WARNING!
Mature Content.
Chapter 25: BREATHTAKING
"Oh, is she your youngest?" I heard a rich and deep voice asked.
Napakurap ako upang suriin ang paligid. Where am I?
It seemed like I was at a grand ballroom party with chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The walls were lined with elegant drapes, and round tables covered with white cloths and were decorated with floral centerpieces. A soft humming of classical music is playing in the background, mingling with the gentle murmur of conversations and the clinking of crystal glasses in the background.
My lips parted in confusion as my gaze landed on a younger version of my father. His hair was darker, his face smoother, and his eyes sparkled with youth.
'Baba, is that you?' I tried to ask, but no sound came out of my mouth.
"Yes, this is Mia," Baba replied proudly to the person I'm front, his hand resting on my shoulder.
I tried to speak but failed again. I was about to touch my throat when I saw my hands and was bewildered to find small, childlike hands in front of me.
"Hello, Mia. Nice to meet you," the man in front said with a smile. I just looked at him with my confused eyes. "I'm your father's friend. You can call me Uncle D."
"Come on, Sunshine, greet him," a woman standing beside Baba said in a sweet and encouraging tone.
"H-Hello po, my name is Mia, and I am 5 years old."
My lips parted in shock when a small, stuttering voice came out from me. Am I dreaming?
It seems like I was not in control of my body.
The man in front of me laughed, ruffling my hair, as if he was delighted with my response.
He was smiling, yet there was something about his presence that makes me feel uneasy. He was dressed in a three-piece suit, exuding an air of confidence and authority that made me feel intimidated.
The way he stood tall gave the impression that he would not be questioned or challenged.
"I'm sorry, Capo, she's still very shy," my father said politely, slightly bowing his head. Respect and deference evident in my father's tone.
"No, no, it's okay. Kids are naturally like that towards strangers," the man replied, tapping my father's shoulder with a firm hand.
The man turned around and called out to someone. Muling bumaling ang paningin ko sa babaeng nakatayo sa tabi ni Baba. She looked familiar, but I couldn't remember where I had seen her before.
Her elegant white dress flowed gracefully as she moved. She smiled warmly at me when she noticed me looking at her, her eyes sparkling with kindness. The familiarity nagged at me. It felt like I should know her.
"Here's my boy!"
I turned my attention back to the front when Uncle D exclaimed in a booming voice. The corners of his mouth widened into a wide smile as a young boy stopped before us. He was much taller than I was.
The young boy wore a suit similar to Uncle D's, perfectly tailored and immaculately presented. His wavy hair was pushed up, exuding an air of confidence, with his posture straight and devoid of any discernible emotion on his face.
I assumed he was Uncle D's son due to their resemblance.
"Good afternoon, it's nice to see you again," the boy greeted politely. Baba and the woman beside him looked amused by the young boy. "Thank you for coming to my birthday."
