Carpool

Chapter 21

~ Pros and Cons ~

BEATRIZ

I hopped off my dad's pick up because naipit yung sasakyan ko sa parking. I didn't have the time to take my car out since I was running late for tito Richard's birthday. Hindi na rin ako nakasabay kina mommy dahil nga nagmamadali sila masyado.

I debated with myself if I should tell Jho that I'd be here too but I decided not to. She was too busy getting ready for tonight din kasi. It was all she blabbed about last night while I drove her back to her house after the dinner with Maki and Cel.

~ Flashback ~

"What if they don't like me, Bei?" Jhoana broke the silence while exiting my car.

"Who?" I asked while glancing back at her.

"Nico's parents." She mumbled.

"Why does it even matter if they like you or not? Sasagutin mo na ba si Nico?"  I nervously asked while trying to say it casually too.

"No." Mabilis niyang sabi na kahit siya mismo nagulat. I secretly release a sigh of relief.

"I-I mean, I get nervous whenever I meet new people in general. Just like awhile ago with your friends." Dagdag ni Jho.

"Okay ka naman kanina ah. My friends like you! I'm sure Nico's parents aren't that bad."

Jhoana sighed as I walk her to their gate.

"Why did I even agree to this? I'm probably meeting his whole clan tomorrow, baka ma pressure lang ako. Ano ba yan." Pagtatalo niya sa sarili.

"Eh bakit ka nga ba pumayag? Napilitan ka lang ba?"

"Hindi naman." She paused and thought about it. "Gusto ko lang bumawi sakanya, pero I don't know, ganito lang siguro talaga ako, praning."

We reached the gate, Jho faced me and sighed.

"Stop overthinking, bud. You'll do just fine." I kissed the top of her head. "Pasok ka na."

She nodded and entered the gate as I went back inside of my car.

~ End of Flashback ~

Hinawi ko ang aking buhok papasok ng hotel. Pinagpag ko pa yung damit ko kasi sobrang hindi ako prepared at hindi masyado plantsado ito.

"Finally!" My mom exclaimed as I entered the ballroom of the hotel. I greeted my family as I sat down on their table. My dad and brother gave me odd looks, probably still wondering why I came here.

"You're late."  Mom firmly stated.

I gave her my cheeky smile and kissed her cheeks again.

"But I'm here now right? That's what matters."

She looked down on my outfit and stared at me again while still holding the soft fabric of my black formal wear.

"I told you to wear a dress, Beatriz." Mom whispered to me while discretely combing my hair with her hand.

I looked down on my one piece jumpsuit too and looked at her weirdly.

"What's wrong with my outfit? It's cute naman ah." I chuckled while my mom playfully pinched my side.

"Kahit na, lagi ka nalang naka pants I wanted you to wear a dress naman sana." She mumbled while still combing my hair.