I was busy checking myself in the mirror. I’m at the mall looking for new clothes to wear for a party na dadaluhan ko mamaya. Of course I have to look good kasi I’m Almori, and Almori is always dressed to impress people. I have a reputation to maintain, and I never disappoint.
I am debating between the mickey mouse printed tee on my left hand and the cute floral top on my right. It took me five minutes before I finally decided on the first one cause duh it’s Mickey. I’ll be cute as hell when I wear this later. As I was paying for it on the cashier, my phone rang.
“Hey Mo, you’ll be there tonight right?” my sweet little cousin Kelli was on the phone.
“Of course. Almori does not say no to parties” I heard her laugh on the other line.
“And it’s our last before our last year in college” she said that with as much enthusiasm as she can. Her excitement got through me that I almost forgot the clothes I bought. Tanga Almori.
“I know right” I continued talking to her on the phone while walking around the mall. I have no other business here na naman so I’ll probably go home. I went to the parking lot and looked for my car.
Habang kinukuha ko yung susi from my bag, muntik ko nang mahulog ang phone ko sa biglaang pag sigaw ni Kelli. I almost cursed out loud.
“Ano ba? Ba’t ka nasigaw jan ha?” I asked in annoyance as I started the engine. Thank God hindi nahulog ang phone ko at nag crack kung hindi ipabibili ko talaga tong pinsan ko ng bago. I begged my parents to let me study here in Manila and they got me a condo near my university. Kelli followed me soon after but she lived with her brother in Makati. I’ve always wanted to try living alone and being independent.
“OHMY GOSH MY DEAR COUSIN ALMORI” her voice was high pitched already and I hate her voice that way. Nakakabingi.
“Ano?” Okay, medyo nacucurious na din ako. Kelli does not get that excited much. So it must be a big news or something really important.
“I’m driving btw” I added, baka bigla na naman siyang sumigaw at makabangga pa ako ng innocent people.
“Nevermind. Drive safe, I’ll see you later” she said that fast and with a shriek she hanged up the call.
Weird Kelli.
Anyways, I better get home fast. I still have to prepare for tonight.
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After making myself dinner, yes I know how to cook, I started getting ready for the party. Kelli was going to pick me up because I was sleeping over at their house, per her request, and because her parents, my tita and tito, are too strict that she needs me as her yaya to be allowed to go to parties. The pretty brunette can’t live alone cause she can’t cook to save herself.
I looked at myself in the mirror, checking myself.
Aww, pretty Almori.
“Hey” I got in Kelli’s car and she started to drive to Josh’s house, where the party is.
“You won’t believe what I’ll tell you” she was still in her excited voice from this afternoon’s phone call. Gaano ba iyon kaimportante that she’s all hyped up?
“What? Kanina ka pa ah” she got me curious too. If this is lame news I’ll kick her out of bed tonight.
“Travis is gonna be there tonight” I froze on her revelation. It is big news.
For once, I am at loss for words. My body went to shock and I think I forgot how to breathe. She must have noticed my current state and drove a stop to the side of the road.
“Calm down Mo” she held my shoulders and kept telling me to breathe in and out. Why is this happening? He’s not supposed to be back in Manila this early.
“Why is he here?” I was almost calm but my nerves are still on haywire, I can feel my skin tingle in emotions I can’t explain.
“Well, sabi ni Josh his parents decided to fly back early because of a business meeting, and he heard about the party so Josh invited him” I will murder Josh Sermiento. You better say good bye to everyone right now. He will make this night a living hell for me.
“How long has it been since you broke up?” yeah, that cold geek is my freaking ex.
“6 months” I huffed out. Why does he have to be there? Couldn’t he stay longer in New York and just come back when classes start?
“O ang tagal na pala, you should have already moved on” it’s easy to say but it’s a pain in the ass to do.
“I have” I lied. That’s why I’m a nervous wreck right now, cause I haven’t moved on from that good looking cold hearted geek. I fell for that guy so bad and he broke my heart, saying that I was too much of a brat for him. He was my first boyfriend and he broke up with me because of who I am, he made me cry for nights. I felt worthless those times, and Almori is not that girl. I picked myself up and swore to start hating that geek.
“Then why are you acting this way?” I collected myself and acted like I wasn’t breathing like a fish.
“Acting like what? Come on, drive already. We’re gonna be late” I said, she only looked at me and I saw pity in her eyes. I may be a good actress but I can never hide from Kelli, I can only act.
“Okay” she touched my hand once before starting the drive again. You’re gonna be fine Almori. You’re a strong independent woman, a geek is nothing. Act like you don’t care about him, like he’s not there, act like you never loved the guy. I chanted to myself, even though my heart is in pain.
