VALID PASSION

|15|

Chapter 15

Bolivar street. Huarez–Castillo Residence.

It's a huge emerald gate and two guards greeted us. Pinakita lang nila ang 'blue card' and settled.

Hindi pa kami nakakapasok sa loob ng mansion pero rinig ko na ang ingay ng bass music.

The interior designs are unique. It's green shade and dark linen emphasize the beauty of this house.

It's all about nature. Even the paintings, photographs and artworks.

When my senses were disturbed by people looking at us, I felt the air sufficient. I breathe heavily. 

"Oh, Avril! Good to see you here!" One of the the girl from nowhere with his backless dress. She gave my sister a beso and got nerve to look at me. "And?..."

"That's Avi! Sis Solene!"

"OMG! You look amazing! It's been a decade since I saw you, I guess! You never attended family reunion! Uh." Napangiwi siya pero binawian niya agad ako ng ngiti. "Come on guys, you girls need to eat." Base on her expression, intonation, and style, she's a chill girl. With her just eyebrows, I know that she got her attitude too. I guess, she's early twenties? And I do not know her.

The aquarium at the left side got my attention, but my sister quickly catched my left hand. I rolled my eyes, timidly.

The reception designs are literally good. It's turquoise and emerald silk fabric, the flowers uniqueness.

What is this a wedding? I shook my head.

"We're late for a dinner time. It's party time!" Bulong sa'kin ni Ate Avril. Nakaupo na kami malapit sa pintuan papuntang garden. Alam ko naman gustong-gusto na ni Ate Avril sumayaw pero mas pinili niya munang kumain kami.

"Go there. I know how to eat alone, Sis." When we're done eating her food, she looked at me with her brows. "What?"

"You don't want to go there? Come on!" I shooked my head. "Kuya Ken is already there, Avi. Baka busy na 'yon sa party at hindi ka mapuntahan dito." I looked around.

I saw some businesmans talking to each other's company. I saw Lola Dhel with her Amigas, laughing at each other. On the other side of the table are Tito Selesio with his friends, kuya Ken's father. I recognized their faces. I saw the other tables, they're all in the middle ages enjoying teas and each other's stories.

I look at her again smirking and sadly to say I don't have a choice but to go inside the garden. With loud bass music and instruments. With hourse and up voices. Teenagers, enjoying the loud music with their silly dances. Enjoying their tequilas and alcohols. Some of them in the pool with their swim suits. AHHH I am not a part of this! I let out a big sighed.

"You should enjoy your teenage dream, Avi!" She shouted bcs of the loud music. "Sit there, I'll be back!!" Umawang ang bibig ko nang umalis na siya. Kita kong may kinakausap na siyang nga hindi ko kilala.

May mga waiter na nag-aalok ng mga inumin at napapailang nalang ako. My tables are filled with  few glasses of alcohol and bottles but I couldn't even touch it.

"A-AVI?!" I almost jump on my chair when I faced him. He's a birthday boy. "I COULDN'T BELIEVE YOU ARE HERE! FOR THE FIRST TIME!!"

"H-ha, Y-yes. H-happy Birthday!" Iniabot ko sakaniya ang dala 'kong small paper bag na may laman na relo. Instead of picking it, he hugged me. I did the same way.

"Hays, I missed you, Avi! After all of that, you always isolate yourself. You always do your own, and ignore us! And now, p-paano ka napilit ng ate mo?" I saw his sincerity, care and concern. But I couldn't deny that I missed the old times.