'I now realize Kristee has feelings for Rainier.'
Jun finally figured it out.
'So this is a love triangle pala... with Alexine.'
He looked at Kristee, then at Rainier, and finally at Alexine.
It suddenly made sense.
Kristee wasn't just being playful.
She was jealous.
And Rainier?
He was completely unaware of it.
Alexine waited near the cottage for them to come back from the lake.
She had been worried the whole time.
The moment she saw the paddle boat approaching, she immediately stood up.
"Is everyone okay?"
Her voice was full of concern.
"Yes, we're good," Marco answered.
"Gladly, the crocodiles were already sleeping."
"Marco!" Alexine laughed.
"Don't joke about that! You almost gave me a heart attack."
Everyone laughed.
Alexine was slowly becoming more comfortable around them. A few days ago, she would have stayed quietly in the corner and listened to everyone else.
Now she was laughing.
She was teasing them.
She was even starting to answer back.
"You're so dramatic, Alexine," Floyd said.
"Excuse me? Ikaw kaya yung takot na takot sa crocodile kanina."
Everyone burst out laughing.
"Hey! I was just being careful!"
"Careful daw," Marco teased.
Alexine covered her mouth while laughing.
Rainier couldn't help staring at her.
He loved seeing her like this.
Relaxed.
Happy.
Not worried about her chores, school, money, or anything else.
Just Alexine being herself.
"Oh my, are you alright, Kristee?" Alexine asked when she noticed her.
"Of course! Why wouldn't I be alright?"
Kristee answered sarcastically.
She brushed herself off and walked away.
"Anyways, I'll just take a quick shower and rest for tomorrow."
Alexine watched her leave.
"She's okay, right?"
"She's fine," Jun answered.
Alexine nodded.
Then she turned toward Rainier.
"How about you, Rain? Are you okay?"
She reached for his hand.
Rainier looked down at their hands.
For a second, he forgot that everyone else was around.
"Sa tingin mo, paano ako makakabawi sa'yo?"
He wanted to forget his disappointment from earlier.
Alexine raised an eyebrow.
YOU ARE READING
YOUR FIRST LOVE IS YOUR FUTURE
RomansYOUR FIRST LOVE IS YOUR FUTURE How do you overcome the uncertainties of loving someone so deeply? Is your first love the person you're meant to spend forever with-or the heartbreak you'll carry into your future? For Rainier and Alexine, love begins...
