The Damned Chase

-7-

Chapter Seven

Guys, my mom's gonna hold a charity ball tomorrow night, 7pm onwards. Be there, alright?

That was a text message from Trish.

Her mom is a famous fashion designer as well as an advocate for the campaign against female abuse so siguro, the charity ball is for that cause.

I've been to a few balls before and I can say that it's not really my thing. Gowns, suits and all. Pero kung it's for a good cause naman pala eh di, why not?

I'm currently at my Art Gallery. It isn't much. Mallit na studio lang sya where I stack most of my finished art works. Yung iba kasi nasa bahay ni mom then yung iba, nandun sa condo. This place also serves as a showcase room for those who're interested to purchase any of my pieces.

I was busy cleaning when my phone rang.

It's Reign. Siguro nabasa nya na rin yung message ni Trish.

("Hello Jet?") She said the moment I answered.

"Yeah?"

("Nabasa mo na yung mesage ni Trish? Pupunta tayo ah!") she said, excitement evident in her voice.

"Whoa. Di ka naman excited no? Yeah, pupunta ako. What's with the hype?"

("Wala naman. Kung pupunta ka, I guess wala ka pang isusuot? Tapos na classes mo diba? Where are you? Dress hunt tayo ngayon!") Ganito ba pag inlove? Nagpapaka-feminine?

"Yup. Dito ako sa gallery. Dress hunt? Okay. Daanan mo ko dito. I can't drive, I'm tired." True. Kakagaling ko lang sa school and I'm brain-tired. I'm not in the mood to drive. I heard her make a 'tss' sound. 

("Fine. I'll be there in 10. Magready ka na okay?") Medyo malapit lang yung unit dito sa gallery kaya mabilis lang makakarating si Reign since wala namang traffic nang ganitong oras.

"Uh-huh. Ingat." Call ended

I started repacking my stuff and took a quick sweep of the room. Yan okay na.

Maya-maya I heard the door slid open.

"Hey Ms. Artsy, lets go!" Said Reign.

"Who are you going with?" asks Reign while she's driving. Yung car ko iniwan ko sa may gallery since may balak pa akong bumalik dun mamaya.

"Ha? Ika—" Then it struck me. My Brother and Reign were already a thing now so baka ininvite na sya ni Kuya. Makes sense. Siguro kaya din excited tong si Reign. I suppressed a sigh. "—I'm going alone. Solo flight."

During events like this, I used to be with Reign and Trish. But since Trish started dating people and Reign's almost with my brother, I have no choice but to go alone. No big deal.

Reign looked at me. "Sumabay ka nalang samin ni Jethro."

"Wag na. Ano ka ba, moment nyo yun no. No worries, I can handle myself." I said. I don't want to barge into their night. Saka ayoko din namang maging third wheel.

"Ikaw bahala." She shrugged. "Sisterly advice Jet ah, try to interact with other people."

I stared at her. What kind of advice is that?

"I mean, give yourself a break. Hindi puro studies and work. Not all guys are like him, you know."

I rolled my eyes at her. "Reign, this is a charity event we're talking about. Not a date fest." I stared out the window. "Ano ba sa tingin mo ginagawa ko? This is me giving myself a break."