Bruised (A Thomas Torres Fanfiction)

Eight

October 27, my calendar read. I deeply sighed as I lay down on my bed, staring at the dull ceiling. I'm supposed to be at school right now but we're meeting "important" people and the whole family needs to be present. I don't know why but it's fine. I only have Theology anyway and I'm not that fond of my professor. The downside is, my stepmom took my phone away when she found out that I went to Taft without saying anything. Then again, that was better than getting beaten to a pulp. Oh, I'm "grounded" too until next week, which means that instead of staying at the dorm, I need to come home everyday after school or training. I'm quite thankful that my dad was here because of that. If it were all up to him, he really wouldn't mind the stunt I pulled primarily because I was done with my classes and training.

I don't even know how she found out. Angel kept her mouth shut when we got home and it was only after a day or two that Lovely actually found out about my trip to La Salle. It might have been Angel but I doubt. She's being extra nice lately so I don't think she'd actually do something like that while we're having an undeclared truce.

Another thing that kept on bothering me were the people who we were meeting today. If ever they're my dad's business partners, why do we all have to be present? I just hope that these people, whoever they are, are absolutely important. I'm missing Kiefer's free dinner! Then again, it'll be at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel so maybe it's worth missing Kief's dinner. I'm joking.

Kidding aside, I just want to be out of this house.

A knock snapped me out of my thoughts before it opened to reveal my dad peaking in. I gave him a small smile.

"Tina," he smiled. "We're leaving in two hours. I thought I'd let you know,"

"Okay dad," I responded as I pushed myself up to sit on my bed. "May I please wear jeans?" I pleaded but he just laughed at my attempt to persuade him. The meeting was so important that I need to wear a decent and presentable cocktail dress. I don't hate dresses but I'm not in the mood to wear one.

"No, sweetie. Get ready, okay? It's only for a few hours," he apologetically smiled but I still groaned. I heard him chuckle before he left me alone in my room once again.

I sighed before I got up but then I suddenly felt like I forgot something. I tried hard to think of what it was but my mind was ending up with a blank. I feel like it has something to do with the date but I can't recall what it was. It's probably in my phone, which will be given back to me later tonight or tomorrow morning.

Whatever, I shrugged. It can probably wait anyway. I'd most definitely remember it if it was absolutely important or if it's a matter of life and death.

Without further distractions, I fixed myself up for the so-called important meeting. I decided to wear an above the knee turquoise cocktail dress with an empire waistline. It has a heart-shaped neckline with a sheer covering my bust to my shoulders and it was embelished with crystals. I paired it with my trusty silver pumps. I opted to have my hair up in a neat bun with a few fringes falling on the sides of my face. After putting on light make-up, I almost cursed at the mirror because of how dressed up I am.

Whoever those people are must have an absolutely great reason for this meeting.

Once we were all done, we all headed to Makati Shangri-La. I just learned that we were meeting them at Inagiku, Makati Shang's own Japanese restaurant that prides itself in the dishes they serve. Angel was wearing a red asymmetrical dress and a pair of black open-toed heels. Lovely, on the other hand, opted to wear a simple white button-up top tucked into a pair of black slacks while my dad wore a gray button-up polo with his sleeves rolled up and a pair of black slacks. Damn, we're all so dressed up for today. Hashtag OOTD, ganun.