Losing Control

Labing Walo

"Gigi, saan nanaman ang lakad nyo ni Sir Ashton?" Carlota asked as she watched Stephanie packing a weekend bag.

"He said we're going sailing," Stephanie told her friend as she packed a white dress into her bag.

"Sailing?"

"Yung kaibigan nya ata ay may 24 foot sail boat, so ayan, nagyaya."

"Sinong magmamaneho nung boat?"

"Sya daw," Stephanie shrugged.

"Marunong ba si Sir Ashton magmaneho ng boat?" nagtatakang tanong ni Carlota.

"Siguro.  Buti na lang marunong akong lumangoy," Stephanie giggled.

"Gigi, lagi na nga kayong magkasama sa weekday, pati weekend, kayo pa rin ang magkasama?  Naku naku ha...mukhang inseperable na ata kayo."

"Hay, alam mo naman si Abo, he's addicted to me," Stephanie laughed again.  "Pagbigyan.  Malapit na rin naman akong umalis."

"Ayan ka nanaman eh.  Binabale wala mo ang nalalapit mong pagalis," Carlota pouted.  "Ako, mamimiss talaga kita, Sis.  Kala ko talaga magisa lang akong pupunta dito; buti na lang nakilala kita that day."

"It was fate, Lota.  We were meant to be friends...at least for a short while," Stephanie pouted.

"Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

"I'll tell you some other time.  But for now...do I look cute?" Stephanie asked and struck a pose.

Stephanie went shopping for this boating outing that Ashton invited her to.  At first, he said he offered to take her shopping, pero ayaw nyang magkautang sa boyfriend nya kaya niyaya nya na lang si Carlota one day at pumunta sila sa mall para bumili ng mga gamit nya.  Excited na rin naman sya; she was used to partying on big yachts sa Manila kaya sanay na sya sa open water.  Nagsuot si Stephanie ng white, short sleeved cable knit sweater, a navy blue and white striped bandeau skirt, and navy blue deck shoes.  She also wore a wide rimmed floppy had over head and wayfarer sunglasses.

"Ang ganda mo, Sis, as always.  Nganga nanaman yan si Sir Ash for sure," tumawa si Carlota.

"Good.  Ang motto ko nga ay 'Always look your best, you never know when you'll meet Mr. Right'."

"Gagi, may boyfriend ka na kaya!" Carlota said.

"Ay, oo nga pala no!" Stephanie laughed as well.  "I need a new motto, then."

"Loka loka ka talaga, Gigi!"

"And that's why you love me," she stuck her tongue out at Carlota.

"Who loves you?" Ashton's voice boomed as he entered through the front door.