NIGHT [GXG] (BOOK 2)

Chapter 5

NYX

Eto na nga!

It's our debut night already, and my gown is perfect. It's a classic, elegant design that hugs my curves in all the right places. The fabric feels luxurious against my skin, and the intricate beading shimmers under the soft lights. Para akong prinsesa who is ready to rule the night.

Vlad, on the other hand, wears a gothic suit that perfectly complements her edgy style. The black fabric drapes flawlessly, highlighting her sharp features. Her dark eyes sparkle with mischief, and her lips are painted a bold crimson. She looks absolutely stunning.

Pareho sila ni Ate Vaughn, kakauwi niya here sa Pinas kahapon lang. She doesn't want to miss our 18th birthday. Silang dalawa tuloy ang mas mukhang twins sa aming tatlo, the features of Dada is really evident through them. Ako kasi, mas malakas ang genes ni Mom sa akin.

It's a formal event, and the Masters of Ceremonies were Tita Luna and Tito Apollo.  They're both known for their wit and charm, and they're keeping the crowd entertained with their jokes and anecdotes. Magaling talaga sa public speaking itong dalawa, their voices were modulated and perfect match talaga yung tone nila.

"Magandang gabi sa lahat!" Tita Luna announced, her voice booming through the hall. "Welcome to the 18th birthday celebration of our lovely debutantes, Nyx Valor Antonov and Vlad Ymir Antonov!"

The large hall is filled with people. There are members of the elite, politicians, businessmen, and even some famous actors and singers. Alam ko ring may other mob families invited by Dada, they're the allies of our Mafia.

The crowd erupted in applause, and the music swelled, filling the room with a festive energy.

"Ang dami ng tao, Ate!" Vlad whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

She rarely calls me 'Ate', ako ang nauna sa aming dalawa.

"Oo nga, eh," I replied, my gaze scanning the crowd. My eyes caught Zenith among the crowd, she waved at me. I smiled and waved back at her, she's one of the candles.

The program is about to begin. First, the grand entrance of the debutantes, then the 18 candles, 18 roses, the cotillion, and the father-daughter dance.

Actually, ayaw ni Vlad maisayaw kaya ako lang ang may 18 roses and candles. Also, sa aming dalawa, ako lang ang may circle of friends na matitino.

Tonight is our night. Tonight, we're going to celebrate our coming of age, our transition into adulthood. Grabe, magiging legal age na kami ni Vlad

Everyone were having fun, at least. Magaling talaga magpatawa yung dalawang emcees. Even if it was a formal event, they contextualize and nilulugar nila yung humor nila.

The night is coming to an end. Most of the guests have already left, their laughter and chatter fading into the night. Pati si Zenith, nauna na ring umuwi.

I'm standing on the balcony, alone, nagpapahangin lang. I feel socially drained. I've been talking to people all night, trying to be polite and engaging, but it's exhausting.

"Nyx," a voice calls out. I turn to see Trevor standing there, a faint smile on his lips. He's one of my 18 roses, pinagbigyan ko na.

If you're wondering who my last dance was, it was Vlad kahit ayaw niya. I practically forced her to dance with me. I didn't want to create any issues about who my escort was, so I chose my own twin. She wasn't thrilled, but she agreed.

"Yes, Trevor?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Ang ganda mo ngayong gabi," he complimented, his eyes sincere.

"Ngayong gabi lang? I mean lagi naman," I said, trying to sound nonchalant, but my voice was laced with sarcasm.

He chuckled at my response, "Listen, Nyx. I just wanted to apologize for what I did. I didn't mean to cheat-"

"You didn't mean? Ha? So ano yung nakita ko sa image na sinend sa akin? Aksidenteng katabi mong natulog yung babaeng iyon?"  My voice rose, my anger bubbling to the surface.

Ngayon lang kami nag-uusap tungkol doon, ngayon pa na birthday ko. Hindi man lang nilugar and he couldn't even wait for a better time.

He sighed, he tried to touch me but I backed away. "Nyx, I'm sorry-"

"Sorry mo mukha mo!" I slapped him hard across the face. Deserve!

The slap echoed in the silence, the sound sharp and resounding. I felt a surge of satisfaction, but it was quickly replaced by a wave of anger and disappointment.

Trevor stumbled back, his hand touching his cheek. He looked at me, his eyes wide with shock and pain.

But I didn't feel any sympathy for him. He had made his choices, and now he had to face the consequences.

"You're not sorry," I said, my voice was cold and hard. "You're just scared of what I might do."

I turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, alone with his guilt and shame.

Tanga kasi.

Ako na to eh, tapos nag-cheat lang.

He's the first boy I've dated. But before him, the first person I've dated was a girl. Yes, I'm bisexual.

"Oh, bakit ka naman nakabusangot diyan?" I looked up at Vlad who was kinda drunk nung nakababa na ako sa pool area. She was leaning against the railing, her eyes were red and kinda high.

She's lucky, pinayagan siya ni Dada makipag-inuman ng hard drinks with her friends. Actually, alam ko namang umiinom na siya noon pa. Patago lang siyang pumupunta sa bars, she's using fake IDs. May bisyo talaga tong kakambal ko, and I couldn't do anything about it.

I rolled my eyes at her, "Huwag ka nang dumagdag." I knew she was just trying to lighten the mood, but I was still fuming over Trevor.

She laughed, her head thrown back. She put her arm around my shoulders and dragged me into a table filled with thugs. Hindi ko alam kung anong nasa utak ng kakambal ko pero nakikipag-kaibigan siya sa mga taong parang genggeng ba. Walang constant friends pa ito, pa-iba iba, pati rin babae niya, magkabilaan. Sana nga, wala siyang mabuntis. May nakita nga akong box of condoms sa kwarto niya, when I sneaked into her room.

"Everyone, you know naman na si Nyx, my beautiful twin sister." She announced, her tone was loud and proud. Ngayong natamaan lang talaga ako binigyan ng compliment at ipagmalaki.

All of them waved at me, I did the same, trying to force a smile. "Vlad, I need to go to my room. I'm exhausted, gusto ko nang magpahinga," I whispered to her.

"Inom muna tayo, Ate." She insisted, she's almost whining like a child.

"Ayoko nga!" I whisper-yelled, trying to pull away.

"Come on," she pleaded, her eyes wide and innocent. "Just one drink. For our birthday."

I sighed. I knew I couldn't escape Vlad when she was in this mood. "Fine," I said, giving in. "Just one."

Vlad grinned triumphantly and pulled me towards the table. I knew I should have stayed in my room. This was a bad idea. But I knew I wouldn't be able to resist my twin's charm for long.

And I was right.

Within minutes, I was laughing along with the thugs, feeling a little bit more relaxed, a little bit less angry.

Pero tama naman si Vlad. Sometimes, all you need is a little bit of distraction.