Impervious Treasure (Azcona Cousins #2)

22

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Chapter 22

We arrived here fast because the road was not congested with so many cars even though tonight is a rush hour. But before I left the house, I checked on Tofu and Mallow. I made sure that they'd have their meal first.

I know Mom would be enraged with my clothes. Simpleng knitted wide leg pants at plaid loose sweater ang suot ko. Sobrang casual lang ng get up ko kumpara sa mga nakikitang tao ngayon. Saktong pagpasok ko ng Azvure ay nakita ko agad ang mga magulang ko. The glowing chandeliers with a bunch of dangling peonies and tulips make the whole lounge romantic. My parents were talking to someone their age, fellow parents of students who joined the promenade.

Mom seemed so pleased chatting with everyone. Maganda rin ang ayos niya at katulad ng mga kausap na mga magulang. I know that she likes to tell stories about her monthly out of the country travels. Hilig rin niyang ikuwento ang mga naipinta niya at nabili niya habang nasa ibang bansa. Some find my mother's innocent narratives as insensitive and egoistic ones. People tend to take the wrong interpretation, but she's just always excited to share her experiences in life.

"Mom," I called.

Huminto siya sa pakikipag-usap nang tawagin ko ang pangalan niya. Her sweet smile faltered as she scanned my clothes. She excused herself from her new found friends at naiwan roon si Dad dahil hinatak niya ako.

"You could've worn the dress I prepared for you, Clair," nalulungkot niya bulalas. She was disappointed.

"The dress you've prepared for me was too revealing," I reasoned out.

Mom pouted.

"It's fine to show some skin, Clair. Bagay naman sa'yo ang mga ganoong damit. You should try to play with your clothes sometimes! Mix and match!"

I sighed. Yumuko ako para tignan ang damit ko. Ayos naman, ah? Plus, I know that these clothes make me comfortable. 'Yon naman ang mahalaga, 'di ba?

Opinions of others won't matter to me. They cannot change what I want because it is not necessary to follow the newest trend... as long as I am comfortable, no opinions should matter to me. I get dressed for myself not for anyone else. However, that mindset of mine wouldn't be acknowledged. Hindi ko naman isinasatinig 'yung paniniwala ko sa sarili dahil may tiyansang mababalewala lang. Maybe I'll learn how to appreciate my mother's suggestions soon but for the time being, masaya ako sa kung anong suot ko.

And why would I wear a dress? Hindi naman ako ang sasayaw sa prom.

"Maybe next time."

"Of course, Clair! Malapit na ang graduation niyo, and I am expecting you to wear a dress, alright?"

"Sure."

"That would be great! Truth is, I've already contacted Louie for your dress. I tried to reach out to my friend in Milan... I asked her if she could bring me a pair of shoes from Casadei!"

I gave my mother a small smile. "That's nice..."

"Well. Should we have our dinner? Matagal pa matatapos ang event nila Gian but you can already have a rest in your suite once we get done eating."

I nodded.

Dad chose the buffet selection for our dinner so we could have our own food preferences. Ang una kong tinahak na food section ay ang roasted lamb at sumunod naman sa seafood. I put a lot of sushis and tempuras on my plate. I went to our designated table. My lips twitched in dismay when my parents only had rice and baked tuna for their meal and creme brulee for their dessert.

I shrugged. Dad paid for this buffet anyway. Susulitin ko na lang.

I ambled back to the food kitchen aisle to pick another round of food. My mouth immediately watered on the tasty desserts. Marami akong kinuhang chocolate mousse at spearmint flavored butter cookies. Nahirapan akong bumalik sa table namin dahil dami ng hawak ko.