My T.O.T.G.A. (The One That Got Away)

Chapter 11

There are certain emotions in your body that not even your best friend can sympathize with, but you will find the right film or the right book, and it will understand you.

- Björk

***
"Sige na, Kuya, sumama ka na. I'll get bored 'pag wala ka dun."

Kanina pa nangungulit si Tilly na sumama siya sa kanila ng Mommy niya sa isang surprise birthday party para sa executive secretary nitong si Erica.

It was prepared by her boyfriend, Zander, na chief accountant naman sa kompanya nila Wade. Pero front lang iyon. Ang totoo niyan ay balak na nitong yayaing magpakasal ang nobya.

Since her two ladies are both helpless romantic, siyempre super volunteer naman sila sa pag-oorganize ng party. Tilly helped out in contacting the couple's friends and family in secret. She even helped out in making a video presentation para sa bride to be. Mommy naman niyang si Sandra, ang magdadala kay Erica sa venue, pretending na may business meeting that they need to attend to.

So, their presence is a must.

"Okay, okay. Fine. Sasama na nga ako." binitiwan niya ang hawak na libro at ipinatong sa paanan ng bed niya. Itinaas niya pa ang mga kamay as a sign of surrender to Tilly's never ending plead.

"Yay! You're the best, Kuya!" tuwang tuwang sambit ni Tilly at humalik pa ito sa pisngi niya to show her gratitude.

"Don't worry I've heard that Zander also hired a great band. Pinakapopular daw iyon sa Joey's Bar. I bet they'd be worth watching. Have you heard about 'The Cucumbers'?" sabi pa nito.

"Hmm, interesting name. But nope, never heard of them. Besides, hindi ko na kailangan ng sales talk at panunuhol mo dahil feeling ko naman wala akong choice, di ba?" pabirong sabi niya dito.

"And don't you think, you should be getting out of my room right now at nag-aayos ka na dapat bago pa magbago ang isip ko? I'll just go get ready, too." dagdag pa niya.

"Oh, don't you dare move an inch! Give me fifteen minutes tops and I'm good." sagot naman ni Tilly then hurried outside to get back to her room and get changed.

Wade took a quick shower and got dressed, too. He chose a simple blue collared shirt with khaki pants , paired it off with a pair of brown suede topsider and a simple black wristwatch. He sprayed a little perfume on his neck and wrists.

He's not usually this vain but he has a gut feeling that he needed to look good and smell irresistable for some reason.

He gave a quick look at the mirror, got his car keys and wallet then headed out to Tilly's bedroom.

Kumatok siya ng tatlong beses sa pintuan.

"Coming! Almost done!" sigaw ni Tilly from inside the room. In no time ay lumabas na ito ng kuwarto wearing a floral maxi dress, a baby pink cardigan and leather gladiators.

"Nagtext na sakin si Mom, huwag na daw natin siyang daanan. Mauna na daw tayo sa venue kasi magpapahuli daw sila ni Erica para di ma-spoil 'yung surprise. Andun na rin yata si Zander with his family." Sabi ni Tilly sa kaniya.

"Okay, then." sagot niya dito and they both headed for the car downstairs.

Bago i-start ni Wade ang sasakyan ay sinulyapan na muna niya ang cellphone niya to check for any messages.

Nagtext din pala ang Mommy niya sa kaniya to tell the same thing that Tilly has told him a while ago. He also received another message, but this time it's from Kitel.