ako natatakot. I feel at home 'pag nasa beach ako lalo na 'pag alone time."

"Ay sorry, umepal pa ko sa alone time mo."

"Sira! Okay din naman 'yung may kasama ka paminsan-minsan, 'di ba?" I smiled at him. "No man is an island nga daw."

"Wow, deep!"

I threw sand on his direction and he threw back at mine. This went on for a while until we chased each other by the beach.

"Tama na! Pagod na ko!" I complained as I was running from RJ.

"Sige, tigil ka!" He shouted laughing.

"Ikaw muna!"

"Ikaw na!"

He chased me some more until I couldn't catch my breath anymore, leaving me stumbling on the sand. I was exhausted from running. I really should start exercising to keep my body fit.

"Talo ka!" He poured sand on my back and sat down beside me. I was still catching my breath.

RJ was laughing by himself, sounding like he was also catching his breath. "Woo! Workout din 'yun!" Laughing again.

I slapped his arm. "Pinagod mo ko!"

"Ikaw nagsimula, eh!"

"Tss."

He started rubbing and tapping my back, helping me breathe more easily.

"Gusto mo tubig?" He asked me.

"Ang layo, eh."

"Ako na lang kukuha para sa'yo."

I didn't respond right away, thinking how long of a walk it is from the beach to the kitchen. He was standing up from his sitting position until I grabbed his arm.

"'Wag na. Kaya ko pa," I smiled.

He looked back at me and gave me a shy smile.

"Halika nga dito." He leaned in to me and started rubbing my back again. "Minsan kasi, exercise exercise din," he joked.