I'll Remember

Twenty-fourth Week

May 28, 2018.

It was your birthday!

You wished for a beach trip from your parents. Tandang tanda ko kung paano mo sila kinumbinsi na payagan ang hiling mo. You were supposed to celebrate it with a grand party but you said you're not up for it.

You always had big birthday celebrations even when we're kids. Every year iba-iba ang theme. And for your 17th year, you said you've had enough of it. Si Auntie lang naman talaga ang mahilig sa mga parties, you only indulge her so she won't be sad.

Hindi mo pinasama ang parents mo sa Camiguin. They were so disappointed, though. You said the beach trip strictly prohibits adult care. Tutal naman at kasama ang matatandang pinsan mo. Ilang beses pa kayong nagtalo at sa huli, pumayag kang si Manang Amy ang sumama para matahimik na sila.

Pinagpaalam mo pa ako kay Mommy. Kung anong pambobola ang sinabi mo sa kanya. Bentang benta naman sa nanay ko. Kulang na lang pamigay niya na ko sayo.

We were in the island for three days and two nights. We were a big crowd. Kasama ang kambal at complete ang Cervantes cousins. Nagkaroon pa ng tension dahil binibiro nila ang pagkagusto ni Soairse sa tahimik na Lelouch. Paano ba naman, sa van natin pinasakay si Saoirse at pinahiwalay talaga ng mga pinsan mo para makasama at makatabi si Lelouch.

Their plan didn't work out, though. Walang nakaangal nang sinabi ni Lelouch na sa front seat siya. Thank goodness, Magui and Sloane were with us, sila ang dumaldal kay Saoirse to cheer her up. Even sa plane, hindi rin nagtagumpay ang seat plan na pinaplano nila dahil ikaw ang tumabi kay Lelouch. And Saoirse looked defeated and upset kaya tumigil din sila sa panunuya.

Our first stop was in White Island. It has printine clear blue waters and powdery fine white sandbar.

I wore one piece black bikini. It's not daring or anything. The big opening on the back was the only thing that looks sexy. I paired it with a white maxi cover up.

Parang tanga ka namang nakabuntot sa akin. Dala dala ang skim board mo, pilit mo kong inaayang lumusong na sa tubig.

Your cousins were all over the place. Ravi and the girls easily blended with them. Tanging si Lelouch ang mukhang biyernesanto. Hindi naman pinalampas ni Heaven ang pagkakataon. With the help of Calin and Sylver, pinagtulungan nila ni Ravi na buhatin si Lelouch para itapon sa dagat. Dinig na dinig yung malutong niyang mura pagkaahon.

Hinila naman ako ni Ate Ceres to take pictures. Kaming mga babae. Nagtalo pa kayo sandali bago ka niya napapayag. Malungkot ka lang na umalis at sumali kila Heaven para pagtripan si Lelouch. So much for your birthday, huh? Hindi mo ko masolo haha.

Wala namang reklamo si Kuya Zion na siyang kumukuha ng larawan namin. Isang polaroid camera at DSLR ang ginagamit niya. Walang awat ang pagpapacute nina Magui at Sloane sa kanya. Si Taki mas type niya daw ang masungit at guwapong si Kuya Alas. He's having fun on his own. Nagjejetski siya mag-isa.

Sina Naomhan at Yeshua ang kasama ni Manang Amy. Sila ang naiwan kaya inatupag ang pagkain nila.

Kuya Zion challenged all of us for beach volleyball. It was right before sunset. Pagod na tayong lahat pero hindi naman kayo tumanggi sa hamon. There was a party reserved for you in the beach restaurant. May live band pang tutugtog.

"The losing team will dance to whatever song na kakantahin ng live band later." Nakangiting ani Kuya Zion. Hawak hawak niya ang volleyball. May ibang group of tourists ding napukaw ang atensyon sa atin. The island crews set up the net and lines in the sand.

"Who's going to play? Dami natin." Si Calin.

"Those who won't play will only bet. Pumusta kayo sa team na sa tingin niyong mananalo." Tumingin sa gawi naming mga babae si Kuya Zion at kumindat.