Chapter 7- TruthDare
"it was such a tiring day, sissy." Reklamo ng ate kong halos ayaw na umuwi kanina.
We just got back from all those activities. After island hopping, we did free diving. In which muntik na akong malunod. Thank god Xylla was there. Then we did snorkeling, and fishing.
We didn't have much activities since it is late already. But we stayed till 10pm partying at the yacht.
I can't believe we did all of that, we were on the same place for too long. Yet, I managed not to bother Iris about us.
I'm kinda proud of it...
I heard someone knocking the door of our room. So I went there to check.
It was Xylla.
"Okay ka na?" She asked as soon as I opened the door.
"Yes, a bit tipsy lang."
"I bought you a chicken salad." She showed me the plastic bag. "Here"
"thank you, but you don't need to do that."
"Hindi ko na binilhan Ate mo, I knew she'll get knock out." She giggled.
And I check on my sister, and yes. She was right. She's already deep asleep.
"Pasok ka" I invited her in.
"No, hindi na. I need to rest, so do you."
She gave me a smile and left.
I went to the balcony to eat the food she bought for me.
It is so cozy out here, city lights are immaculate. Ang ganda, even the breeze of a night air comprehends the vibe.
As I was eating my food. I remembered the words Ryan said to me earlier in the yacht.
It could not get out of my thoughts, I feel like there is something he really meant.
"you're shivering." Ryan came.
I was annoyed already just by his presence.
"I didn't know you can't swim." He added.
I remained silent. Doesn't matter who knows or who didn't. I was drowning,and he just stared at me. Thinking it was funny.
Well, I shouldn't expect them to jump in. But that one person I expected the most...
"I'm sorry, are you upset?"
I gave him a disgusted look. "No? why would I?" why would I get upset? because he didn't save me? hello?
"do you have someone right now?" he asked out of nowhere
Ano na naman trip nito?
"why are you asking that all of the sudden?"
"Because since you came back, you became mean towards me. Almost feels like you were pushing me away." His tone became more serious.
"Ryan, you have a girlfriend. Isn't that weird if we stay close like how we used to before?"
"Is that it?"
"what do you mean?"
"Is that only the reason why?"
"Yes."
An awkward silence covered our conversation.
"What if I tell you that I don't want you to act this way?"
I looked at him, confused. "What way?"
"A stranger. I sometimes don't think that we were bestfriends. Even someone I grew up with. You're more like a stranger now."
"I just respect your boundaries. Nothing else."
"There is no boundaries, Zarya. When it comes to you." He held my hand. "I sometimes wish I would've known that you were coming back."
I pulled my hands away from his grip, as I heard his words. It was just simple words, but I can feel it conveys something more than that.
"stop, you're acting like an abandoned dog." I tried to slip a joke, hoping to ease the tension.
"an abandoned dog, once found—it won't leave its owner anymore."
"Ryan......"
"If only you had returned sooner, we..."
he didn't finish his sentence, leaving me in confusion.
"we what?"
He didn't respond.
"Zarya, drink this warm water to help you cool down." Xylla interrupted the scene.
But I didn't mind her, I am still waiting for Ryan to say a word.
But he just left.
What does he wants to say? I'm in a maze of thoughts right now...
"if you had returned sooner..." His words still running in my head.
If I had returned sooner, what would've happen? Will something be changed? Will I be able to... hay.. Never mind.
"Wake up, sis." I wake my sister up, it's 7am.
It's our last day, but 6pm pa naman flight namin pabalik ng manila. So I planned a food trip, and we're going for a shopping spree.
"Girl, wake up! Maligo ka na, we're getting busy today." ayaw pa rin kasi gumising.
She immediately got up when I poked her nose, she hates it.
"What, let me sleeeppp" she complained.
But I pulled her out of the bed, causing her to fall down.
I laughed, seeing how funny it was. She looks awful right now, her hair is tangled around her face.
But still, I must admit she's pretty.
Suddenly, I heard the PBX phone rings.
"Hello, Good morning! Is this Ma'am Zarya De Luca from room 206?" The lady from the phone asked.
"Good morning, yes this is Zarya speaking."
"You have an early delivery po, you can pick this up in the lobby whenever it's convenient for you."
huh? delivery? wala naman akong inorder.
"Isn't this a mistake po? Wala kasi akong order." I asked to double check.
"Ahm, I don't think so. It has your name on it, for... Zarya De Luca."
"Can you check where it came from?"
"Sorry ma'am, we can't do that. We are not allowed to open cards or letter from package or delivery."
"oh, I see. Okay, I'll get it. Thank you."
I hang up the phone call, and went to change my clothes.
"Ate, may kukunin lang ako sa lobby." I informed ate Yana.
"Okay, I'll take a bath na din.".
As I was in the elevator, I keep on thinking who might send it for me. As someone na always bothered sa mga ganito, it sucks.
"Hi, I'm here to pick up my package." I told the lady in the front desk.
"Good morning ma'am. Here's it is."
she handed a white bouquet of flowers. With a card on it.
The bouquet is huge. Who would send this?
"I just need you to sign this po, confirmation lang na nakuha n'yo na"
I signed the paper she told me to sign, and left.
"saan galing 'yan?" Ate Yana asked pagkapasok ko ng room dala dala ang bouquet.
I checked the card.
A short message. So this person knows me, to the point that he's aware of my flight.
"Does anyone except us knows we're going back today?" Ate yana asked.
"I don't know."
"Bro, do you have a stalker or what."
"Mag ready ka na, gutom na ako." Singit ko, I didn't want to mind this further.
Agad naman s'yang pumunta sa Cr para maligo, while I get myself ready as well.
I opened my messenger to chat on our GC, para
ready na din
"Doc, thank you ha." Kiro said, while eating a bunch of shrimp.
"for what?" I asked, kahit alam ko naman na para saan.
"For all of this. The best ka talaga" He raised the shrimp on his hands.
I just laughed at him, kasi ang mukha n'ya puno na ng seafood sauce. Hindi lang pala s'ya matakaw, clumsy rin pala kumain 'to.
"Ang oa mo." Singit ni Mica na kanina pa siguro nag titimpi kay Kiro.
Kiro just gave Mica a side eye.
"Doc, kain ka na rin." Ralph invited me.
Hindi pa kasi ako sumama kumain sa kanila, I'm waiting for my order.
Nag seperate order ako, baka mapano ako dito mamaya. I have no epi pen with me.
"Enjoy lang kayo, I'm waiting for my order."
"Doc, here. Have some." Ralph gave me a piece of his shrimp, it was already unwrapped.
I'm grateful, but I can't eat it. I feel bad though, they might think I'm being KJ.
"Thank y—"
"No, 'wag na pilitin Ralph." Xylla interrupted, nagulat ako dahil ang Oa ng pagka NO n'ya kay Ralph.
"Huh? I'm not forcing her."
Totoo naman, nag mabuting loob lang naman 'yong tao.
"She's allergic to seafoods, so don't—"
"How'd you know?" I didn't let her finish her sentence.
Paano n'ya nalaman? Only my family, friends back then, and my friends from Italy knows that.
"I...uh..." She cleared her throat, hesitant to speak. "Who would say No to seafoods, right? Of course those who are allergic to it."
Her explanation made sense. Tama naman, even I myself na allergic would never say No to seafoods, basta may epi pen lang na naka ready e.
"Here's your chicken salad and matcha latte, Ma'am. Enjoy po" The waiter served me the food before I could even respond to Xylla.
Bumalik na silang lahat sa pagkain, so I cleared my table para maka kain narin.
I keep catching Xylla looking at my plate, gusto n'ya ata ng chicken salad ko?
But I asked them to choose more before placing our order.
"Do you want some?" I offered my plate to her.
"No, no. I'm just wondering if hindi ka ba nauumay, you had it last night diba."
"Favorite go to meal ko 'to."
"Oh, yeah right.".
After that short conversation, kumain na ulit s'ya. Kaya kumain na rin ako.
Among all of them, Xylla is the most observant. She's quite quiet, yet she knows more than anyone else here.
That's what I like the most about her, kaya s'ya ang pinaka close ko sa hospital eh.
____________
Kakatapos lang kumain ng lahat, I can see they are really full. Si Kiro nga na matakaw eh halos hindi na gumagalaw sa inuupuan n'ya.
"Are you guys ready to go?" I asked pagkabalik ko galing cashier.
They have no Idea na ipag sho-shopping ko sila ng mga delicacies and souvenirs.
"are we really going back??" Ate yana asked.
"Says who? Mag s-shopping tayo ate."
They all jumped im excitement, kaya natawa na lang din ako sa mga reaksyon nila. Lalo na kay Kiro na hinampas hampas braso ni Aisle.
"Tara, excited na ako!".
Hindi naman halata, Kiro.
......
We stopped by dito sa isang local store, near the market. Almost just 10km away from the beach.
It is nice here, so much things to buy.
Andaming mugs na naka display, shirts, hats, bracelets, magnets, and many more. it has name of the place, store, beaches, and they can customize a name as well.
Of course, hindi mawawala ang mga delicacies ng Palawan. So much variety of foods are displayed here. Ikaw na lang talaga ang mananawa kakapili.
Everyone seem to be having a good time, may kanya kanya silang mundo ngayon.
While I am here, waiting for my mug. Nagpa customize kasi ako ng mug, with my name on it. For me, these kinds of souvenirs are worth buying for than foods.
I like it when I see something that represents a place, or a person. That is why I have so many collections of souvenirs, I love keeping them.
"Zar, try this." Sinuot ni Xy saakin 'yong white beach hat na hawak n'ya.
"No, I don't like wearing those." I refused, kasi naman. hindi bagay saakin ang hats.
"C'mon." pagpilit n'ya.
wala na akong magawa, kaya hinayaan ko nalang.
Tinignan ko ang sarili ko sa salamin, and yeah. It was quite nice.
"Maganda diba, it suits you." she complimented me when she saw a smile carved in my face.
"Bagay sa'yo, doc.". Ralph added.
I smiled, knowing I'm appreciated. Despite a roller coaster ride in this trip, I'm just so happy having with me.
"Are you guys done?" I asked, so we could pay for it and move on to the next plan. It's nothing much, tatambay lang naman kami sa Beach.
"Yes, Doc. How about you?". Aisle responded.
"I'm just gonna buy these". I showed her the keychain and mug that I got.
We proceed to the cashier for payment. I reached for my card to swipe it up.
But suddenly, Xylla swiped her card.
"Hey, what was that?". did she just pay for all of our stuff??
"It's okay, it's on me." She replied.
"Wow, thanks Xy!". Aisle said.
"No probs."
I looked at her in disbelief, she knows I hate it when somebody tries to pay for my stuff. I find it really disrespectful, for me.
She saw my gaze, and she stood frozen. Para bang nakakita ng multo.
She held my hand. "It's okay, Zar. That was nothing, please let me slide this time.". She explained.
Wala na akong magawa, it has been paid. already done, ano pa magagawa ko?
Tumango na lang ako, at kinuha ang mga pinamili namin sa bagging station.
We're now back in the beach, but before we came here. Dumaan kami sa market to buy some foods to cook.
We decided na mag g-grilled pork and finger foods kami. So we bought a 3kg pork, tempura, fishball, kikiam, and squidballs.
Na-miss ko kumain ng mga ganito. When I was a kid, I used to sneak out just to buy these kinds of food. Iris introduced childhood to me.
Sabay kaming tumatakas, just to satisfy our wants. Without her, I don't think I have a childhood to remember.
"Kiro, tulungan mo naman kami dito!". Sigaw ni Aisle kay Kiro na nakaupo lang sa camping chair.
"Teka, nag rerelax 'yong tao e."
"Relax my ass, bilis na"
Aso at pusa talaga no? Walang araw na walang away kapag magkasama silang dalawa e.
Ate Yana and I was assigned to just sit here, kasi baka daw masunog pa namin ang pagkain.
Grabeng insulto naman. Well, may point naman sila.
Ralph, and Xylla assigned to grill the pork, while Mica is frying the street foods.
Si Aisle and Kiro naman ang nag aayos ng gamit namin. Arranging tables and chairs, as well as writing some questions, and dares on paper.
We are going to play a truth or dare later, so para walang bias. We decided to just write down some questions and dares.
I really want some cold beer right now, pero I can't. May flight pa kami mamaya.
"Sis, we both know Philippines is a nice country. Places, beaches, and provinces here are great. But beyond that, it's boring.". Ate Yana started a conversation.
"What do you mean, people here are nice."
"Yeah, but boring.".
"Nasanay ka lang sa Italy, puro liberated tao don e."
She rolled her eyes at me. "we really have different preferences."
"Agree on that one."
"Aside from work, what are the reasons na you convinced dad to come back?"
Only if I could tell you the real reason...
"I missed home." I just simply replied.
"Is that it?" By her tone, parang may gusto s'yang tanungin na hindi magawa.
"Yeah, that's it"
"I heard you have a lover before we left the country."
There, I was too stunned to speak.
Where did she heard that from?
"It's been 8 years, sis."
"so?"
"forget it."
"really? you've never dated anyone since then you know?"
"What are you trying to tell me?"
"well, maybe it's time for you to find someone."
"someone?"
"yeah, so you won't be such a kill joy." there she goes again, teasing me with that word.
"No thanks." I responded without hesitation.
"Okay, if you say so."
I did not respond further, paulit ulit lang naman kami.
Kahit naman gustuhin kong balikan, it won't be possible.
"Here it isss madam" Xylla served the steaming hot grilled pork.
Sumunod naman si Mica, with a tray of finger foods.
Andami pala ng nabili namin, I just hope we could finish all of this so it won't go to waste.
After the food has been served, they all find their comfy spot. So we could start eating.
"Okay everyone—"
"Kainan na!!!" Sumingit na naman si Kiro saakin..
"Let us pray." I bow down my head, so did others.
I heard them giggling, trying not to laugh at Kiro.
Ang ligalig din kasi eh, ayan tuloy.
"Lord God, thank you for these blessings. The food we are bound to eat, for this feast we are about to enjoy. In Jesus name we pray."
"Amen."
"Oh kiro, kain na.". Aisle is laughing as she handed the food to Kiro.
Lahat kami natawa na lang din, hindi na napigilan.
"Okay, so now. Truth or dare tayo. G?" Kiro is holding two cups full of rolled paper.
"G! mauna ka na." Aisle insisted.
"ang lala.". Reklamo naman si Kiro, s'ya naman may gusto nito e. "Ako mag ho-host ha" singit pa n'ya.
"Truth or Dare?" Hindi lang man s'ya pinansin ni Aisle.
"Tssk, Dare."
Bumunot si Kiro ng paper sa cup ng mga written dares.
When he opened the paper, we saw the fear in his face. Parang wala pa nga, aayaw na agad.
"Ask random person for a food.". Binasa naman n'ya. "nakakahiya to, iba na lang. forfeit na." Reklamo n'ya.
"Non negotiable ang dares and truth.". I commented.
"hays, sige na nga."
Tumayo s'ya agad, at sakto naman may dumaan na tatlong babae may dalang Potato Corner Fries.
He went closer, and may pa warm-up stretch pa ha.
"Miss, can I have some of your fries?". He asked.
Buti mukhang hindi kj 'tong mga 'to, they immediately gave him a couple of fries.
After that, he thanked the ladies and bumalik na samin.
"walang thrill, hays." He complained.
Akala mo hindi kinabahan eh.
"Okay next! Ikaw doc Zarya". He pointed his fingers at me.
I forgot, magkatabi pala kami.
"Dare." baka ano pa itanong nila sa truth e.
He gave me the cup, and I picked one.
"Offer a food to someone, then ask them to pay for it."
"The fuck? no, I won't do that.". I refused to do it, no. Nakakahiya 'yon sobra.
"Ehem... Doc, non negotiable." Parinig ni Aisle.
"Just give me punishment then.". I suggested.
"Kayo mag isip ng punishment, baka mapano ako d'yan." Aisle asked for help.
"okay, is 3 truth enough?" Ralph said.
"That'll be fair.". I agreed.
I changed the cup, and picked 3 rolled papers.
"Okay, first question." I opened the first paper. "what are your regrets in life that you can't change, but make a better decision out of it."
First question pa lang, tengga na ako.
"Chasing the wrong dream." I simply answered without any further explanation.
They were just silent, all ears, but I saw the surprise look in their faces. So I proceed to the next question, before they could even ask.
I opened the second rolled paper. "do you have someone in your heart right now?"
Wow, that's deep.
If I say No, that would be a lie. And I hate lying. If I say Yes, they would dig further.
"No." An answer I never thought I'd say.
"Talaga ba Doc?" Kiro asked.
"Manahimik ka, may last question pa.". Sinita naman ni Aisle.
"Okay, last and final question.". I unfolded the paper. "What is a secret you've never told anyone, and why have you kept it hidden?"
Fuck.
"that's crazy, you better answer that shii sis." Ate Yana encouraged me.
I'm thinking of how I should answer this question.
Which is strange.... Because I already know the answer.
"I...uh. I'm still a virgin."
It's embarrassing, but I don't want to say the exact thing. I don't wanna lie as well. Totoo naman, maria clara pa ako.
Is that something to be proud of or ashamed?
They all laughed so hard, they couldn't even say a word. Ano bang mali sa sinabi ko??
"Jusko, sis? at the age of 24?" Ate Yana is still laughing, para bang wala ng bukas.
"Are you serious about that one? Doc?" Sumali na rin si Aisle.
"Oh god, Doc Zarya. I never thought of that." Si mica na halos ayaw magsalita, biglang na pa side comment e.
While Kiro and Ralph are dying in laughter. Grabe, tawang tawa??
"what? was it funny?" I asked, sarcastically.
"It's not funny." Xylla joined in.
"It's rare nowadays."
She said it fiercely, clean, and serious. Their stopped laughing. The ambiance became tense.
Even I myself don't know how to react. That was odd.
"ahmm.. Okay uh.. Next na tayo?" Kiro trying to break the tension.
"Miss Yana, it's your turn po."
Kiro gave him the cups, and she picked the truth.
"is your body count above 10?" She giggled as she reads the question.
"Not even close, Yes." She proudly said.
"Woaaahhhh" Kiro reacted.
"That was so brave of you." Ralph added.
She just gave everyone a shrug, and a proud smirk.
I'm not surprised. She's a spontaneous girly, a naughty one. Even when we were at Italy.
"Your turn, Aisle."
Aisle stood up, and picked a paper out of the Dare cup.
"Pick a food, and gave it to someone you hate the most"
"Ohhh, that's nice." She said after she reads the question.
Well, we all know kung sino ang bibigyan n'ya.
She walk towards Kiro, and shoved the food to his throat.
Hindi nga halata.
"Aray, ang sama naman!" Reklamo ni Kiro, hindi naman pinansin ni Aisle.
"oh Mica, ikaw na!"
"Truth, you choose and read it for me." Utos n'ya kay Kiro.
"Nautusan pa." Reklamo, susunod naman.
"who's the most attractive among here?"
"Doc, Zarya." Without hesitation, she said my name.
"alam namin." Kiro mocked her.
"Oh bakit nasa questions pa?"
"ewan."
"Oh, tama na. Proceed na." Awat ni Ralph.
"Nag mamadali ka ba?" Kiro handed the cups to Ralph. "Oh, choose."
Ralph picked a paper from Dare cup.
"Kiss someone you would date if you would be given a chance."
Everyone cheered as they heard the Dare. While Ralph is hesitant to do it.
I'm pretty sure he would kiss Mica, sila ang laging tahimik eh. Their personalities matched with each other talaga.
He stood up, and didn't move for a second.
"Go na!!" Aisle cheered excitedly.
Kahit ako na e-excite din for him e.
He's walking towards ate Yana's direction.
Oh my? Is she going to kiss my sister?? Oh he's doomed if he's doing it.
He walked slowly, as if he's still indecisive and hesitand.
"Goo for it Ralph!". I cheered for him, para lang mabawasan ang tension na na fe-feel n'ya.
As he was getting closer, and closer. His direction changed.
He's coming..... to me???
Before I could even comprehend what was going on.
He kissed me... on my lips.
"You fucker!" Xylla grabbed his collar, and slapped him in the face.
Hindi pa rin nag sink in saakin.
"What's your problem?! That was a fucking Dare, Xylla.". Ralph raised his voice, he's in disbelief as well.
So do I.
"Xylla, anong problema mo?". Kiro interrupted.
Xylla remained with her composure. I think she's also in disbelief. Hindi na s'ya nakaimik.
"What? speak up! Why would you hit me, hm??! what's wrong with you!.". Ralph is in rage. "Do you like me?!"
Xylla slapped him again, this time it was brutal. I heard the sound as her palm hits Ryan's face.
"Over your dead body, you cunt."
"What the fuck!?" Ralph is in shock as he heard Xylla.
Lahat kami, napatingin din. What did she just said?! Cunt!?
"Tama na, tama na. Chill guys" Awat ni Kiro sa dalawa.
Hindi na ako nakapag salita pa, Xylla walked away.
I went back to my seat, hindi ko alam. Hindi pa s'ya fully nag sink in sa akin.
All I know is Ralph kissed me, and Xy slapped him.