Skipper

12| The Sunshine in the Middle of the Storm

TRICIA

I can clearly see Skipper's mortification when I waved at him. 

"Tricia?" Skipper's brows furrowed as he neared me.

I smiled at him. "You owed me a lot," I giggled.

Ilang sandali na pinagmamasdan n'ya lang ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Mas natawa ako sa reaksyon n'ya. 

"I wanna run away, and since may utang ka sa akin, naisip ko na ngayon na ako maniningil. I was sheltered my whole life, I don't have idea how to deal with life alone. Especially outside my comfort zone."

Nanatiling nakatunganga si Skipper sa akin. I waved my hand in his face. 

Skipper blinked couple of times before he scratched his nape. 

"I was surprised meeting you here," Skipper murmured. He cleared his throat. His eyes softened. "I'm sorry for what happened last time."

"Sorry that you kissed me?" I raised a brow on him.

"No!" 

Nangiti ako sa mabilis na sagot n'ya. 

Skipper's face flushed a little. He cleared his throat then he bowed his head. "I was not sorry for the kiss. I was sorry that it happened like that. I feel like shit for taking advantage."

I snatched his hand. "Don't be sorry."

Skipper raised his head to meet my eyes. I smiled sweetly at him. 

"I enjoyed it," I winked at him. 

I squeezed his hand then pulled him. "I've been in this city numerous time, but I never enjoyed my visit. It was always about business." I looked at him with a cute smile. "Can you tour me around?" 

"Don't love me," Justin said in a firm tone. He turned his back on me then walked out. 

Hindi ko na pinigilan ang sarili ko na umiyak. 

Bakit ba hindi pa ako nasanay na nasasaktan dahil sa kanya?

Hindi ako napapagod umasa, dahil sa bawat araw nararamdaman ko na mahal n'ya ako. It's not just a wishful thinking. The way Justin cared for me, the way he bared his emotions in my eyes, the way he looked at me, and the way he got hurt by hurting me... it all screamed his feelings for me. 

So I don't understand why I can't love him? 

My eighteenth birthday was nearing, and my parents were excited for my party. We'll be coming home to Philippines to celebrate with the whole family and close friends. 

Mom and Tita Tia were personally taking care of everything. Dad promised to make me feel like  a living princess on my night. Tito Troy already sent his gift, which is a tiara made of platinum with real diamonds and amethyst. Tito Travis gave me a diamond set. 

My family loves to shower me with extravagant gifts. But the gift I best received was my mother's gift. She gave me a week-long vacation. After my party, I will be free to travel anywhere I want with anyone I like. 

Days flew in a blur. I did my best not to set my eyes on Justin. Sa tuwing mapapatingin ako sa kanya, nasasaktan lang ako. 

I believe that I am a smart woman, but I can think of a reason why I can't love him. Everyone were entitled to choose whom to love. 

My whole family flew to Manila three days prior to the party. We've been busy meeting with family friends and relatives. Dad threw a simple dinner party two nights before my party.