26: Elise (i)

26: Elise (i)
AFTER A BURP and a sigh, I settled back in my chair with a smile. We had dinner on the balcony of the beach house that evening, at a long table filled with our favorite food cooked by Itay Jess. I was surrounded by soft conversation and laughter, and the smell of barbecue from the grill lingered in the air. The soft music of 2Cellos played from the speakers by the side of the house. The best part, though, was the steady white noise of waves lapping on the beach. I planned to get out there to walk tonight. Maybe I would dip a little, taking care, just so I could feel water on my skin. I was wearing a bikini under my top and shorts.
Right now, I felt so lazy. 
And happy. 
And without a care in the world.
I heard the sound of a chair being pulled and looked up. Inay was standing up with the help of Itay Jess, who pulled her chair away from the table.
“Look, guys. We need to scram.”
Anna was all smiles. “Enjoy!”
“Where are you going?” I asked, puzzled.
My sister's eyes widened at me. “Hello…! Sis, it’s Valentine’s Day! What’s wrong with you? Inay and Itay Dad are going on a date.” Then, it was evident on her face the moment she remembered I had just broken up with my boyfriend. “Aww, sorry.”
“That’s okay. I stayed away from TV and my phone the whole day so I didn’t remember,” I said, smiling at the two. “Enjoy your date. I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day!” And since I was too lazy to stand, they had to come over to kiss me before they left.
And then, Anna and I did the stare game, something that happened whenever there were dirty dishes that needed washing. 
“I’m recovering from an illness.”
“And I just got beaten up.”
“You’ve been away for so long, Ate Elise. It’s only fair that you wash the dishes!” Anna complained.
“Hey, I came home to recover and rest. And now you want me to wash the dishes?!”
We laughed, then both reluctantly stood up like we were carrying a ton of weight and started clearing the table. That’s how Aling Celia found us.
“I got this, oh my. Stop that. Anna, you might have a relapse. Go rest. And Elise, go inside and take your medicine.”
But we didn’t leave until all the dishes were in the drying rack like the night before. Instead of heading to our rooms, Anna and I went down to the beach and walked barefoot after I took my meds, holding our sandals in our hands, and followed by Tootsie. We sat on the sand near the waves, not venturing far from the beach house to avoid straining the pregnant dog who also plopped down beside Anna.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, ate,” Anna said, hugging me. “Don’t worry. It’s also nice to be single again. If you ask me, it’s better than having a boyfriend who just cheats on you. I think.”
“Right. Exactly,” I said, leaning against her, relieved she didn’t know the full details of why I suddenly came home. “I really thought he was okay. How could I be so wrong?”
She giggled at the sarcasm in my voice. “It’s okay. It was your first time. Many people make mistakes in the beginning.” 
“Yeah, as if you know what you’re talking about.”
We laughed louder, then lay down on the sand and gazed at the stars that beautifully littered the dark expanse of the sky.
I felt her glance at me, so I looked at her, too. My sister’s forehead was furrowed, and her face showed confusion and worry. “Do you really have to go back there, ate? You were okay just living here right? Why can't you just stay?”
“Yes, I’m okay here. But I’m an adult and have grown-up responsibilities. You know that.” To my surprise, I saw her eyes slowly fill up with tears. On her other side, Tootsie lifted her head and whimpered. I turned my body towards her, worried. “Anna, why? What's wrong? Are you hurt?”
“I don’t want to see you get beaten up again.”
I slumped back on the beach. I also suddenly felt terrible. “Oh... Anna…” I lay on my stomach, and so did she, leaning on my shoulder while wiping her tears with her hand. I put my arm around her while my other elbow was propped on the sand. On Anna’s other side, Tootsie whimpered again. “There. Even Tootsie is worried about you now.”
Anna reached for the dog and stroked her neck. “I’m sorry, Tootsie.”
“You know, I got outwitted by that bitch because I was naive. Okay? I know better now. It will never happen again. I’ll really fight back next time, I promise.”
“It should never have happened. Why did she even think she could do that to you? I thought people are decent when they’re rich and educated.”
My thoughts, too, in the beginning.