Billionaire's Summer Secret

Bringing out blissful sighs as he stands, curving a small grin on the lips while still in this four-cornered wall gray room with his suitcase open, he can't help but think about how fast the time flew by.

It feels like only yesterday when he was spreading his eyes out, without blinking over travel blogs and forums, trying to look at the perfect place for his summer vacation. All those exhausting nights of searching and browsing the internet have finally paid off, as he has found the ideal place to linger for some damn months away from his father and their crazy hometown (not mentioning their big private business) he doesn't want to manage in the future, but as the only son of the family, no, his father only... for he is unconcerned about the whereabouts of his real mother, as if she was still alive-he doesn't give a damn.

He's content with his father and imagining he has a mother, a strict one probably like Asian moms, most of the time-of course, he wouldn't enjoy his teenage years. If that's the case, he would have wished for a young, wild and free life for the longest time he could live in this f*cking world. Thank God it turned the other way around.

Now, he is excitingly packing his belongings, imagining and creating fake scenarios in his head about all the adventures he will have. He had already pictured himself on the sea waves riding on his surfboard. As he continued daydreaming, he shook his head as if he was having a real-time experience of the sea breeze winding his black wavy hair. For the last time, he rubbed his arm like there was real saltwater on his hairy skin. He also looks forward to meeting new people but still deciding if he will give it a shot, striking up conversations with fellow travelers and locals alike. Perhaps he will even hook up with some cool chicks, sharing laughs and creating memories that will last a lifetime, as he wishes.

As he heedlessly zips up his suitcase, he can feel his excitement overflowing. He can't wait anymore to begin on this new highlight of his life yet he is still clueless of where it will take him.

Just like an everyday routine, he wasn't able to eat breakfast together with his dad on the dining table. It was okay. He just gets two toasts, puts it inside his big mouth, biting as fast as he can. Few seconds, he grabbed the glass full of lemonade then gulped even if he's mouthful.

He saw their maids, winked at them and did not deny a sweet smile just like he used to. He waved at them before he went out the doorway, telling them he was leaving. But he forgot the car key, luckily one of the maids saw that he left it on the top of the table near the glass he used.

Before he even turned his back and made his way to return inside their white mansion, the maid already made her way and was now standing beside him.

"Sir, D'Andre, you forgot your car key."

"Oh, thanks!" D'Andre remarked, smiling again and it spread all over his face.

He turned his back, heard some giggles from the maids and it's a normal thing to happen. He already knows all of them really have a secret crush on him.

He made his way towards the car, putting all of his baggage inside its compartment. Now, he's riding the car as soon as the engine starts. There's a phone call coming from his friend Castor.

"Hey, d*ckhead! What's up?" said D'Andre right after he answered the call.

"Party in my house tonight, you're coming!" said Castor excitedly. He's the guy who likes to party a lot, especially in his house. But that is only possible if both of his parents are gone for the weekend.

"In your dreams," replied D'Andre, focusing on the road and looking straight in the direction, not on the cellphone.

"What the f*ck? Whoa, driving. Are you bailing on me? Where are you going right now?" said Castor after he requested to open the camera so it would be a video call, surprised when he saw his friend driving the car.

"Oh, come on baby Casty, somewhere far from your nuisance," said sarcastically by D'Andre as he gave a short glimpse on the screen of his phone then continued driving.

"Oh, it's your summer vacation now to El Nido," Castor remarked, done making his coffee.

"Well, glad you remembered." D'Andre was not focusing on the screen of his phone as the traffic was getting heavy.

"I'll go there after the party," said Castor right after he sipped the coffee in his cup.

D'Andre disagreed, to his horror he blurted out, "What? You won't do that."

"Oh, I won't." Castor just laughed at him.

"Good."

"Have a fucking safe trip, man! Bye!"

"Sure! Later!" said D'Andre before the call ended, "But there's no later, dude, I'm gonna enjoy my summer vacation." He laughed his ass out, and the excitement was never this evident before.

Many hours have passed before D'Andre finally gets to his destination. He's done checking his room, placing all his stuff inside it.

D'Andre dropped into his cozy room and was instantly welcomed by the luxurious atmosphere. The room was commodious enough for him, with ceilings that he couldn't reach and vintage rectangular-shaped windows that gave all the freedom for the natural light to come in. He still thinks about how good the sunrise and sunset that he would've watched from there. The walls were coated in a calming shade of midnight blue, and it is discernible on the wooden floor the labyrinthine ethnic patterns that were etched into it.

Sleep is the only thing and first popped in D'Andre's mind to do when he saw such comfortable soft mattress. Covered and all dressed in clean white linens that codified the lofty pillows is the king-sized bed that became the centerpiece of his room, plus the mahogany wood made headboard was perfectly crafted, rubbing his feet on the plush fur throw rug that was located at the foot of the bed.

There is a seating area to a particular part of this room, the sofa is very comfortable to sit on just by imagining it. He already feels comfortable, not to mention the beautiful chairs beside the small table in front of it. That coffee table is at the center, with a small vase full of fragrant flowers that adds up to the overall elegance of this place.

The comfort room was quite spacious and impressive plus the gleaming tiles and floors. There's a regular bathtub at the side opposite to the toilet. He tried the shower if it's working and it's perfectly built. He couldn't ask for more, indeed, a beautiful summer vacation awaits him.

D'Andre heard some noises outside, he peered through the window as soon as he slid the curtain. She saw women happily laughing and sitting, in front of a bonfire. He felt the chill because he noticed that the air-conditioner of the room was already open right before he came into his room. He looked outside again, and saw the three ladies were waving goodbye to that one woman left sitting in front of the bonfire.

Maybe it's a good start for D'Andre to enjoy his summer vacation without thinking about his wealthy life and the big private business of their family that is full of problems and stress. He decided to get out of his room and go to the beach, get to know the lady so that he could have a friend.

"Hi," said D'Andre, waving at the lady that he already caught her attention.

"Hi," replied the lady.

"Are they your friends?" D'Andre sat down on the beach sand, now facing the bonfire and beside him is the woman she would love to get to know.

"Yeah, why?" answered the woman who is very open to talking to a stranger.

"Nothing, I... I just asked," shrugged D'Andre, thinking that was the end of their conversation as he couldn't think of something to say.

Good thing, the lady asks, "Are you here for?"

"Summer vacation," he answered immediately.

The woman let out a smirk on her lips, "Aren't you gonna ask me?"

"Oh," D'Andre laughed in a slight embarrassment. He asked the woman why he was still there and why she did not go with her friends. "You know, for a beautiful woman like you, it's dangerous to stay alone here especially at night... look, it's dark."

"Oh, don't worry. I just live here."

"Aw, make sense."

"I'm the niece of the owner of this resort," said the woman, pointing out somewhere, or maybe that's the office of the owner.

"I see, haha, sorry." D'Andre scratched his head and felt a little bit shy. Thinking if his words are still accurate for this woman.

"And you are? Pardon." This is the moment, the woman finally is getting interested in him.

"D'Andre, you can call me Drey," muttered D'Andre in the best type of voice he could ever speak.

The woman introduced herself too, "I'm Maiari, you can call me Mai."

"Nice to meet you, Mai."

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Mr. Drey,"

Afterwards they exchanged shaking hands. D'Andre stood up and he gained a reaction from the woman.

"Oh?" remarked Maiari, wondering where he will go.

"I want to swim," D'Andre implied. "Do you want to join me?"

In no amount of time, Maiari replied, "Sure. It's my pleasure to guide a tourist boy as he might get bitten by jellyfishes."

It gave D'Andre an astonished response, "Really? There are jellyfishes over there?"

Mai laughed teasingly, "Tsk, oh, come on! I just made that, don't buy it."

They made their way towards the beach and they can now feel cold seawater all over their body.

"What do you want to do during your staycation here at El Nido?" asked Mai, floating in the water.

"I don't know but I think of something to do tomorrow," said D'Andre, diverting his gaze from the moon back to Maiari.

The curious Maiari asked, "What is it? I'm willing to join you."

"Are you for real?" asked D'Andre, making it hard to believe that the woman wanted to accompany him.

"Of course, spill it!" Mai splashed the water onto Drey's body.

D'Andre wiped the water in his face then paused before saying, "I want to... uhm, I want to try fishing tomorrow."

"Okay, I'm gonna tell my uncle about that." Mai assured D'Andre and now they're done swimming, heading their way towards their place. "I'll go home and hit the sack."

"Yeah, sure! Thanks, Mai!" D'Andre waved goodbye and walked towards the opposite way where Mai goes.

"Oh, before I forgot, you have to wake up as early as four in the morning," shouted Mai because they made a distance now.

"What? Is it true?" asked D'Andre, modulating his voice.

"Yes it is. Are you still into fishing?"

"I am. I really am!"

"Goodnight, Drey!" Mai waved at Drey.

Drey screamed on the top of his lungs, "Oh, sweet dreams, Mai!"

Mai laughingly said, "See you later!"

"Later!" Drey exclaimed.

Little do they know that tomorrow is something ...

It's 3:00 in the AM yet D'Andre can't fall asleep. He woke up really earlier than the time he was expecting. What's with this excitement? How did a woman whom he just met earlier made him feel like this?

Moments passed, he and Maiari were now making their way towards each other. Maiari is holding a lamp while D'Andre is just using the flashlight of his phone. They greeted each other "good morning" and exchanged warm smiles.

"Mai, you look sleepy," said Drey.

"You look sleepy," replied Mai, she can't lie. She just said what she just observed and even though Drey looks like he lacks sleep, he still finds him handsome.

"Why?" asked Drey to the woman who got lost in her trance, looking directly into his eyes.

"Nothing, I just didn't know you're this handsome when we both know we just got woke up," replied

"How long are you gonna flirt with each other, huh? We'll be reached by the sunrise here if you're just gonna stand there," said the uncle of Mai, waiting for them to hop on the boat.

It was a fun day for both of them, they enjoyed fishing and now they are with Maiaris friends. They are roasting the fish they got from fishing. It was a moment of happiness when they finally finished cooking.

"Hey, kids!" said the aunt of Maiari. "Mai's uncle told me to cook these seafoods for you and for our handsome visitor, Drey."

Everyone cheerfully laughed at this woman's joke and she lent the bowl of seafood to the young man she was pertaining to.

"Hi, Drey... enjoy eating, please take care of my beautiful and fragile Maiari," she teasingly said and then purposely looked at her niece who is now having a drawn red on her face.

"Auntie!" screamed Mai, cutting her aunt to speak more about her.

Everyone teased them and now is the moment they have to feed the beasts. They formed a circle and had a happy feast near the beach. A few hours they didn't notice, like the sun descended finally down the horizon of the sea, gleaming its warm light all over the peaceful beach with these guys. Maiari and her friends gathered around under the coconut tree playing their feet and legs on the surface of the beach sand, waiting for the sunset to finally show.

"Hey, give me the mallows," started Jasmin as he laughed, her voice a calming note in the breeze of the sea. She held a stick and threw it at Daisy, the one friend who doesn't want to share the delicious mallows.

Maiari is chuckling as she reaches for another bag of mallows, "Here, Jasmin! They are all yours! Just let Daisy eat that by herself and don't you dare ask for a piece of it."

Everyone laughed about it and as they flew over the clouds of happiness, the air was now filled with the smell of a sumptuous feast that they had just got finished. Their empty plates and full tummies, leftovers of the delicious seafoods are the witnesses of their laughter and stories about to unfold. Their faces are glowing like the sunshine, it's golden hour and the sun is kissing their skin and above them are the yellowish skies that is in blue hues a while ago.

"D'Andre, hope you caught more squids! Because the grilled shrimp were earlier, oh my gosh, I'm still having an aftertaste of it!" Rissa exclaimed and there goes another bursting laughter of Maiari's friends.

"As much as we wanted, Rissa," said Maiari, "But it's so hard to catch it! You should've gone with us."

"No, girl, thanks. I just wanted to eat." Rissa then again hit Jasmine, they're laughing again.

Jasmine is about to die in laughter, still managed to talk and say what she's about to let them know. "Guys, I missed the buttered shrimp! How I wished D'Andre caught a fish net full of yummy, chubby and big shrimps!"

Maiari rolled her eyes. She was annoyed at how these ladies were trying to get the attention of D'Andre. Maiari stood up and walked away.

All of them were left amused and wondering what's wrong. Not until Maiari came back holding a guitar that she borrowed from her uncle.

"Hey, D'Andre, you play the guitar? I assume you do," Maiari stated, a smile of excitement on her lips. "It's like, you know, here at the resort, we have a little, just a little tradition, right guys?"

Maiari earned the approval and noise of her friends, shouting and screaming how correct she is to her claim. "New visitors, yes, new visitors like you, none other than you, of course, 'cause you're the only one with us, uhm... you have to sing for us, sing us a song."

"Go, D'Andre! Serenade us!" Jasmine exclaimed excitingly.

Everyone is now screaming, "Sing! Sing! Sing!"

D'Andre, with his eyebrows raised, he let out a purse on his lips, grinning. "Okay, let's give it a shot!"

Everyone is shouting for joy, screaming, "YES!" a prolonged and sustained one.

"Any song you want? Do you have something in mind... a special song... or what?" asked Drey, seemingly calm and not showing any signs of nervousness.

Laughter again crumbled all over the quiet beach and they started suggesting a lot of song titles but only Maiari's suggestion is what D'Andre wants to sing, and he really wants to do it to earn some points from the lady.

The stranger, D'Andre, no, let's not consider him a stranger anymore but more of a friend, yet he is still a new visitor who has to comply to this so-called tradition, he wasn't sure of it's just a make-believe or real, holding the guitar in his hands using the force of his muscular arms. His fingers clung on strings of the guitar and ran through the frets.

There's a gentle whisper of air touching his hair, giving off some added effects for his perfectly godlike facial features and it's as secretive as the mysterious sea. All eyes cross his soul and every feature, taking a brief second to make the guitar in tune as the audiences near him are holding their breaths, expecting for some eargasm.

D'Andre started strumming and his first notes of the song caught his audiences in awe as if conjured by the ocean magic; his voice is a delicate melody, their ears mingling with the soft sighs of the waves kissing the seashore.

His soulful voice soothes to the every chord he plucks in his fingers, carrying the tone of the song that seemed to be hearty echoes coming from the very depth of his pure heart.

Mai's attention never drifted from Drey, watching him closely by her eyes slowly closing to make her feel it even more, the serenade with her serene reverie, Drey's voice is even louder in her heart than the gentle sea waves.

"You know, girls, listen to me, this guy's voice could make even the waves of the sea jealous," Jasmine whispered to Marissa.

Marissa nudged her with a controlled grin as she didn't want to interrupt this wonderful moment, "Shh, just seize the moment!"

Unbeknownst to Maiari, her friends exchanged looks and secret glances as they noticed there's a sudden shift of emotions in her face and it's subtle and new and really something. They noticed the depth of her gaze every time she opened up her eyes, her features are like the soft cheek of a baby as if the music really homes her soul and had touched a really special spot hidden in her heart.

As the song concludes, applause is the next thing they've heard. They praised D'Andre's beautiful voice. "Such a talented handsome creature!" Marrisa said, purposely exaggerating her words.

As the twilight came to their haven and as the bon fire's flame danced in their gazes, they bid farewell to each other. But Maiari couldn't forget D'Andre's voice, realizing that his voice is too good to be true, within the music's embrace, she had discovered something unexplainable yet she felt it was surreal. It's not that D'Andre's strummed the very strings of the guitar but she also touched her heart like his hands and voice reached the very depth of it. Like he made her listen to a song that she had been longing to hear.

In that concluding moment of them on the beach, they said goodbyes to each other and as the night enfolded them in their beds while lying, thinking of each other. Maiari felt really something, the echoes of the song, the glimmers of a newly formed connection, and the unspoken and undiscovered revelations started to unfold and swirled within her system, and a possibility that, it's confirmed, her stomach aflutter with the wild domain of butterflies in it.

ANOTHER day has arrived and under the sun's warm atmosphere, the beach seems to be infinite, a bed of fine sand waiting to be transformed into a competitive yet playful event. The afternoon breeze carried the salt into the air making its scent adventures as Maiari and her friends gathered near the shoreline, their energy renewed after a well-deserved restful slumber.

"Are you guys ready for fun?" Marissa exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement as she held up the volleyball.

"Prepare to be defeated, sis," says Jasmine, stretching her arms while smirking at Marissa.

Laughter burst out as they formed teams, D'Andre and Maiari became teammates and they exchanged each other's glance, and unspoken emotions began to explode silently.

As the game begins, the ball is flying over the net and everyone is trying their best to save it. However, D'Andre moved gracefully, tossing the ball in the exact position where Maiari was waiting for her moment to take the flight. Maiari's crosscourt spike ended the long rally of their beach volleyball game, thanks to D'Andre's perfect set. High five! They did it.

In the middle of the heated game, D'Andre and Maiari couldn't lose control of the ball, as much as they wanted to hit it back towards the opponent's court, time slowed them as they ran to get it without properly saying "mine", then their body collided.

As if an invisible force guided D'Andre's hand, it encircled Maiari in a tight embrace on her waist, their bodies bridged the gaps and pressed close to each other. In that hug, their heartbeats echoing in harmony.

A collection of giggles and whispers circulates the atmosphere of the group, a chorus of amused and knowing stares are crossing each other's peripheral. Yet, in that particular moment, all that mattered was the electric touch that danced between Drey and Mai. Their eyes met, a mixture of something deeper than surprise, a connection that words could barely fathom.

"I... I'm sorry," D'Andre stammered, his voice is a mixture of apology and a blend of bewilderment.

Maiari's chuckles started ringing out, a jovial sound that's been able to wash away any awkward moments they will have to feel. "No need to feel sorry about Drey. Accidents really happen, especially in the heat of the game."

As they freed themselves from that warm hug, a lingering warmth remained, a tangible reminder of the touch that had sparked something more profound. The game continued, the players back in the rhythm of competition, but D'Andre and Maiari shared their stolen stares that speak louder than anyone, a silent promise to each other that there's an established connection that is beyond the bounds of a mere game.

And then, in a twist of destiny's naughty game, the ball bounced again towards them. They moved in synchronization, each determined to claim it, again, without establishing any gestures until their parts converged again, for the second time. And this time, as their fingertips touched the spinning ball, a breathless gasp filled the air.

Her flight made her toes twisted and lost balance. As she stumbled, their lips met in the gentlest collision, an electrifying sensation cascaded all over their body.

The world stopped.

Well, just at least, for a couple of seconds only. It's not that bad.

Maiari pulled herself slightly, her eyes widened and freezed on D'Andre's, mirroring her surprised look. Laughter erupted around them that broke their reverie. There's a chorus of cheers and teasing from Maiari's friends that literally broke the silence.

Blushing.

That unexpected kiss.

It's really something.

The two exchanged their cheapest smiles, their connection is now getting unexplainable.

D'ANDRE found himself lost in his own trance, it's been an hour since the game had finished. His feelings are still overpowered by the echo of that kiss.

Water droplets from the shower glistened on his skin, washing away the sand and sweat. Walking out the bathroom without a towel, he leaned against the balcony railing, looking at the tranquil sea that was occupied by them earlier, as if recreating the scenario earlier of how he ended up kissing Maiari, accidentally.

Sighed.

He made his way towards the bed, movements of fluid from his wet hair down to his chest. He settled onto the sheets, drifting his thoughts once more.

Smiling.

The events replayed like a movie but here comes the sudden ending; a soft chime disrupted his reverie. D'Andre's hand reached for his phone, the screen illuminating his face as he unlocked it by his fingerprints.

His heart skipped a beat as his eyes saw the unexpected message.

The name "Taylor" he whispers as he reads the name of the man he hadn't seen in a long time. His fingers trembled as he opened the message, heart's racing with a mix of anticipation.

"D'Andre, I still love you. Please talk to me."

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.