ASYMPTOTES

Chapter 5

A/N: Slight pambawi sa surprise kagabi. Lamyu ulet.

*****

3 Years Ago, Still

Maine had been very busy with the preparations for her upcoming debut party. From the start of the planning process, she had been very hands on. She decided on the Candyland theme, the invitations, her dress, the food, and everything else-well, except the guest list which was mainly composed of a little of her friends, more of her relatives, and majority was her parents' friends.

Her parents gave her three options: a car, cash, or a party. She chose the third. Her reason? She can earn the money by herself or buy a car on her own when she has enough money but a girl's 18th birthday comes only once in a lifetime.

She's at the Quezon City Sports Club currently on a meeting with Mark, a well-known event organizer. Her mother wanted to spare her from unnecessary stress typically associated with planning a party so they hired one.

Mark had presented her with a checklist a couple of months ago and almost all of the boxes had been ticked, except for one-an escort. Although she is currently in an MU-type of relationship with Pat, her parents wanted someone else for the role.

They had a list of possible celebrities: Elmo Magalona, Daniel Padilla, Coco Martin, James Reid, Richard Gutierrez, Gerald Anderson, and Jake Cuenca. Of all seven men, only Elmo and Jake were available.

The choice was a no-brainer; Maine had a long time crush on Elmo. Mark took out his phone and got in touch with Elmo's management.

On the day of the party, Maine was excitedly going over last minute details with Mark. When it looks like everything was finally in place, she relaxed.

The party was about to start but her escort was nowhere in sight. Mark was worriedly pacing back and forth, his cellphone never leaving his hand. He has already tried to contact Elmo's road manager and handler but nobody was answering their phones.

Maine was having her pre-party photoshoot with her whole family. Mark caught the attention of Ate Nikki, signaling that he wanted to talk to her. Nikki excused herself and joined Mark at the corner.

"Niks, Elmo's management just called. Hindi sya makakapunta kasi he had to rush his mom sa ospital. Apparently, kahapon pa siya may fever pero ngayon nag breakout yung rashes kaya alarmed na yung mga anak," Mark began.

"Naku," Nikki shook her head, "excited pa naman yang debutante natin."

"Oo nga eh, I can only imagine her disappointment once sinabi ko na. Pero anyways, GMA is sending someone over as Elmo's replacement. He's on his way na pero I don't think makakasama pa siya sa photos and sa pagpasok ni Maine."

"So hindi na sya escort? Ano gagawin niya?," Nikki was confused.

"He'll sing so pinasok ko siya sa 18 Roses," Mark informed her.

"Oh, okay. Good. Sige. Ako na magsasabi kay Meng," Nikki started to walk away but stopped when she realized she forgot to ask something, "Ay, Mark! Sino nga pala yun?"

"Si Alden Richards."

*****

P.S. Excited? Ako din!