Still Into You

Chapter 10-1: The Plan

CHAPTER TEN: "We have the whole Chronus gang here with us. We're giving you the Chronus courtsey."

Naalimpungutan si Vanessa dahil sa naramdamang marahang pagyugyog sa kanyang balikat ng kung sino. Mahinang napaungol siya.

"Vanessa, sweetheart, time to wake up."

She recognized that voice. It was her mom's. Mas lalo niyang niyakap ang kanyang unan."Later na, 'My."

Narinig niyang bumuntong-hininga ito."You need to get up, hija. You have to get yourself ready for tonight's Ball."

Nakapikit parin siya nang kumunot ang kanyang noo."What Ball?"

"Your school's Acquaintance Ball, sweetheart."

Awtomatikong napasimangot siya. She didn't want to hear that."I'm not going, Mommy."

"Oh, you're so going, Vanessa Mae."

Napabalikwas siya ng bangon nang marinig ang boses na iyon. Halos mapanganga siya nang madiskubreng hindi lang pala ang Mommy niya ang nasa loob ng kanyang silid. Standing inside her room were Evan Torefranco, Avex Silvuestre, her friends; Ziella, Micah, Aria and Frea all dressed in gorgeous tuxedos, gowns and dresses. Agad na tumalukbong siya ng kumot, trying to hide herself. Alam niyang nagmumukha na siyang deranged witch dahil kakagising niya palang. Plus, galing pa siya sa magdamagang pag-iyak."What in the world are you guys doing inside my room?!"

"Trying to wake you up."

Kilala niya ang nagsalita. It was Avex."Well, as you can see, I'm wide awake. So, guys, please, out!"

"No." That was Evan.

"What?!"

"Hija," singit ng Mommy niya."You have to get ready for the party."

"I'm not going to any party!" hiyaw niya. Sumilip siya mula sa kanyang kumot at tiningnan ang kanyang mga kaibigan."Diba nag-usap na tayo tungkol dito kahapon?"

"Well, uh, sudden change of plans, friend," malumanay na wika ni Micah."Kailangan ka daw doon, eh."

"Sir Ven asked for your presence. As one of--"

"No! I don't care! Guys, please. Leave me alone."

"Don't worry. Iev won't be there," wika ni Evan.

Doon siya natahimik. Evan knew exactly what could shut her up. She was caught off guard.

"He's with Xynn. Nasa Cavite sila at may inaasikasong utos ni Sir Thaxx," patuloy nito."You can call him to confirm everything I just said."

May kung ano sa kaloob-looban niyang tila nagalaw na 'di niya maintindihan.'Iev's not gonna be there? Why? Dahil ba sa akin?' Agad niya namang idinispatsa ang tinurang iyon ng kanyang isip.'Gaga, nagluluksa ka pa nga, nag-aassume ka na naman. 'Yong totoo, 'di nagsasawa, ganon?'

"I think, you kids should talk." Her mother politely excused herself.

Tumikhim naman si Avex na siya ring nakapagpabalik sa kanya sa reyalidad.

"I still won't come. I'm tired and as you can see, I'm a bit of a mess," matigas na sabi niya.

"You look fine," Avex countered."And besides, someone's inviting you to accompany him tonight, Van."

Napakunot-noo siya."Mas lalong ayaw ko ng date."

"What a shame. We have the whole Chronus gang here with us. We're giving you the Chronus courtsey."

"What the hell is the Chronus courtsey?" Wala pa siyang naririnig na may ganoong gimik ang Chronus Society.

"The Chronus Courtsey. As stated by the rules, pipili ang isang member ng isang babae na paglilingkuran ng lahat ng miyembro ng Chronus Society para sa isang araw. This is our way of helping our fellow Chronus brother. Isang beses lang maiga-grant ang privilege na iyon sa bawat isang miyembro. As for our brother, he used it for you. So obviously, judging by what you said, masasayang lang ang wish niyang iyon dahil tatanggi ka naman. He wasted his Chronus courtsey for nothing."