Camp Sunset (Frankiana)

Chapter 36 - Dee

Cebu City.

"Hello Kiara?" Diana put her phone up to her ear while standing in line at a coffee shop. "Yes, we're at the airport na."

"How's Franki?" Kiara asked on the other line.

Diana glanced at Franki who's sitting a few meters away from her and is staring into blank space.

"She's said she's okay," Diana heaved a sigh, "She hasn't really said much since the incident yesterday and I'm worried because I know that almost drowning can be a very traumatic experience for anyone. Franki's been through so much already and I hope this doesn't add to her struggles anymore."

"But the doctor who checked her yesterday said that she's fine, right? At least physically?"

"Yes," Diana nods her head as she moves forward.

"Okay at least that's one less thing we have to worry about," Kiara paused. "Maybe Franki's just nervous to come home."

"I hope that's the only reason," she says while glancing at Franki again, "Aside from being unusually quiet, she's been giving me meaningful stares and every time I ask her about it, she would just gently shake her head and force a smile."

"OMG. The mysterious Franki vibe?" Kiara laughs, "Gawain niya 'yan nung college tayo. Hindi ba naalog utak ni Franki kahapon? Baka mamaya bumalik na pala memories niya. Hahaha!"

"I wish," Diana chuckled, "Anyway, we're just grabbing some food and coffee while waiting to board. Will update you again later, Kia."

"Okay, Dee. Talk to you later."

Diana went to join Franki at their table as soon as she got their orders.

"Franki here's your sandwich oh, eat na so we can go to the boarding gate after." She placed the plate of sandwich and cup of coffee in front of Franki who gave her a soft smile in return.

"Thanks," Franki said before taking a bite off her sandwich.

The two ate in silence while stealing glances at each other once in a while. Diana couldn't help but feel worried as Franki's been exhibiting unusual behavior ever since the almost-drowning-incident yesterday. She didn't want to push Franki into talking some more because it might just add to the latter's stress.

After eating, the two proceeded to the boarding gate and Diana immediately spotted two vacant seats in the area. She put her hand on Franki's back as they made their way towards the seats.

"We're early," Diana glanced at her watch, "Do you want to take a nap first, Franki?" she gently tapped her shoulder, offering it to the other girl.

Franki shakes her head, "No, I'm good. I'll sleep na lang later on the plane."

"Okay. Do you want or need anything?" Diana fished something from her bag. "What about some chocolates? I bought these kanina when you went to the restroom."

"Ohh that I won't say no to," Franki's eyes and smile grew wide as Diana handed her the chocolate, "Thank you Dee."

Diana froze for a moment and Franki noticed it, "What?"

"You just called me Dee."

"Oh," Franki lets out an awkward laugh, "Isn't that your nickname?"

"Yeah, but I mean," she paused, "You haven't called me that in years. It just feels surreal to hear you say my name like that."

Franki smiled and shifted her gaze at the chocolate bar and began removing its wrapper.