Summit Books

"The entire whale-watching trip was spent taking pictures of themselves from the deck because the dolphins refused to come out and play. And because the day's entertainment was incomplete without the dolphins, Cris's college buddies and their girlfriends suggested dinner and drinks at North Pole, along Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete.

'Er, do we really have to go with them?' Abi had asked.

'Yes, we need to make an appearance.'

'An apperance? Can I just skip it?'

'Hon, they'll think we're fighting. You have to be there, we're a couple.'

'What?'

'It's the proper thing.' The discussion had ended. He smiled sheepishly. 'And hon, your shorts are a little too short, please change them. Thanks, hon.'

At North Pole, Abi found that nothing had changed in the small pub. Framed by floral curtains, the large windows looked out into the same boulevard and its row of gnarly trees and into the sea. The darkened sea was still dotted here and there by yellow lights from fishing boats.

Eight years ago, Juno kissed her full on the mouth in a devilish attempt to shock a group of elderly people who were having coffee at the next table. Abi had been shocked, but the old people smiled sweetly, tilted their heads, and said, 'Awww.'

She remembered the way the old people - visitors from Manila - clapped when, after his evil agenda had backfired, Juno told them that they were on a honeymoon. The tourists even bought them a round of beer."