Maddie's POV
The owner of the voice doesn't look scary, it's not her who makes me feel uneasy right now. In fact, ate Ara has this huge smile on her face but instead of matching her reaction I feel the exact opposite. My palms and forehead are sweating despite the fully air-conditioned room. I have this awkward smile that looks more of like a grimace.
Six pair of eyes are watching me, but only one managed to have this effect on me. Pauline's piercing eyes that could kill me by how sharp her gaze is. Deanna, Jirah, Bea, ate Kim and ate Ara's knowing smiles and looks doesn't help, at all.
I can't even look at her because it makes me feel like I did something wrong, like I've committed the biggest crime. Her eyebrows met in the middle forming a line and I can almost see the smoke coming out from her nose and ears. But, why?
Someone cleared their throat breaking the awkward silence.
Oh shoot! Cienne!
I swallowed the lump in my throat before standing properly and went to Cienne's side to guide her.
"Umm. Hi?" I finally managed to utter a word to them. It sounded more like a question than a greeting. Deanna together with my two best friends are constraining their laughs.
"Hi, Cienne. Didn't know you're with Maddie." Ate Kim greeted their friend with a smile before leaning in for a hug and turned to me after that, her smirk pissing me off.
"Yeah, I was quite surprised to see you two together." Ate Ara kissed Cienne on the cheek, she put her arm on my shoulder to pat it. "Kaya pala ayaw mong sumama saamin ha." She said teasingly.
"I-it w-wasn't." Cienne stammered trying to answer for me and sighed in frustration because she can't construct a proper sentence.
I touched her shoulder as if telling her it's okay, she looked up and smiled at me and I can't help but do the same. Pauline's stare is burning a hole at the back of my head, no matter how I try to shake it off the feeling is too strong.
"Bakit kayo lang?" I asked turning to them after they greeted our common friend.
"We're supposed to pick the red velvet cheesecake we ordered for you." Bea answered.
"Huh?"
"We heard that you didn't eat much earlier and that you seem sick since last night." Jirah answered in a matter-of-fact tone. I know, I know that they know I was lying about my reason about not being able to attend the brunch earlier.
"But it looks like you don't need it anymore." Her voice is so cold that it almost made me shiver, I didn't had the chance to react before I saw her storming out of the cafe. I watch her leave, stunned, I'm lost again.
"It was her idea kasi. She's worried about you." Deanna whispered and I stared at her. Letting my mind process the new found information.
"Ciao, Madeleine!" Ate Kim's waving her hand as she walk with ate Ara, Deanna and my best friends. Jirah holding the box of cake.
I didn't know what to feel. I thought she forgot that I existed, plus I'm so worried, for I know that it won't only be Pauline who I have to explain.
Therese. I have a lot of explaining to do once she found out about this, knowing them, they will surely tell my best friend. Tey hates it when we choose something else over best friend duties, and she will hate it more because I lied. I should've known better, of course they'll find out about my excuses, we live next to each other, for crying out loud! And luck is really not on my side right now. Of all the days and malls around QC they'll go to Eastwood the same day ate Cha decided to play cupid between me and her sister.
