Flickering Firelight

Prologue

"Liana! I'm so delighted to see you here!", dire-diretso si Pauline papunta sa akin. She breezed past other guests who tried to catch her attention, flashing them only a quick smile.

When she reached me, she wrapped her arms around me in a warm hug and kissed my cheeks.

"Congratulations, Pauline! I truly wish you both all the happiness in the world," I said, smiling at her sincerely. This girl really deserves every bit of happiness.

"Thank you!" Ngumiti rin siya pabalik, then guided me to a quieter corner of the room. "You know what, Jacy told me last week that you might not come. I was so worried."

I was taken aback. Ang bruhang 'yon, talagang sinabi niya pa kay Pauline?

"No... I was just busy these past few weeks, so maybe Jacy thought I wouldn't make it. But of course, I wouldn't miss this, 'no! I wouldn't dare," I answered.

And that was the truth. But there had been a moment when I did think about not coming. Pauline is a dear friend, though, so I pushed away those negative thoughts and cleared my schedule to be here for her wedding.

"I see... Si Jacy talaga. I got worried over nothing."

One of the wedding organizers approached us, leaning in to whisper something to Pauline.

Pauline nodded and then turned back to me with an apologetic smile "I need to attend to something. Enjoy the night, babe. See you later."

"Thanks, Pauline. See you."

With that, she hurried away. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko sa kabuuan ng bulwagan.

This really is the wedding of the year.

The crowd seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, their laughter and animated conversations mingling with the soft strains of music that floated through the air. Clusters of guests were scattered across the room, some swaying gently to the rhythm, others clinking glasses in celebration. The air buzzed with a joyful energy—a sense of shared happiness that made the evening feel almost magical.

But then, through the haze of the crowd, I spotted a familiar figure—a presence that once made my heart race.

He stood off to the side, his back to me, engrossed in conversation with someone I didn't recognize. Even from behind, I could tell it was him—the way he carried himself, the slight tilt of his head, the familiar set of his shoulders. I would know him anywhere... even though it has already been years since I last saw him.

A girl was laughing at something he said, her hand casually resting on his arm, her body leaning closer. The sight of their closeness, of how comfortably they seemed to fit together...  

I felt something cold settle in the pit of my stomach, and a realization hit me like a freight train. No, this can't be happening.

I averted my gaze and grabbed a glass from a passing server. "Thanks," I muttered before downing the drink in one gulp.

Shocks, it's not wine.

Napapikit ako sa epekto ng alak. At napadilat lang nang may tumapik sa akin mula sa likuran. "This is fun! Sabi ko sa'yo, you shouldn't miss it. I'm glad you listened to me."

I shot her a sideways glance. "Yes, you advised me to come. But I didn't come just because you said so. Pauline is my friend; of course, pupunta talaga ako rito," sagot ko, naalala ang sinabi niya kay Pauline. "And why did you tell Pauline that I was considering not coming, huh, Jacinta?"