Embers From Within (Casa Fuego Series #6)

Chapter 3

Debut

My happiness didn't last long, though. He never attended even a single day for my debut's rehearsal. It's a lot of pressure because my debut will also serve as a huge gathering for the high society; hence, the immense preparation and anticipation from the small upper circle.

With the careful and on hand preparation of my mother and her hired organizers, nothing could go wrong at this point. Except one thing... my escort has been ditching me for five days straight for the rehearsal of my cotillion.

Mama rented the whole reception of a hotel in the Metro where the rehearsals are held. The ones participating for the cotillion are the sons and daughters from different prominent families, too. At kung sino pa ang mismong debutante, siya pa ang walang partner.

"Is your partner absent again, Miss Hermedilla?"

Bumaling ako sa choreographer. Namumula ang pisngi ko dahil nakatingin sa akin ang mga tao. It's embarrassing because most of them know the Divinagracias. When Tita Devall confirmed that he was going, we had our name printed on the invitation — so everyone has seen it. They know who Art Divinagracia is and he's ditching me! I'm probably a laughstock. They just couldn't laugh at this point because of who I am.

"Uhm, maybe he's just busy. You can just be my partner again for today," I chuckled awkwardly.

Napahawak sa dibdib ang choreographer. Inayos niya ang kanyang scarf at pinaypayan ang sarili.

"But this is the last day of our rehearsal. If he won't attend today, he'll miss out on the choreography. Mangangapa siya sa steps at baka mapahiya ka pa. May I remind you that your debut is surely going to be the biggest event in the alta. The debutante is the only granddaughter of Fredericko Hermedilla, and that is none other than you! This is a highly anticipated debut so we have to make everything perfect, especially the cotillion!"

My smile palpitated. I played with my fingers as I felt my chest heaved.

Where is he? I thought Tita Devall confirmed that he can be my escort but where is he? Ilang araw na niya akong hindi sinisipot. The invitations are not yet distributed but are already printed with his very name in it!

Ayon kay Mama, nasa London daw sila Tito Nathan at Tita Devall. At silang tatlo, akala nila sinisipot ako ni Art pero hindi! Pinagtatakpan ko lang siya dahil baka nga talagang busy. But at this point, this is really embarrassing me!

Tuwing nagtatanong si Mama kung kumusta ang rehearsal, masigla akong sumasagot. But deep inside, I'm starting to get hurt.

"We have to pick a new partner now, Therese. Or else he won't be able to catch up on the steps."

He was looking at me expectantly so I had to decide now. Inisip ko kung sino pa ang pwede kong maging escort pero wala nang ibang pumasok sa isip ko. All I could think about was... Art. I've already given way for my debut so many times, and if even this is taken away from me, I don't think I'd ever enjoy myself for that night.

Isa pa... hindi naman siguro kukumpirma si Tita Devall kung hindi niya nakausap si Art? Baka busy lang talaga?

"M-Maybe I'll just withdraw from the dance-"

"C-Come again, dear?" napahawak muli siya sa kanyang dibdib.

Luminga-linga ako sa paligid. I swallowed the bile on my throat when I felt my tears slowly forming in the corners of my eyes.

"I-I'll just tell Mama I can play the violin for my debut. I don't have to dance-"

"But this is tradition! Your grandmother, the ever so regal Lucinda Hermedilla, waltzed her birthday night away with the Hermedilla scion, your grandfather! Your mother danced her debut away with the Presidential son during her time! Tapos ikaw... hindi ka sasayaw? The cotillion is the most awaited part of the programme! It's the best time to show off your Versace dress all the way from Italy!"