Game Plan (COMPLETE)

08

The day before the graduation ball, my dress thankfully arrived. Isa na siguro ako sa pinakamatapang sa mga batchmates ko dahil ngayon ko lang inabyad ang damit ko.

Originally, it was just a sleek, off-shoulder black gown that hugged my figure before cascading into a soft, flowing skirt that reached the floor. I just bought it online. I don't really see the point in spending a fortune for these types of events, but to each their own.

Pero dinala ko pa ito sa mananahi at pinalagyan ng kaunting kintab at detalye. It only took a few hours. When it was done, I could clearly see how the fabric shimmered subtly–it caught the light in just the right way.

I also ordered jewelry online, particularly ones that would fit with the dress and the theme of Old Hollywood–most of them are pearls. Syempre, wala naman akong budget for real pearls.

The doorbell rang and I was sure it was Ace. Sinabihan ko siya na sabay na kaming mag-make up para sa ball. We were both on the same page–we didn't want to spend too much for this ball. For a makeup artist, it would cost us at least PHP 2000 or above. Though I admit they do deserve every penny, I would rather just do my own makeup.

Pinagbuksan ko lang siya ng gate at napatitig na lang ako sa kalagayan ng buhok niya...

"Hoy, don't judge! Trust the process!" She pushed me to go inside my own house, paulit-ulit sinasabi na magiging maganda ang ginawa niyang overnight curls gamit ang medyas.

I sat again in front of my mirror, eyes are still on my phone, supposedly typing a message to Ven, but a notification from Ryan popped up.

Ryansen Alveria:
How do you plan to get to the ball?
Commute, service, or is someone picking you up?

Arrie Yleina Viste:
Idk yet. I'm with Ace right now and I think she's getting picked up.
They offered to take me with them.

Ryansen Alveria:
My driver and I will pick you up then :)

Send me your address or a pickup point you prefer.

Ace peeped on my phone. "Aba! Chatmates ang dapat na partners lang sa sayaw! Iba ka talaga!" Pinairal nanaman ang pagka-OA niya.

"Sabi ng inaya ang kapatid ng crush niya bilang partner? Ikaw ang iba. Ang lupit." I said, a huge smirk plastered on my lips as I started doing the base of my makeup.

"Ako ang malupit? Eh tignan mo nga oh," She scrolled through the notification panel of my phone. "Salitan ang notification mula kay Ryansel at Ferrera08. Two timer ang bakla ko!"

Niyakap niya pa ako na parang sobrang proud siya sa akin. In my defense, Ryansen and I were talking because of the grad ball. Moreover, for Ven and I's convo, we were just catching up and asking about each other's day... I try my best to pay no heed. Nothing's special.

Anyway, I was beyond thankful for Ryan's offer because it would lessen the hassle of getting to the venue. I also want to exclude myself from the awkwardness of being a third-wheel with Ace and Aden.

I wore my black gown, and Ace wore her deep burgundy gown with an asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline. The upper half is velvet, contrasting with the satin skirt that cascades to the floor. The gown flares out gracefully from the hips, creating a mermaid-inspired shape. She then paired it with a statement diamond necklace and softly styled waves for her hair.

Akalain mo nga naman, ang mukhang sabog lang kanina na buhok ay naging maayos naman na kulot.

"Hi Arrie." Bati sa akin ni Aden, I smiled in return. He was wearing a suit that matches the color of Ace's gown–maroon. "Sabay ka, 'di ba?"