Crazy for You (COMPLETED)

Chapter 51: "The Engagement Party Part 2"

Alejandro introduces Elena to his colleagues he invited, some of their relatives who came all the way from Cebu and some from other parts of the Metro Manila.

Elena felt uncomfortable mingling with Alejandro's kind. Some of them look nice enough, some have a different kind of gaze at her. Assessing her, measuring how she is- and that made her uncomfortable.

She excused herself from Alejandro and said she just needs to go to the bathroom.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?"  he asks.

"Yup I am sure...I will be fast, don't worry.." she said.

Elena found the way to the bathroom and once inside looks at her reflection off the mirror. She looks beautiful tonight, yet she can't help but think of Karl,too. She can't get confused now. She loves Alejandro so much. But Karl? He is a thing of the past, he was her first love, her first heart ache. How dare he disturb her peace and quiet now? How dare he assumed she would wait for him. She did at first, for the first couple of years, she did. But not anymore. She moved on.

She fixed her hair and then went out of the bathroom, she was in such a hurry she didn't notice someone was going inside,too.

"Oooops, I'm sorry Miss. If you'll excuse me, " the pretty sophisticated woman said. She must be one of Alejandro's friends. She can't help but feel insecure.

The woman was taller than her of about two to three inches. She is wearing a tight fitting short black dress showing off her long creamy legs. She must be half Filipino. Her features are more American or maybe Spanish, she is not sure.

She closed her eyes and breathed in and out, releasing the tension she is feeling.

 I hope this night is over. What if, what if - Alejandro used to date that girl. What if...Oh, let me get through this night. Elena sighed and went back up. He saw Alejandro talking to another man, she can't make out who it is. The man's back is facing her and Alejandro was laughing with him. They must be friends or something, Elena thought.

She slowly went to them and said excuse me...Alejandro's eyes lit up and said,"Oh, there she is. Come here babe..meet my long lost friend in college," he said with pride as he pulls her closer to him. Elena, shy slowly looked up smiling to shake the hand of this man that Alejandro is introducing.

She was smiling but she was frozen, infront of her was a smiling Karl, who was smiling genuinely, his eyes turned into slits as he smiled, hiding the surprise he was in,too. 

"Karl, meet Elena, the soon-to-be Mrs. Alejandro Velez, Elena, Karl Michael Zamora, he is good friend of mine, back in college. He just got home from Europe good thing he called me so he can attend our party tonight."  Alejandro said smiling at both of them.

"Oh, you have a great taste with women, Alejandro! She is a beauty indeed!Nice meeting you Elena," and he took her hand and kissed it.

Kung puede lang na kinain na sya ng sahig, sana nangyari na! Elena can't believe she is in this situation. How can it be? How can they know each other. And why is Karl pretending. Does he know or he is just playing along. Not wanting to hurt Alejandro. She is so confused, so confused she feels like going home right now.

"Nice meeting you din, K-karl." Elena managed to find her voice and forced a smile.

"Ah pare, ikaw na bahala kay Elena, I just have to go the bathroom myself. Babe ikaw na bahala kay Karl, he is a good man. Maybe he will be my best man if he won't object," Alejandro said laughing as he stepped away from them towards where the bathroom is.

Elena can't look at him, a waiter is headed over their way holding a tray of drinks, Elena took one and took a sip of it without asking what it is.

"I didn't know you can drink like that, yan ba ang tinuro sayo ni Alejandro? Is this the life you wanted Elena. The high society? I can very much give you the exact lifestyle you want." Karl whispered, anger in his eyes is evident.

Elena shook her head. "What are you talking about Karl? HIndi ko to pinili, nagkataon lang na mayaman si Alejandro. Kung dati minahal kita maski walang wala ka, bakit mo naiisip ngayon sa akin yan?" Elena whispered back, the alcohol made her a little confident.

Karl smirked, was about to hold her arms but Elena managed to avoid it.

"Please Karl, we are so over. I love Alejandro, and kung totoo kang kaibigan, I would seriously consider being respectful of what is the truth- that we are getting married and you can't do anything about it," Elena said with pride in her voice. God, whatever that drink is, thanks to you. I didn't think I could say these things bluntly to someone that I used to love. Elena thought.

Karl bit his lip and ran his fingers through his hair, his eyes turning into slits, this time not because he was smiling or laughing, but he was flushed with anger. He isn't over Elena yet. Not yet.

Alejandro was back and looked at both of them.

"So are you guys getting acquainted? Isn't she a beauty indeed Karl. And yes, my invitation to you as my bestman stays. You will be here for quite a while right? We don't have a date yet, but we will soon..di ba babe?" Alejandro said now looking at Elena.

"Sure, pare. I would love to. I would love to witness a beautiful love story commence infront of the altar," Karl said and finished the drink he is holding.

"If you'll excuse me...my turn to go to the bathroom. I think I have been drinking way too much, and the party hasn't even started yet," Karl said laughing.

"Ok pare, just mingle around.We are just here..." Alejandro said.

Elena's face is flushed, unable to look at Alejandro. Undecided whether or not to tell him about her past with Karl. She is unsure. Confused. Nervous.