The Most Beautiful Thing

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

off-limits

"Lyndon?" I asked again. Confirming if it's not really him because deep inside I'm hoping it's...

"Yes. Why do you look disappointed? Are you expecting someone?" he said and then hinatak ako papalayo sa guy who just touched my waist. He gave a cold stare at the guy kaya naman natakot ito at umalis. Hinatak niya ako paalis sa crowded dance floor.

"N-no.." sabi ko at hinanap si Cass and Jane but there were no sign of them in the dance floor! Lumayo ako kay Lyndon and then tried to walk away but then my vision was so blurry and the alcohol in my system was acting up. Nahihilo na ako!

"Easy easy. You're drunk, Ria..." Lyndon said in a slow voice, na medyo nagpa-kaba saakin. I know he's a good friend but he's certainly drunk! And I won't let him take advantage even though I'm tipsy.

"I'm not, Lyndon. Nahihilo lang ako dahil sa ilaw.." I looked at him directly for him to think na hindi ako lasing but I'm really drunk as fuck at the moment. Lumayo ako ulit sakanya at hindi na ako hinatak pa.

It's past one hour and still, there's no sign of Max. I know I should not be worrying about him, maybe he's enjoying Chantelle's company so much pinagpalit niya ito sa parties. Why would he go here anyways if he's happy with someone?

"I won't take advantage of you, Ria. Believe me, I may look like one pero I'm really not. I'm trying to protect you from all the guys around you na willing mag take advantage.." he said. Napa-kagat ako sa labi ko sa hiya, I'm too quick to judge!

"I-I'm sorry. I just don't trust guys," I said. Ngumiti naman siya, that's why I saw earrings that sparkled kahit madilim. He has dark meztiso features, totally different from Max. And to be honest he's really my type from his aura, fashion, hair and face.

But it's just.... I don't know. Maybe the fact that I'm still not ready for it at masyado pang fresh ang scar from my past experiences? And also, I don't want to fall in love with a guy I met inside a club, for sure it won't last long. I'm idealistic and I still believe na there's a perfect moment and a perfect place for everything.

It can happen in a garden, inside the mall or even while crossing the streets! But not inside the club. Nothing lasts if it's inside the club because for sure it will only stay for a night.

"Ouch! But I'm not that type of guy.." he said while holding his chest, tila bang nasaktan sa sinabi ko. I gave him a smile.

"Don't flirt with me!" I said and punched him a little. It's good that I'm being comfortable with someone and kind of forgetting my problems for a little bit.

"Are you sure you're not drunk? Gusto mo ba umakyat sa table ulit?"

I nodded. "Well, I'm kind of tipsy. Sige, let's go up and I'll go back to my friends."

Umakyat kami sa taas at nakitang wala doon ang mga kaibigan ko. Even Vee! Where the heck are they? I looked at my watch to see if anong oras na.

It's only 10:30!

"Where are they?" I asked. Umupo kami ni Lyndon and he sat beside me. Umusog kami and I looked around, walang tao.

"I think nasa baba sila, playing beerpong. Do you want to go down?"

Umiling ako. I'm too tired to go down at umakyat nanaman ulit, plus for sure it's crowded again and masyadong madaming smokers. It's a closed room so amoy na amoy yun. I'd rather stay here and be a tita while waiting for them than inhale all that second-hand smoke!