EverLUSTing Love

*7*

*7*      

Kaagad kong binuksan ang pintuan nang may mag-door bell.

There he was, Jace, standing still and looking so handsome with that formal attire of his. He was wearing a black suit paired with a gray necktie. While I, was wearing a simple but elegant black dress with matching 4 – inched silver stilettos. Simple lang ang ayos ko. I didn’t wear any make up—just plain pressed powder and lip gloss. At konting accessories lang din para mas maganda tingnan.

Memories came rushing into my mind. Naalala ko, noong fourth year high school pa lang kami, Junior – Senior prom no’n at kami rin iyong magka-date. Sayawan buong gabi. Ilang beses pa nga niyang natapakan ang paa ko noon kasi hindi siya marunong sumayaw. That night was really memorable; he was my first and last dance. And I was really happy for that.

My thoughts were interrupted when he suddenly spoke.

“You look great, as always.” he said. I wasn’t really expecting that from him. That made me blush.

“Thanks. Ikaw din. You look handsome.” sagot ko naman.

Hindi ko alam kung imagination ko lang ba iyon or what…but I think I just saw him smile a little bit. That made me smile, too.

“Let’s go?” he said and then offered his hand. Nag-alinlangan pa ako noong una pero tinanggap ko rin naman kinalaunan.

I felt awkward yet happy at the same time; for after so many years, I was able to hold his hand again.

-

Tahimik lang kami buong biyahe habang nakasakay sa kaniyang kotse. Thank God that ride didn’t last long. It was really awkward. I had no one to talk to. Good thing I had brought my cell phone. Nakinig lang ako ng music buong biyahe. Hindi nagtagal at bumaba rin kami sa harap ng isang 5 star hotel kung saan gaganapin iyong party.

Puno ng mga taong naka-suot ng magagarang damit ang bulwagan. Paniguradong panay mayayaman at mga kilalang negosyante ang mga ito. The hotel was luxurious and simply elegant; including its furnishing and interior design. May mga naglalakihang chandeliers na naka-sabit sa kisame, paintings hanging on the wall, sculptures displayed at the hall, and many more. Several dishes and beverages were also served; there was even a chocolate fountain at the middle of the food section.

“Stay there. I’ll be right back,” Jace said. Tumango lang ako at hinayaan siyang lumakad paalis.

Hay! Ang boring! Dapat talaga hindi na ako sumama rito. Wala naman akong ibang kakilala rito aside from him. Pero parte ito ng aking trabaho so I really had no choice but to go with him.

Out of boredom, I went to the food section and gathered stuffs as many as I can. (Buffet style ang catering kaya sinulit ko na. Haha) Saka ako bumalik sa table namin.

Abala ako sa pagkain nang may isang makisig na lalaking lumapit sa ‘kin. Based on his looks, mukhang hindi nagkakalayo ang edad namin.

“Hi there, gorgeous!” bati nito. Bolero! Mga banat pa lang, mahahalata nang playboy! It seemed that this guy wanted to flirt with me. Kaya ayon, naantala tuloy ang pagkain ko. “P’wede maki-share ng table?” he added.

Hindi ko alam kung papayag ba ako o hindi. Mamaya dumating si Jace at baka maabutan niyang may iba akong kasama rito sa table. He said he’ll be back soon so…wait—as if namang magseselos siya! But even so…I was his date so I was supposed to accompany him.

“I take your silence as a yes.” He said na sinamahan pa nang pag-ngiti. Saka siya umupo sa bakanteng silya sa tapat ko. Bahala na nga!

That dimples though! Damn, I couldn’t deny the fact that this guy was really good looking! (And so what?)