That Rebellious Guy

Chapter 04

“Kumapit ka,” sabi ni Harriet nang makitang nasa hita ko lang ang dalawang kamay ko.

I just stared at her.

“Or else you'll fall!” singit ni Gela nang dumaan sila sa harapan namin. Then they speed off.

“What? Did you realized what you said to me about no touching?” wika ni Clark. Kahit hindi ko nakikita ang mukha niya, I knew he's smirking.

Wala na akong nagawa nang pinaandar na niya 'yung speedboat kaya napakapit ako sa tagiliran niya. Hindi ko tuloy ma-enjoy dahil hindi ko inisip na makakasama ko itong lalaki na 'to. It was the last thing on my mind.

“Dahan-dahan naman!” I complained when I noticed he was going faster.

“This is how you actually enjoy this,” sagot niya.

Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin at nilingon si Harriet nang hinabol niya kami.

“Let's have a race!” sigaw niya. Sumang-ayon naman si Clark kaya mas kumapit ako upang hindi mahulog.

It was getting dark when they stopped. They were all smiles. Mukhang nagkasundo sina Chiena at Jay dahil hindi sila nag-aaway ngayon. We were the last one who took off from the boat. Kaya naghihintay sila sa amin.

“Bagay kayong dalawa!” biglang sambit ni Gela habang nakangisi.

Napailing lang si Clark— hindi pinansin ang sinabi ni Gela at dumiretso palapit nina Jim at Cram. I shook my head at her and she grinned more. Then I realized we were both wearing white. Kaya siguro nasabi ni Gela 'yon.

*****

After eating our dinner, it's about time to enjoy. Lahat kami ay pinapapili kung kakanta or magbibigay ng message for Harriet.

Jim, Cram and Gela sang a song for Harriet— each one of them. Syempre kasi nasa banda 'yung dalawa. And Gela, magaling din pala siyang kumanta— she has a nice voice. She gave a short message after that.

Sumunod naman si Chiena. She's a bit emotional. Inalala niya paano sila nagsimulang maging magkaibigan noong high school. She's really transparent when she's around with her friends but she gives off that tough vibe to strangers. I didn't know this side of her.

“Thank you for being a good friend. We may not be sisters in blood but we are sisters in heart. Kahit nauna mo pang naging kaibigan si Jim, after our break up, you still chose to be in my side. That made me feel special, tbh.” She chuckled. “Thankful ako sa group na 'to kasi I found my second home.  Happy birthday, mamsh! My wish for you is that you stay in love and happy. Ikaw 'yung takbuhan namin kapag may problema kami o minsan kapag may hindi nagkakasunduan sa atin, palagi kang nandiyan to hear our sides. We love you!” Chiena said and they both hugged each other.

I smiled at them. Kasunod namang tumayo si Clark. 

“Sing me a song, please!” sambit ni Harriet.

“Yeah! Kahit ngayon lang, pagbigyan mo na 'yung birthday girl!” wika naman ni Gela.

I just sat quietly and watched him what he's about to do. Sa totoo lang ay curious din akong marinig ang boses niya. Sabi nina Jess at Crizza ay kasama siya sa banda noon.

“Sorry guys, I ain't singing,” ani Clark. He stood there confidently and looking attractive on his white polo shirt. His hair was fixed in one side but some bangs were dangling on his forehead.

Shocks! Did I just complimented him?!

“I'd like to make it short. You know, I'm not good at this. But today is different, since it's my best friend's birthday. The only girl alive I allow my self to be transparent with— the one who knows me very well next to my mom. I just want you to know that you are appreciated especially on your special day. Funny is that, I treat you like my little sis and you act like my mom, like most of the time.” He chuckled. Natawa rin ang lahat dahil doon sa sinabi niya.