Missed Pages ✔︎

Chapter 43

EMPTY SPACES

I was genuinely happy. I had a great time for the first time.

Having Marcus stay with me when I felt so alone, it was indeed a perfect start for Christmas day.

Sa sobrang saya ko, hindi ko na inisip ang mga bagay na makakasira ng araw na ito. Ang tanging nasa isip ko lang ay masaya ako habang kasama siya.

“Where have you been, Frankie?” tanong ni Mom. She was raising her brows as she asks.

I hate to be rude at the moment but I want to protect my happiness just once. The urge was so loud. I want to protect my peace just once. If only the universe would let me this time.

“Itʼs none of your business, Mom.” I said, intending to show no emotions. If she catches just one glimpse of my sweet smile, everythingʼs over. And I donʼt want that to happen.

“Everyoneʼs looking for you.” she added. “Nakailang tawag din ako sa ʼyo pero hindi mo sinasagot. Hindi ka rin nagsabi kung saan ka pupunta at kung anong oras ka babalik. Nag-alala kami, Frankie.”

“Everyone? Oh you mean our relatives who barely even know my name and what I look like? Donʼt ridicule me, Mom. I know well that thereʼs no one in this family values my presence.” That was the time that my nerves snapped. I really canʼt control myself anymore. This is too much for me. “Do you still remember what I asked for when I was a kid? I asked for a peaceful life. I never said that I wanted to feel invisible and neglected. No wonder you grant it without hesitation.” I was in perfect sarcasm and in perfect condition to tell her what I have been going through when I was younger.

Why canʼt the universe let me spend a day without feeling all the pain? Why canʼt I have what I was longing for?

“You wanted peace? Bakit? Hindi ba namin nabigay ʼyon sa ʼyo?” she was fuming yet I was containing myself so that I wonʼt come out that furious.

I sighed and shook my head to bluff all that has been said. “This is nowhere to end. I wanna rest.”

I walked out. Wala naman akong dapat ipaliwanag kung wala naman silang balak na pakinggan ako. That was utter disrespect and I wonʼt tolerate it. If they wouldnʼt even listen to my story then they wonʼt do the same thing.

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It was past midnight and instead of sleeping, I canʼt forget what happened on our date. Was it a date when we werenʼt still in a relationship? Iʼll take it as a yes. It was magical, it was new to me. It was unforgettable.

I kept thinking about him and I canʼt help but to smile. The way he treats me as a woman is in a different level of respect. It goes beyond my standards for men. Maybe I should give it a shot between us. Maybe WE could happen or maybe not. Who knows?

My eyes were closed, halfway asleep but then my phone rang. I should take the call, maybe itʼs urgent.

“Hello.” I tried my hardest to not sound sleepy yet my voice wouldnʼt let me.

“Naistorbo ko ata ang tulog mo.” Marcus said, apologetically.

I couldnʼt respond quickly, I was running out of energy to speak. To avoid the rudeness and misinterpretations, I stayed awake and let my presence known.

“This wouldnʼt take long.” he stated. I was humming shortly so heʼll know Iʼm not hanging up. “Thereʼs a party in the Scottsdaleʼs mansion and Adrian already texted you to invite you.”

I scrolled down through my notifications on the phone. Oh, 30 minutes ago... I mustʼve been that exhausted that I didnʼt hear the notification bell.

“Sorry, hindi na ako nakapag-reply. Patulog na kasi ako.” saad ko. Suddenly, I hear soft chuckles coming from his line.

“Are you going tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“Iʼll fetch you at 6pm. Have a good night.”

“You too.” I hang up after that and dozed off immediately.

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“Ayos lang ba ʼtong suot ko, Marcus? Do I look weird?” magkakasunod na tanong ang bumungad kay Marcus pagkakita na pagkakita ko pa lang sa kaniya.

I was really self-conscious. What if I look weird in my outfit? What if there was a dress code that they didnʼt told me about? I would really look like an outcast.

Kakababa palang niya ng sasakyan agad ko siyang tinanong kaya naman tinignan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa at sa mukha. He was just staring at me with nothing to say. What was he thinking right now?

Para talaga siyang si Calvin. ʼYon nga lang ay mas sarkastiko si Calvin at prangka naman si Marcus. Pareho naman silang masungit, mas madalas lang magsungit itong si Calvin. Theyʼre both unpredictable when it comes to guessing what theyʼre thinking just by observing the expressions on their faces. I could barely tell.

“You look as beautiful as everyday.” he complimented. “Calm down, Miss Denver.”

“What if may dress code sila at hindi ko masunod?”

“No, they do not have that. Just wear something nice for a Christmas party and youʼll be good.”

Napayuko ako habang sinusubukan kong hindi isipin ang mga bagay bagay.

“You think?” I again asked, feeling less ashamed of myself. He nods as if to reassure me. “Okay, letʼs go.”

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“Frankie!!!”

As we both stepped into the grand foyer of the Scottsdaleʼs mansion, the first person I saw was Lili. She was waiting for our arriving.

The butlers and maids escorted us inside the mansion to the pool deck. Everyone was gathered and having fun as the music plays loud at the back. I scanned the whole venue as to compare my outfit to the other girls here with us. Iʼm wearing white flare pants and sage green puff sleeves top. The outfit was well complimented by my golden heels and gold accessories.

We were all have the same aesthetic. That proves one thing. He was right. Iʼll do just fine...

“Kanina pa kayo nandito?” tinanong ko si Lili na nakakapit sa aking braso. Halos hindi na niya maalis ang kamay sa braso ko.

“Hindi naman. Halos kararating lang din.” she was wearing a big smile on her face. She was more delighted than I am.

I feel so anxious with all the people here in the pool area. Kahit pa maayos naman ang aking pananamit at maganda naman pagkaayos ko sa aking buhok at makeup, nakakaramdam pa rin ako ng kaba. Siguro hindi lang talaga ako sanay sa maraming tao at sa mga malaking selebrasyon.

Iba talaga ang mga Scottsdale mag-celebrate. From the decorations on the fine-cut bushes, the lights hanging around. Everything was in place and everyone was having an amazing time. I felt alone knowing na wala akong ka-close dito maliban kay Adrian at Liana... and Marcus.

“Miss Denver,” someone grabbed my hand.

At the moment I said his name inside my head, I see his silhouette. The light coming from his back justifies the good features in him. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah...” The way I felt the lightness in my lungs. A subtle smile curved my lips and my gaze softens.

Now that youʼre here beside me while holding my hand gently, I couldnʼt imagine myself being lonely and feeling alone again. All it takes to fill up the empty spaces in my heart was you. It was you who I needed all the time.

All I need was your presence and everything that reminds me of you. I love every moment with you.