Cycle Of Love Series #5: Love and Crosses

23

"Another boring party," I told myself while standing in front of the full length mirror, staring at my gown.

"Miss Ashandria. Pinapababa na po kayo ng Mama niyo. The party will be starting in a minute." I heard a woman's voice said, probably one of the maids.

"Coming," I shortly answered then fixed my gown a bit before going out. When I was about to go out of my room, my phone vibrated, mukhang may nag-message.

Andrius Leo Chavez

Waiting for my birthday girl. :)

I hope she'll come, right? 

Seen

Pagkababa ko mula sa second floor, the lights turned off then a spotlight appeared, after that, piano piece started to play for me, like Mom planned for me. Everyone's looking at me for me which caused me to attack my anxiety. Hindi talaga ako sanay sa mga ganitong gatherings. I prefer to be alone. Nasanay na akong mag-isa, dulot na rin siguro ng pagbabawal sa akin ng mga magulang ko na makipagkaibigan. I'm only exposed in public if needed, like this. Siguradong pagkatapos ng introduction ng party na 'to, I'll be talking to businessmen, politicians, retired officers, and many more people. 

And as I expected. . . when introduction is already over. . . 

"Zye, anak. Come here," Mom said while talking with one guy, probably already in his 50s, dressed up in a suit. Probably a businessman. 

I gave them a small smile as I walk towards them. "Hi, Mommy." 

Mommy pointed me to the man. "Meet the director of Anderson University." 

"Nice meeting you. Ashandria Zye Aveline, Sir." I offered my hands to shake hands. "Just call me Anderson, hija." 

"Yes, Mr. Anderson," I told him as I let go of his hand. Then, he laugh suddenly to confuse me. "Pardon?" 

"Isn't that too formal to address your future father-in-law?" 

That changed my expression completely. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Can you please repeat it, Sir?" 

Hinawakan ni Mommy ang braso ko dahilan para mapaharap ako sa kaniya. "Give us a moment. I'll talk to her."

Hinila na ako ni Mommy palayo sa kanila at lumabas ng mansion papunta sa garden. "Mom, can you please explain what's happening?" 

"You're going to be arrange marriage with their family."

My eyes widen in shock. "WHAT?!" 

"Okay, honey. . . I know you're shock but hear me ou-"

"With who?" Napasapo ako sa noo ko. "You know what? I don't wanna know who he is. I don't care because I won't agree to that stupid engagement." 

"Whether you like it or no-"

"I DON'T CARE!" sigaw ko na ikinagulat niya. "This is too much. Stopping me from talking to other people without your permission? Then, this?! Controlling my marriage?! Are you thinking of taking away my freedom, too?" I smiled bitterly. "Ah. You already took my freedom, right? Even voicing out myself like this isn't allowed since I was born."

"What are you going to do, then? Susuway ka sa amin?"

"A wedding is not complete without a bride, right?" I answered while taking off the cape of my gown. "If that's the only way to stop it. . . yes. I'll run away from home." Tinapon ko sa lupa 'yong kapa at saka mabilis na tumakbo palabas ng mansion. Sakto namang may taxi sa labas kaya nakasakay kaagad ako. 

You

 Nandiyan ka pa ba?

I changed my mind. I'll go there.

Nang makarating ako sa venue na sinend niya, wala naman siya roon. Walang tao. Malamig na simoy lang ng hangin ang bumati sa akin. 

You

Hey.

I thought you're here? 

Tinakasan mo ba ako?

I was about to call him when I heard a loud bang, coming from the sky. Nang makita ko 'yon, napangiti ako sa nakita ko.

"I'm always alone, but all of the moments I've been alone. . . This is the best one," sabi ko sa sarili ko habang pinapanood 'yong fireworks.