Nocturnal (Ability Series #1)

CHAPTER 57

NOCTURNAL - THE WINNER

The weight of the golden trophy in my hands screams the success of our desire to achieve the ultimate goal. It feels surreal. I needed to remind myself that I indeed am living in the present.

"Congratulations, Ms. Gonzales. I'll see you later together with your model, Ms. Ishizaki."

"Thank you very much, Mr. del Rosario. We'll see you too."

You read it right.

Xylem won!

She came in first place.

The famous woman on Instagram came in second place along with Hunter Avci as her model.

Xylem's hard work paid off. I couldn't be more proud of her. She did great and the judges loved all of her photos.

Out of the fifteen contestants who presented their pieces to the judges and spectators, Xylem stood out the most. The way she delivered her explanation to the questions asked for her, she really is something.

Katabi ko ngayon si Apollo na marahang hinahaplos ang trophy na naipanalo ni Xylem. He'll get his own this upcoming November when he won the Creative Writing contest that he had joined in.

Aiden and Leigh are still here with us to congratulate the winner who was busy congratulating her fellow contestants. Leslie, well, how do I say this? He was surprised but he keeps on saying that Xylem's win was expected because of how good the photos were and the qualities are impeccable. That's what he told us. I didn't know he was goofy sometimes.

One really has a side to them that they don't want anyone to know.

Tinawagan ko na rin sila Camille upang ipaalam sa kanila ang pagkapanalo ni Xylem. They were so thrilled when they heard the news. I bet Yvenne is very proud of her big sister for winning the contest.

Mr. Benjamin del Rosario- Joaquin's Dad invited us for dinner tonight. I believe he'll be discussing to us the reward granted for the winner and their model. I'm excited and worried at the same time. I know Mr. del Rosario because he was the boyfriend of Lirio- Felix's ex-girlfriend. We saw each other face to face and there's something off about him that I cannot pinpoint. Tama nga ba ang hinala sa kaniya ni Police Officer Frederick?

"Hi, guys! I'm back!" Xylem went to me to hug her trophy. I smiled at the sight of her savoring her victory.

Tinapik ni Aiden ang balikat niya. "Congratulations, Xylem. You were awesome out there. You really gave your all."

She faced him with a grin on her face. "Thanks, Aiden! It's all thanks to you, guys! I'm very happy that you're all here for the both of us." I jolted when she pulled me close to her.

Nginitian ko sila at yumuko bilang pasasalamat. She's right. Leslie and Aiden gave her the confidence the she needed and on the other hand, I gave her the courage to showcase her work in front of everybody.

"Congratulations, Xylem! So proud of you!" Leigh greeted her. Xylem grabbed her hand and gave her a tight hug which she never expected to get. "Thank you so much, Leigh! I'm really really glad that you're here with Aiden. To tell you the truth, I adore you! Alam mo 'yon, hindi mo sinukuan si Aiden kahit na—"

"Xy! Quit it!" Aiden interfered.

She giggled playfully. "Sorry not sorry."

Xylem has a point, though. Aiden wasn't invited as a guest but Leigh was and he's here with her. Sa palagay ko ay seryoso talaga siya kay Aiden kasi kung hindi, mag-isa sana siyang pumunta rito.

I was back to reality when I felt Apollo's presence beside me. He cleared his throat to catch Xylem's attention who was busy teasing Aiden and Leigh.

"Congrats, Xylem! You did great." He congratulated her.