This Is Not Strange

Chapter Twenty Two

Bridgette

Halos araw-araw kong iniisip ang nangyare sa amin sa beach. The nose kiss, the confession, the cheek kiss, and the peck on her lips. To say na kinikilig ako is an understatement. Palagi ko itong ini-imagine, at kahit sa pagkain ko ay napapangiti na ako. Napansin na nga rin ito ng mga kasama ko sa bahay. They didn't comment naman, but they all share this look na hindi ko rin ni-mind. I told Pen about sa nangyare and she is surprised na masaya because I finally took a risk na raw.

  After that kiss, tahimik lang kaming bumalik sa tent, both cheeks are red. Hindi naman naging awkward ang atmosphere hanggang sa nakauwi kami because marami naman kaming napag-usapan. She didn't told me what she felt about it, but I respect her naman if she doesn't want to speak up muna.

  Nag organize ng party today ang parents ko to celebrate daw my accomplishments. I tried to tell them na huwag na, but they insisted dahil pambawi na rin daw nila sa absence nila. It'll be held later sa Kota Park and it's a huge party where almost everyone is welcome. As long as they don't cause trouble, pwede raw mag join. I had to beg Ella to come, na inayawan niya. Ending, the whole writers club persuade her and she couldn't say no na.

  Sabay kami ni Pen na naghanda. She wore this purple v-neck dress with her boots on. Ako naman, I chose to wear my black dress that fitted my body, along with a pair heels. We also did our make up and hair na hindi naman namin ni-overdo. After preparing, nagpahatid kami sa venue where many people are present na. Many congratulated me when they saw me, and some even took pictures. It's not really a party with a program. It's more like a teenage party where foods, drink, games, dance floor, and other stuffs associated with party and teens are present. Most of the people are from my school. Some are from Bantayan and Sta. Fe pa nga.

  It's been an hour and I can't still see Ella. I was about to call her when I finally saw her talking to a girl with a familiar face. I slowly walk towards their way hanggang earshot ko na ang pag-uusap nila.

  “Hoy! Wag nga kayo maingay-”

  “Hi po. Are you enjoying the party? ” I greeted, nang makalapit ako. Muntik na akong matawa nang nagmadali si Ella na magtago sa likod ng Ate Lyrie niya pala. I remember, I invited them here kasi nabalitaan kong nagbakasyon raw sila with her friends.

  “Yes. Thank you sa pag invite ha. Andun yung ibang kasama ko-” Ate Lyrie pointed at the girl sitting in a chair na namukhaan ko as Tatiana, the model noon sa isang clothing line na sikat.

  I smiled and said, “It's a pleasure po. I've heard a lot of good comments from you noong kasali ka pa sa team.” Turning my attention to Ella, I asked, “Ella, why are you hiding? ”

  “W-ala po. Sinisinghot ko lang si Ate Lyrie. Ambango nga. ”

  I forced myself not to laugh at her reaction kaya nagpaalam muna ako to give them time to talk. Mamaya ko na siya gagambalain.

  Pen handed me a drink and we silently watched the people on the dance floor. Present din ang ibang kaibigan ni Pen na kanina ay bumati sa akin. Pen excused herself minutes after she finished. Maya-maya pa ay may isang pamilyar na babae ang lumapit. Medyo naka dim na ang lights kaya hindi ko matukoy kung sino talaga ito. Bago ko pa siya matanong ay agad niya akong niyakap. 

  “I missed you, Bri!” Sa boses niya ay nakilala ko na ito.

  “Avril! What a surprise.”

  She pulled away from the hug and kissed both my cheek. Avril is a friend from Sta. Fe. She doesn't usually go out kaya nasurpresa ako ngayon at pinaunlakan niya ang imbitasyon ko.