Veiled Echoes

Chapter 3

"Oh my, dear! You look lovely!" My Mother's voice echoed through the halls of the mansion. "Tan looks good on you! Did you take a lot of photos?"

I nodded, smiling. "Yes, Mama."

She continued inspecting my wholeness. "Pumayat ka! Have you been eating?" She held my shoulder as she pinned her eyes on me.

"Of course, Ma. I just wanted to get slim since my debut is coming."

Amelia and I just got home an hour ago. Sinundo ako ni Mama mula sa airport and ever since she saw me, she couldn't stop complimenting my skin and body.

I had a good time in Europe. It was absolutely one of the best trips I ever had and I would definitely visit it all over again!

It's my brother's 22nd birthday today and Mom told me that Kuya wanted a simple celebration with friends and family so our Mother booked a reservation at a fancy restaurant in Makati. Of course, she's Xandra Caballero. It's not her if she'll choose something less than fancy.

I changed my clothes into a mesh dress that hugged my shoulders with a straight cut, draping elegantly down to just below my knees. The waistline is intriguingly irregular, adding a touch of edginess to its overall elegance. The pleated design cascades gracefully, adding movement to every step I take. I paired it with Saint Laurent's Opyum Pumps.

Dumeretso na kami sa resto kung saan gaganapin ang birthday ni Kuya. Nasa labas palang kami ay nakita ko na ang mga engrandeng sasakyan na naka park sa tapat nito.

Nang makapasok kami ay agad kaming inasikaso ng receptionist. She led us to the VIP area and when she opened the door, we were greeted by Kuya's voice. The area can accomodate 50 people so even tho there are lots of people, maluwag pa din ang lugar.

Mom said that it's just a simple celebration yet there are multiple round tables around.

"Alexandria Eloise!" Kuya immediately stood up from his chair and walked towards us. Bumeso ito kay Mommy at nilahad ang mga braso sa'kin. "2 months ka lang nawala pero pakiramdam ko isang taon."

Tumawa ako at sinalubong siya ng yakap. "Aminin mo na kasi na ayaw mo din akong mawala sa bahay." He replied with a scoff.

There were lots of different faces here and I can guess that some of them are Kuya's blockmates and some were our family. My face lit up when I saw Daddy seated with some of our family members. Mas malaki ang lamesang kinabibilangan nila at halos nandito na rin ang parehas na pamilya ni Mommy at Daddy.

"Daddy!" Nagmadali akong lumapit sa'kanya at agad niya naman akong niyakap. "I missed you! We haven't seen each other even before I left for Europe," I pouted. 

Humalakhak ang tatay ko. "Well, manang mana ka kasi sa nanay mong dora." He pinched my nose but he flinched when a hand hit his arm.

"Alec ha! Kung ano ano na naman ang sinasabi mo!" Irap sa'kanya ni Mommy. Palihim akong kinindatan ni Daddy at ipinaghila ng upuan.

As I glanced around, I sensed a familiar, piercing gaze fixed upon me. Despite the passing of two months, here I was once more, seeking out the same eyes I had grown accustomed to searching for. And there he is, sitting with their friends right next to our table, watching me like a predator guarding his prey.

Kumabog ang dibdib ko sa paraan ng pagtitig niya sa'kin. I just gave him a small smile and just when I'm about to sit, I saw my cousin's bestfriend—Nikolai Aleje, who's also my bestfriend—sitting casually and staring at me as if he was waiting for me to notice him.

"Omygosh, Nik!" Tumayo ito at sinalubong ako. I engulfed him with a big hug and he returned it right away. "When did you came back? You're so pogi na lalo!" I cupped his face at matapos ay pinanggilan ko ito.