YOUR FIRST LOVE IS YOUR FUTURE

PART 16 - GET TOGETHER

Two weeks had passed by, they're still enjoying their summer break at Cadberry town. Jun suggested again a party for the homecoming of his brothers and Angelina's arrival recently. He would like to have an intimate gathering like having a feast again. He wanted to introduce his older brothers to them. Also, this time he wanted Alexine to join them so that she and Rainier could get to know each other more. Gusto lang makita ni Jun na masaya ang matalik niyang kaibigan na si Rainier.

Nagkita sila Rainier at Alexine para mag-bike papunta sa bahay nila Alexine. For the first time, makikita na din ni Rainier kung papano namumuhay si Alexine kasama ang pamilya nito at mga nakakabatang kapatid.

Simpleng bahay ang meron sila Alexine na gawa sa bamboo at nipa with the view of the ricefields.

"Jun is inviting me to go with your small party."

"It would be fun. What do you think?"
Alexine talked to Rainier for recommendations.

Honestly, Alexine felt conscious with wealthy kids around her especially ang pamilya nila Jun Zamora. Alam niyang kababata niya si Jun pero hindi niya maiwasan na mangliit sa sarili minsan. Nagpapasalamat na din siya dahil hindi naman siya naturing na iba ni Jun at mabait ang pamilya nito sa lahat.

"Dapat lang. We will be back to the city for our college enrollment."

Alexine just agreed and smiled despite of the frustrating feeling that their summer vacation will end soon when Rainier and his friends will leave for college.

College applications, it's stressing Alexine dahil mukhang hindi siya makakapag-aral for college. Hindi pa nauwi ang auntie niya na supposedly nangako na susuportahan siys sa pag-aaral.

Her obvious sighed made Rainier worry.

Nakabalik na si Rainier at Alexine sa bahay nila Jun. Everyone gathered near the lake, under a huge tree, to discuss about the coming party, a real and more memorable one,  for everyone.

Kristee could see their sweetness. The more she sees them, the more she feels jealous of Alexine.

"I'm now excited Jun. You're brilliant for this party only. Haha. Isn't it Alexine?"

"Jun is always brilliant." Alexine commented on Jun.
"I know right, sis! I am so lucky to have a guy like Jun!" Kristee said with emphasis. She was suddenly proud of Jun.

Kristee, without hesitation, grabbed Alexine's arm as if they were real close friends. She smiled with sarcasm to Alexine.

Rainier always looked with suspicion to Kristee's moves. Though his friends hoped if only Rainier had noticed Kristee competing against Alexine seeking for his attention, then Rainier would end this silent war between the ladies.

"Gosh. I was gonna die here in the mountains without any wifi connection before Jun had come up with a better idea for us.."
She added, she sounded upset again.

"Anyway, I will cooperate. I promise." Kristee gladly reassured them.

"Does she get bored sometimes in here Jun?" Kristee asked Jun out of curiosity when Alexine left for home.

"Who?"
"I'm talking about your innocent childhood friend."

"I don't know. Well, even if you live in a busy city, unlike you, who seems you get bored easily than she does."

"Tell me the truth, Jun. Were you two became lovers before?"

"What?"
"I mean she's not bad and you might have developed feelings towards her, for sure."

"We're just friends ever since, Kris."

"You could be inlove with her Jun. I can see it. Trust me, especially if she's your first love. Maybe you are in denial. Is it because of Rainier?"

"You know that saying, ummm, bridge is the owner."

"Stop it Kris. What do you know about it? Have you been in love?"

Kristee just became more curious in Jun's past which could be against Rainier and Alexine. Kristee paused for a while.

"Jun!"
"Kuya Melvin, Kuya James you followed!"
"Kuys, I heard that ate Diane is also coming home tonight."

Diane, Alexine's older cousin, was 22 years old this time while Jun's siblings, Melvin was 18 and James was 23 already.

James and Diane once dated before. Diane has this beautiful face and skin like porcelain. She landed a high paying job in a prestigious banking company in Manila after she graduated college. Diane is still unmarried and a career-driven woman.  She just arrived in Cadberry town today. Alexine would look up to her as her idol.

"How's your school Lex?" Diane asked Alexine.

"I'm still looking for a practical course to take Ate. Alam mo naman si Auntie magpapa-aral sakin kung sakali. Nakakahiya naman magdecide ng kurso ko."

"If ever you need help, just let me know."

The Zamora brothers were planning to have a welcome party for everyone. They thought of a small gathering feast. Of course, they invited everyone they know. They prepared everything. They fixed the previous venue of the party. They liked the setting beside the lake at the cottage. The night had come and light bulbs were turned on. Everyone came.

"Ate Diane, it's you." Melvin approached Diane.
"Hey Melvin."
"Where's your brother, Melvin?"

"He's...I don't know where he is. Probably getting something to drink. How are you ate?"

They catched-up on their lives. Melvin stayed in Alabel and did not pursue college because he had to watch over their agricultural business with their father and uncle.

"Everybody, why don't we just dance?" Marco set up the sound system.

Kristee was in the good mood and grabbed Jun's hand. She danced with him under the calmness of the night. She actually planned this move to seduce Rainier who was very focused to Alexine that time.

"It's so unfair that everybody is not dancing! Come on!" Kristee cheerfully called each one of them.
"Who is she?" Diane asked Jun's brother.
"She must be Kristee. Jun is dating her."
"Oh. She's kinda...ummm..hyper."

On the other hand, everybody was having a good time, eating good food prepared by the elders. Some of their neighbors came. A typical "probinsiya salo-salo" where everyone is being invited. Everyone is connected.

"Rainier, Rainier..you dance with Angelina and I will dance Alexine for you."

"What?"
"That's the exchange-partners technique. This is our chance." Floyd winked.

"Cheers!" He raised his cup to Rainier. Rainier did not refuse but he needed this chance to confess his feelings for Alexine.

"May I have a dance with Alexine?" Floyd offered his hand to Alexine.

Rainier came to Floyd before they started the dance.

"No, Floyd. You should be asking Angelina. This is my chance with Alexine tonight, alright?"
"Alright, chill, Rain."

'Finally...He knows how to ask me.'

From loud hip-hop song to slow acoustic music in the background suddenly played - "Til I met you". Rainier took a deep breath and cleared her throat. He had to raise his voice so that Alexine could hear him.

"I like you Alexine!"

Rainier said it first. He could not contain his emotions. The music stopped the moment he said it. The night became silent and awkward as everyone looked at them. And Kristee had overheard it.