Twist of Fate (LCB Stories11: Zekiel Obillo Story)

chapter 1 (Ced's Debut Delight: A Night of Magic and Memories)

ZEKIEL's POV

Lacsamana Residence

My parents and I drove to Lacsamana Residence in the Hill of Brgy. Paraiso, Koronadal City. It's a lovely place with a great view of the growing city of Koronadal.

As we arrived, the Lacsamana Residence was all lit up and beautifully decorated for the 18th birthday of their youngest daughter, Mercedes Lacsamana. She's the youngest among her siblings, Ate Maricel, a 28-year-old lady pilot married to an airforce major, and Kuya Errol, a 30-year-old medical doctor, married to an engineer, Kuya Bryan. Mercedes, was the star of the night, the favorite of the family, the debutant. She's the youngest of Engr. Alvin Lacsamana and Engr. Anita Lacsamana.

Honestly, I wouldn't usually go to this kind of party because I find it a bit boring. But, because my parents and the celebrant's parents, who are my Ninong and Ninang, asked me to attend, I couldn't say no. I was even chosen to be the celebrant's escort.

I greeted Mercedes with a "Happy birthday!" as we entered, and I gave her my gift and a bunch of pink roses.

"Thank you so much, Zekiel, for these beautiful roses," she said, smiling warmly at me.

MERCEDES' POV

It was like a dream come true, a wish I had asked my parents to make. Zekiel, my childhood friend and high school crush, was going to be my escort for my 18th birthday. We used to be close, the best of friends during our childhood. But as we grew older, things changed.

In our teenage years, Zekiel became distant. Even at family gatherings, he seemed aloof and avoided talking to me. I was never able to have a proper conversation with him. Now, as I looked at him, I couldn't help but be mesmerized. He had grown even more handsome over the years. We were both of age, with Zekiel being five months older than me. Our parents were best friends and his grandparents were my parents.

I remembered the days when we were playmates, always joining in weekend activities like beach outings and parties. But lately, it felt like he didn't want to be my friend anymore. He would avoid me whenever possible, and it made me feel sad.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I request all of you to settle at your respective tables., the program will start shortly," the host's voice interrupted my thoughts.

I felt excited about walking down the aisle with Zekiel. The idea of having my first official dance with him left me in awe. As the party started, Zekiel, silent and seemingly agitated, sat at a table with me.

During the eighteen roses segment, the music played, and I couldn't help but feel like I was walking on cloud nine. I was so happy.

Always remember us this way...

So when I'm all choked up
But I can't find the words
Every time we say goodbye
Baby, it hurts
When the sun goes down
And the band won't play
I'll always remember us this way lovers in the night
Poets tryin' to write
We don't know how to rhyme
But, damn, we try
But all I know
You're where I want to go
The part of me that's you will never die when I'm all choked up
And I can't find the words
Every time we say goodbye
Baby, it hurts
When the sun goes down
And the band won't play
I'll always remember us this way

As Zekiel and I began to dance, I felt super excited. It was like I was in a cloud of happiness. The music made me feel so joyful. I looked into Zekiel's eyes, but his stares didn't feel special. They seemed kind of cold and blank. I started to feel like he didn't like me at all. To hide how sad I felt, I bowed my head, and it seemed like I was about to cry.