The Death of Gabriel

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

It was Sunday afternoon, pinagmasdan ko ang reflection ko sa salamin. I was already wearing the red dress, it wasn't too revealing.

My pale skin made the bright color of the stress stood out. Inayos ni mama ang buhok ko, at bahangyang nilagyan ng klorete ang aking mukha.

"Ang ganda ganda talaga nang anak ko." she said habang pinagmamasdan ako.

I look like my mom when she was younger; small face, high-cheekbones, pointy nose at mapupulang mga labi. Simple lang ako, parang si mama.

She came from a wealthy family but she prefers to do things by herself. Wala kaming kasambahay, it's because she wants us to learn how to do things by ourselves. Something that I want to be when I grow up, strong and independent.

Dumating na si manong driver at naka-ready na din si Alice at mama. Dumiretso kasi sa Salfierño Manila, its a five star hotel na pagmamay-ari nang pinsan ni Tito Emilio.

Maganda ang venue, dumiretso kami sa isang malaking ballroom at sinalubong kami ni Tita Iyah. She was wearing a red of shoulder gown, she looks like a beauty queen. Her aura is screaming for power, but she's very humble.

Nakipag-beso beso siya kay mama, and I too greeted her happy birthday. Nang dumating si Tito Emilio at iminuwestra that we should go inside already, dahil the party will start soon.

Maganda sa loob, in the middle was a huge chandelier, na animoy napapaligiran nang kristal. The color theme was red and gold; everything was on point. Maraming bisita, most of them are well knowed wealthy people.

I felt uncomfortable, dahil hinde naman kami pinalaki ni mama sa ganitong uri nang pamumuhay. Nakakapunta lamang kami sa ganitong uri nang okasyon whenever my mom has a family gathering.

Naupo kami sa isang table, even the chairs are coated with red and gold.

Nagsimula na ang celebrasyon sa pagpapakilala nang main guests, sumunod ang birthday celebrant; "Ysabelle Salfierño". It's her 48th birthday, pero mukha itong mas bata sa kanyang edad. Next na ipinakilala is her husband and her son. Nagpalakpakan ang mga tao and I too, clapped slowly.

There was Earl, who looked so dashing, first time ko siya makitang naka suit. Just like Tito Emilio, he looks very powerful. He looks so attractive on the spotlight like it was made just for him.

Doon ko na realize na this was Earl's life while growing up. Marangya. Always in the eyes of public; having two successful parents na kabilang sa mga pinakamamayang pamilya sa Pilipinas. It feels like he's so out of reach.

The party went on, their relatives gave speeches, along with Tito Emilio who gave a lovely speech to Tita Iyah. They look like a perfect couple, makikita mo sa mata nila kung gaano nila kamahal ang isa't isa, by the way he held her hand, and the way they danced slowly on the dance floor.

I aspire to find that kind of love in the future.

Earl was the last one to give a speech. He held her mom's hand and stood next to her, he's way taller than her already.

He gave his speech that made Tita Iyah tear up a little, niyakap nito ang anak as they danced. After that they welcomed everyone to join the dance floor.

Alice was busy eating, noong nagpa-alam ako kay mama na mag-iikot ikot lang.

I was looking at the crowd; as a set of eyes met mine, seryoso ang mukha niya, pero hinde din ito nagtagal he disappeared in the crowd. I put my hand over my chest, and felt the fast rhythm of my heartbeat.

Nagpatuloy ako sa paglalakad when I saw Earl with a group of people around our age, he saw me. He excused himself at dahan dahan siyang naglakad patungo sa akin.