“Narinig ko kay Mario na parang nagbago na sya. Pero parang hindi naman…” (I heard from Mario that he changed. But I think he didn’t…)
“Hayaan mo na. Cold and Rude pa rin naman siya… Parang bad boy.” (Nevermind that. He’s still cold and rude as ever! Like a bad boy.)
“Mahal ko pa rin sya.” (I still love him.)
“Ako rin!” (Me too!)
From the looks of it, the voices were coming from two ladies. Then that word… mahal? What was that again? Looking at my phone for the notes I typed earlier, I think it’s… I love you? Love? Maybe I heard something wrong…
“Hoy wag nga kayo, nandito lang si sir dahil kasama nya girlfriend nya! Wala kayong chance.” (Hey, don’t be, he is just here because he is with his girlfriend! You don’t have a chance) A male voice said. “Manage nya lang temporarily ang resort tapos nun, bye bye na sya.” (He’s just managing the resort and after that, bye bye.)
“Psh, Mario, inggit ka lang kasi gwapo si sir, di tulad mo.” I hear them chuckling. (Psh, Mario, you’re just jealous because he is handsome, not like you)
“Aba’t lahat ng babae kinuha na ni Sir Eion… Nasasaktan ako, wala ng natira sakin!” He yelled in fake annoyance, chuckling as he did so. (All the ladies are got by Sir Eion. I’m hurt, nothing is left for me!)
The sound of footsteps approaching the staff door from the inside was my cue to leave. I quickly went back to the table.
We rested for a while and headed back towards the villa. They all slept after that, while me being so excited, I searched for a signal and fortunately, got one.
I thought places like this don’t have one but good things do. I tried to search for a few phrases of the Filipino language, its history, and trademarks.
***
At night, the boys invited us to come for some night swimming after we had some dinner. We still ate at the restaurant, though it was quick since the boys were so excited that they rushed and didn’t even enjoy the food.
They even excused themselves as soon as they finished and left to change, with my boyfriend, Luke, and Dax, and Leroy happily singing some strange song on the way. Psh, boys.
We girls stayed behind, promising to catch up as soon as we finished eating. I mean, what can I say, we love to eat! And it’s free! Free food! Who in the right mind would refuse such a blessing?
I really love this trip. Everything is free for us! I mean, already paid for us.
Emma and Hannah decided to wear a bikini after a while. I blink at them. “What?” They said in unison. I just shook my head. Now I’m shy to get the only swimwear I could manage to find when I was rushed to pack and travel from a whole other archipelago.
I mean c’mon! Bikinis really? Even if I have time, I wouldn’t dare to wear that ‘thing’. It’s so uncomfortable!
“I really, really, really, love this place!” Leroy sang so loud by the time we arrived. We showered first at the shower counter. and went to them.
They were the only one who was night swimming, Dax, Leroy, Luke, and of course, Eion. Or maybe, it is connected to us being VIP again.
“You didn’t even swim in the sea and you’re in cloud 9,” Dax said to him.
“Me too. I am loving it!” Emma exclaimed, signaling them that we have arrived.
“Finally, the three of you arrived! Now let’s have fun!” Leroy shrieked, diving to the water. What’s happened to this boy and what did he eat, screaming and yelling like he owns the world? Well, I really can’t blame him since we have this special treatment.
“What are you wearing, Snow?” Dax asked, finally noticing the one I’ve been dreading.
I pushed the hem of my t-shirt, with my shorts up to the knee and a towel placed on my shoulders to cover my skin. I grinned at them sheepishly, “Uhm, clothes?” I replied.
Dax chuckled, “I mean, you’re not in the bikini or something girls wear.”
My eyebrows furrowed, offended by that, my inner feminism alerting. “Is something wrong with that?” I asked.
I went to Luke and silence just reigned. I looked at them like they had grown three heads or something. Does not wearing a bikini affect them that much? Then can I just go naked then?
“We forced her to wear one earlier though, she didn’t want them.” Hannah broke in the silence.
“I have many reasons for that. One is, I was packed for only a little time, I didn’t have enough time and I forgot to bring something like this. If I did then I could have brought my long sleeve dry-fit.”
Emma and Hannah snorted. “That’s worse.” I hear them mumbling to themselves. I ignored them and continued, “Two, I didn’t expect we’ll be swimming and all that.” I reasoned out.
“It’s the Philippines, it’s a tropical country for goodness sake, Snow,” Leroy emphasized. “Hmph, you’re such an old lady. You’re no fun.” Leroy, Dax, Hannah, and Emma then went to play the race.
I glanced at my boyfriend Luke beside me who was quiet the whole time until now. He was just staring at me quietly, before saying. ” You did the right thing, babe. I’m glad you’re not wearing a bikini. That way, I don’t have to fight off guys who’ll stare at you.” He said, grinning at me. “Besides, you’re sexier for me this way.”
I lightly hit him, now blushing at what he just said. “And you’re blushing, my dear Snow.” He said, pointing it out.
“Yes, I know that! You don’t have to point it out every time, Luke. It’s embarrassing me more.” I said, hiding my cheek from him with my hands.
He came to stroke my hair, “Awe, look at my cute girlfriend.”
“Here, Sir Eion. Enjoy.” A girl in her uniform went to deliver our towels, breaking my moment with Luke. She bowed a little and raised her head to ask, “You want some snacks, Sir?” A kind smile was on her face.
Eion looked at all of us, raising his eyebrows. “You want snacks, guys?”
We shook our heads no and Eion just dismissed the girl.
“Really though, I’m serious, Snow. I don’t have to worry then.” Luke continued from beside me.