The One Who Stares Behind

KABANATA 22

My mind was a mess. The thought that he could leave everything for me? Why did it bother me so much?

"Come on, Zafh, don't let him get to you." Paulit ulit ko na yata itong pinapaalala sa sarili ko.

I noticed several pairs of eyes checking me out—probably because I was alone or maybe they were just looking at my exposed body.

"Hello Estrellans! Welcome to the Estrella Grandball. I believe you're all excited to show off your fabulous outfits and, of course, to dance with your beautiful women and handsome men. Right? Who wouldn't be?" It was Thalia Tzavara in her strapless silver gown, her wavy hair styled in a half ponytail.

"But to grant the request of our head admin and other staffs of Estrella. Let us all welcome, our guest for tonight.. Momentum Band!"

My lips began to move but managed not to say any words as I saw Xandrev offered his hand to Athalia and the President mouthed thank you as she stepped down from the center stage.

Xandrev wasn't even smiling, just wearing a poker face. What's his problem?

My brother seems to be quite popular. After his interaction with Athalia, various comments followed, like whether he's planning to settle down with her, which seems unlikely. Maybe he just wants to add some flavor to his life. Xandrev is Xandrev.

Napadako naman ang tingin ko sa pwesto nila Eli. There he is, talking with Maureen like they're having serious talks. It is clearly written in their faces.

Wala sa isip kong tinungga ang champagne glass sa harap ko na may lamang red wine. It tastes good.

I was about to take another shot when the band started to play melodramatic music. The bright lights dimmed.

"Hey, alone?" Pretty obvious.

Sinulyapan ko lamang ang nasa gilid ko at muling ibinalik ang tingin ko sa unahan.

"Zafhryna Romero, if I'm not mistaken. So the rumors are true. You're really a—I believe words can't even define you."

I took a sip of another red wine not even bother to look at this man.

"Good to know you're not with someone else."

Too bad you left your date just to flirt with me here, boy.

"Flynn Nathaniel," he smiled as he introduced his self.

Manhid ba siya? Hindi niya ba makuha na ayoko ng kausap ngayon. Lalo pa't alam ko naman kung anong motibo nito sa paglapit sa'kin.

Dala na rin ng inis ay hinarap ko ito. He's wearing a smile like he's kind of a brand endorser of toothpaste.

I am not that stupid not to see that he isn't really looking at my face but to my exposed body. Especially my breasts. Maniac.

"It seems like you're enjoying the view. Get the fuck out of my sight before I can do something not so nice in here. And..Flynn right? Nice meeting you, go away. " Kalmadong sabi ko dito.

Tinungga ko na rin ang natitirang laman ng baso ko nang wala na rin akong maramdamang presensya mula sa gilid ko. Napangisi ako.

The perks of being a Romero.

Sakto namang muling may dumaang waiter na may bitbit na tray ng whiskey.

Bago ko pa tuluyang makuha ang baso ay may humawak na rin dito dahilan para mabitawan ko ito at mapatingin sa estranghero.

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kaba nang magtama ang tingin namin sa isa't isa. Bago paman magtagal ang tinginang iyon ay pinutol ko na at muling kumuha ng panibagong wine glass at inilapag ito sa table ko.