Bay of Strangers (Manila Girls #2)

Kabanata 17

Kabanata 17

Cheater

"I thought you're going with Maven?"

Nagtaas ng kilay si Vanna sa akin nang magkasalubong kami sa grand staircase, pababa sa venue kung saan gaganapin ang debut ni Karrie.

We're both wearing a midnight blue dress. While my dress is fitted and backless, hers are slightly loose on the skirt part and it has a deep v-neck cut in front. I let my wavy hair down-topped with a tiny, expensive diamond tiara. I'm also wearing a pair of velvet opera gloves that complimented my evening repertoire. It added a touch of vintage and elegance.

Maven's already here. Nauna na sila ni Daven dahil nakita ko na ang story ni Daven kanina, nasa bahay pa lang kami.

"Ikaw? Where's Kodi?"

"He can't come. May date ata sila ni Hope."

Sabay kaming umirap ni Vanna. We both love Kodiak, but there's an unspoken rule between us. I think we both know that no one can truly deserve Kodiak.

Kodiak's really on a different level. He's too ideal, honestly. Masyadong gwapo, matalino, mabait, at gentleman. Idagdag pa na kahit kailan ay hindi niya pinasakit ang ulo nina Tita Danica-taliwas sa Kuya niyang si Flash na kahit ata pag hinga lang nito ay kinaiinisan na ni Tita. I once remembered that she told my parents that she favored Kodiak more.

"Kamalei," Rinig kong tawag ni Mama.

"Vanna, wait lang."

"I'll meet you at our table, okay?"

"Okay,"

Pinanood ko muna si Vanna at ang ilang mga bumati sa kanya saka ako humarap kay Mama na ngayo'y kasama na si Tita Marith, ang nanay ni Karrie.

I smiled and kissed her cheeks. She's nice. She's too humble actually because she didn't came from the upper society. Madalas kong naririnig ang kwento kung paano siya pinaglaban ni Tito Armadeon noon. That's why I can't believe that Tito cheated on her.

Parang binibiyak ang puso ko dahil doon.

How come people claim they love you when they can cheat on you and hurt you? Hindi ba't kapag nagmahal ka ay isasaalang-alang mo palagi ang kapakanan ng taong mahal mo?

"Kamalei," Tinapik ako ni Tita Marith.

She's wearing a simple white colored dress. Kahit noon pa, simple na talaga siya. Medyo chinita rin si Tita at matangkad. Balingkinitan ang katawan at nakasuot ng salamin.

"You look beautiful, Lei."

"Thank you, Tita. Ikaw din."

"I wish Karrie is as stylish and fashionable as you. Ang batang 'yon, lagi kong pinipilit na sumama sa'yo o kaya sa mga kaibigan mo pero ayaw niya." Napailing siya.

"She has her own style, Tita."

"Kaya siya napagkakamalang tomboy eh," Napailing siya.

Nag-usap pa kami sandali. My mom's already bragging about her meetings with certain public figure to help her promote their partylist. Papa's helping Tito Armadeon into welcoming the guests. Sina Tito Malidous naman ay nakaupo na sa lamesa nila at abala na sa panonood sa screen sa unahan. Ang mga pinsan kong lalaki ay pagala-gala, kinakausap ang ilang mga bisita.

I checked my phone again, hoping for a message from River. Hindi siya pumasok kanina, nag e-expect pa naman akong makita siya. Ang ending, hindi ko tuloy naibigay ang regalo ko sa kanya!

I texted him a few times, but he didn't even saw it.

"Lei," Hinawakan ni Maven ang siko ko. Hinarap ko siya at agad na niyakap.