Reaching the Brightest Star

Kabanata V

The Electrifying Stare

Nakatulugan ko na ang pag iyak kagabi. Still wearing my clothes and shoes on and a phone on my hand. I opened it and it stays the same where I left it. I woke up feeling sore all over, inside and out. Hindi ko lang alam kung saan ba ang mas masakit, sa loob o sa labas. O dala lamang siguro ito ng aking pagod sa maghapon kong biyahe.

Mamayang hapon ang simula ng party. Magdamag iyon kaya panigurado nang madaling araw pa ako makakauwi. Bumangon ako sa kama at diretso na sa banyo, humarap ako sa salamin at tiningnan ang aking repleksyon. My lipstick's slightly smudged, magulo din ang buhok ko. I look like some dog blew their hair by the wind. Diretso ligo na ang ginawa ko para makakain na ako sa baba. Hindi ako nakakain ng dinner dahil sa sobrang pagod ko kagabi.

Nakita kong may coffee shop at restaurant sa baba lang ng hotel. Nakahilera sila doon at marami ka pang pagpipilian. I should give it a try. Pagkatapos kong maligo ay naghanap na ako ng isusuot na damit sa cabinet. Something comfy at madaling kumilos ang sinuot ko ngayon. A plain white crop top T-shirt and a grey sweatpant paired with my flip flops. I combed my hair the usual way and let it air dry. I just put on lip tint to add some color on my lips.

I locked my room, bringing only my wallet, phones and the room key. I choose to eat at the coffee shop. I missed coffee somehow. As I enter the place, I feel like I'm in some unknown place surrounded by plants. The place was nice and cozy, aired by the sweet melody of background music. The aura that it gives me is something real and comfy. Dumiretso ako sa counter para umorder.

"One order of Baked Macaroni Melt with Cafe Americano please," sinabi ko iyon sa babae na nagaayos ng order habang nakatingin sa menu.

"Is that all Ma'am?" Tanong niya pagkatapos i-press down ang order ko.

"Yes, please." Binayaran ko na ang order ko at umupo malapit sa glass window. I really like the view outside that's why I choose to seat near the glass window. People are walking and some are running. Madami ding sasakyan ang dumadaan. Natatabunan ang aking pwesto ng matatangkad na halaman ngunit sapat lamang para mapanood ko ang mga nagaganap sa labas ng shop na ito. I checked my phone for any reply from my friends.

Isabella:

Thank God! You surely going huh?

Bethany:

Well that's good, see you!

Everly:

Really? We missed you very much.

Lauren:

Can't wait to finally see you. It's been six years!

Monica:

Aww, I missed you. Is that mean makakapunta ka din sa kasal ko next week?

It's overwhelming having friends like these. You just can't feel being alone. They're like my second family, takbuhan kapag may problema. Kahati sa lahat ng mayroon ako. And they were good at preaching. They care for me so much.

Monica is getting married with her long-time boyfriend Francis. I'm really happy for the both of them because finally, sila din ang magkakatuluyan. Their relationship is like a switch, on and off! Isa isa ko silang nireplyan and I reassured Monica that I will be at her wedding. She chose me to be the maid of honor and the other was the bridesmaids. Kasal niya lamang ang tangi kong madadaluhan dahil tumapat iyon kung kailan nakauwi na ako. Paniguradong magtatampo ang mga iyon dahil kay Monica lamang ako nakadalo.

Dumating na ang aking order at nilantakan ko na iyon. I need to get ready for the party. I don't know if I have enough sleep last night because of what happened. But maybe that's enough. Ang sabi sa akin ni Isabella, black and white ang theme ng party mamaya. Mabuti na lang at may nadala akong black long gown na sinuot ko noong birthay ni Gab. The dress was a bit revealing especially on the back part. But that's okay, I'm used to it. Iyon ang kauna-unahan kong long dress na sinuot ko noon sa party ni Gab at bigla akong nagsisi. Bigay iyon sa akin ni Gab at kakikitaan ng kataasan ng presyo. The dress was designed by Sherri Hill at personal niya pa iyong pinagawa. He travelled all the way to America to find her shop just for my dress. I'm thankful that I have a friend like that, but I kinda feel like dependent. Nagawa niya pa talaga iyon para lamang sa akin.