Alluring Kara Jade

Eleven - Birthday Party

Chapter Eleven – Birthday Party

"Does he really think I am that clueless?" natatawang tanong ni Kara kay Joanna habang nakain sila ng baked macaroni. She invited Joanna over simply to kill time. Tumingin lamang ito kay Kara at pinagpatuloy ang pagnguya. Joanna knows a lot about her plans.

"Of course I know about his parents. I know kung bakit magisa lang siyang nakatira sa penthouse niya. At alam ko rin kung ano ba ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit pinalayas ng tatay niya ang nanay niya. Yeah, his mom's a cheater but that's not the only reason why she had to leave."

"Care to share?"

"You know enough. You don't need to know the details," Kara said before grabbing toasted bread.

"Why them? Why the Aiken Four? I still don't understand kung bakit mo ito ginagawa."

"No more questions for today, Joanna. Finish your food, come on. Aayusan pa kita."

"Huh? For what?"

"It's Jarvis' Birthday today! Remember?"

"Err...hindi naman ako invited."

"You are invited. Ako nagimbita sa'yo kaya sasama ka sa ayaw o sa gusto mo."

Tatawa-tawang tumayo na si Kara at hinintay matapos kumain si Joanna. She really wanted to change Joanna's 'label' at Aiken High. Ayaw niya na itong tinatawag na weirdo o baliw.

Also, Joanna's starting to act normal. Everytime she's with Kara, she forgets about her imaginary friends.

"Do I really have to wear this?" naasiwang tanong ni Joanna habang hinihila-hila ang dulo ng maikling tight dress na suot niya.

"Hmmm. That will do."

Kara ran her hand through her wavy hair before pulling Joanna to sit down. She started putting make-up on her friend's face and even braided her hair.

"There. You look perfect."

Napanganga si Joanna ng makita ang sarili sa salamin. "Is this really me?" gulat na tanong niya.

"I told you I'm good at this."

"Ohmygosh Kara! Thank you!" Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Kara ng bigla siyang niyakap nito.

"Sshh. Don't cry. You'll ruin your make-up," bulong ni Kara ng marinig ang mga hikbi na nanggagaling sa bibig ni Joanna.

"Sorry. I'm just so happy." Pinunasan ni Kara ng tissue ang ilang mga luhang bumagsak mula sa mga mata ni Joanna. Hinawakan niya ang mga kamay nito at ngumiti.

"Alam ko kung gaano ka-big deal sa mga students ng AHU ang panlabas na anyo ng isang tao. And they bully you because you never cared about any of that. Ayokong nakikitang naaapi ka, because you're my only trusted friend."

"Bakit? Bakit mo ko pinagkakatiwalaan ng sobra?"

"Because we've been friends since we're kids." Joanna frowned but willingly listened to Kara's explanation.

***

"JR!" sigaw ng pinsan niya bago yumakap ng mahigpit. JR as in Jarvis Randal. Iyan ang palayaw niya.

"Jean! Musta?"

"I'm good. Ikaw? I heard may ipapakilala ka daw na girl kila Tita ha! I guess seryoso ka na this time?"

Ngumiti lang si Jarvis at inalok na siya ng juice.

Yes, Jean. Seryosong-seryoso ako sa pagkuha kay Kara. I want her, big time.