Leaving it to chance [ Serendipity Series #01 ]

Huli

Huli — (n.) end

* should there be any bisaya words used throughout the chapter, translations will be provided.

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Content & Trigger warning: Mentions of death

Today was the day. 

I stood in the center of the gallery, taking everything in, allowing myself to process the idea that today was the day all my hard work— my team's hard work— would be paid off. I looked at the entire gallery with so much pride. I wanted to be here before everyone else. I wanted to marvel at the beauty of the gallery in the stillness of it all. 

Earlier today, Josh and Astrid had to physically pull me out of the gallery because I just wouldn't leave. The perfectionist in me went through all the details about 5 times, making sure no stone was left unturned, all the plans executed, everything down to the most minute detail. 

In a few minutes, guests would be walking through the door. 

This was it.

I nervously ran my hands through the tule material of my gray tea dress and took deep breaths. My bob was was slightly curled and pinned in an up-do. I almost didn't recognize myself without my eye bags. I looked human! It was shocking.

"Are you ready?" Josh asked as he approached with an earpiece in his ear as he carried his clipboard. 

"Kinakabahan ako," Bulong ko kay Josh. 

"Bakit naman? You worked hard for this! You should be proud of it!" He smiled, giving me a small side hug. "Tonight, I want you to enjoy. It's my turn to do all the work. Ako na bahala sa lahat, Korine. All you just have to do is smile and look pretty tonight."  Josh passed me a champagne flute to calm my nerves down. I downed the drink in one go but even that didn't work. "I'll try," I chuckled. 

Everything happened so fast after that. Guests started coming into the gallery. In a blink of an eye it was almost full. I found myself talking to some of the board members and stakeholders. So far, I've received nothing but praises. I continued greeting guests before showing them to the auction atrium where the sit down dinner and auction was going to be held. 

From a distance, my eyes caught sight of Mikie approaching. He wore an all black tux and hair slicked back. I couldn't look away even if I wanted to. Kasama n'ya si Lolo Felix at ang isang caretaker na naka tux din. I waved at them as they approached, a smile on my face. 

"Wala akong masabi, Nina." Lolo Felix said, squeezing both my hands. "Salamat." He had tears in his eyes. I swear I was close to crying too. 

"Bigyan ko po kayo ng tour mamaya pagkatapos ng program. Ipakita niyo po sa akin alin dito yung paborito ninyo po." 

Lolo Felix chuckled and nodded. He excused himself a little after because he saw an old friend. Mikie and I stood beside each other as we watched Lolo Felix walk toward a group of men around his age sitting at one of the tables. I wanted to say something. I knew I should but whenever I opened my mouth, nothing came out. What more was there to say?