HOOP (additional scenes)
“Whoa! We are here finally,” Sleigh shouted gleefully as he parked the car.
They finally arrived at the river where they will spend the weekends to relax. It is almost time for lunch. “The haven”, as what the locals call it, is a favorite vacation spot especially during summer. The fact that it is free, it is also one of those very few nature reserve spot left.
Cane smiled at her boyfriend. “You are like little child, Baby.”
Sleigh grinned. “At least one of us has enough excitement to last this weekend.” He looked at the rearview mirror. Their two companions looked so serious that it looked like they are going to do a school project instead of relaxing.
Kite heard Sleigh’s comment, but she did not retort back. She is feeling really uncomfortable since the beginning of this trip. She is seated beside Cheat, of all people, at the back of Sleigh’s van. The two of them are seated at the opposite sides of the van as if there is a big ravine between them. While Sleigh and Cane were singing, talking, and making fun of each other during the two-hour trip, she and Cheat hadn’t uttered a single word to each other.
Kite took a deep breath. She arranged her things. Sleigh got off the van and started unloading their supplies from the back. Cheat followed his teammate to help him. Cane took the opportunity to talk to Kite.
“Are you okay, Kite?” she whispered since Sleigh had just opened the back of the van. Kite looked at her and nodded.
“Sure.”
“No, you are not.”
“I am.”
Kite got off the van. Cane followed her, shaking her head.
They had to look for their own part of the river because it is where their cottage is located. Sleigh’s uncle owned that part of the property so they will have a cottage all for themselves.
Sleigh and Cane are heading the way, chatting nonstop until they came into the part where they have to cross the river to get to the other side. It was just ankle deep, but this part of the river was muddy.
Sleigh carried Cane on his back while balancing their bags and their container for food.
“Cheat, you can carry Kite. She can’t possibly cross this without slipping,” Sleigh shouted in front.
“No way!” Kite said almost immediately. Cheat did not say anything as Kite started to go down the muddy slope, trying to balance herself. She sighed almost gratefully as she reached the bottom. She just has to cross the river now. Taking the cue from Sleigh who was already at the middle of crossing the river, she stepped on the water.
But she didn’t notice a coconut husk in the water and she stepped onto it. And before she can even scream, she felt her feet slide…
But a pair of strong arms prevented her from falling face first into the muddy water.
It was indeed Cheat. He was holding her arms. “Will you forget your pride first and just let me help you through?”
His voice was accusing. Kite reddened. “Okay.”
Cheat nodded and asked her to climb onto his back. He’ll carry her through. Sleigh and Cane are already near the other side.
Kite buried her face on Cheat’s neck. Cheat felt it. He smiled to himself.
Overflowing pride. She is even scared of crossing it.
When they reached the other side, he gently brought her down. She said thank you with her head bowed low and went ahead of him.
He frowned. This is going to be one hell of a weekend.
He wondered again how Sleigh had talked him into joining them this weekend.
The hut was very nice. It even has a living room and a patio. The bedroom is leveled three feet from the ground. The kitchen is outside the hut; into the open. There is a restroom also outside the hut.
The only problem is with the bedroom. The bedroom has no bed and they have to sleep on the floor. It was a good thing they brought blankets and mattresses.
They. They really all have to sleep in the bedroom unless they want chickens to be the ones to wake them up in the morning if they sleep into the living room.
This made Kite nervous so she went out of the hut to enjoy the view first. She didn’t notice that Cheat followed her with his gaze.
It was breathtakingly beautiful. This part of the property was different from those they had passed. This part of the river is full of different types of plants and flowers. The water here is deeper since the owner made a sort of pool by blocking the flow of the water using big rocks. These prevented the flow of water, which made that part of the river deeper. The water here is also very clear… transparently clear.
She saw a small open shed in front of the hut and went there. She sat on a rock seat and got her notebook from her small satchel. She started describing the place because she might use this as a setting in one of her stories.
Cheat caught her attention. He changed from his blue shirt and white shorts into a black pair and slippers. He is talking to Sleigh about something.
Then she saw him laughed. She felt her breath catch.
His face lights up when he smiles. It’s as if the real Cheat never existed.
Shit.
“Ang gwapo no?”
She dropped her notebook in surprise. Cane grinned at her, picked up her notebook, and handed it back to her. Kite took it from her with dagger eyes. Cane just smiled and sat beside her.
“Aminin mo na, Kite. He’s really handsome. Lalo na kapag ngumingiti. Minsan lang ngumiti yan, paano pa kung palagi?”
“Pakialam ko?”
Cane mockingly glared at her. “Aminin mo na. Nakatulala ka kaya kanina!”
Kite looked at her friend reluctantly. “R-really?”
Cane nodded. “Yes. It was as if you were caught up in a trance.”
“E kasi--” Kite started, she was red in the face already. “N-nagulat lang ako… kasi ngayon ko lang siya nakitang tumawa.”
“Aminin mo na kasi na… gusto mo siya,” Cane said carefully. She looked at Kite’s reaction. She was surprised when instead of getting angry, Kite nodded.
“Well… you are my closest friend. Yes, I think I am beginning to like him.”
“I thought so,” Cane smiled. “I know you ever since, Kite. You always end up captivated by guys who are a challenge to you. Cheat is more than a challenge. He is a super challenge!”
Kite nodded. “I didn’t mean to like him. You always know we end up in trash talks since our tempers always flare up whenever we are talking to each other, which is inevitable I think. But then---”
“I can understand you even though I do not now how to explain it. I felt that way with Sleigh. Remember, I used to have a big crush on him. I always found myself acting awkward in front of him whenever they come into the house. I always reprimand myself because I am not a careless person, but in front of him I become one!” Cane smiled in the direction of her boyfriend. “I thought that made me a candidate for Ms. Turn Off to him, but then it turned out I was different from the other girls who are always around him so I caught his eye.”
She looked at Kite. “You cannot tell. Maybe you have caught Cheat’s eyes.”
Kite laughed at the thought. “That’s funny. It is impossible. Isa pa, I’ll get over this. Crush ko lang siya siguro. Gwapo naman kasi, pero hanggang dun lang.”
Kite stopped laughing when she saw Cheat coming towards them. He was back to the old Cheat. His face is serious, but nevertheless… still handsome.
Cane smiled at him. “Any problem, Cheat?”
“None,” he answered seriously. He pointed towards Sleigh, who was carrying an axe. “Sleigh asked if you can accompany him to get some stray woods. Hindi kasi pwedeng pareho kaming lalaki na iwan kayo dito, e.”
“Hmm… oo nga naman. Anyway, di naman ako pagbubuhatin nun, e.” Cane smiled at the two, who are both avoiding her gaze and went towards her boyfriend.
Sleigh took Cane’s hands, waved at the two and they went on their way.
Cheat sat beside Kite. They are silent for a while. Kite said it before she can stop herself.
“Cheat, may girlfriend ka na ba?”
Idiot. Very stupid, Kite. She cursed herself. Cheat on the other hand looked very surprised.
“Why do you ask?”
“Uh… well… I… I just can’t seem to see her. I mean, really… you guys are celebrities. It’s impossible that news won’t circulate about… your GF,” Kite answered while trying to keep a straight face.
Cheat looked at her. “Wanting to get the first scoop about my girlfriend? Ms. Reporter?”
Kite reddened in the face and got defensive. “I do not want! I was just asking.”
Cheat looked content in her reactions. He shrugged. “I do not know if she can be considered my girlfriend. You know Arlene? From the College of Business Administration?”
Kite swallowed and nodded. Arlene is the most popular girl in that college. She is tall, smart, fair-skinned, pretty, and filthy rich. “Yes. I know her.”
Cheat nodded and did not elaborate more on his relationship with Arlene.
Kite kept quiet. She really felt jealous. Cheat noticed her sudden quietness. He wanted to ask her something too. He tried to be passive. In reality, he can’t understand why he is feeling nervous about what he can hear as an answer when he asked Kite the question.
He drew a deep breath quietly.
“H-how about you… anyone who got blinded?”
Kite glared at him. “No one.”
“Really? How about Nicky? That player from the Green Snakes basketball team?”
Kite made a face. “That moron? I will die of suffocation if I am near such an airhead.”
Cheat almost laughed in relief, but he stopped himself. Then cursed himself for feeling this way.
Then Kite got back on him. “How about that shapely cheerleader of the Snakes? Bianca? It is very obvious she likes you.”
Cheat shook his head. “I do not like that kind of girl.”
That was the last of their conversation. They did not talk until Sleigh and Cane came back.
But two are with them.
Nicky and Bianca.
Cheat and Kite were both astounded. Bianca immediately went near Cheat and flirted with him, while Nicky played the attentive suitor.
Sleigh, though reluctant, invited the two for lunch. While Cane and Kite cook, Nicky kept babbling about many topics. Cheat learned from the whispers of Sleigh that the Snakes are staying at a cottage nearby. One teammate’s father owned that cottage so coincidentally, they are staying at The Haven.
Cheat is already irritated by Nicky’s arrogance. The guy even invited Kite to stay with them since the cottage is very big and with air conditioner.
Cheat sighed a relief when Kite politely turned down the offer. Sleigh saw his reaction. Sleigh smiled.
After lunch, Nicky invited Kite to go with Bianca and him. Bianca invited Cheat, but he refused politely. Kite agreed because Nicky is a star player and he is the captain of their team. Knowing the captain makes life easy for reporters.
Cheat followed them with his gaze.
It is already afternoon and Nicky is still not planning to bring Kite back. He asked her to stay for a little while, but Kite refused because it will be dark soon.
And she does not want to walk with Nicky in the dark.
But Nicky refused.
“I’ll just tell you the direction.”
Kite almost slapped him. He might have realized that Kite will not ride with his show-off tactic, so he will just let her find her way back. The other cheerleaders snickered as Kite started walking away.
She is cursing because of her anger. In her frustration, she got lost. She doesn’t know where she is already.
“Anak ng--- mapapatay ko talaga yang Nicky na yan!” she shouted loudly. She could not contact her companions because she left her phone, though not deliberate, in the cottage.
“Maybe if I’ll follow the path way, I’ll get there,” she assured herself although she is really feeling scared.
And she’s wrong. She ended up in the part of the Haven that seemed like the deepest parts of the wood. She felt like crying, though she stopped herself. She is already tired and rested under a tree.
Meanwhile, Sleigh was not able to stop Cheat from going to the Snakes’ cottage. Cane is already crying with worry. Sleigh left her in their cottage since it is already dark.
And Cheat. He has never seen Cheat this serious.
They arrived at the cottage. Cheat knocked on the door. Bianca answered it.
She smiled when she saw who it was, but Cheat cut her words.
“Where’s Nicky?”
“I… uh--”
Before she can answer, Cheat went past her. Sleigh followed quietly. He is also feeling very angry now. His girlfriend is crying with worry, and even though he and Kite always fight, Kite is still a close friend and she is a girl.
Nicky is proposing a toast when Cheat entered the room. Before anyone can react, cheat is in front of him, holding the front of his shirt.
“Where is Kite?” he asked, his voice sounding dangerously low.
“Pare, easy,” Nicky said, smiling. “Kanina pa siya bumalik. Right, guys?” he asked his teammates and the cheerleaders. They all nodded and murmured their agreement.
Bianca, thinking Cheat will listen to her, added her explanation. “She went back because she is already bored.”
“And you did not even bother to bring her back?” Sleigh demanded.
“She’s old enough to know her direction, Sleigh,” Nicky answered, grinning.
Then he fell on the floor. Cheat gave him a hard shove. Sleigh not even bothering to stop Cheat.
“If anything happens to Kite… ”
He wasn’t able to finish his sentence. He went out of the cottage. Sleigh followed him.
“Go back. It is already dark. Cane has no companion. I will look for her,” Cheat addressed Sleigh. “Kite must have mixed the directions. I-I can find her.”
Sleigh reluctantly nodded. “Bring this flashlight.”
Cheat got it from him. “Tell Cane don’t worry. I will not go back without her.”
“I will.”
Sleigh went on his way and Cheat continued with his search.
And he saw her. She was just near the place where he and Sleigh separated.
She is sleeping under a lanzones tree.
Cheat breathed a sigh of relief. He went near her.
“Kite… Kite, wake up… Kite…”
Kite stirred. She slowly opened her eyes.
“Kite… it’s Cheat… are you okay?”
Kite did not answer. She looked at him. She is still sleepy and her body’s feeling stiff.
Then recognition hit her. She smiled a relief. “Cheat.” She hugged him. He was surprised. Kite hugged him tighter. “Cheat… I am so glad…” then she found herself crying and laughing because of relief. Cheat just embraced her.
After awhile, all he said was: “Let’s go. Cane is very worried.”
Kite nodded. Cheat helped her stand up. “Can you walk?”
Kite nodded. “Yes.”
Cheat helped her. Not one of them uttered a word.
Cane cried in relief when she saw her friend. Sleigh grinned. Cheat’s expression is unreadable and he is quiet.
While Cane is helping Kite change, Sleigh asked Cheat what is bothering him.
“That Nicky, if anything bad happened to Kite…”
Instead of frowning or something, Sleigh smiled. “You like her now, don’t you?”
“What?!” Cheat reddened in the face. “No!”
“You never get red in the face, Explosion,” Sleigh answered playfully. He stopped teasing him when Cane and Kite appeared.
Kite smiled to herself. There is no doubt about it. Cheat is really handsome. He has changed into a white shirt and white jersey shorts and had on a black hooded jacket.
Sleigh went near Cane and offered his hands. “Baby, ready for a swim?”
“A swim?!” Cane asked her boyfriend incredulously. “At this time of the night?”
Sleigh nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I asked uncle to put a light so all we have to do is switch it and voila! Sige na, Baby!”
Cane looked at him doubtfully. “The water can be cold…”
“Nah…”
Cane answered him irritatingly. “Fine!” But she took Sleigh’s outstretched hands. Sleigh scooped her into his arms and carried her down the slope and into the river.
Cheat and Kite can hear the splash of water. They both know that the lovebirds are probably chasing each other in the water.
They turned their attention to each other. Kite smiled at him. Cheat smiled back. “Okay now, Kite?”
She nodded as she made herself a cup of coffee. “Coffee?”
Cheat shook his head. “Am not really a coffee enthusiast.”
She smiled. “And I am… can’t live without it.” She turned her attention to the food. She started to look for something light to eat. Cheat looked at her.
“Kite?”
“Hmmm?”
“Care for a walk?”
Kite looked at him. “Why not?” Cheat offered her his hand and she took it.
“Saan?”
“Actually, just in that shed.”
He was referring to the open shed they had sat at this morning. Kite laughed. “Ang romantic naman ng choice mo.”
He laughed too. It is the first time he had laughed a lot. This whole day.
They sat side by side.
“Thanks again, Cheat,” Kite said, sipping her coffee. “It’s the second time you had saved me.” She looked up at his serious face. He looked so handsome, she reddened in the face.
“O, any problem?”
“Ang gwapo mo kasi, namumula ako.”
Cheat was amused. “Really? My number one critic finds me handsome?”
“Bakit, totoo naman, e. Hindi naman porke’t palagi tayong nag-aaway, hindi ko na aamining gwapo ka.” She sipped her coffee again.
A gush of wind passed. Kite stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“Just getting my jacket. It’s already cold. I am shivering.”
Cheat took in her white polo shirt and maroon shorts. “You’ll really get cold wearing that.” Kite glared at him. “Anyway, Kite, stay here.” He pulled her back down. “I’ll just lend you my jacket.”
“No! It’s cold. I will just get my---”
“Well… I’ll spare you a hundred and fifty feet if you’ll just stay here.” Cheat looked at her. “Uh… okay… do you mind a human jacket?”
Kite looked at him seriously. “What do you mean?”
“I… uh… I’ll be your jacket.”
Kite panicked! She doesn’t know how she will react if her body made contact with his. “Uh..wwwelll….”
“Come on… don’t worry, I am not making a habit of this.”
Kite sighed. “Okay then.” She moved towards Cheat. Cheat put his arms around her.
“Feeling warmer?”
Kite nodded. It felt so comfortable to be in his arms that she just found herself circling her arms around his waist. “Nice arms, Cheat.”
Cheat laughed. “You’ll pay for it. Stop making me the headline.”
Kite looked up at him. Cheat met her gaze. “Well, Kite… you… uh…”
They seemed too drawn to one another.
“This is a mistake.”
“I know, Cheat.”
But Cheat leaned forward and he put his lips on hers.
Ooooo ----- ooooO
“Oh my God, Baby.” Cane grasped Sleigh’s hand as she saw Cheat and Kite walking back towards them, holding each other’s hands. They had just come back from their swim and Sleigh had just put Cane down, when they noticed their two companions.
Sleigh was not able to answer. His jaw had dropped open. Cane had to laugh when she saw her boyfriend’s facial expression.
“Push that up, Baby ko,” she joked as she pushed Sleigh’s jaw upward.
Sleigh went back to his senses. “I can’t believe this. I really can’t believe this.”
“Believe, what?”
Cheat. He and Kite sat at the wooden bench. Kite was looking at their entwined hands as if she couldn’t believe it was their hands enveloped like that. Cane laughed silently.
Cheat on the other hand was shoving his hair with his free hand.
Sleigh carried the other wooden chair, set it in front of where Cheat and Kite sat, and sat there. “What exactly is that?” he asked, pointing to their entwined hands. Kite avoided Sleigh’s eyes and looked down. Cheat looked at his teammate straight in the eyes.
“I’m holding Kite’s hands. Is there anything wrong with that?” he asked casually. Cane sat beside Sleigh, wearing a smile.
“Actually, Cheat, there isn’t anything wrong with it. If it is what we think it is, then I am happy for you two.” Cane grinned at Cheat first and then at Kite. Kite glared at her. Cheat nodded then he stood up.
“Where are you going? Tell us what happened!” Sleigh asked with a desperate tone in his voice.
Cheat shrugged. He released his hold on Kite and removed his jacket and shirt.
“I’m taking a midnight swim.” Cheat ran towards the river. Sleigh immediately removed his shirt to run after Cheat.
“Hey, Cheat!” he called after the retreating back of his teammate, then turned towards his girlfriend. Sleigh gave Cane a long smack. “I’ll be back, Baby!” he said after and then ran after Cheat. The girls heard a splash in the river.
Cane turned towards Kite. “What happened?” She was smiling, which made Kite smile too.
“I don’t know exactly how, but I’ll try to explain.”
Ooooo ----- ooooO
“I don’t know what happened, but I’m sure this will cause quite a stir in the campus, Baby,” Sleigh said as he looked back at Cheat, who was carrying Kite on his back. They are crossing the muddy part of the river again as they are about to go home. Sleigh was carrying Cane on his back.
“Aren’t you happy for them? Stop being grumpy,” Cane said mockingly. She lightly bit Sleigh’s ears. Sleigh almost dropped her.
“Baby ko!”
Cane laughed. “I’m sorry. I just can’t resist. You smell so good.”
“I know.”
And they both laughed.
Cheat was shaking his head as he watched Sleigh and Cane--- the perfectly sweet couple.
“You’re against the romantic type?” Kite whispered in Cheat’s ears.
“Not really. It’s just that… Kite, you don’t expect us to be like them… do you?”
Kite tightened her hold on his neck. “Nope. I don’t expect you to be like Sleigh. It wouldn’t be the same you if you will be like him--- not that I’m against someone being romantic, it’s just that I… I liked you because you are like that.”
Cheat smiled, though Kite couldn’t see it. “I don’t expect you to be as sweet as Cane either. Don’t worry.”
Kite laughed.
“Uh… Kite?”
“Yeah?”
Cheat took a deep breath before he said it.
“I love you.”
Kite was so surprised that she had jumped, which caused her and Cheat to fall into the muddy river.
Cheat had never said that last night even though they shared a kiss and they already acted as a couple.
And it felt so good to the ears.
Though that surely caught her off-guard.
Ooooo ----- ooooO
Sleigh was laughing very hard. He glanced at Cheat and Kite through the rearview mirror.
“Baby ko, shut up.” Cane is trying to stop Sleigh from laughing. A while ago, Sleigh was worried when he and Cane saw the two fell into the river, but when he knew why, he hasn’t stopped laughing.
Cheat was drying his hair with a towel. He was looking out the van window. Kite on the other hand was glaring at Sleigh.
“If you won’t stop laughing in ten seconds, I swear Sleigh you’d never want to appear into our school paper again,” Kite threatened.
Sleigh shut his mouth, but there were still tears in his eyes. Cane glared at her boyfriend then opened the radio so as to distract him.
It worked. Sleigh had started singing with the songs on the radio.
Cheat was still looking outside the window. Kite frowned. She turned her gaze away from him and leaned on the back seat. Kite closed her eyes.
Then she felt a hand hold hers. She opened her eyes and looked up. She met Cheat’s eyes. He was serious, but there was a thoughtful look on his face. Kite smiled a little and moved towards him. Cheat put his arms around Kite and let her rest on his arms.
Both of them fell asleep.
Sleigh noticed it. He caught Cane’s eyes. He shrugged, then smiled. Cane smiled at him.
"Nainggit naman ako, Baby ko." Sleigh pouted, which made Cane slap him playfully on his handsome face. "I never expected it will be Cheat who will make me feel very envious. I mean--- the hell? Cheat? I even began to think that he doesn't have feelings like the rest of us human beings."
"You're exaggerating, Baby ko. Will you just please concentrate on your driving?"
"Fine. Kiss muna?" Sleigh asked, smiling. Cane couldn't resist so she gave him a quick smack.
"Short, but acceptable," Sleigh said, shaking his head. Cane had to laugh again.
They finally arrived at the river where they will spend the weekends to relax. It is almost time for lunch. “The haven”, as what the locals call it, is a favorite vacation spot especially during summer. The fact that it is free, it is also one of those very few nature reserve spot left.
Cane smiled at her boyfriend. “You are like little child, Baby.”
Sleigh grinned. “At least one of us has enough excitement to last this weekend.” He looked at the rearview mirror. Their two companions looked so serious that it looked like they are going to do a school project instead of relaxing.
Kite heard Sleigh’s comment, but she did not retort back. She is feeling really uncomfortable since the beginning of this trip. She is seated beside Cheat, of all people, at the back of Sleigh’s van. The two of them are seated at the opposite sides of the van as if there is a big ravine between them. While Sleigh and Cane were singing, talking, and making fun of each other during the two-hour trip, she and Cheat hadn’t uttered a single word to each other.
Kite took a deep breath. She arranged her things. Sleigh got off the van and started unloading their supplies from the back. Cheat followed his teammate to help him. Cane took the opportunity to talk to Kite.
“Are you okay, Kite?” she whispered since Sleigh had just opened the back of the van. Kite looked at her and nodded.
“Sure.”
“No, you are not.”
“I am.”
Kite got off the van. Cane followed her, shaking her head.
They had to look for their own part of the river because it is where their cottage is located. Sleigh’s uncle owned that part of the property so they will have a cottage all for themselves.
Sleigh and Cane are heading the way, chatting nonstop until they came into the part where they have to cross the river to get to the other side. It was just ankle deep, but this part of the river was muddy.
Sleigh carried Cane on his back while balancing their bags and their container for food.
“Cheat, you can carry Kite. She can’t possibly cross this without slipping,” Sleigh shouted in front.
“No way!” Kite said almost immediately. Cheat did not say anything as Kite started to go down the muddy slope, trying to balance herself. She sighed almost gratefully as she reached the bottom. She just has to cross the river now. Taking the cue from Sleigh who was already at the middle of crossing the river, she stepped on the water.
But she didn’t notice a coconut husk in the water and she stepped onto it. And before she can even scream, she felt her feet slide…
But a pair of strong arms prevented her from falling face first into the muddy water.
It was indeed Cheat. He was holding her arms. “Will you forget your pride first and just let me help you through?”
His voice was accusing. Kite reddened. “Okay.”
Cheat nodded and asked her to climb onto his back. He’ll carry her through. Sleigh and Cane are already near the other side.
Kite buried her face on Cheat’s neck. Cheat felt it. He smiled to himself.
Overflowing pride. She is even scared of crossing it.
When they reached the other side, he gently brought her down. She said thank you with her head bowed low and went ahead of him.
He frowned. This is going to be one hell of a weekend.
He wondered again how Sleigh had talked him into joining them this weekend.
The hut was very nice. It even has a living room and a patio. The bedroom is leveled three feet from the ground. The kitchen is outside the hut; into the open. There is a restroom also outside the hut.
The only problem is with the bedroom. The bedroom has no bed and they have to sleep on the floor. It was a good thing they brought blankets and mattresses.
They. They really all have to sleep in the bedroom unless they want chickens to be the ones to wake them up in the morning if they sleep into the living room.
This made Kite nervous so she went out of the hut to enjoy the view first. She didn’t notice that Cheat followed her with his gaze.
It was breathtakingly beautiful. This part of the property was different from those they had passed. This part of the river is full of different types of plants and flowers. The water here is deeper since the owner made a sort of pool by blocking the flow of the water using big rocks. These prevented the flow of water, which made that part of the river deeper. The water here is also very clear… transparently clear.
She saw a small open shed in front of the hut and went there. She sat on a rock seat and got her notebook from her small satchel. She started describing the place because she might use this as a setting in one of her stories.
Cheat caught her attention. He changed from his blue shirt and white shorts into a black pair and slippers. He is talking to Sleigh about something.
Then she saw him laughed. She felt her breath catch.
His face lights up when he smiles. It’s as if the real Cheat never existed.
Shit.
“Ang gwapo no?”
She dropped her notebook in surprise. Cane grinned at her, picked up her notebook, and handed it back to her. Kite took it from her with dagger eyes. Cane just smiled and sat beside her.
“Aminin mo na, Kite. He’s really handsome. Lalo na kapag ngumingiti. Minsan lang ngumiti yan, paano pa kung palagi?”
“Pakialam ko?”
Cane mockingly glared at her. “Aminin mo na. Nakatulala ka kaya kanina!”
Kite looked at her friend reluctantly. “R-really?”
Cane nodded. “Yes. It was as if you were caught up in a trance.”
“E kasi--” Kite started, she was red in the face already. “N-nagulat lang ako… kasi ngayon ko lang siya nakitang tumawa.”
“Aminin mo na kasi na… gusto mo siya,” Cane said carefully. She looked at Kite’s reaction. She was surprised when instead of getting angry, Kite nodded.
“Well… you are my closest friend. Yes, I think I am beginning to like him.”
“I thought so,” Cane smiled. “I know you ever since, Kite. You always end up captivated by guys who are a challenge to you. Cheat is more than a challenge. He is a super challenge!”
Kite nodded. “I didn’t mean to like him. You always know we end up in trash talks since our tempers always flare up whenever we are talking to each other, which is inevitable I think. But then---”
“I can understand you even though I do not now how to explain it. I felt that way with Sleigh. Remember, I used to have a big crush on him. I always found myself acting awkward in front of him whenever they come into the house. I always reprimand myself because I am not a careless person, but in front of him I become one!” Cane smiled in the direction of her boyfriend. “I thought that made me a candidate for Ms. Turn Off to him, but then it turned out I was different from the other girls who are always around him so I caught his eye.”
She looked at Kite. “You cannot tell. Maybe you have caught Cheat’s eyes.”
Kite laughed at the thought. “That’s funny. It is impossible. Isa pa, I’ll get over this. Crush ko lang siya siguro. Gwapo naman kasi, pero hanggang dun lang.”
Kite stopped laughing when she saw Cheat coming towards them. He was back to the old Cheat. His face is serious, but nevertheless… still handsome.
Cane smiled at him. “Any problem, Cheat?”
“None,” he answered seriously. He pointed towards Sleigh, who was carrying an axe. “Sleigh asked if you can accompany him to get some stray woods. Hindi kasi pwedeng pareho kaming lalaki na iwan kayo dito, e.”
“Hmm… oo nga naman. Anyway, di naman ako pagbubuhatin nun, e.” Cane smiled at the two, who are both avoiding her gaze and went towards her boyfriend.
Sleigh took Cane’s hands, waved at the two and they went on their way.
Cheat sat beside Kite. They are silent for a while. Kite said it before she can stop herself.
“Cheat, may girlfriend ka na ba?”
Idiot. Very stupid, Kite. She cursed herself. Cheat on the other hand looked very surprised.
“Why do you ask?”
“Uh… well… I… I just can’t seem to see her. I mean, really… you guys are celebrities. It’s impossible that news won’t circulate about… your GF,” Kite answered while trying to keep a straight face.
Cheat looked at her. “Wanting to get the first scoop about my girlfriend? Ms. Reporter?”
Kite reddened in the face and got defensive. “I do not want! I was just asking.”
Cheat looked content in her reactions. He shrugged. “I do not know if she can be considered my girlfriend. You know Arlene? From the College of Business Administration?”
Kite swallowed and nodded. Arlene is the most popular girl in that college. She is tall, smart, fair-skinned, pretty, and filthy rich. “Yes. I know her.”
Cheat nodded and did not elaborate more on his relationship with Arlene.
Kite kept quiet. She really felt jealous. Cheat noticed her sudden quietness. He wanted to ask her something too. He tried to be passive. In reality, he can’t understand why he is feeling nervous about what he can hear as an answer when he asked Kite the question.
He drew a deep breath quietly.
“H-how about you… anyone who got blinded?”
Kite glared at him. “No one.”
“Really? How about Nicky? That player from the Green Snakes basketball team?”
Kite made a face. “That moron? I will die of suffocation if I am near such an airhead.”
Cheat almost laughed in relief, but he stopped himself. Then cursed himself for feeling this way.
Then Kite got back on him. “How about that shapely cheerleader of the Snakes? Bianca? It is very obvious she likes you.”
Cheat shook his head. “I do not like that kind of girl.”
That was the last of their conversation. They did not talk until Sleigh and Cane came back.
But two are with them.
Nicky and Bianca.
Cheat and Kite were both astounded. Bianca immediately went near Cheat and flirted with him, while Nicky played the attentive suitor.
Sleigh, though reluctant, invited the two for lunch. While Cane and Kite cook, Nicky kept babbling about many topics. Cheat learned from the whispers of Sleigh that the Snakes are staying at a cottage nearby. One teammate’s father owned that cottage so coincidentally, they are staying at The Haven.
Cheat is already irritated by Nicky’s arrogance. The guy even invited Kite to stay with them since the cottage is very big and with air conditioner.
Cheat sighed a relief when Kite politely turned down the offer. Sleigh saw his reaction. Sleigh smiled.
After lunch, Nicky invited Kite to go with Bianca and him. Bianca invited Cheat, but he refused politely. Kite agreed because Nicky is a star player and he is the captain of their team. Knowing the captain makes life easy for reporters.
Cheat followed them with his gaze.
It is already afternoon and Nicky is still not planning to bring Kite back. He asked her to stay for a little while, but Kite refused because it will be dark soon.
And she does not want to walk with Nicky in the dark.
But Nicky refused.
“I’ll just tell you the direction.”
Kite almost slapped him. He might have realized that Kite will not ride with his show-off tactic, so he will just let her find her way back. The other cheerleaders snickered as Kite started walking away.
She is cursing because of her anger. In her frustration, she got lost. She doesn’t know where she is already.
“Anak ng--- mapapatay ko talaga yang Nicky na yan!” she shouted loudly. She could not contact her companions because she left her phone, though not deliberate, in the cottage.
“Maybe if I’ll follow the path way, I’ll get there,” she assured herself although she is really feeling scared.
And she’s wrong. She ended up in the part of the Haven that seemed like the deepest parts of the wood. She felt like crying, though she stopped herself. She is already tired and rested under a tree.
Meanwhile, Sleigh was not able to stop Cheat from going to the Snakes’ cottage. Cane is already crying with worry. Sleigh left her in their cottage since it is already dark.
And Cheat. He has never seen Cheat this serious.
They arrived at the cottage. Cheat knocked on the door. Bianca answered it.
She smiled when she saw who it was, but Cheat cut her words.
“Where’s Nicky?”
“I… uh--”
Before she can answer, Cheat went past her. Sleigh followed quietly. He is also feeling very angry now. His girlfriend is crying with worry, and even though he and Kite always fight, Kite is still a close friend and she is a girl.
Nicky is proposing a toast when Cheat entered the room. Before anyone can react, cheat is in front of him, holding the front of his shirt.
“Where is Kite?” he asked, his voice sounding dangerously low.
“Pare, easy,” Nicky said, smiling. “Kanina pa siya bumalik. Right, guys?” he asked his teammates and the cheerleaders. They all nodded and murmured their agreement.
Bianca, thinking Cheat will listen to her, added her explanation. “She went back because she is already bored.”
“And you did not even bother to bring her back?” Sleigh demanded.
“She’s old enough to know her direction, Sleigh,” Nicky answered, grinning.
Then he fell on the floor. Cheat gave him a hard shove. Sleigh not even bothering to stop Cheat.
“If anything happens to Kite… ”
He wasn’t able to finish his sentence. He went out of the cottage. Sleigh followed him.
“Go back. It is already dark. Cane has no companion. I will look for her,” Cheat addressed Sleigh. “Kite must have mixed the directions. I-I can find her.”
Sleigh reluctantly nodded. “Bring this flashlight.”
Cheat got it from him. “Tell Cane don’t worry. I will not go back without her.”
“I will.”
Sleigh went on his way and Cheat continued with his search.
And he saw her. She was just near the place where he and Sleigh separated.
She is sleeping under a lanzones tree.
Cheat breathed a sigh of relief. He went near her.
“Kite… Kite, wake up… Kite…”
Kite stirred. She slowly opened her eyes.
“Kite… it’s Cheat… are you okay?”
Kite did not answer. She looked at him. She is still sleepy and her body’s feeling stiff.
Then recognition hit her. She smiled a relief. “Cheat.” She hugged him. He was surprised. Kite hugged him tighter. “Cheat… I am so glad…” then she found herself crying and laughing because of relief. Cheat just embraced her.
After awhile, all he said was: “Let’s go. Cane is very worried.”
Kite nodded. Cheat helped her stand up. “Can you walk?”
Kite nodded. “Yes.”
Cheat helped her. Not one of them uttered a word.
Cane cried in relief when she saw her friend. Sleigh grinned. Cheat’s expression is unreadable and he is quiet.
While Cane is helping Kite change, Sleigh asked Cheat what is bothering him.
“That Nicky, if anything bad happened to Kite…”
Instead of frowning or something, Sleigh smiled. “You like her now, don’t you?”
“What?!” Cheat reddened in the face. “No!”
“You never get red in the face, Explosion,” Sleigh answered playfully. He stopped teasing him when Cane and Kite appeared.
Kite smiled to herself. There is no doubt about it. Cheat is really handsome. He has changed into a white shirt and white jersey shorts and had on a black hooded jacket.
Sleigh went near Cane and offered his hands. “Baby, ready for a swim?”
“A swim?!” Cane asked her boyfriend incredulously. “At this time of the night?”
Sleigh nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I asked uncle to put a light so all we have to do is switch it and voila! Sige na, Baby!”
Cane looked at him doubtfully. “The water can be cold…”
“Nah…”
Cane answered him irritatingly. “Fine!” But she took Sleigh’s outstretched hands. Sleigh scooped her into his arms and carried her down the slope and into the river.
Cheat and Kite can hear the splash of water. They both know that the lovebirds are probably chasing each other in the water.
They turned their attention to each other. Kite smiled at him. Cheat smiled back. “Okay now, Kite?”
She nodded as she made herself a cup of coffee. “Coffee?”
Cheat shook his head. “Am not really a coffee enthusiast.”
She smiled. “And I am… can’t live without it.” She turned her attention to the food. She started to look for something light to eat. Cheat looked at her.
“Kite?”
“Hmmm?”
“Care for a walk?”
Kite looked at him. “Why not?” Cheat offered her his hand and she took it.
“Saan?”
“Actually, just in that shed.”
He was referring to the open shed they had sat at this morning. Kite laughed. “Ang romantic naman ng choice mo.”
He laughed too. It is the first time he had laughed a lot. This whole day.
They sat side by side.
“Thanks again, Cheat,” Kite said, sipping her coffee. “It’s the second time you had saved me.” She looked up at his serious face. He looked so handsome, she reddened in the face.
“O, any problem?”
“Ang gwapo mo kasi, namumula ako.”
Cheat was amused. “Really? My number one critic finds me handsome?”
“Bakit, totoo naman, e. Hindi naman porke’t palagi tayong nag-aaway, hindi ko na aamining gwapo ka.” She sipped her coffee again.
A gush of wind passed. Kite stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“Just getting my jacket. It’s already cold. I am shivering.”
Cheat took in her white polo shirt and maroon shorts. “You’ll really get cold wearing that.” Kite glared at him. “Anyway, Kite, stay here.” He pulled her back down. “I’ll just lend you my jacket.”
“No! It’s cold. I will just get my---”
“Well… I’ll spare you a hundred and fifty feet if you’ll just stay here.” Cheat looked at her. “Uh… okay… do you mind a human jacket?”
Kite looked at him seriously. “What do you mean?”
“I… uh… I’ll be your jacket.”
Kite panicked! She doesn’t know how she will react if her body made contact with his. “Uh..wwwelll….”
“Come on… don’t worry, I am not making a habit of this.”
Kite sighed. “Okay then.” She moved towards Cheat. Cheat put his arms around her.
“Feeling warmer?”
Kite nodded. It felt so comfortable to be in his arms that she just found herself circling her arms around his waist. “Nice arms, Cheat.”
Cheat laughed. “You’ll pay for it. Stop making me the headline.”
Kite looked up at him. Cheat met her gaze. “Well, Kite… you… uh…”
They seemed too drawn to one another.
“This is a mistake.”
“I know, Cheat.”
But Cheat leaned forward and he put his lips on hers.
Ooooo ----- ooooO
“Oh my God, Baby.” Cane grasped Sleigh’s hand as she saw Cheat and Kite walking back towards them, holding each other’s hands. They had just come back from their swim and Sleigh had just put Cane down, when they noticed their two companions.
Sleigh was not able to answer. His jaw had dropped open. Cane had to laugh when she saw her boyfriend’s facial expression.
“Push that up, Baby ko,” she joked as she pushed Sleigh’s jaw upward.
Sleigh went back to his senses. “I can’t believe this. I really can’t believe this.”
“Believe, what?”
Cheat. He and Kite sat at the wooden bench. Kite was looking at their entwined hands as if she couldn’t believe it was their hands enveloped like that. Cane laughed silently.
Cheat on the other hand was shoving his hair with his free hand.
Sleigh carried the other wooden chair, set it in front of where Cheat and Kite sat, and sat there. “What exactly is that?” he asked, pointing to their entwined hands. Kite avoided Sleigh’s eyes and looked down. Cheat looked at his teammate straight in the eyes.
“I’m holding Kite’s hands. Is there anything wrong with that?” he asked casually. Cane sat beside Sleigh, wearing a smile.
“Actually, Cheat, there isn’t anything wrong with it. If it is what we think it is, then I am happy for you two.” Cane grinned at Cheat first and then at Kite. Kite glared at her. Cheat nodded then he stood up.
“Where are you going? Tell us what happened!” Sleigh asked with a desperate tone in his voice.
Cheat shrugged. He released his hold on Kite and removed his jacket and shirt.
“I’m taking a midnight swim.” Cheat ran towards the river. Sleigh immediately removed his shirt to run after Cheat.
“Hey, Cheat!” he called after the retreating back of his teammate, then turned towards his girlfriend. Sleigh gave Cane a long smack. “I’ll be back, Baby!” he said after and then ran after Cheat. The girls heard a splash in the river.
Cane turned towards Kite. “What happened?” She was smiling, which made Kite smile too.
“I don’t know exactly how, but I’ll try to explain.”
Ooooo ----- ooooO
“I don’t know what happened, but I’m sure this will cause quite a stir in the campus, Baby,” Sleigh said as he looked back at Cheat, who was carrying Kite on his back. They are crossing the muddy part of the river again as they are about to go home. Sleigh was carrying Cane on his back.
“Aren’t you happy for them? Stop being grumpy,” Cane said mockingly. She lightly bit Sleigh’s ears. Sleigh almost dropped her.
“Baby ko!”
Cane laughed. “I’m sorry. I just can’t resist. You smell so good.”
“I know.”
And they both laughed.
Cheat was shaking his head as he watched Sleigh and Cane--- the perfectly sweet couple.
“You’re against the romantic type?” Kite whispered in Cheat’s ears.
“Not really. It’s just that… Kite, you don’t expect us to be like them… do you?”
Kite tightened her hold on his neck. “Nope. I don’t expect you to be like Sleigh. It wouldn’t be the same you if you will be like him--- not that I’m against someone being romantic, it’s just that I… I liked you because you are like that.”
Cheat smiled, though Kite couldn’t see it. “I don’t expect you to be as sweet as Cane either. Don’t worry.”
Kite laughed.
“Uh… Kite?”
“Yeah?”
Cheat took a deep breath before he said it.
“I love you.”
Kite was so surprised that she had jumped, which caused her and Cheat to fall into the muddy river.
Cheat had never said that last night even though they shared a kiss and they already acted as a couple.
And it felt so good to the ears.
Though that surely caught her off-guard.
Ooooo ----- ooooO
Sleigh was laughing very hard. He glanced at Cheat and Kite through the rearview mirror.
“Baby ko, shut up.” Cane is trying to stop Sleigh from laughing. A while ago, Sleigh was worried when he and Cane saw the two fell into the river, but when he knew why, he hasn’t stopped laughing.
Cheat was drying his hair with a towel. He was looking out the van window. Kite on the other hand was glaring at Sleigh.
“If you won’t stop laughing in ten seconds, I swear Sleigh you’d never want to appear into our school paper again,” Kite threatened.
Sleigh shut his mouth, but there were still tears in his eyes. Cane glared at her boyfriend then opened the radio so as to distract him.
It worked. Sleigh had started singing with the songs on the radio.
Cheat was still looking outside the window. Kite frowned. She turned her gaze away from him and leaned on the back seat. Kite closed her eyes.
Then she felt a hand hold hers. She opened her eyes and looked up. She met Cheat’s eyes. He was serious, but there was a thoughtful look on his face. Kite smiled a little and moved towards him. Cheat put his arms around Kite and let her rest on his arms.
Both of them fell asleep.
Sleigh noticed it. He caught Cane’s eyes. He shrugged, then smiled. Cane smiled at him.
"Nainggit naman ako, Baby ko." Sleigh pouted, which made Cane slap him playfully on his handsome face. "I never expected it will be Cheat who will make me feel very envious. I mean--- the hell? Cheat? I even began to think that he doesn't have feelings like the rest of us human beings."
"You're exaggerating, Baby ko. Will you just please concentrate on your driving?"
"Fine. Kiss muna?" Sleigh asked, smiling. Cane couldn't resist so she gave him a quick smack.
"Short, but acceptable," Sleigh said, shaking his head. Cane had to laugh again.
Comments