SUNDAY MORNING IN SAGADA

Chapter 1: The Fall

 
There were chandeliers sparkling like diamonds in the grand ballroom of Regency Hotel in Manila. There was laughter all around as shining suits and luminous gowns came to grace the night for one man: Arvelejo Monteragual or Arvie, the star of the night. Standing right in the middle, Arvie drew attention with consummate ease. Strikingly handsome, with features chiseled from stone, his dark hair slicked back in perfect waves that seemed to gleam, oozing confidence. His athletic, muscular physique was well taunting in a tailored suit, which called for admiration and envy in equal measure. Smiling and shaking hand-his mind clearly elsewhere.

"Arvie, anak!" Sylvia Monteragual greeted him with a radiant smile, her midnight blue gown flowing beautifully with every movement she made towards him. She pulled him into a tight embrace. "We're so proud of you. Tingnan mo naman 'to, all this is because of you. You deserve it!"

Arvie forced a smile, nodding appreciative as his father, Arthur Monteragual, added his own approval with a hearty pat on the shoulder. "Great job, son. This is just the beginning. Nandito kami para sa'yo. Bar exam na next, and then—"

"Yeah, Pa," Arvie cut in softly, the weight of expectations pressing on him. Nag-alay  siya ng mahigpit na yakap sa kanyang.

The celebration still going on around them, Xanthea Aguas, his long-time family friend, sashayed up to him with a smile. She looked sleekly elegant in an emerald green dress that really brought out her poise.

"Congrats, Arvie! Ang bonga ng pre- bar exam party mo," she said, her eyes sparkling with something extra-there, unsaid emotions or quiet admiration.

"Thanks, Xanthea." He was heavy with attempts at enthusiasm. "Naku, ang daming tao. Daming umaasa para sa result ng bar exam ko." dinadaan na lang sa ngiti ni Arvie ang hindi maipaliwanag na naramdaman. Ngayon lang sumagi sa  kanyang puso ang matinding pressure na kung dati ay wala siya. Habang pinagmamasdan ang padami-daming bisitang dumating na kadalasan ay mga kaibigan kanyang  mga magulang-mula sa businesses at political party na kinabibilangan.

Standing beside him was his older brother, Arvitto Monteragual, who was more popularly known as Vitto. He was smartly dressed in a charcoal gray suit and looked every inch the successful professional. On his right stood  Vanessa Mae Palad,  his long time live-in partner, a siren in scarlet, her crimson gown clinging to her curves and arresting admiring glances. They exuded sophistication and refinement.

"Arvie! The party was absolutely stunning. The venue was beautifully decorated, with elegant lighting that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. " Vitto clapped him on the back. "Sana mag-enjoy ka kahit medyo stressed ka. Ang daming excited sa pag-top mo sa bar exam."

"Salamat,  kuya Vitto," Arvie replied, trying to smile. "It feels a bit overwhelming. The pressure is just too much to handle."

Just arriving were Arvie's plump cousin, Atty. Clyde Monteragual- Benedicto and his younger brother Arvenzo Monteragual. Clyde, who was working at the Department of Justice as a  lawyer-clerk, was in a classic black suit, slim fit, commanding respect. Arvenzo, who was still in senior high, was in a navy blue casual suit and relaxed compared to the adults.

"Arvie, bro! " Clyde said as he approached, beaming with a smile. "Hindi ka na dapat  magpaka-stress. Kailangan mo ng break paminsan-minsan."

"Clyde, salamat!" Arvie said, visibly relieved. "Sana nga makahanap ako ng oras para magpahinga. Ang daming expectations."

"Come on, the bar exam will be a breeze for you. You're a consistent dean's lister!" Pangiting panunukso ni  Clyde kay Arvie,"At siya nga pala, nagpagawa na ako ng malaking tarp  at ilagay ko sa harap ng bahay namin... para alam ng buong subdivision ang pagkapasado mo."