Red: A fervid temptation : The Lawyer's Bed Warmer

Chapter Five

THIRD PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW

"Here, foundation. Takpan mo 'yan, ate. They might think you escaped from a lion's cage," Irene teased as she handed her sister some makeup. Imee simply rolled her eyes.

Takpan ang mga bahid ng kasalanan, eme.

"You don't have to remind me," Imee muttered while tidying up her desk. "Anyways, I already booked a Grab for us, just make sure you're ready. Malapit na," Irene said, and Imee nodded absentmindedly.

"Why so hurry? Tara na," Imee huffed as she neatly arranged her belongings before standing up. Irene stared at her, bemused.

"Are we not going, Irene?" Imee asked, slightly puzzled. Irene gave her a once-over, eyebrows raised. "Ate, seriously? You're going like that? Diba you have a room here? Magpalit ka muna," Irene quipped, her tone exasperated.

Imee raised an eyebrow, looking unimpressed. "Bakit, catch-up ba 'yan na two hours lang?" she questioned. Irene rolled her eyes dramatically. "Ate, minsan ka na nga lang magpunta, naka-office attire ka pa din. Come on, loosen up," Irene said with her usual flair. Imee sighed heavily, knowing she couldn't win this fashion battle with her little sister.

Her little sister's fashion sense is 🤌.

"Fine, may dress code pa pala," Imee mumbled, removing her glasses as she headed towards a small room connected to her veranda. It was a quaint space filled with backup outfits for emergencies.

A few moments later, Imee re-emerged, now clad in a meticulously black tailored dress, understated but undeniably elegant. The fabric draped perfectly over her figure, her hair cascading effortlessly over her shoulders, emanating an aura of quiet sophistication and allure.

This outfit practically screamed, "Oh oh, luxury, chidi-ching-ching, could buy anything!"

"Shall we depart, sister?" Irene asked, her voice soft yet resolute. "Indeed, my dear," Imee replied with a subtle smile, they laughed in unison.

-

Minutes later, they arrived at their destination, where the titas of Manila were already gathered, indulging in light banter. The air was filled with casual conversation, but it shifted subtly when the elegant Marcos sisters stepped into the room.

"Irene! Imee! Dear, over here!" Small Laude waved enthusiastically, her voice loud enough to draw attention from across the room. The sisters exchanged a knowing look and approached the table with their usual grace.

Sinong hindi makakapansin, sa lakas ng boses ni Small?

Of course, being the titas they were, etiquette was never forgotten as they exchanged the customary beso-beso with each lady at the table. They took their seats, seamlessly integrating into the group with effortless poise.

As time passed, the air became charged with laughter, stories, and the occasional clinking of glasses. But amidst the lively conversation, Imee remained noticeably quiet. Always one for observing rather than participating, she sat elegantly, content with her salad.

Sensing Imee's silence, Small, ever the social butterfly, turned her attention to her. "Dear, ang quiet mo! And you're glowing today, ha!" she exclaimed, causing all the ladies to turn their gaze towards Imee, who immediately felt the heat of their scrutiny.

"Oo nga, Imee. You really do look glowing today," Alice chimed in. Imee gave them a small, awkward smile, not entirely sure how to respond.

"Why is everyone on me? Can't I have peace with my salad?" Imee mused internally.

"Thank you, I guess? Matagal na naman akong maganda, you don't have to remind me," Imee replied sassily, eliciting a round of giggles from the group.

"I know something that you don't know," Irene whispered teasingly, just loud enough for Imee to hear. Annoyed, Imee pinched her younger sister's side.

"Ahh!" Irene yelped, drawing the attention of the group. "Irene, what happened?" Dawn asked, concern lacing her voice. Irene smiled, though clearly in pain, and said, "Nothing, Dawn. Please, continue."

When the attention shifted away from them, Irene leaned closer to Imee. "Ate naman, ang sakit nun," she grumbled, rubbing her side. Imee shot her a look that could silence a room.

As the evening wore on, the titas exchanged stories, laughter bubbling over the clinking of glasses. Small, of course, was leading the conversation, sharing the latest on her fabulous beach trip, complete with lechon and lemons. The ladies laughed, fully immersed in Small's tales, with only the occasional glance towards the ever-silent Imee.

"You have the best life, Small. Kami ni Lotlot, we're drowning in events, buti ka pa!" Alice joked, causing another round of laughter to ripple through the table.

"Come on, guys. Let's do something fun! It's been months since we've had a proper getaway. Let's plan a trip, tara!" Small declared enthusiastically. The ladies chimed in their agreement, except for one.

Imee, of course.

"Ikaw, Imee? You're so quiet talaga! Are you coming? Yes or yes?" Small asked, turning her attention to Imee. Imee, lost in thought, blinked. "Pardon, Small?" she asked.

"I said, are you coming with us? Vacation tayo!" Small repeated, with Dawn jumping in to assist.

"I'm so sorry, ladies. It's not that I don't want to. It's just that I have so many commitments. I have a trial next week, and this case, although not finalized, is something I'm really focused on," Imee explained, politely declining.

"Ate, pwedeng i-set aside mo muna 'yang trabaho mo? Next week pa naman 'yung trial. You can delegate some tasks. Hindi pa naman final lahat," Irene piped up, clearly intent on convincing her sister.

"Oo nga, dear. Minsan ka na nga lang sumama," Small added, feigning tampo.

"Sige na, ate, please," Irene pleaded, her tone light yet insistent. Imee rolled her eyes, but the sigh that followed gave away her answer. "Yey!" Irene cheered, thrilled that she had won her sister over.

As they discussed vacation plans, someone suggested a trip to Ilocos Norte, to which Irene proudly nodded. "Of course! Mas maganda pa sa Maldives, guys. Our empanada and bagnet will make you drool. We can even visit Pagudpud; there's a beach resort there."

The titas, clearly intrigued, all nodded in agreement, excited to explore a place they'd never visited.

"Okay, I'll set the date. I'll message everyone in the group chat," Small concluded, as the evening continued with laughter, stories, and, of course, more plans.

See you, Ilocos Norte. Hopefully, nothing goes wrong... right?

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I'm not good on this, but if you want me to write like this pa it's free to comment and vote! Thanks, appreciated much! Mag vote, ikikiss ko ng lima.

You are freely to recommend this story on your friends or whatsoever, wag lang sa homophobic, HAHAHA.

-lablispeedynoodles💗🎀