Symphonic Waves (Ciudad de Escalante #6)

Phase 32

It's #WorldCancerDay yesterday. I love you, Ceres. We all do.

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"My daughter really loves your work, Ms. Ceres!" Natutuwang sabi ng isang babae na batid kong nasa late twenties.

"Really? That's so sweet," humagikgik ako, at binuksan ang libro na papapirmahan nila. It's been an hour since my book signing started. It was held at CDS, Plaza Guerrero. Hindi ko inaasahan na madami pala ang pupunta.

"What's your name, lovely girl?" I asked softly. Ngumiti ako para maging mas komportable siya. I don't know if she's just starstruck or if there's something wrong with my face, so she's staring intently at me.

"Hermione," the girl whispered, but it was enough for me to hear it.

My eyes widened.

"Woah, from Harry Potter," namamangha kong saad habang pinapirmahan ang mga libro ko na binili nila. Her mom is indeed a bookworm.

"You know her?" The girl asked cutely.

"Of course, she's as pretty as you!" I giggled and patted her head. Pagkatapos, nag-request ang Mommy niya na picturan kaming dalawa. Ganoon lamang ang naging ganap ko sa loob ng dalawang oras. Signing the book they bought, interacting with my readers, and taking a photo with them.

"Hi! Thank you..." I paused when I greeted the next person on line, "...for coming," dugtong ko at binuksan na ang libro na gusto niyang pa-sign.

While writing a short message, I glanced at the tall guy in front of me who's wearing a black hoodie and shades. Kahit may takip ang mata, alam kong nakatitig siya sa akin. For some reason, I felt something for him. Not weirdness or anything from the way he looked. I felt familiarity.

"Hmm, what's your name—" tanong ko at napatuwid sa pagkakaupo nang ibaba niya ang kanyang hoodie.

"Sylvan?" I asked, dumbfounded, when I recognized his hair and lips. What is he doing here?

He smirked and lowered his head to meet my eyes.

"You know me so well," bulong niya.

"Akala ko kung sino," Natawa ako.

"You have a lot of readers. Many people really love you, huh?" He teased, but I shook my head.

"Oh, not me. They love my works," sabi ko at pinirmahan na ang mga libro na binili niya.

"It's just the same," giit niya, at inilingan ko na lamang.

"What are you doing here, anyway? Pwede naman na sa school ka na lang nagpa-sign..."

He shrugged.

"Just curious, and I'm your fan now in case you're not aware," aniya at may hinugot sa loob ng damit. He's showing me the necklace he's wearing. Napaawang ang bibig ko nang makita ang disenyo.

"Where did you get that?" I asked in awe as I observed the design. It's the astrology sign for my name, Ceres.

"I had it made. I can't have tattoos, you know," he chuckled. Tattoos? He knows that? Karamihan kasi sa mga fans ko, nagpapa-tattoo ng pangalan ko gamit ang astrological sign. I blinked as I stared at him. He's my fan? Since when? Gosh, Sylvan. I don't know what to do with you anymore.

"Let's talk about that later. Madami pang nakapila," sabi ko at inabot na sa kanya ang mga libro.

"Yeah, of course. I'll wait for you," he whispered.

"No, hindi na. Sa bahay na lang. May mini celebration na inihanda sina Mommy at Daddy. Join us," anyaya ko at ngumiti. "Don't worry about Constance or my mom. Everything is fine, I promise," I assured him when I noticed his hesitation.