The Oleander Woman [Free Space Series #1]

CHAPTER 52: Present

"Tamg! What the hell?! You're so wasted!" Hinila ako ni Lynpen paalis ng dance floor.

I waved my hand to those familiar people we bumped into. Some of them even hug me, not content with me just saying hi to them. The reason why I need to stop and make Lynpen wait beside me while I do a small talk with them. 

"Let's take a selfie! You're so pretty-oh my goodness!" One of them exclaimed. Dumikit ako sa kanila at ngumuso at pumikit dahil sa flash ng camera. "Ah! Kinikilig parin ako! Do you want my number?"

I chuckled. "What are you? A lesbian?"

"How did you know?"

Tumaas ang kilay ko. I was just joking about it...

Hinila na ako ni Lynpen paalis para bumalik sa upuan namin. I began to feel dizzy because every time we ran into one of our schoolmates, they would offer me whiskey.

"Akala ko ba may pinoprotektahan kang reputasyon, ha? Ano 'tong ginagawa mo ngayon?"

Para akong nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig after hearing what she said. Realization immediately hit me. Damn right! She's right! Sana lang walang kahit na sinong media ang nakapasok dito ngayon. Private naman siguro ang party diba? I trust Stephanie on this.

"Breaking news, the famous fashion designer in Paris, Amhara Tamg Perez, is spotted in the Philippines right after her flight last week." Gail read something on her phone.

"Hoy, totoo?" My eyes widened.

"Kinabahan!" She laughed. "What if?"

I rolled my eyes and sat down. Isinandal ko ang likod dito at ipinikit ang mata. Oh God... I feel so dizzy, I feel like vomiting. Naidilat ko lang ulit ang mata nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses malapit saakin.

"Yeah, we'll go now. Catrina needs to go and sleep early since she has a lot of appointments for tomorrow. I'm going to give her a ride." 

I knew it. Even though her voice changed, I know it's hers.

Si Van ang kinakausap niya ngayon, na katabi ni Lynpen. Na malapit lang saakin dahil nasa iisang lounge kami nakapwesto.

I did not turn my gaze away from her. To be more specific, I stared at both of them. Katabi niya si Catrina, iwinawagayway nito ang kamay, nagpapaalam sa mga kaibigan.

Kanino kayang hoodie 'tong suot niya ngayon? It's too big for size.

When our eyes met, she smiled at me. "Hey Tamg, you're here."

Ngumiti ako pabalik. "Yeah, long time no see."

"Una na kami ah? I need to go, to sleep early 'cause I have a lot of appointments for tomorrow. Kaori will accompany me." 

"You don't have car?" I swear, it's a genuine question. Pero mukhang iba ang naging dating sa kanila dahil natigilan silang lahat. Maski si Catrina nanlaki ang mata.

She laughs awkwardly. "Silly, of course I have. I just-" 

"I fetched her awhile ago. That's why she doesn't have her car with her right now." Kaori cut her off to respond to my question.

Okay...

Napanguso ako nang maglakad na sila palayo saamin. I can feel my friends gazing at me. Pati ang mga kabanda nila nasa akin na ang tingin ngayon. Grabe naman sila, nagtanong lang naman ako. Genuine yun ah.

"Hey girl,"

Lumingon ako sa gilid. My eyes widened after seeing who called me.

"Sofia?!"