Once Upon A Chance

Chapter Sixteen

There's no scientific explanation about this, but when you're feeling absolutely happy, there's a tendency to believe you can seize the day.

For me, that day's today.

It's Southwood's Foundation Day celebration and I get up early to prepare. I group the shirts according to color and design. Every shirt went through my rigorous final inspection last night to make sure everything is perfect.

My best friends arrived early so they are able to help me organize. They volunteered to help man my booth. Yep, I have a booth! Mrs. Ordonez' secretary informed me about it yesterday.

After counting the shirts, I print out brochures to give out to customers. It's an opportunity to advertise for free.

Marco sends me a message that he will go straight to the venue once his work at the restaurant is done. A big client is scheduled to meet him and it's for his big project. We wish each other luck and he promises to treat me for dinner after the event.

Speaking of Marco, he's the best sex I've ever had. We couldn't get enough of each other that we even went to his condo in Makati to repeat everything.

While packing the shirts, I decide to tell my best friends about it. As always, Chinkay asks for details. Ruth, though, isn't pleased. She's not convinced, not until Marco tells me the three important words in a relationship. So to assure her that there's no need to worry, I tell them about meeting Marco's family. It was sweet of him to introduce me to them.

"So he introduced you to them as his what?" Ruth points out.

"He didn't have to say exactly what we are," I turn my defensive mode on. "Looking at him and listening to the way he talked about me, there's no need to say girlfriend. It's obvious and given."

"Says the one who, prior to this, hated relationships with no labels."

"Who says we don't have label? We're official. We're just not telling everyone about it. Let them call it what they want."

"Okay stop," Chinkay interrupts. "Let's talk about the sex, please."

When we arrive at the school, we proceed to the quadrangle where the booths are located. To get us started, we put up the decorations of my booth. Ruth and Chinkay are helping me with the set up. We put the shirts out, each of them visible so that people can get a nice look. I take  the brochures out and hand them over to anyone passing by our booth. Few people start to come over, but no one has bought anything yet. Good thing our former adviser, Ma'am Deocampo, drops by. She's our first customer who bought three shirts.

By 3:30 p.m., students and teachers flock the quadrangle to assemble. The program is about to start in a few minutes. I check my phone and wonder where Marco is now. He's not replying to my last message.

Some students are already in their positions at their respective "color team" barracks. Those participating in the parade of colors, like the Student Government officers, the muses and escorts, guests, and Mrs. Ordonez fall in line.

Then just like the struck of lightning, Janine arrives with Marco following her behind. Ruth throws me a glance and I try to hide my frustration. Calm down.

Janine approaches to Mrs. Ordonez to apologize for being late. Apparently, she's one of the invited judges for the cheerdance competition. Upon seeing me, Marco approaches our booth and gives me a peck on the cheek. I want to be mad, to demand an explanation from him, but decide not to let my feelings show. I have business to attend to. Heart issues don't matter at the moment.

"Sorry Aya," Marco starts. Ruth turns her back from him and rolls her eyes. "Janine called me. Her car broke down while on her way here," He brushes his thumb across my cheek. "Since I'm going here too, I decided to pick her up."