The Only Exception

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Sorry

My phone ringed again.

Its a phone call  from Cassie.

"Where in the world are you?"

"Papunta na." I replied shortly.

"Better be quick! Aayusan ka pa!"

"Calm down. I'm on my way." I dropped the call.

Habang nasa sasakyan, tumawag na naman si Cassie. I just let it ring until it stopped. Tumigil siya sa pagtawag pero tinadtad naman ako ng messages. Oh god, napa irap na lang ako.

I immediately went to the tent malapit sa stage. It was still few hours before the pageant pero halos kumpleto na ang mga contestants. Some of them are already done preparing. Ang aga masyado, mainit pa naman sa tent at walang aircon.

I was looking for my tent number nang mahagip ng mata ko ang dalawang pares ng mata na naka tingin sakin. Felicity was all dressed up. Early bird, huh?

Hindi ko na tinagalan pa ang pakikipag-titigan sakanya dahil sayang oras lang. Nakita ako ni Cassie, kaya sakanya ko na tinutok ang mata ko.

"Brat, tonight is your pageant! Are you even aware?"

Hindi na ako sumagot at dumiretso na lang sa assigned tent ko. I badly know that tonight is not an ordinary night. It'll be all lady like and glimmer tonight.

Umirap lang siya at tinawag na si Vince.

"Vince! Fix this little brat now."

I knew Cassie meant well. And I'm happy about her being supportive. Alam niya kasi na hindi ako gaano'ng nakikipag-socialize. Kaya todo suporta siya sakin ngayon. I may not be vocal, but deep down I am thankful.

Dinaluhan agad ako ni Vince at tinutok sakin ang dalawang mini fan.

Habang inaayusan ako, biglang pumasok sa isip ko yung text kanina. Hindi ko maiwasang isipin na si Zach 'yon dahil 'yon ang same number na nag-text din sakin pagtapos akong ibenta ni Syrene.

I shrugged off the thought. I need to clear my mind before stepping in that stage, hindi ko na kailangan nang dagdag iisipin pa.

"Shine bright like a diamond!" si Vince.

"Bare look muna tayo. Mahirap na baka mag-uwian agad." he winked and turned the chair for me to see myself.

I smiled upon seeing his work. Talagang magaling si Vince. Hindi niya pa ako nilagyan ng dark eye shadows. It indeed looked bare. Pati yung pagka-highlight niya natural ang dating. Simple lang rin'g naka kulot at naka lugay ang buhok ko.

"Damn, Vince! You really turn my sister into something." Cassie commented. "Selfie please!" she requested.

"Sali ako dyan!" sigaw pa lang alam ko na agad kung sino.

Lumingon ako at nakita si Syrene na papalapit, may malaking ngiti.

She held my hand while saying her favorite line. "OMG!" napa-ngiti nalang ako. Hinatak niya ako dahilan para mapa-tayo ako. "Thanks, ate Cass! I knew that my design will fit her the best."

"Anong design mo? The idea was yours but still, Tyra was the one who made this."

"Kainis ka talaga for life!" inirapan niya ako. "But you're so beautiful! OMG!"

Si Syrene ang may idea ng damit ko but, still Tyra was the one who made it. It was a gray halter crop top, partnered with a grey elephant pants. Because of the wide pants, mas lalo akong tumangkad tignan. Idagdag pa ang four inches black heels na suot ko. I feel so tall.