Oneirataxia: My Fictional Man

CHAPTER 07

Chapter Seven

Flashes from the cameras begin to dazzle my eyes after the car's door opened. Kahit isang paa ko pa lang ang nakaapak sa lupa ay sunod-sunod na nagsilapitan kaagad ang media at ngayon nga ay patuloy akong kinukunan ng litrato.

I didn't expect it would be this grand. It really just shows how Benjamin's company is soaring enormously in the industry.

Being taken in photos like this makes me feel like a striking personality, that is about to ramp on the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Much more when what I am wearing right now is a Glam'r Divine full-length gown, showcasing a metallic maroon fabric that highlights the complexity of my skin and emphasizes the figure of my body.

At first, I was hesitant to wear it because of its revealing outline but the designer and the Glam team kept complimenting how alluring the gown is, especially on my body, so I was forced to obey their insights. Gladly, it was a relief that I feel comfortable despite its arousing view.

This gown has a shoulder thin strap with a deep plunging V-neckline. Plus, there is an asymmetric high slit that ends exactly on my upper thigh which savagely shows my legs. There is also a side cut-out that reveals my skin whenever I raise my arms.

I inhale deeply as I slowly fix my posture. With head held high, I start walking on the long red carpet that marks the route of high-vanity people.

I stop when an organizer leads me in front of a photo booth black-backdrop that has a large golden logo with some texts I didn't pay attention for.

I just pose for a while when cameras start flashing again. Afterward, I continue walking until the large entrance door.

When a server opens the door, a grand banquet hall meets my sight. Seeing its entirety almost took my breath away. The ceiling above has an enchanting architectural structure. The interior looks meticulously crafted. Even the designs of the motif also look rigorously planned.

But all of these idyllic features become a blur when my eyes glued on one particular person on his black tux, talking with prominent people with wine glasses in their hands.

Benjamin.

Pumunta ako sa gilid kung nasaan naroroon ang karamihan sa mga kababaihan ngunit ang tingin ay nanatiling nakadikit pa rin sa kanya.

Naninibago ako sa kanyang itsura dahil sa malinis na pagkakaayos ng buhok niya, malayong-malayo sa karaniwang ayos nito. But the expression on his face is still the same.

It's dark with a hue of sharpness like he's carrying loads of burdens when talking to someone. With that expression, it only adds fuel to the fire he's carrying with his aura.

Intimidatingly hot.

Shit. I immediately look away when his two hawk eyes straightly meet mine, like it was auto-programmed to focus at me amidst the crowd.

Dali-dali akong kumuha ng wine glass mula sa tray na dala ng dumaan na waiter. Muntik pa akong masuka nang malasahan ang pait mula sa likidong mabilisan kong ininom. Alak.

Nakakahiya. Napansin ata niya na may mga matang kanina pa nakatingin sa kanya at agad na dumeretsong tumingin sa direksiyon kung nasaan ako.

"Ladies and gentlemen..."

Tunog ng mikropono ang namayani sa loob ng hall. Mukhang magsisimula na ata.

Kitang-kita ko ang Board of Directors kasama si Benjamin sa iisang lamesa ngunit hindi na ako nag-abala pang lumapit nang makitang sa tabi na lang ni Benjamin ang may bakanteng upuan.

I just settled near the bar counter. I'm sure no one would notice my solitude here, as they are all busy listening to the speeches of big personalities and watching the glamorous ballet dance performance that serves as an entertainment to welcome the night.

"Tonight marks the 35th General Corporate Award---"

Hindi ko na narinig ang sunod na sinabi ng host dahil bigla na lang may humila sa akin papunta dun sa lamesa kung saan nakapuwesto sila Benjamin.

"Ma'am, you should be sitting with them. Our company values integrity with both work and co-worker. Dapat makita ng lahat iyan." Narinig kong bulong ng sekretarya ni Madam Chua, na hanggang ngayon ay di ko pa alam ang pangalan.

Kaunting hakbang na lang at makakarating na kami, nang biglang may umupo sa tabi ni Benjamin.

A sophisticated woman, wearing her velvet gown that hugs her curves in the most perfect way, just comfortably clings her hand on Benjamin's arm.

I stop.

She has a feature of a Brazilian race, her eyes are upturned, and her long wavy hair effortlessly sways on its own.

My eyes widen when I realize something.

Those are exactly the same words to describe Callie Jersen, the leading lady of this story, of Benjamin.

Everyone greets her. Even the secretary I'm with, which leads them to notice me as well.

"Ms. Diane, come on, join us," anyaya ng isang Director.

Benjamin looks at me but I try myself with all cost not to look back at him.

"Suit yourself." I heard him say.

I just smile at them and politely decline.

Sisikip lang kung pipilitin ko pang ikasya sarili ko.

"Sa ibang table na lang po ako."

And after that, I turn my back.

Hindi ko maintindihan kung anong nararamdaman ko. I should be feeling excited after seeing Callie but it's the other way.

She's perfect in all aspects. The writer didn't even put a flaw on his physical attributes. She's indeed too perfect not to be with Benjamin. They are perfect together.

Hindi ko na namalayan at nakarating na pala ako sa isang hardin, sa labas sa gilid ng mismong hall. Hindi rito masyadong naririnig ang sound system mula sa loob kaya payapa akong umupo sa may bench at pinakinggan na lang ang tunog ng mga insekto.

Malalim na ang gabi. Mahigit isang oras na ata akong nandito. Maybe it's time to go back.

I stand up and face behind, only to get startled when a pair of raging eyes meet mine.

It's Benjamin, again.

His lips are pressed in a very thin line like he's suppressing boiling water.

"We won, and you weren't there. Who freakin' are you to just miss a big milestone?"

Iyan ang bungad niya sa akin sa nagtitimping tono.

Napadungo na lang ako. Nahihiya. Oo nga naman, sino ba naman ako para kaligtaan lang ang ganitong klaseng pagbibigay pugay at parangal sa kumpanya niya?

Unti-unti kong itinaas ang aking paningin at nakitang nakatitig pa rin siya sa akin ng mariin. And titig niya'y unti-unti ring bumababa na mas lalong nagpahiya sa akin.

Wala siyang mapapala kung susuriin niya ang kabubuan ko, dahil kung tutuusing mabuti, malayong-malayo ako kumpara kay Callie.

"Damn, you should be jailed for wearing that thing."

And with that, I feel him slowly dragging me back inside the hall.

"Hey sir, where have you been for the last hour? Everyone expected you to come up on stage to receive the award," someone exclaims.

"Yeah sir, Ms. Callie kept calling you on the phone but you weren't answering," another one said.

Wait. He's gone for one hour? I thought... he was here the whole time, with her.

Did he go looking for me?

Nah, impossible.

"I'm sorry about that, I just did some important errands," he said as an excuse.

"Mas imporante pa rito sir?" tanong ng isa at may itinaas na glass trophy na hugis tatsulok at may globe na logo sa gitna.

Teka, he even questioned me earlier as to who am I to just miss a great milestone, yet he's the one who greatly missed it!

Benjamins just clears his throat and left us hanging for an answer.

End of Chapter Seven