Burnt Traces (Esquivel Series #1)

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 9
BEHAVE

          HANDANG-HANDA na ako para sa gaganaping Bar Party na tinutukoy ni Lala. I checked the time and it is already 8:45. Nakasuot ako ngayon ng isang see-through sleeves na kita ang aking black bra. I paired it with a mini-skirt that is really fitted on my lap. Ilang galaw lamang nito ay makikita na ang aking undergarments. But I'm used to this clothing. Ganitong-ganito ang aking pananamit kapag pupunta ako sa bar or clubs. I fixed my black stiletto heels before going out.

Pag-apak ko pa lang sa labas ay para akong natanggalan ng kadena sa leeg. I'm free at last! Wala ng nagdidikta sa akin at sa lahat ng aking gagawin. Wala ng magpupuna sa mga mali kong nagawa. Hindi ko alam kung magsasaya ba ako sa nangyari. I will forget about him just for tonight. Sumakay lamang ako ng taxi. I got some extra cash with me.

"Sa may elle's po, Manong." The driver nodded and started the engine. Tiningnan ko ang aking wrist watch at nakitang alas otso na. Someone called. I checked my phone and saw the name of Lala. Sinagot ko ang tawag.

"Girl, nasan ka na? We are about to start. The media are already outside. Baka mahirapan kang pumasok. I know your issues." Humagikhik ito bigla sa kabilang linya. Nabigla ako sa kaniyang sinabi.

"I'm on my way, Lala. At saka anong mga issues?" Pagmaang-maangan ko. He laughed.

"Ohmygod Cyanara, you were linked by the famous bachelor, Heiron Esquivel! I really envy you. You're too lucky!" Aniya na mukha talagang naiingit. Napapikit ako. Damn. I think everybody knows something between us. I mean, wtf? This is not a secret. From the beginning of the agreement, we were already open t the public.

"Anyway, be safe! We'll wait. Mwa." I let him end the call. I sighed and turned my head on the window. Hindi pa nga kami nakarating talaga sa bar ay kita ko na ang sandamakmak na media sa labas. May nakita rin akong mga reporters na kakilala. Some of them are friends with the Atalias. Our family is well-known just like the Esquivels in the field of business. Sa matagal na panahong pagtatagisan kung sino ang mas angat, kapwa kami kilala na ng sangkatauhan. The rivalry started when my Mom was still on her preschool. But apparently, the Esquivels are better than us. Rough and hard truth, but that's really true.

" 'Wag kang huminto sa tapat, Manong. Dito na lamang ako bababa." I asked him to pull over. He did. Lalakarin ko na lamang ang bar. I will be humiliated if they will know that the famous daughter of Elenore is riding on a cheap taxi cab. Binigay ko na ang bayad at dahan-dahang lumabas. The media were busy taking pictures of the place. Hindi ko maiwasang magandahan sa lugar. I want to give Lala an extra credit for his creativity and style. I fixed my clothes and hesitated to let myself in. Pero hindi na ako nag-aksaya pa ng oras.

I walked gracefully towards the crowd. Naagaw ko kaagad ang kanilang atensyon. The cameras started flashing. Wala itong tigil na halos mabulag ako. But I'm used to this. I really missed this kind of attention. Uhaw ako sa atensyon ng marami. I want them to know that I am still luxurious as before! I don't want them to underestimate and belittle me despite of my status.

"Ms. Cyanara, ano ang masasabi mo sa mga taong nangbabash sa'yo sa social media? Ang dami ng nagsasabing hindi kayo karapat-dapat kay Heiron Esquivel."

"I heard that you are a freelance model way back when you were still freshmen. What is the feeling of being a part of this big Modeling Agency?"

"Stunning and glamorous!"

"An Atalia who keeps on slaying! Do you mind if I ask you about your outfit?"

Samu't saring mga tanong at komento ang mga narinig ko. I showed off a grin. Seeing them this crazy makes my heart fond. What a great start! Hindi ako sumagot at patuloy na naglakad papunta sa loob. The bouncers protected me from them. Sa pintuan ay may nakaabang na isang bouncer. He stopped me from going in. I raised an eyebrow.