Illusion [ON HOLD]

14: Stranger

Chapter 14 - Stranger

Audrianna's POV

Days passed by quickly. Sky, Zyrus and I are almost finish with our practice for the performance. We agreed in many things specially in terms of music. We planned to sing exactly four songs and I'm okay with it.

As for me and Ace? Things are going smoothly between us. We go out a lot, specially dinner dates. He formally introduced me to his father, one night. And, Tito Chanyeol took it coolly and he advised us many things.

My friends, Ace's friends and I teamed up to have a surprise party for Ace this Friday. I told the guys not to tell a single thing about the plan and they agreed to it. Zyrus reserved a VIP room for the surprise. Allana and Eunice are in-charge for the balloons and party poppers. The others are in-charge to decorate the room. And, I am in-charge for the cake. His birthday is also the same day that he'll be my boyfriend.

Today is Christmas day. Time flies so fast. Nag-text si Ace sa akin kanina saying his family is having a Christmas party in their house. It's their tradition to celebrate Christmas with the important persons in their family. Ganun naman talaga 'yun, diba?

"Ma, may party daw kina Ace mamaya until midnight for the noche buena. Are we going?" I asked my mother, habang kumakain siya ng graham crackers na sobra para sa mango graham cake.

Umupo si Mama sa sofa nang sala. "What time is the party, darling?" she asked.

"He didn't say it. Probably, after the mass, Mama. Deretso na po tayo doon?" I asked.

"Well.. hindi pa ako nakakabili ng regalo. Nakakahiya naman," Mama said.

"I know giving gifts is exciting. You can cook for the them instead, Mama. Kung bibili ka ng regalo, pwede namang utusan yung assistant niyo," I said. "Or, Dad's secretary," I added.

"Hindi ba insincere kung sa iba ko iu-utos 'yon? I'll go to the mall and try to shop some for the gifts. At, para hindi nakakahiya baka tayo lang walang regalo na dala." Mama said and took a bite on the graham cracker. "Sino sino ba ang dadalo? Is it private?" she asked.

"Probably, Mama. Kumpleto ata sila eh. His family flew here from Japan, I heard from Eunice. Private din, siguro. Nandito sa bansa si Amethyst," I said and look around the living room.

"Sige, pupunta tayo. I'll call Claudia to come over here for the make up and all later. In the meantime, anak, hold this bowl of graham crackers and I'm going to call your father's secretary," Mama said and she gave me the bowl. She dialed my father's secretary immediately.

"Oh wow, last minute shopping for Catalina Aintsworth," I said and took a bite on the cracker.

"Hello, Haji. This is Catalina, Richard's wife.. Drop the formality, hija.." I heard Mama said while she stood up. "I just want to ask if you're available for today. I'm gonna do last minute shopping for the gifts. Don't worry, idadagdag ko ito sa sweldo mo," and then she walk out of the living room.

I rolled my eyes at tumayo na sa pagkaka-upo sa sofa. Naglakad ako papunta sa kusina and I saw Nana Fely. Agad ko siya niyakap at ngumiti ako.

"Merry Christmas, Nana!" I cheerfully said.

"Naku, ang batang ito. Huwag kang nang-gugulat!" she exclaimed and Nana Fely smiled at me. "Merry Christmas din, Anna," she said.

"Nana, huwag na po kayong masyadong mag-pagod kasi pasko na! And, we're going out po mamaya. So, rest po!" I said and smiled.