Francheska Eloise Marcos' POV
[Emcee] "Now! For a very important part of the program, the 18 roses! Let us start with the father of the debutant, Mr. Tommy Manotoc!"
"Happy birthday, Francheska.." he greeted.
That's why I don't like being called Francheska. It reminds me of the his cold and emotionless voice along with the validation I've been so badly seeking.
"Thank you.." I replied and forced a smile.
"Can you stay longer? For the whole night?" I asked.
"I'm sorry. I have a flight to America at 11 p.m." he replied.
"Oh. Okay." I reply and continued dancing.
I guess it's true, everyone could be a father, but not a dad.
About a minute after we finished dancing, he was followed by Tito Bonget, Tito Greggy, Tito Cid, Kuya Borgy, Kuya Mike, Kuya Matthew, and the rest.
It was time for Lorenzo, "Happy birthday, Eloise.." he muttered. I just took the rose and we started dancing.
"Bakit ka nandito?" I asked.
"I thought you invited me?" he said and gave an awkward smile.
"Kapal mo ah!" I slightly raised my voice.
"Hindi ba?" he asked.
"Hindi!-" I said but stopped as I saw Tito Rod and mom with Tommy.
Not to fight - it just looks like they're asking for him to stay. No bad blood, just for me. So I wouldn't get my heartbroken, but he still forced to left.
"Uh, don't you think it's time to forgive, not to forget, but to just forgive and let go?" Lorenzo asked.
"Ewan ko sayo, Lorenzo!" I replied, the handkerchief he had on his suit's pocket, and gently tapped it on my eyes.
"Bat ka naiyak?" he asked and looked at me.
"Napuwing lang, wag ka ngang tumingin sakin! Nabibwiset pa rin ako sayo!" I hissed.
I actually didn't care if I was dancing with a foe anymore, all I thought of was the hurt of seeing my father walk out of the hall. When the party isn't even over yet!
[Emcee] "And lastly to dance our debutant, we have.. Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte!!"
Tito Rod joyfully walked into the stage with a smile plastered all over his face, and the last and final rose on his hands.
"Happy birthday, Ellie!" he greeted and made beso.
"Thank you, Tito Rod!" I replied and smiled before hugging and laying my head on his shoulders as we danced.
The warmth, acceptance, and vibe, I just feel with Tito Rod is different. I may have a different person as my father, but in every lifetime I'd choose Tito Rod to be my dad. It's too entirely different things.
Before he left the stage he pulled me for a hug, "Mommy mo na naman!" he uttered and smiled.
[Emcee] Let us now have the 18 Lights! The eighteen candles represent security despite circumstances. These are the people who care and love Eloise, unconditionally as they guide her through life. The first significant person to light her candle, would be no other than the mother of the debutant, Gov. Imee Marcos!"
"My dear baby girl,
Before you are anybody's, you are mommy's. You have lit mommy's eyes and heart since I first saw you eighteen years ago. My pretty, happy, and spirited, baby girl is now beautiful, respectful, and elegant lady. It saddens me that you've grown up too fast, but it also warms my heart that you're here, ready to conquer the world. I will always love and cherish you, my Francheska Eloise!"
...
"To the person who understands music the way I do, happy birthday. You've grown up to be a talented, and daring young lady.
If me forcing you into piano lessons, and ballet recitals contributed into building the woman you are right now, then I am incredibly proud. Love, Tita Rene"
...
"Our Ellie-belly,
I remember babysitting you when you were nothing but a little bungisngis baby, and it warms my heart seeing you take care of every little kid you see. You will forever be, Tita Aimee's favorite little girl! I love you, and the whole family do so, aswell.."
...
"Our dear Eloise!
You've really grown up to be a positive, adventurous and bold woman. Visit the house if you have time, so that we can have another episode of Eloise and Louise, as we continue wreaking your Tito Bonget's kitchen. We also need a little bit of your radiating positivity once in a while. I know this may sound cliche, but here it goes.. Welcome to the real world, sweetheart!
All my love, Tita Liza.."
...
"Eloise, you have been Mama Meldy's handy helper since you were three, thank you for staying that way, apo. I look forward in seeing you succeed in your future endeavors. And I'm pretty sure, Lolo Ferdie, feels the same way aswell. Remember, mas malawak ang langit keysa sa lupa, mas madaming solusyon kesa sa problema! Always abide by that motto, and continue being your hopeful and optimistic self. Mama Meldy."
[Emcee] "Tonight's celebration will not be complete without a message from the debutant herself, let us give time for Ms. Francheska Eloise to give her sincerest gratitude!"
The Debutant's Message of Thanks
To everyone who came here, thank you for the effort. I know you all have different lives to live. But you still gave me a little bit of your time.
My best friends, slash, my party organizers, my dears, Avery Gail and Tara Gabrielle. I love you both so much - more than words can say. Thank you for staying with me through thick and thin, through sunny and rainy days.
To my ever supportive family, my Mama Meldy who went past her bedtime just so she could be at my celebration. Thank you, mama. I love you sooooo much!
My music enthusiast of a Tita Irene and my very cool, Tito Greggy! Thank you both for adopting me as you third child! Hehe, I wouldn't have survived the States without you both - and for that, I want to express my love and adoration for such a beautiful couple!
My future VP, Tito Bonget, and my very beautiful and bright, Tita Liza! Thank you for sharing me your words of wisdom when I needed it most.
My rakista, Tita Aimee and my philosopher of a tito, Tito Cid! You two are the best ate and kuya figure for me, you embody the people I want to be and be with.
To my about, one dozen kuyas who protect me from everything. I may complain how annoying you all are but I really am thankful to you for protecting me - may it be cockroaches, chickens, mosquitos, insects, ..boys..
I looove youu!!
My father, Tommy Manotoc, even though umalis ka quickly after our dance - thank you still, for your time.
My mom, and to my Tito Rody. You both are such a special pair, a mixture of authority and just pure love. Tito Rod, thank you for spoiling me, even though mom is giving you a very deadly glare already. And mom, thank you for not killing Tito Rod for that, I still need him for calculus. Hehe! We all are striving for a future, but you know what? Your future is the one I so badly want to see. *winks*
I love you both so so so much!
And lastly, to the one I still hope to have danced with during my 18 roses, my namesake, or shall I say, initial sake, FEM! I wish you were here, thank you for teaching me too much with such very small time. I will forever cherish days with you, lo! I miss and love you, lolo dad!
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(A/N: Thanks for having time to read, everyone! Have a great week, stay safe! Please don't forget to vote and/or leave comments. Mwuaaaalabyu!! <33)
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