Pagkatapos mag-almusal kasama ang mga Vuittons ay nagsibalikan kami ng mga kaibigan sa kwarto. Nagkayayaan sila na mamasyal pero sa hindi malamang dahilan ay nagpaiwan ako.

Wala akong gana at gusto ko lang matulog. I can't deny the fact that seeing Xaviell reminded me of so much memories that it's all so overwhelming for me. The good ones make my heart ache out of longing yet it doesn't last long since it would then be replaced with disappointment—disappointment because of what followed those "good" memories. 

"We're going to the city to shop," ani London. "Hindi naman kami siguro matatagalan doon kasi nagkayayaan sina Orion na maglaro ng kung ano mamaya."

I'm pretty sure that what she means by "we're" includes her siblings. I don't want to feel any awkwardness while shopping nor burst my friends' happy bubbles. Xaviell will surely shop with them which is another reason why I should not come.

Plus, I'm fascinated with the Vuitton's garden. Gusto kong maglibot-libot sa mala-palasyo nilang bahay dahil hindi ko ito nagawa noong nakaraan.

"Are you sure you're staying?" Paninigurado ni London habang pababa kami.

Tinanguan ko ang mga kaibigan at isa-isa silang hinalikan sa pisngi. Hinatid ko sila sa garahe kung saan naghihintay ang iba.

I saw Xavion leaning on his brother's poop-colored Bentley with an amused expression on his face. "You're staying too, Vanilla?"

"Oh, you're staying?" Anang isa pa nilang kapatid bago pa ako makasagot. "That's good! Beaufort won't come with us so at least you have some company. You like plants, right? Beaufort can tour you around—"

"Let her speak—"

"—if you get hungry, just go to the kitchen 'cause we have a stay-in chef. If not, Beaufort can cook—"

"—you're overwhelming her."

Napakamot ako ng ulo dahil hindi ko na masyadong naiintindihan ang sinasabi ng kapatid nila. Habang nagsasalita siya ay biglang sumulpot sa likuran ko si Xaviell na naka-oversized hoodie pa rin katulad kanina at nakipagpaligsahan sa kapatid sa pagsasalita.

"So you're both staying," ani Xavion at napatango-tango pa. "Nice!"

Napasapo na lang ako ng mukha at kumaway na sa kanila at saka mabilis na tumungo sa loob. Lakad-takbo ang ginawa ko papuntang hardin, umaasang sana hindi kami magkaroon ng interaksyon ni Xaviell.

Naglibot-libot ako sa malawak na hardin ng mga Vuittons at hindi mapigilang mamangha sa mga samu't saring mga halaman. Patuloy akong naglakad-lakad hanggang sa makarating ako sa may fountain area. May swing sa may gilid niyon at doon ako umupo.

Naramdaman kong may mahinang yumuyogyog sa balikat ko. Saka ko lang napagtanto na nakatulog pala ako. Kinusot-kusot ko ang mga mata at muntik nang malaglag sa duyang hinihigaan nang bumungad sa akin ang mukha ni Xaviell pagkamulat na pagkamulat ko.

"Hey, careful," he said in an almost worried voice. He helped me get up and sit on the swing properly before I quickly snatched my arms away from him.

He cleared his throat while I looked away, preparing to leave. "Are you hungry? The chef made some chicken inasal. Isn't it your favorite?"

Dinala ko ang tingin sa kaniya bago tumayo. Akmang aalis na sana ako pero biglang tumunog ang tiyan ko at kasabay niyon ay ang paghawak niya sa aking braso.

"You're hungry," he said matter-of-factly. "Come on, let's eat."

Wala na akong nagawa dahil hindi niya pinakawalan ang kamay ko hanggang sa nakarating kami sa may tagong parte ng hardin kung saan din kami aksidenteng nagkita kahapon.

Gusto kong magtanong kung bakit kami naririto kung ang sinabi niya ay kakain kami. Pero dahil mas mataas ang pride ko ay pinili kong manahimik na lang at maghintay.

Hindi nagtagal ay may mga katulong na dumating. May nilapag silang kumot sa damuhan at isang maliit na mesa na kahawig ng aking lap desk na ginagamit ko tuwing nag-pi-picnic kami. Saka ko lang napagtanto ang gusto niyang mangyari.

"I hope you don't mind," he said after the helpers left, then gesturing to the setup.

I swallowed hard and chose to remain silent instead. I sat on the blanket and started eating. He did the same and we both ate in silence.

True to his words, the chef did cook chicken inasal and other grilled viands. He even gave me the best part of the chicken! I can't believe he still remembers!

Even though a part of me wants to feel "touched" by his gesture, I had to remind myself that he's just being polite. I sometimes glance at him and it was as if he wanted to say something. But since I really have no plan in interacting with him, I pretended to be oblivious with his attempts to speak with me.

"Psst! Xaviell! Kain tayo!" Tawag ko sa lalaking nakahiga sa hammock at mukhang malapit nang makatulog kung hindi ko pa tinawag. He quickly got up and excitedly went to my picnic setup.

"I like inasal!" He said as his eyes feasted on the food. "Which part do you like?"

"Hmm... 'yong parang crispy na may nakakabit na karne," sagot ko sabay bigay sa kaniya ng isang stick ng inasal.

Sinadya kong damihan ang dalang pagkain dahil nagbakasakali ako na pupunta ulit siya rito sa cottage.

"Here," he said, then handing me the part of the chicken I was just referring to a while ago.

I was surprised by his sudden gesture that it made me literally feel like my insides jumped. Ibabalik ko pa sana ang kaniyang binigay ngunit mabilis siyang tumanggi at nagsimula na sa pagkain.

Napailing-iling na lang ako pero hindi rin mapigilan na mapangiti.

"By the way, I brought desserts," he shared, then gesturing to the hammock. I had to wear my eyeglasses just so I could see what he's referring to.

"Is that a cooler?" Gulat kong tanong nang makita iyon sa ilalim ng hammock. "You didn't have to bring that much! Baka magkaubo tayo nito!"

Instead of answering, he only shrugged and smiled shyly while scratching his head. "Hey, is it true though?" He asked meaningfully, changing the subject.

Sandali akong nag-isip-isip, nalilito kung ano ang tinutukoy niya. Patuloy ko siyang binigyan ng nalilitong tingin ngunit patuloy din siya sa pagngiti. Iyon 'yong tipo ng ngiti na hindi ko alam kung nanunukso ba o ano.

"Ugh! It's not true!" I answered when I finally understood his question. A ghost of a smile played on his lips which annoyed me. I can actually feel my cheeks heating up because of this!

He chuckled with his boyish smile. "Crush mo pala ako pero ba't sa kanila mo sinabi?"

Napasapo ako ng mukha dahil sa narinig. Parang lumipat ang lahat ng init sa mukha ko. Dahil sa hiya ay hindi ko na siya matingnan nang maayos kaya tumayo na lang ako.

"Hindi nga totoo 'yon! Feel na feel mo naman!" Pasigaw kong sabi habang nakatalikod sa kaniya, pasimpleng pinapaypayan ang sarili.

I heard him laugh which made me blush even more. Instead of responding, I took the cooler instead and brought it inside the cottage.

Bumalik ako sa labas, pinipigilan lang na mag-react dahil hindi pa rin nawawala ang mapanuksong ngiti ni Xaviell. Tinulungan niya ako sa pagligpit ng mga pinagkainan namin at pagkatapos hugasan ang mga iyon ay kumuha muna ako ng ointment bago lumabas.

Sa damuhan ako umupo at hindi sa tabi ni Xaviell sa hammock dahil baka tuksuhin niya lang ako. 'Di bale nang madumihan ang suot ko dahil sa damuhan!

"You can sit there," Xaviell spoke while bending down so our eyes would level. He gestured to the hammock but I only shook my head and focused my eyes on the small red bumps on my skin that looks similar to mosquito bites.

Katulad nang inaasahan ay nangati ako nang todo dahil sa ginawa namin ng mga pinsan kahapon. Fortunately, nagkaayos na rin kami ni Lisa kagabi. Sa kaniya rin galing ang mga ointments na ginagamit namin.

"What happened? Do you have allergies?" Kuryosong tanong ni Xaviell, tutok na tutok ang kaniyang mga mata sa aking paa. "Do you need help? That's a lot, Valentina."

I sighed, then handing him the ointment while dabbing some on my skin. He did help me with it and I'm surprised with how gentle he does it. And while we were at it, I told him that it was because of what my cousins and I did yesterday. Hindi ko na kailangang ulitin ang kuwento dahil nasabi ko ito kahapon sa kaniya.

"All done, Valentina," he said with a smile. "Nice anklet, by the way."

"Thanks, Xav." I stood up and even held a hand in front of him. Alam kong kaya niya namang tumayo nang mag-isa kaya hindi rin ako sigurado kung ba't ko iyon ginawa.

Tinanggap niya ang kamay ko at saka mabilis na tumayo. Ako naman, biglang natandaan ang mga tukso ng mga pinsan kaya mabilis kong binawi ang kamay bago tumungo sa cottage. Baka kung ano pa ang isipin niya kung makita niya akong namumula.

When I was inside the cottage, I brought my eyes to my feet—to my anklet to be exact. I smiled unconsciously when I remembered his words yet immediately shook my head, trying to get out from my reverie.

"Do you want an anklet too?" Tanong ko. Alam kong naririnig niya ako sapagkat sigurado akong nasa may pintuan lang siya nakatayo.

"That would be nice," he answered quickly, then peeping inside through the unclosed door.

I don't know why I suddenly offered him such but... I don't know... 'di bale na, alangan namang bawiin ko ang sinabi ko.

I took my bead organizers from a cabinet before going out. We set up the picnic blanket and lap-desk again before I placed all the materials before us.

My anklet is made up of small and assorted-colored beads. I made it years ago and I thought it was kind of plain so I added a gold seashell pendant. It wasn't that big, just enough to add an accent to the whole look.

I helped Xaviell make a similar anklet. Siya ang pinapili ko ng mga beads at aniya raw na gusto niya rin ng katulad ng sa akin ngunit imbes na iba't ibang kulay ang beads, neutral colors ang natipuhan niya. At imbes na seashell, isang sailboat na pendant ang pinili niya.

"Oohh, the crafty couple," a familiar voice spoke. "Nice!"

Before I could even speak, Xaviell spoke first while his eyes remained focus on the beads he's stringing. "You're not welcome here, Vio."

"Hey! This isn't your place!" Xavion answered with a frown yet his eyes were glinting with something. "For all I know, you trespassed your way here too! And since when did you fancy accessories?"

"Takes one to know one, huh?" Bulong ko sa sarili pero narinig naman ng kambal at ikinatawa pa nila.

"Anyways, just wanted to say 'hi'," ani Xavion at saka tinapik ako sa balikat. "Can I come here tomorrow? I'll be on the hammock. You won't even know I'm there."

Napailing-iling na lang ako pero agad din namang tumango. I waved at Xavion as he disappeared from our sight. I got curious as to where Xavion has been but Xaviell really had to tease me before telling me that his twin just got back.

"You don't wear accessories?" I asked, suddenly remembering Xavion's remark.

"Nope," he answered, his eyes still focused on stringing the beads. "It can be a bother in sports."

"Oh... what else do you play? I saw you playing soccer last time."

I suddenly got curious and I couldn't help but to ask. It feels like the Xaviell I know is the one who likes to chill on my hammock while eating his Cornetto.

"Well... it depends," he answered while turning to me. "I know lacrosse from school and every weekend, we have a family getaway. If we visit the countryside, my siblings and I would usually hike or bike but if we're at the beach, we like water sports but we mostly surf..."

He placed the string of beads and stared at me for a while. It was as if he's still contemplating whether he'll share more to me. I remained silent while giving him an eager look, lowkey hoping he'd continue.

I always thought that he's the sporty type especially with his physique but I never thought he's into sports that much.

"We have a vast land back home and we learned equestrian and polo because of it," he shared with a longing look on his face. "Vio and I fight a lot so we'd play fencing, hoping that we'd stab each other. Sometimes, we'd go boxing or do any martial arts, just subtly trying to hurt each other."

Hindi ko mapigilang mamangha dahil sa narinig. Unfortunately for me, I'm not good at any sports. Mabilis akong hapuin at kadalasan ay hindi nababagay ang balingkinitan kong katawan sa mga larong iyon.

Later that day, just like what London said, the guys did play at the vast field Xaviell was talking about years ago. They had soccer goals set up and in no time, the game started.

My friends and London's cousins were all cheering like fangirls whereas I remained stoic. I never really enjoyed sports except for that certain point in my teenage years where—oh, stop thinking about it!

"Pahiram ng sunglasses," pakikisuyo ko kay Galaxy na busy pa sa pagpapalakpak. She didn't even glance at me but only took her sunglasses off before handing it to me.

We were sitting under the shade of a large tree which is an advantage to me because I can now pretend that I'm sleeping while leaning on the trunk.

I was awake the whole time, of course! I don't think anyone can ever sleep with all these noise my friends are making. Gusto ko lang talaga makapanood nang malaya.

The guys had a quick break before going back to the field. They were gathered in the middle and before they started, Iouis, one of their friends, turned to our direction and gave a flying kiss—if I'm not mistaken—to Caramel.

Dahil sa kaniyang ginawa ay lalong tumili at humiyaw ang mga kasama ko. Hindi ko rin napigilan ang sarili na mapangisi. Kahit pa nasa-sidelines lang ako ay parang kiniliti na rin ako. Ito siguro ang epekto dahil palagi kaming magkasama ng mga nahihibang na kaibigan.

"Wait, what is Beaufort doing?" Tanong ni Sugar kaya napatingin ang lahat sa kaniya. Xaviell seems to be doing something with his shoes but I can't see that clearly so I just waited for those with better eyesight.

"He's obviously taking off his treasured anklet," sagot ng nakakatandang kapatid nina London at mukhang hindi na ito bago sa kaniya.

I brought my eyes back to Xaviell and just like what his sister said, he did take something from his foot before pocketing it!

"He's so possessive about it. He won't even let us see it!" His sister said with a dramatic sigh whereas my friends all turned to me with meaningful looks.

"One time, Xavion snuck up on him while he's asleep, and he actually kicked our brother and gave him an instant black eye that lasted for weeks!"

"So, it's an anklet?" Ani London sa makabuluhang boses sabay ngisi sa akin.

"What?!" I snapped. "Why do you all keep on associating everything with me?"

Instead of answering me, my friends just laughed. London's sister looked momentarily confused until she discreetly brought her eyes to my foot, clearly checking if I have an anklet.

I heaved a deep sigh while shaking my head. Hindi ko na lang papatulan ang mga 'to dahil tukso lang ang mapapala ko. Imbes na pansinin ang mga kaibigan ay tinuon ko na lang ang pansin sa mga lalaking naglalaro.

They actually play really well! May pa-headband pa silang nalalaman at pa-long socks! Kaya pala kung makaasta sila ay kung sinong mga tanyag na manlalaro kasi may ipagyayabang naman pala!

My eyes went to Xaviell and damn! Kahit pa kanina ko pa siya tinitingnan ay hindi ko pa rin mapigilan na hindi magulat. I must say, he got better. I'm no sport savvy so I can't really describe how he got better in playing soccer but I can see that he improved.

His skills got more refined and so did his ab-muscles! His torso paraded that distinctive V-shape and—oh my gosh! What the heck, Vanilla! Why are you complimenting him?!

Xaviell was smiling as he turned to my direction. He might not see me looking at him because of the tinted sunglasses I'm wearing but I'm almost a hundred-percent sure that he's looking at me!

And I'm almost a hundred-percent sure that you're assuming! Wake up, Vanilla!

I was about to frown because of my thoughts but Xaviell's small smile turned into a smirk, then into a suppressed smile. He turned to the side and licked his lips before running a hand through his hair, then turning back at my direction.

It was then when I realized that I was biting my lips the whole damn time! No wonder that smug Xaviell has this amused look on his face! He probably thinks that I'm fantasizing about him or that my eyes are on him!

"Stop pretending, Sleeping Beauty," Galaxy whispered with a hint of amusement in her voice. "Walang masama mag-appreciate ng tanawin."

I removed the sunglasses and glared at Galaxy. All of these feels like deja vu!

"Hey you! Gising!" Sabi ko sabay yugyog ng balikat ni Bea. "Diba may training kayo ngayon? Ihahatid kita!"

Dahil sa narinig ay mabilis namang bumangon si Bea at mukhang hindi pa makapaniwala. "Why?"

"Kasi mabait akong pinsan," simple kong sagot at saka lumabas na ng kaniyang kwarto at pumunta sa akin para makapagbihis. Mamaya na lang ako pupunta ng cottage dahil sasama muna ako sa pinsan.

"Do you still play sports often?" I asked Xaviell whose focus is now back to the anklet he's making. He's almost done with it and he just has to knot the string.

"Yup! I always play with the guys at school," he answered while glancing at me. "You know... the one where I think your cousins study? Most of the time, we play soccer in the morning but if not, some other sport in the afternoon."

Ah, kaya pala paiba-iba ang oras ng pagpunta niya rito.

"Why? You want to see me play?" He turned to me with a sly smile. Kahit iyon lang ang sinabi niya ay alam ko pa rin na may nakatagong tukso sa mga salita niya.

I glared at him yet he only chuckled. "I'm just kidding Valentina," pagbawi niya pero patuloy pa rin sa paghalakhak.

"The more you give me that look, the more you look like Boo," dagdag pa niya.

I rolled my eyes and stood up. Baka kung manatili ako sa tabi niya ay kung ano-ano pa ang sabihin niya. Ayaw ko ring makita niyang namumula ako. Baka isipin pa niyang totoo ang mga sinabi ng mga pinsan!

Tuwing natatandaan ko ang nangyari kahapon ay hindi ko alam kung ano ang mararamdaman. Hiya o tuwa?

Napailing na lang ako sa sarili nang makita ang sariling repleksyon na nakangiti, namumuo ang panibagong plano sa isipan.

"This is so not you, Coco!" Ani Vera habang tinitingnan ako na parang isa akong alien. "You don't like sports! You don't like going to our school! You like your cottage!"

"Gusto ko ng panibagong scenery," sagot ko sabay kibit-balikat.

I stared at my reflection through the cheval mirror for the last time before sighing contentedly. Wearing my emerald-green tee with a Slytherin quidditch logo, a pair of dark-brown corduroy shorts, and high-top Converse, I think this is already an appropriate look.

I wasn't really sure what to wear so I just based on what my cousins usually wear.

We were driven to the school and the five of us quickly went out of the car when we arrived. Nagkaniya-kaniyahan na kami dahil may mga club meetings din na kailangan puntahan ang mga pinsan.

Ako naman, dumiretso sa may soccer field, nagbabakasakaling doon ko matatagpuan si Xaviell. Hindi naman ako nagkamali sapagkat pagkarating ko roon ay marami-raming estudyante rin and nanonood. Alam kong katuwaang laro lang ito pero kung makahiyaw ang mga manonood ay akala mo Fifa World Cup.

Nakisiksik ako sa isang grupo ng mga estudyante at pagkatapos ng ilang mga pabulong na reklamo at nanlilisik na mga mata ay nakaupo rin ako sa wakas.

I chose to sit at the part that is covered by a large tree's shade. It was the most comfortable spot since the benches didn't have any backrest but I was able to lean on the trunk of the tree.

Akala ko ay basta-bastang laro lang ito. Hindi ako na-inform na ganito pala nila kasineseryoso ang sports!

Nadala ako sa hype at excitement kaya nakisali ako sa hiyawan at palakpakan. Paminsan-minsan ay nako-conscious ako dahil baka biglang sumulpot ang mga pinsan ko.

Nang mag half-time ay doon ako namataan ni Xaviell. Kumaway siya sa direksyon ko na ikinatili naman ng mga katabi ko.

Tsk! Akala siguro nila, sila ang kinakawayan.

"Ah, panibagong scenery pala," makabuluhang bulong ni Bea. "Hindi mo naman sinabi na ganitong scenery pala ang hanap mo."

Napaigtad ako dahil sa boses ng pinsan. Saktong pagdating ni Bea ay ang paghubad ni Xaviell ng kaniyang pang-itaas para magpalit.

"I can't blame you, Coco," Vera who just arrived said with a dreamy sigh. "I mean... the view from your cottage is nice but I think we can agree that..." she trailed off, her eyes glinting with mischief as she turned to me.

I can't believe this!

After he and some of the players changed, they each took a sports drink while Xaviell turned to our direction again.

Oh my gosh! Xaviell is already walking towards us and I'm on the verge of running away because of panic.

"See? This is all because of you!" Pagalit kong sambit sa mga pinsan. I turned to him again and I felt my cheeks getting hotter.

Kung hindi sana ako tinutukso ng mga pinsan, at kung hindi lang sana nagbulong ng kung ano-ano sina Vera at Bea, hindi ko sana ito nararamdaman!

Thanks to my cousins' teases, I can no longer look at Xaviell straight in the eyes without blushing!