Dare To Stay

Chapter One: Part 7

~ Dan Gabriel ~

We came on time at the event since hindi naman masyadong traffic at hindi masyadong nagreklamo si Nick tungkol sa porma ko. Kadalasan kasi, kapag may lakad at kasama ako, palagi niyang pinapakialaman ang damit ko, ang buhok ko-- kesyo hindi raw bagay, hindi na daw ako dapat magsuot ng cap, hindi daw fit sa porma ko ang gupit ko, madumi daw tingnan, blah blah blah.

Kung tutuusin mas pogi pa nga ako kesa sa anak niya kahit hindi ako mag- ayos.

I turned for a second and looked at my reflection on the tinted car window to check if my hair wasn't disheveled after our trip. Pogi pa rin naman ako, I look like an elite in my maroon button- up coat with white long sleeved polo underneath and black plain necktie and slacks.

Naghuhumiyaw ang kagwapuhan ko nung hinubad ko ang shades ko. I watched the ladies and even some married women gape at me when I entered. They surely were interested kung sinong drop- dead georgeous ang lumabas sa isang black na Porsche sa entrance ng hall. Well.

"Tanggalin mo nga 'yang basura sa kaliwang tenga mo." I heard Nick whisper in gritted teeth as we walked. "We're in a ball, not in a gang initiation party."

Saglit akong napahinto sa sinabi niya. I feel Kuya Chance looking at me and I can sense that he's mentally convincing me to stay calm and just let it pass. Humakbang pa kami nang ilang hakbang before I really calmed myself and reluctantly removed my stud earring and slid it under my coat pocket. I heaved a breath of frustration and kept my cool.

"Mr. Verameda! It's good to see you! Buti nakarating ka," A tall, sophisticated man welcomed us as soon as we came in. Automatic ang plastic na ngiti ni Nick nung nagkamayan sila.

"I shouldn't miss this party of yours, Mr. Cortez. I've met your daughter once, and she's got most of your genes. She's very pretty." sagot ni Nick dito at tinapik ang balikat ng kausap.

"Well, it's all in the blood. Hahaha!"

Sa sobrang elegante ng design ng buong venue, masasabing napaka- yaman nga ng may pa- okasyon. White, mint green at gold ang theme at mala- Gods of Olympus ang design. May graphic cake na may animated design at ang chandelier, full crystals. May mga mettalic gold balloons na nakakalat sa sahig. Very well- organized ang set- up. Gold chairs, butterflies na lumilipad- lipad, catering service and fully lighted ceilings, dry ice, at may malaki, maganda, at malawak na stage.

"Oh, anyway, you have good genes too." my eyes drifted to Mr. Cortez and I caught him looking at me and Kuya Chance. "Your sons are very handsome."

Tiningnan ko ang magiging reaction ni Nick at kitang kita ng dalawang mata ko how his jaw clenched. I know he hates it. Just as much as I hated being labeled as his son. I watched hin as he just showed a fake smile.

Kuya Chance offered his hand to Mr. Cortez and gestured a handshake to ease the tension between us three. "Chance Gustav Verameda, Sir. It's a great pleasure to meet you."

"Same here, iho." They shook hands with each other.

A moment of awkward silence befell us. I guess it was the end of the conversation and I didn't need to introduce myself anymore but then nalipat sa akin ang tingin ni Mr. Cortez na ang ngiti ay hindi pa rin nawawala sa pagmumukha. Kinailangan pa akong bahagyang sikuhin ni Kuya para humakbang at gayahin ang ginawa niya kanina.

"Dan Gabriel Suico, the youngest and most handsome, Sir." I claimed the hand of Mr. Cortez and smiled. I think Nick gasped. I smirked and stepped back in line with the ugly boys behind me.

Mr. Cortez laughed and tapped my shoulder. "Haha! I think I like you, kid. You know how to handle yourself smartly. But why Suico?"

I was caught offguard with his question. Nagkatinginan kaming tatlo nila Nick at alam ko kung gaano niya ako sinusumpa sa utak niya ngayon. Parang napansin ni Mr. Cortez iyon kaya tinapik niya ang balikat ni Nick at bahagyang tumawa. "Very well, I'll be meeting some other guests. Suit yourselves, guys, Mr. Verameda. Have a seat, have a seat. We have plenty of spaces for you." He said and we just nodded at him before he left us.