Dulce Secretum

09

Chapter 09

It was Julio's birthday but it was her who took everyone's attention.

In her light blue dress, she lit up the room, her skin glowing as she glanced around, her eyes meeting mine briefly before settling on the man next to me, a small smile gracing her face.

I didn't need to look around the room to know that all eyes were on her. It wasn't so surprising for a woman this mesmerizing wouldn't leave the audience in awe.

Nakaupo ako kasama si Julio, Rad, Toni, and Julio's cousins—Gregory and Athena who went here to Talavera for Julio's birthday inside their mansion's living room. I said mansion because it is a mansion. It was a two-story house with a large front garden and tons of paintings inside the vintage home.

I turned to Julio whose eyes were on the woman who just arrived. Akmang tatayo ang lalaki ngunit naunahan na siya ng kaniyang pinsan nasa tabi niya na pakikilala pa lang niya sa'kin.

I was quite nervous to meet him at first. Julio didn't tell me that his cousins would be here. I've heard Julio talk to him and I can tell he's far different from the kind of person I'm used to being with.

"I didn't know you'd be coming, Rhea. How are you? You look great, by the way."

"Oh, Gregory." she giggled. "Of course, I'd be here. It's Arsi!"

Gregory—Julio's cousin—arched his brow amusedly at her before turning in our direction.

"Happy birthday indeed, Arsi." Gregory chuckled.

I heard Julio grumble beside me. Tumayo si Julio at lumapit sa babae. Hindi naman sila gaano kalayo para hindi ko marinig ang kanilang pinaguusapan.

"I'm glad you came. I thought you  couldn't go here since bukas ang byahe niyo pabalik ng Laoag," rinig kong sabi ni Julio.

"Nah, you know I'll always find time for you," the girl said. I heard Gregory chuckle afterward, making me look their way.

The three of them stood together, Julio facing the girl, making his broad back the only thing I see from him. Gregory on the other hand stood by the side amusedly watching the two.

"By the way, I'm sorry for being a bit late. I went to Cabanatuan first. I thought you were there." she giggled shyly.

"That's Rhea."

Napatingin ako kay Toni dahil sa kaniyang sinabi. She continued on eating ice cream as I curiously watched her.

"'Yan 'yong matagal ng nililigawan ni Arsi," she added.

Mangha akong napatango dahil sa kaniyang sinabi. So she's the girl Ninong Ali said that Julio was courting? Naalala ko ito noong nakita ko siya sa mall kasama si Mama. That was a year ago. I wonder what's happening between them now.

"By the way, this is Jaja."

Bumaling ako sa direksyon ng lalaking bumanggit sa pangalan ko. Namilog ang aking mga mata nang mapansin na nakatingin silang tatlo sa'kin. Julio ushered me to come near them which I did. I awkwardly stood beside him with the two strangers watching me.

"This is Rhea," Julio introduced me to the girl.

Rhea grinned at me from ear to ear, making me awkwardly smile back at the enthralling young woman.

"Hi, Jaja! It's nice to meet you."

"Hi, R-Rhea," I manage to say.

Tumikhim si Gregory sa tabi ko. Napansin niya ang aking pag lingon sa kaniyang direksyon at napangisi. He turned to Julio mishcievously.