Since today is Raven's last day here with us—well not literally as in we're not gonna see him for a lifetime—because he's gonna fly to New York tomorrow. To make Raven's last day here memorable before his flight, Shaine thought of a brilliant idea. And to her delight, everyone agreed to her, including me and my parents.
So for today, we decided to visit the beach for a picnic. Since it's a bit far from our place, we still have to use our car in order to reach the beach that Shaine recommended. Thank goodness the traffic wasn't that heavy. I became bored being stucked on the car for like almost an hour, but the trip is worth it. We had a good conversation inside the car and those can be added to an album we can title as “for keeps”. Well, sad to say, those conversations were not filmed. No one's vlogging here, is there anyone?
“Actually, I was planning to take Ari and Shaine with me in my way to New York. But I realized they are both busy on their studies, so maybe next time,” Raven said while dad was in the middle of driving. Mom occupied the passenger's seat. Me on the other hand including him and Shaine were seated on the back. There is enough space for the three of us.
“That would be awesome!” Shaine's face lighted. “I'll say yes next time.” Well, there's nothing wrong about going with Raven in New York. Besides, he can be trusted, so we're safe in his side.
“What's the business in New York again?” mom asked while she was scrolling on her phone. It's not actually business, it's more like an event since he'll be attending a debut.
“My cousin's 18th birthday,” Raven replied.
I was busy watching the views outside the window. I love seeing greens so much, specially tall tress and grasses. I'm the type of girl who's more into nature than any other stuffs in the world. Fancy clothes will not make me happy, but greens do.
I also love walking in the sand. Beach is my comfort zone. The fresh air, the water, waves… everything's there that makes my heart happy. I don't care about the scorching sun or how it will going to burn my skin as long my footsteps will be on the sand. It's like a footmark that reminds you that you have to leave a good memory in every stop over that you'll make. Gosh, can't wait.
And we finally arrived to our destination! We got off from the car as we carried our bags. I can now smell the salty sea along with the summer vibes. It's crowded but thank goodness we're still able to find a cottage to rent.
“Take a pose, Shaine.” I grab her wrist and demanded her to look side way as I was trying to take a good photo of her.
That was sudden, huh? Holding a camera is not actually my thing, but today I just acted like a photographer. She's wearing a yellow floral long sleeve crop top paired with denim shorts, and I feel the need to take a shot of her while wearing that.
The wind's perfect to take pictures. It swayed my hair from left to right, making me feel like I'm in a photoshoot. That was great.
After taking more than ten photos of her, we took a groupie. When I scrolled on the photos, I noticed that only Raven and Shaine has the widest grin among the five of us. Of course, I didn't let myself wear the poker face, but my smile is only enough, not as wide as what they've showed.
All smiles for the beach, buddies! This is how we live life.
“Put your bags here and go change your clothes,” mom ordered. That was real quick. Just some seconds after mom told us to change, we came back wearing our bikinis. I was forced by Shaine to wear a two piece red bikini. That was a good transformation from the jeans and fitted shirt I wore earlier. Now, I'm too much exposed. Thanks to you, Shaine. Your forcing skills can really make stubborn people say yes.
“Woah, look at your daughter, tita!” Shaine excitedly said. She took some shots of me and even requested for me to lay on the sand for a more elegant shot. Well, I can't be forced now. I just stand and flashed a smile instead.
I covered my cleavage using my straight and long hair. So awkward for a first timer to walk around the beach in this kind of clothing. I can't do that with such confidence, unlike Shaine who gets the pleasure in wearing sexy clothes.
“You're so hot, just like mommy, sweetie! Oh, look at that body. I'm not wrong for saying you can pass as a beauty queen,” mom remarked, to which dad seconded. Those are compliments, actually. Well, this is my first time to wear a bikini. I'm not used to it and I feel so uncomfortable.
“C'mon, guys. Over here!” Raven waved his hand, calling us. He's wearing a bright blue polo, and he looks so fresh. My eyes blinked as we walked toward him. Is this the effect when you knew that person's gonna be away from you for a couple of days? God, he's not yet leaving, but I already miss him.
“You're so excited to swim!” Shaine shouted. We're still on the shore, but Raven already soaked on the water while holding his waterproof camera. I can sense his obsession on beach. Men, just look how happy he is today. He was the first one who agreed right away after Shaine presented the beach idea to us.
“What are you doing there?” I shot a quick glance on his camera. I just noticed that he's been busy all the time with that stuff on his hand.
“Those fishes are cute. I want to capture them while I'm swimming under the water.” His eyes were gleamed with excitement as he raised his camera. I guess he's good in photography.
“Take care then.” I smiled. He showed me a thumbs up as he dived on the water wearing his goggles.
I took a deep breath and exhaled all the negative thoughts in my mind. Ever since I met this guy, I was always reminded to look on the positive side. He taught me the real essence of happiness. And that is not getting what you wanted because not all things in this world are meant for you, it is more about living your life to the fullest. That's the main reason we're here at the beach today.
“What now, Ari? I can see the shine in your eyes. Oh, looks like you're in love. For those moments that you were with Raven… was there a time that you got attracted to him?” Shaine asked, plastering a teasing smile. She suddenly popped on my side like a hologram. Oh, I swear, this girl—
I went silent for some seconds, thinking about what she just said. Raven's the dream that I regret for losing. He courted me before and that was supposed to be my opportunity. But I rejected him because I was heartbroken that time. Now, I don't think he'll ever court me again. We agreed to be friends by the way.
I admit having feelings for him that I just found out recently. He's a gentleman, you know. He made me feel the love that I never felt before. But I don't think this is the time to tell Shaine about it. C'mon, this day's allotted for us to enjoy. If she'll ask me about my feelings for Raven, then she might be asking too much.
“He's attractive every day and I admit he's good-looking.” I secretly smiled. My friend is a great detector. I need to hide whatever it is that I have to keep at this moment.
“But that's not my question. I'm asking if ever there's any development between the two of you.” She soaked in the water and made a cute face. “Hmm, Ari?”
“You're crazy,” I jested. I know she ain't gonna stop making me confess about my real feelings, but as long as I can hide it then I'll keep it.
The sound of the waves comforts me, fully easing my mind. It's like a melody in my ears. Sexy girls in bikinis poured in the beach like confetti, flaunting the nice curve of their body. Many of us are now enjoying the cold touch of the water, while others were walking on the sea shore, barefoot in the sand.
“Look at the photo, Ari. What can you say about the fishes?” Raven beamed excitedly, letting me see what's on his screen.
“It was taken like a skilled photographer did it,” I commented. In the photo, there were drops of water flashed on the screen while the fishes are slowly moving. That was perfect timing for me because I know I can't do that.
“Photography is my passion.” My mouth formed an o, hearing him say that. That explains why he's always good at managing the camera.
“So, who's gonna join me in surfing?” dad butt in, carrying a not so large surfing board. Me and the girls were the first one to say no since we know nothing about skating.
Raven raised his right hand. “I'm willing, tito.” Dad gave the other surfing board to him. With right permission, they went to the deep part of the sea where the water's level is already enough to go surfing. They can't make it possible in here, so they have to be in the deep.
“Surf well, boys!” mom shouted and showed them a thumbs up. She's always supportive in different ways. I like my mom so much, the nicest mother ever.
“Surfing is a good bond between the father and the future son-in-law. Is that true, tita?” Shaine can't help asking again as we are now watching the two men battling with the waves to make a good surf.
“Of course. It's a nice bond,” mom seconded with a smile. I can read the happiness on her eyes as she was following the two through gazing.
“Then Ari's excited to introduce him as her boyfriend.” Shaine buried her face on the water after she said those. Oh hell, she really wants to tease me.
“We're just friends, mom,” I clarified.
“You don't have to explain, Ari. If you like that guy, then no one's against with it. Besides, I want him for you.”
“But mom, we're only friends—”
“Oh, please. It's your mom talking, girl. She said she wants Raven for you. There's no problem there. You guys are perfect for each other, and everyone's waiting for an official announcement.” Shaine rose from burying her face on the water and is now back in, teasing me.
“Let's not furthermore talk about that matter, you might piss her off,” mom chuckled. Shaine raised both of her hands as her way of agreeing. I only divert my attention on the sky above while waiting for the two to come back.
We're just simple when it comes to bonding and making memories. It doesn't matter whether the place is famous or not, if our clothes are branded, if the foods are expensive. What's more important is the happiness, the vibes. Being social and fancy is not real the definition of joy. It's more about the fun and the way how you enjoyed the moment.
“Time to eat!”
We have grilled pork in sweet and sour sauce, barbecues, fried chicken, sweets, drinks, junk foods, and of course… marshmallows. According to mom, picnics will never be completed without something refreshing, that's why she added fresh buko juice for those who want it. There were also cold soft drinks, perfect answer to our thirst.
“Yummy!” Shaine exclaimed, savoring the food on her mouth. You can really feel the hunger when you just soaked in the water for a long period of time. You'll be driven much to eat as many as you want.
We stayed until evening. Since it's kinda cold here, we decided to make a bonfire to make us feel warm. It was accompanied by a number of songs from Raven. He forgot to bring his guitar, but his voice saved the performance. Then mom told us some horror stories that is terrifying. It gave me goosebumps, and I'm kinda creeped out. Shaine's listening intently while dad's riding it with some jokes.
It was full of laughter and fun. The conversation we had with my family is genuine. It melts my heart that we are able to create this memory before Raven's flight tomorrow. This is worth to be treasured. This moment deserves a good spot in my heart.
All the best for us, I hope…