One Last Time

Kabanata LVI: AUCTION

Auction.
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         ILANG MINUTO LANG pagkatapos naming kumain, pumailanlang ang pag-echo ng mic mula sa stage. Mula sa malaking wall clock na nakasabit sa gilid ng lobby, nakompirma kong 7:30 pm na.

I turned my eyes to where the echo was coming from. Nalaglag ang panga ko nang makita si Kieselle sa gitna ng stage.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen..." Kieselle's voice resonated throughout the lobby, drawing everyone's attention.

While he, beside me, leaned in and whispered, "Nakalimutan ko palang sabihin sa'yo na si Kieselle ang magiging host ng auction."

Gulat sa narinig, mabilis ko siyang nilingon. I didn't see this coming!

"Everyone, I would like to express my gratitude for your presence here tonight. Thank you, especially to those who attended despite being tired from work and office commitments." Kieselle continued, making me return my attention to her to witness how her gaze swept across the lobby while smiling with poise and warmth. As I listened to her speak, I couldn't help but be impressed. Kieselle isn't just a great singer, she's also a talented public speaker. Her spontaneity and eloquence make her the perfect host for this fancy event.

"Keira..."

My thoughts froze at his soft call.

"What is it?" kaswal kong lingon sa kanya.

Ngumiti siya, may bahid ng pag-aalangan sa mga mata. "Okay lang ba kung iwan muna kita? May kailangan lang akong kausapin," he said quietly, almost apologetically.

"Go. Hindi mo kailangang magpaalam sa'kin," kaswal kong sabi.

"Sandali lang ako. Please don't leave, ha? Babalik din ako agad," aniya, na para bang may balak akong takasan siya.

"You go. Don't worry. I'll stay," sinabi ko na lang, dahil alam kong hindi siya aalis hangga't hindi ako sumasang-ayon. Ayokong indiyanin niya ang kausap niya nang dahil lang sa'kin.

"I'll go..." His gaze lingered on me one last time before he turned away.

Samantala, hindi ko na inalam kung saan siya pupunta. I don't care kung saan siya pupunta o kung sino ang kakausapin niya. Ibinalik ko na lang ang atensyon ko kay Kieselle na malapad akong nginitian nang maligaw ang tingin niya sa'kin habang nagsasalita.

Kieselle's speech covered a lot of topics, kasama na ang nabanggit ni Levi sa'kin na charity. But beyond that, she spoke of a certain prominent personality making an appearance today. To be a principal sponsor of this event... that person piqued my interest. Of course, sino bang ayaw ng tsismis?

Bago ang pasabog na 'yon, sinimulan na ni Kieselle ang auction. May kasama siya sa stage na tumulong sa kanya. And when the first item she presented flashed on the big projector, I gasped in awe and bit my lip tightly. My stomach suddenly churned with a fervent desire. Gosh! I wanted it... truly... desperately... but I don't have the money!

But if you ever change your mind... don't hesitate to tell me.

Mariin akong nagpilig ng ulo. No! Never akong manghihiram sa kanya!

"100,000!"

My gaze darted frantically from the presented canvas painting to the crowd, then back to the artwork on the projector. As much as I want to let it go, that painting is pulling me.

"150,000!" bid ng babaeng naka-red gown at nasa mid-30's, deepening my anxiety.

"Amazing! The current bid stands at 150,000. Is there anyone who would like to place a higher bid?"