I Brought My Heart To Hong Kong

Chapter Nineteen: Al

Chapter Nineteen
Al

I didn't know a day would come in Hong Kong and I'm gonna say some days of the stay were dull. Lalo na ngayong tatlong araw na kaming nasa bahay at wala akong ginawa kung hindi ang iwasan si Jayden. We remained casual though. I talk to him when needed but only to that extent.

But, I had to forget about it for now.

Today is Lolo Edward's birthday celebration. I tried to buy him a present but Tita Erine told me my presence at his party already suffices. I don't really see Lolo as someone materialistic so I guess he will be happy seeing me celebrate his birthday with them.

I wore a red A-lined lace dress for tonight. Lola gave me a pearl necklace she said I should wear in the party. Like usual, Ate Weylan helped me get ready.

Iniladlad niya ang mahaba kong buhok at kinulot ang mga dulo. She made me wear light make-up but advised me to wear a maroon red lipstick. Hindi na rin ako pumatol pa.

Sila Won, pinauna ni Lola Hilda sa venue. The party will be held in Meraki, particularly in what Lola said as the Oasis, an indoor garden and entertainment venue.

"My apo really has the looks," masayang komento ni Lolo nang makita akong bumaba. "Manang-mana ka sa Lola mo!"

I laughed at Lolo Edward. He's wearing a black stylish slim fit tuxedo. It has a gray satin shawl collar and pockets, making Lolo look a little extra today. Nakaayos din ang kaniyang manipis na buhok at handang-handa nang makita ng mga guests niya.

Nang marinig ni Lola ang sinabi ni Lolo ay napansimangot siya. "Magtigil ka nga, Edward."

Mas lalo akong napangiti. Sa kanilang dalawa talaga, si Lolo ang mas masiyahin at mas magaslaw. Lola was more on her refined and sophisticated side, not letting anyone ruin her poise.

I drew deep breaths when we arrived at the hotel's entrance gates. Several guards were waiting for us outside. The security was suddenly so tight, probably because I have my grandparents.. the key people of Meraki with me. They escorted our way towards the Oasis.

Just like the Spectrum, the Oasis, on the outside is also a dome-like infrastructure. Sa itaas nga lang ay napapalibutan 'to ng mga hanging plants kaya malalaman na agad ito ang Oasis. The parabolic roofs were only made of green garden house nets, which still serves its purpose as a garden. Mula nga roon, kita ang iba't ibang kulay ng ilaw mula sa loob.

Naka-estatwa ang tingin ko roon na hindi ko namalayan ang pagbukas ng pinto ng Oasis. I was only struck when several flashes of camera blinded my way and multiple claps of people inside greeted me.

"Please welcome, Tanaka Hotel Group's President and CEO, Hildana Fajardo, Meraki Circles' Chairman, Edwardo Fajardo and our special guest tonight, Miss Hailey Almira Fajardo!"

There was an improvised red aisle surrounded by pebbles. Nang magsimulang maglakad ang Lolo at Lola, sumabay ako sa likuran nila.

My heart pounded as I tried my best to wear a smile. I feel like the center of attraction, because these people only saw me tonight; only heard my name tonight. Their stares made me nervous. I couldn't tell if some were judging or admiring.

But out of all the stares people were giving me, there's one who stands out, outwitting everyone's. It was as if it's his stares that matters to me most.