CROSSING THE WILD WAVES (Familiá Altamirano #2)

CHAPTER 25

Under The Moonlight

    WHAT happened last night was still fresh on my mind. Pagod na pagod ako kahit kompleto naman ang aking tulog. We did it three times last night. Sa unang round, siya ang in-charge at sa dalawang pang-huli, ako na. I ride him all night until we both reach our limit. Pareho kaming bagsak pagkatapos, hindi na nga kami nakapaglinis ng katawan.

The next morning, we ate our breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. We casually chitchat about the activities we are going to do today. I even bragged about my license in scuba diving, which made him proud of me.

Nang matapos kami kumain ng breakfast, naglakad-lakad na muna kami sa tabing-dagat. I wore a ruffled tube white floral dress that reached below my knees. Inside was my black triangle bikini.

I was also wearing a summer hat and flat sandals, while Croisx was wearing white button-down long sleeves that he folded up to his forearm. He paired it with black beach shorts and flat sandals. Hindi na ako naglagay ng make up dahil nasa tubig naman kami buong araw.

When it was time to start our water activities, we rode in a boat. Croisx was guiding me as I hopped on the boat. Wala kaming ibang kasama bukod sa dalawang bangkero na bitbit ang mga gagamitin namin.

Tumigil kami sa medyo malalim nang parte ng dagat. Hindi ko maiwasan ang hindi tanawin ang iilang bundok sa malayo na lalong nagpaganda sa lugar. Croisx took a picture of the view, including me.

"Eto ho 'yong mga gagamitin, ma'am, sir." The skipper handed us the gear that we would use.

I accepted the gear, which consisted of fins, a snorkelling mask and a snorkel. I removed my summer dress first before I put the fins on my feet.

"Let me give you a hand," lumapit sa akin si Croisx para tulungan akong isuot ang snorkeling mask. He ponytailed my hair and put on the mask. "Open your mouth," he muttered gently, and I obliged.

He positioned the snorkel inside my mouth. He asked me if I felt comfortable, and I nodded quickly. After making sure I was all set, he focused on putting the gear to himself.

I tried peeking at the crystal-clear water. Masyadong malinaw ang tubig sa lugar kung saan kami huminto kaya naman kahit na hindi mo ilubog ang ulo mo sa tubig ay makikita mong lumalangoy ang iba't-ibang isda!

I glanced at Croisx when he held my hand. Tumitig siya sa akin ng matagal, parang may gustong iparating. We smiled at each other. Pareho kaming tumango na parang napagkasunduan na ang gagawin.

He then let me go, and after taking a deep breath, we both dived into the water. I was in awe when I saw different colorful fish, crustaceans, molluscs, coral formations, sea fans, and even sea turtles!

The illuminating sun permeating the ocean floor was magnificent as it gave an extra glow to the corals. I couldn't help but be stunned when I noticed him carrying an underwater camera. 

Nakatutok pa 'yon sa akin. I did a peace sign at the camera as I kept swimming. I was elated while tailing a group of fish but felt sad when they scattered around as I tried to ruin their formation. 

My eyes widened when I saw a whale shark. Ramdam ko ang kaba sa itsura ni Croisx nang may makitang kaming balyena. I reached for his hand, calming him. His eyes immediately smiled in relief.

"That was fun!" I exclaimed as we hopped back in the boat. Naramdaman ko kaagad ang mainit na bagay na bumalot sa akin— binalot niya kaagad ako ng towel at naupo sa tabi ko.

"'You okay, babe?" He trailed his thumb on my lips.

My lips are trembling a bit because of coldness, but I am fine. It was worth it. I had a great time underwater.