Let Me Cook a Content for You.

05

We both walked downstairs and approached Mom, who was enjoying wine with her friends. Denz was beside his Mom. Abala si Denz sa telepono niya at hindi kami napansin. Angelo smiled at my Mom's friends, while I greeted them with kisses on their cheeks. Mom introduced Angelo to my aunts and her friends.

"Angelo, this is my friend from my college days and my Cousins and Sisters. Everyone, this is Angelo," Mom looked at me, "Monica's..." Asking me using a hint in her eyes.

"Friend," Angelo and I answered simultaneously. Some of my Mom's friends laughed, while the others just smiled.

Maybe they really think may tinatago ako!

Mom laughed. Akala mo may nag-joke. "Anyway, this is Meream," Mom said, looking at the girl who had just arrived at their table, holding a glass of wine and put it on the table, seated beside Mom. Halatang galing nag restroom dahil sa tissue na hawak niya, pinupunasan ang mga kamay.

"Hi," the woman stood up, genuinely smiling at us and offered a hand.

"She has a sister who is an interviewer in Paris, and her sister requested if it's okay to invite you to her show in Paris in just... Maybe one or two days."

I was surprised and smiled. I was thrilled at the opportunity to be interviewed and to travel and visit Paris again. However, my forehead creased as I suddenly remembered something.

Kaya ko bang pumunta mag-isa roon? Or... May makakasama naman ako, e, diba?

"So, who's going with me?" I asked Mom, my brows furrowed. Hoping someone will accompany me.

I suddenly realized that Mom and Dad would be too busy to accompany me. I couldn't invite Yuen either as she was occupied. Ang dami niyang concert these past few weeks, kaya madalang nalang kami nagkikita, through chats nalang kami nag-uusap.

"Angelo," Mom replied simply. My eyebrows shot up in surprise at her response.

"I've already booked a ticket for both of you for the next day, so get ready. I've also rented a room for you in a hotel there." I was too stunned to speak, observing all of Mom's friends looking at us with sudden interest.

"Ah- Ha? What will Angelo do there?" I asked Mom, feeling confused. I turned to Angelo, and he simply shrugged. Nabigla rin siya, hindi ko mabasa sa mga mata niya kung masaya ba siya o malungkot o ewan.

"Bakit hindi nalang si Denz? They have a house there, and besides, we won't have to spend money."

"Denz has an important meeting in Dubai, so he can't accompany you. That's why I decided to have Angelo accompany you."

I glanced at Denz. May kinakausap siya sa telepono niya. He was indeed too busy to accompany me. Angelo excused himself and headed upstairs, mentioning that his Mom was calling him.

"But what about Angelo's job?" I inquired once more.