Chapter 40: After This
As we neared the end of this era, I began to realize how much I had neglected Hestia. I've been so focused on establishing my reputation in this crowded industry that I almost forgot I had her. It was only during my dark times that I remembered her.
It was unfair that she never left me despite my absence in her life. She has been my consistent supporter, friend, and also critic. Sometimes, before people even criticize something about me, Hestia has already pointed it out.
"Seriously, Nathalia?" Hestia chuckled. "I love surprises, pero kapag ikaw ang gumagawa ay kinakabahan ako. May pa-blindfold ka pang nalalaman!"
"Shut up!" Hinawakan ko ang piring sa kanyang mga mata dahil baka alisin niya. I've organized this surprise for a day just to get spoiled.
Nakaalalay ako sa kanya habang naglalakad. Nakangiti na ako dahil halos marating na namin ang lugar. Ilang lakad na lang ay huminto na kami.
"Okay. Good thing I am not feeling the harsh wind blowing. I am pretty sure this is not a cliff," biro pa niya. "Can I take off my blindfold now?"
"Wait!" I yelled as I dashed inside, taking the bouquet of red roses from the round table. "All right, take off your blindfold now."
"This is making me anxious. I am taking it off!"
I eagerly watched as she slowly took the blindfold off. The dramatic bitch even leaned her head and gradually lifted it to see the place.
"How about a date?" I smiled.
She pouted, then cried.
I organized a simple date setup on a gazebo near the beach. Torches lined up at the entrance, and I also decorated the surrounding with blush lights and roses.
"Y-you know that I don't really like red!" she roamed her eyes around.
"But I am your date!" I chuckled as I approached her. "Huwag ka ngang maarte. Kunin mo na 'tong bulaklak."
"Be gentle naman!"
I pulled her inside the gazebo. Nauna na akong naupo.
"Light up the candles," I said.
"Did you like my surprise?" she asked sarcastically.
"Oh, my feels. I love this!" I giggled.
After lighting up the cadles, Hestia sat on the chair across me. Tumingala siya para pagmasdan ang mga ilaw. Sumilay ang isang ngiti sa kanyang labi.
"Any man would kill to have my position," she mumbled.
"So..." I poured us some wine. "Don't expect food. My task is only to design the place. Let's just have some wine."
"This is a nice date, Nathalia. I appreciate it."
I just shrugged.
I spent five minutes explaining how I secretly planned this date, and Hestia did nothing but point out everything I overlooked and should have included aside from food.
"A music wouldn't be that bad," she said.
"I can sing!"
"So... what's this?" pag-iiba niya agad sa usapan.
Natigilan ako. I'd been playing the enigmatic, classy, and mysterious Nathalia Cardinal of the modeling world for so long that I felt embarrassed to express myself and how I was really feeling.
Hestia's brows arched. "Trip mo lang?"
"Not really..." I bit my bottom lip. "I just felt like... I needed this."
