Between the Rainbow (Strawberries and Cigarettes Series #1)

Chapter 16

Bracelet

We had a mini-party on the deck, where we placed our food and liquor. We were all vibing to Akon's song named Hypnotized, which came from my own playlist.

Humagalpak ang mga girls at kinunan kami ng video nang magsayawan kaming boys. I laughed and made some body rolls as I raised my cup when the chorus boomed.

"Ganyan ka siguro gumalaw sa kama, Brent!" one of the girls pointed out.

"I'm quite rough," I smirked and took a glance at Shiloh who's still distracted while the girls made an overdramatic reaction about what I said.

Nakapaghilamos na siya. The girls even helped him earlier when they put a scrunchie on top of his head just to tie his hair, which was now splitting as if there were a small plant that suddenly bloomed on his head.

Nakabalandra ang noo at may kiss mark sa pisngi. Kung kaninong labi man 'yan, for sure it's the girls. Baka nga kay Sadie...

"Seriously, Brent. Jessie is so hot," bulong ni Mavric na nakaakbay sa akin nang tingnan ang mga girls na naka bikini at nagpaplanong lumabas mamaya para manood ng fire dance.

"Umamin kana kasi, Brent. Come on. You can snitch, you know," si Ronan na hinampas ang dibdib ko, may hawak na shot glass at tumitingin din sa girls.

"Wala nga. You would know when I'm interested." Ngisi ko.

"Paano namin malalaman kung dikit nang dikit ka ngayon kay Shiloh. Nagiging baby-sitter kana," ani Mavric.

"Then? Who's your chic at the moment?" si Ronan na kumunot ang noo.

I looked at the girls again. My eyes drifted to Shiloh who's now pulling the scrunchie out of his hair. Why did he take it off? I hope he took a photo...

May sinabi ang mga girls sa kanya kaya natawa siya. Ngumuso ako at bahagya ring natawa nang tingnan pabalik ang mga boys.

"Dapat bang meron?" I said while chuckling.

Ngumiwi sila sa akin. The girls went to us and decided to play a game. Connor showed the bottle for a truth or dare, as fucking usual, and I would always hit the truth coz it's the easiest thing to do rather than the dares.

"Shiloh ikaw ang magpaikot total birthday mo." Angela gave the empty bottle to him.

He was wearing his smile as he started spinning the bottle located at the center of the table. Sinundan namin iyon ng tingin hanggang huminto kay Sadie.

The boys made a noise while the girls started asking the question.

"Dare!" Sadie shouted.

"Kiss your crush!" the girls screamed.

Now I am starting to hate this game. Tumayo si Sadie at ganadong nagtungo kay Shiloh. I folded my arms and watched how Shiloh kept his smile as Sadie leaned closer and kissed him on the cheek. Shiloh laughed as he squinted his eyes. Funny, huh?

I pressed my tongue against my cheek as they spun the bottle again. Noong tumigil iyon kay Jessie, niyugyog agad ako ng mga boys. Pinagtutulak ko sila habang nakangising umiling.

"Dare," si Jessie na nakangiting sinagot ang tanong nila.

"French kiss the boy you like!" they challenged.

Now I'm bothered.

The boys shook me more. Si Ronan sa balikat ko, si Mavric sa braso ko, at halos para na akong bamboo stick na umaalon sa pangyuyugyog nila.

"Uh..." Jessie looked hesitant when she looked at me.

The girls were now screaming loudly. Minamasahe na rin ni Connor ang likod ko na akala mo isasabak ako sa boxing ring. Pinag-iilingan ko sila kahit natatawa kaming lahat.