Chapter 21: THE PARTY
I sneaked out for Hazel's party that night. I was unsure if I could make it due to tight security at the mansion. But luckily, I succeeded, though recalling the experience is stressful and nerve-wracking. I prefer not to delve into the details. The experience gave me anxiety.
Basta earlier, I gathered the clothes I wanted to give away. I intentionally took a lot from my wardrobe to make the box heavier. I even sacrificed some items I still liked and added them to the pile. The process felt a bit tough since I parted with clothes that I still wanted to keep, but aside from sneaking out, the idea that I was also helping others made it worth it.
I called for Ate Susan to handle it, but with multiple heavy boxes, Emerson quickly volunteered to help. After a few minutes, when I was sure they had safely reached the first floor, I emerged from my room. Moving around the house was a breeze, as the guards seemed completely uninterested in my presence. It felt like they received explicit orders not to even glance in my direction, making my navigation undisturbed and inconspicuous.
I made my way to the gates. Of course, I wasn't dumb enough to use the front gate; I used the other gate that we don't really use. The way was masukal and dark, but luckily, I didn't encounter any bugs or snakes. I took a cautious route to ensure a smooth escape. Hazel's car was already parked and waiting for me when I reached the road.
I gazed at my reflection from the ceiling-to-floor mirror inside Hazel's closet. The dress that I am wearing embraces my body's curves, accentuating its natural allure with its form-fitting silhouette. The off-shoulder neckline gracefully showcased my collarbones and revealed a generous amount of cleavage. Its length reached only mid-thigh, teasingly revealing my legs and adding a playful and flirtatious touch. The skirt had layers, which added a graceful effect every time I moved. The combination of the short length and off-shoulder design struck a tantalizing balance between elegance and sultriness, making me look irresistibly captivating.
"Wow, you're so pretty."
Napalingon ako kay Hazel at agad na napangiti. It seems like she has just finished her make-up. I couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked. She was already wearing the gown that we had chosen together, and it complemented her perfectly. Her hair was elegantly styled, and strands delicately dangled on the side of her face. She also wore a pair of sparkling earrings that enhanced the overall allure of her look.
Playfully rolling my eyes, I responded, "Not a new phrase for me. Every day naman akong pretty."
I took the fairy wings that we would be wearing. Her wings were transparent white, while mine were transparent pink, complementing our outfits perfectly. Hazel had chosen an Enchanted Garden theme for her birthday celebration, so we both adorned ourselves in fairy costumes. Hazel preferred the spacious garden in their backyard over going to a hotel or another venue. Kaya napagkasunduan na sa backyard nila gaganapin ang party.
"We both look amazing," I commented as we looked at ourselves in the mirror. The makeup and hairstyling team nodded in agreement in the background, appreciating the overall enchanting look we had achieved for the occasion.
Upon leaving Hazel's room to go downstairs, I noticed that her shoulders were tense. It was evident that she was nervous, blowing her cheeks and moving at a slow pace, almost as if she wished time would just stop.
"Are you nervous?" I asked as we continued walking. Mas naging mabagal ang pag-usad namin dahil sinasabyan ko na ngayon ang bawat hakbang niya. She glanced at me, awkwardly smiling, before giving a hesitant nod.
I reached out to hold her hand. "You can do this. Remember, I'm right here."
Sandali kaming huminto kami sa harapan ng hagdanan. Hazel's grip on the railing tightened. The weight of her anxiety hung in the air. Attempting to alleviate the tension, I reassured her, "Take it one step at a time. We've got this, and I'm here to support you."
