The Great Pretender's Obsession

Chapter 13

I traced the spaghetti strap of my cocktail satin dress. Bahagyang tumalikod ako at tiningnan ang sariling repleksiyon sa salamin. I stared at my bare back which revealed my backless dress. Hanggang talampakan ang kulay tsokolate kong suot at may mahabang slit sa gilid, exposing my legs. Kavius didn't know about my fit for tonight. Sa venue na kami magkikita kahit ilang beses pa siyang tumanggi nang sabihin ko iyon. May trabaho siya sa umaga at didiretso na lang iyon sa venue mamaya.

Kinuha ko ang perfume sa tabi at ini-spray iyon sa likuran ng aking tainga. I even sprayed my deep collarbones. I wore the necklace Kavius gave me this morning. It has a pendant of his initials. Inayos ko rin ang kulot kong buhok. It was just naturally wavy and I fixed it with a little style to look elegant. I mean, I always look elegant, yes, but tonight is extra. Pinaresan ko iyon ng heels na five inches. A black cigarette stiletto to be precise.

"Nasa venue na ba si Kavius, Von?"

Von pressed the elevator. It opened after a couple of seconds and we went inside.

"Yes, Ma'am. He's been there for about thirty minutes and he had called me..." he stopped for a second and looked at his phone. "forty-five times."

"Let him be. Maikli talaga ang pasensya no'n."

Von became my driver to the venue. Pinagbuksan niya ako ng pinto at lumakad na kami. When we arrived, the restaurant was elegantly decorated. Simple yet elegant. Just as what I requested.

Akala ko maghihintay si Kavius sa labas ngunit hindi namin siya nakita. When Von and I entered, elegant looking decorations welcomes our sights. Kumaway si Kyla sa akin.

"Go look for Kavius. Tell him I'll be with Kyla," utos ko kay Von.

I then walked towards Kyla. Xavier who was with her placed a wide smile when he saw me. Together with him is his long time model girlfriend.

"Hi. Si Papa?"  tanong ko.

"Papunta na 'yon. Magkasama sila ni Mama. May asim pa rin ang mga matatanda," sagot ni Kyla.

The party started and everyone sat on their respected seat. Sa gitna ay mayroong pang-isahang sofa kung saan nakaupo si Papa. His brothers, sisters, and nieces gave speech that made him cry. Nakangiti si Papa at namimilisbis ang mga luha. Tuwang-tuwa sa maliit na pamangkin na nagsasalita sa kaniyang harapan. There were also flowers for him and a crown, a sash and a certificate. Looking at Papa's happy face mase me tear up.

Magkatabi kami ni Mama at hawak ko ang kaniyang kamay. Umiiyak na rin ito habang nakatingin sa asawa. Unconsciously, I looked around for Kavius. Kanina ko pa siya hindi nakikita. He was standing near the entrance together with my male cousins, liqour in hand, staring at me with hawk eyes.

"May entry ka na naman, Xavier," irap ko nang mapansing may sasabihin na naman ito.

"Wala pa naman akong sinasabi!"

"Wala pa pero alam kong may sasabihin ka."

I urge Mama to go and comfort Papa. Nahihiya ito at halos ayaw tumayo. I guided her towards Papa and whispered happy birthday to him. The messges continued and I stood at the side, watching them. Hindi na ako bumalik sa upuan ko at tumayo na lang sa tabi.

My parent's love for each other amazes me. My Papa is so in love with my Mama back then and until now. They weren't even childhood sweethearts nor do they know each other. They met because of a common friend. Ang Papa ko, kapag wala ang Mama ay maya't maya niya itong hahanapin. Ganoon rin si Mama kay Papa. They take care of each other with their own ways. Mama is Papa's quest, she is his queen. He is devoted to her and will always be.

When Kyla was done with her speech, it was my time to shine. Pinunasan ko muna ang luha sa aking mukha saka naglakad. In the middle of walking, a huge arm encircled around my waist. Nag-angat ako ng tingin at sumalubong sa 'kin ang seryosong mukha ng asawa ko. He wasn't smiling but there's a spark in his eyes. I can see through him.