Chapter 3

For a moment, D'Andre's having second thoughts if he will reply or not. He felt a swell of conflicting emotions, but memories of the woman, Maiari is on top of his heart right now though Taylor is a part of his past, a relationship that he had once back when he was searching and exploring for the better and for the sake of feeding curiosity.

“Taylor, we already broke up. There's nothing to talk about.”

The message, short yet potent, hung in the air like a declaration of independence. As he tapped the send button, a blend of emotions poured over him, closure and newfound clarity. The past, while still holding a piece in his heart, neither affectionate nor held him captive.

In that moment, as the silver moon shined the room, D'Andre's journey of self-discovery and embracing his ghost, made him fall into a sound sleep.

Time flies, the next morning comes, as the final days of summer slipped through their hands, D'Andre and Maiari did not let go of the magic they've already made in each other's company.

That kiss is really something. The realization of D'Andre's departure is hanging in the air like a bittersweet ending of a novel, urging them to savor every remaining chapter.

On the first day of their fleeting time to be together, they ventured beyond the shoreline, exploring every corner of the busy town that is not too distant from the sea. Hand in hand, they wandered every beautiful place and store, especially those antiques, buying trinkets and souvenirs that would serve as tangible remembrance of their unforgettable summer. Laughter and shared feelings punctuated their day, would forever reside in the depths of their hearts as the etching memories.

The following day, embarking on a new adventure — a camping trip to the mountains. The hiking was lit! With each step they made, they forged a connection that went beyond words, holding each other's hand to secure the safety of each other. Their bond solidified under the watchful gaze of tall trees, beyond words, star-studded skies above their eyes. The crackling campfire became their white noise to whisper confidences of their stolen kisses.

As the final day of summer surprises them, Maiari's one last surprise in her pocket is taking D'Andre and her friends to a hidden gem she only knew. They secretly sneak out and steal their uncle's boat, paddling to a secluded island accessible only by a small boat. The thick and teal fresh waters greeted them, it's so inviting, they almost jumped in. They swam, splashed, and basked in the island's beauty longed to be touched, the sun above painting their skin in tan— a symbol of summer memories.

Amidst shared happiness, D'Andre found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, same as Maiari's. The impending separation of them tugged their hearts.

As the sun began to go down, painting the skies in the shade of gold, D'Andre found themselves sitting by the water's edge, letting their friends drink the last bottles of their beers. D'Andre's fingers intertwined with Maiari's, watching the waves whisper their secret to the very end of the shore.

“It's been an incredible summer,” D'Andre said, there's a glowing gratitude but sadness is more evident.

Maiari smiled, reflections of the hues of the sunset in her eyes. “Yes, it has. But you know, even though the summer is ending, the memories we've made will stay with us forever.”

D'Andre's nod, his eyes locked onto Maiari's. “Yeah.”

The island became dimmed in silvery moonlight, a sail of peace untouched by the cruel world and the ethereal glow of the moon painting their place as their friends, lost in slumber within their tents, sleeping, drunk of alcohol.

As if driven by an invisible energy, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a hot kiss that ignited a spark deep within them. It was a kiss of longing, of their uncharted emotions. Their lips moved perfectly as she traced a path along D'Andre's jaw, her touch is a fire that consumes their strengths. D'Andre's arms encircled her waist, drawing her closer until both of their bodies pressed against each other, it made them breathless.

Their kiss deepened, exploring each other's desires. It was full of intimacy, sensations that left them craving for more. Maiari pulled down the boxer brief of D'Andre while D'Andre's untying Maiari's bra and underwear. D'Andre's manhood inserted to very depth of Maiari's womanhood in a gentle motion. Kissing her neck down to her boobs. Savoring the moment, the world around seemed to fall away.

D'Andre's moan was a hushed whisper, laden with emotions speaking of pleasure. “I've never felt this before, Mai. It's like you're a part of me.”

“Ugh, I feel it too, D'Andre,” said Maiari as he still felt D'Andre's prick thrusting inside her.

THE sunlight peered through the glass window of D'Andre's condominium near his university, it's late in the morning, D'Andre awoke to the stark reality of being back in the city. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, there's a familiar sound and that's the urban life replacing the gentle lull of the rural and the ocean. Sweet smiles curved at his lips, his fingers tracing the edge of a sea shell he had brought back as a souvenir.

Just as he started to adjust, the voice of a familiar person, yes, it was his friend, Castor pierced his ear during the morning haze. “Hey man, you're finally awake! I just got my breakfast at K. Rogers while you're sleeping. How's your summer vacation? Did you fuck lot of chicks from the countryside?”

D'Andre rubbed his eyes and sat up as he raised his middle finger, slapping it to Castor's face. “It was... amazing, Cast. I can't even find the right words to describe it.”

“F*ck you, man!” Castor hit D'Andre's arm. “You've got that freaking dreamy look on your face. Must've been quite, or let's say, a rollercoaster adventure.”

As they exchanged stories and laughter burst out of their mouths, D'Andre felt a fang piercing his heart, longing for the woman he met at the sandy shores of El Nido— Maiari, who made his summer memorable.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Maiari's friends were kind of upset. There's a growing exasperation. “Seriously, Maiari, you didn't even get his phone number?” Marissa exclaimed, throwing her hands up in disbelief.

Maiari shrugged her shoulders, a sheepish grin all over her small face. “I guess it didn't cross my mind, Rissa, you know, we were just kinda caught up in the moment?”

“And now, he's gone! Girl! You're left with nothing but f*cking memories...” Marissa said hysterically.

“And a sea of what-if,” continued Jasmine, shaking her head.

“How are you gonna contact him now? What are you gonna do?” asked Marissa.

Maiari, with her short response, “I don't know, guys.”

While Maiari's mind is wandering her memory with the summer boy, D'Andre is now walking in the university campus of Summerfield. He's back at school.

Just then, a voice sounded around the hallway. “Hey, D'Andre!”

He turned to find Catalina, her smile radiant as the morning sun. Castor, when saw her, he winked at D'Andre, left them to have a talk.

“Hey, babe,” D'Andre greeted Catalina with a tight kiss on the lips.

“How's your summer vacation?” asked Catalina, gently caressing his boyfriend's chest.

D'Andre made his useless excuse. “Sorry, I don't have a signal at the beach.”

“It's okay, babe. I understand. Guess what?” Catalina asked, her smile is contagious. “I found a perfect place here on campus to relax. Wanna see it?”

Curiosity caves in, D'Andre smiled and nodded. “Lead the way, milady.”

Catalina holds the hand of his boyfriend, the hand that's been temporary property of Maiari, “I missed you, babe. Did you enjoy it there?”

D'Andre couldn't help but think of Maiari and then she answered her girlfriend, “I really enjoyed her— I mean... enjoyed it. I... I miss you too, Cat.”

D'Andre in his silence felt a sense of responsibility toward Taylor, yet his heart had been stirred by Maiari's presence and now Catalina's. He couldn't help but wonder where it would lead.