Been Loving Him

CHAPTER 13: At The Party

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"Ready?" he asked.

"Uhm..." I'm so nervous. It's his birthday and the grand opening of their resort. At wala akong regalo.

"I know this isn't your thing but thank you for being my partner tonight," he said.

"Hindi ako bumili ng regalo," as we headed to his car.

"Your presence is enough," he opened the passenger's seat gentlemanly. And run to the driver seat.

"But, I'm boring," I said.

"Having you is perfect," he winked and started the engine. "Hmmm... By the way, you look beautiful."

I looked down feeling embarrassed. Why does he always make me feel this way. Fluttered. At the same time, nervous. It's giving me heart attack.

***

The ribbon-cutting was done. I was beside him all night. He introduced me to his guest and conversed with them a little. A lady in red cocktail caught our attention.

"Is it Scarlet?" a guest asked.

It is. She smiled at everyone and she looked like she is looking for someone.

"Oh, there you are." She walked towards us. "Hi, Xander. Long time no see," and she kissed him on the cheek.

"And look who's here. I remember you. You're some murderer's daughter, right? Hi. Remember me?" She talked sarcastically straight at me.

"She's my partner." he said in a low tone and he looks pissed.

"Is it because I wasn't around that you invited her?"

"What are you doing here? You're ruining the ceremony." Xander grabbed her arm.

"It hurts, Xander."

I didn't know what happen after. I went to the toilet. I run from the scene. I couldn't bare it. What am I doing here at Alvaro's place? I am a Cordero. A murderer's daughter. It runs through my blood that I am a murderer. I want to go home now.

Nagmamadali akong umalis sa CR nang may mabangga akong babae.

"I'm sorry, maam." I said.

"Tara?!"

Nahulog ang bag ko sa bigla.

"What are you doing here at my son's party?!"

Hindi ako makasagot. I didn't expect her to be here. I thought she's in Davao as what Xander has told me.

"She's my partner, ma." Biglang litaw ni Xander. Pinulot niya ang purse ko. He held my hand tightly.

"Don't tell me you two are dating!" she is angry.

"No, maam," I answered right away because of her conclusion.

"Ma, please. Don't ruin this night."

"She ruined it, son."

"She didn't do anything, ma."

"She'll do something soon. Why are you protecting her? Don't tell me, she's the girl you are in love with?!" she is more angry. I can tell you.

"She is, ma." I was also shocked of his answer.

"You're wrong, maam. I am nott." I let go of my hand.

"She is!" he grabbed my arm tightly.

I forcefully let go of my hand and runaway. I couldn't take it. Mahal ko rin siya. Pero ang sitwasyon naming dalawa, ang mga taong nakapaligid sa amin. I'm weak. I can't overcome this. Matalino ako pero dahil ito sa pinag-aralan ko. Sa pag-ibig. Nabu-bobo na ako.