Swiped Memory (Sanoma University 1)

Chapter 45

When the ceremony concluded, everyone went inside the hotel ballroom for the reception. Jasper and I are seated with my cousins along with Athena. 

Ang parents namin ay kasama ang parents naman ni Amethyst. They are getting along real well.

Tapos na ang program at puno na ng tao ang dancefloor. Everyone is enjoying the food, drinks, and being with family.

Habang ako, nanatiling tahimik lamang sa table namin. Whereas Jasper is beside me, never leaving my side. 

He says it's rude to leave your date alone.

Dalawa nalang kasi kaming nakaupo sa table. Ang mga pinsan ko ay abala sa pagsayaw o pakikipagusap sa mga bisita.

Kanina pa lumilipad ang isip ko. My thoughts wouldn't stop wondering about what's happened during Amet and Kuya Cy's exchange of vows.

My eyes spotted Yuan seated across the next table. Kausap niya si Katarina habang umiinom ng wine.

I came back to my senses when I felt Jasper's hand touch my arm. 

Bumaling ako sa kaniya.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Jasper whispered.

I wasn't sure how I'd answer.

"You seem sad, did something happen?" tanong niya muli.

"What? No, no. I was just... I am really happy for Amethyst and Kuya." I gave him a small smile.

"Marren about our engagement, I —"

Hindi niya naituloy ang sasabihin dahil may lumapit na photographer sa aming table.

"Ma'am, Sir, picture."

Agad kaming ngumiti sa photographer at kumuha ito ng dalawang shots.

"Jasper, we should talk about what happened in LA." Pangunguna ko sa kaniya nang makaalis ang photographer.

"We should—" 

Naputol ang sasabihin ko nang mag-ring ang cellphone niya.

"Hold that thought." He said.

Tinignan niya ang tumatawag at sinabing iiwan niya muna ako saglit upang sagutin iyon.

I gave him a nod and let him leave the ballroom to tend to the call.

Napatingin ulit ako sa table nila Yuan at nakita ko siyang nakatingin sa akin.

My heart skipped when our eyes met.

Kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ko mahila ang sarili papalyo sa kaniyang mga titig.

It's like he's telling me something but I'm not sure what it is.

Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko nang makita siyang tumayo. He whispered something to his sister to which she nodded at.

Naglakad siya papunta sa gawi ko.

My hands and feet are starting to feel clammy and cold.

Nang malapit na siya ay biglang may tumayo sa harapan ko, perfectly blocking my view of Yuan.

"Can I have this dance?" Benjamin asked.

I hesitated. Sinilip ko ang likuran ni Beni ngunit nawala na si Yuan. 

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag.

I gladly took my cousin's hand and went with him to the dancefloor.

"Dude, I didn't know your ex is here." natatawa niyang sabi.