Can't Tell [Frankiana]

CHAPTER 24

Diana's POV

After having her speech in front, Franki is now busy talking and welcoming each person in here. Even though I was eating, I kept on glancing at her. Her smile is so genuine and the way she approaches everyone is so heart melting to watch. I suddenly felt a strange feeling in my heart the moment I looked at the clock. It's already 9:35pm, I could not believe how fast the time changes. I feel like I'm going to lose my nerve by this nerve wracking situation. I can feel my palms are already sweating at this moment.

"Chill, Dee." I almost jumped in shocked when Gaz held my hand under the table.

"Gaz, I'm so nervous." i wanted to raise my voice, but I couldn't. It feels like I'm weakening by my own anxiety.

"It's too early to feel that, just relax." She tries to comfort me and surprisingly it's kinda working.

"Thanks." I gave her a lopsided smile before glancing again to Franki. My eyes widened when I saw her approaching our way.

"Hi, guys. I'm so happy you're all here." She enthusiastically greeted us with her grinning teeth.

"Happy birthday, Franki." We almost said with the same time and it causes us to giggle and to softly laugh.

"Aw. Thank you." She said with her high-pitched tone while pouting her lips, then she sit next to my mom.

"Dee, you look so gorgeous with that blue dress." I blinked my eyes when I soon realize that I'm badly staring at her since the beginning. I slightly shook my head before casually looking at her this time.

"Thanks, you too, Punky." I tried my best to control my trembling hands. I haven't even looked at Gazini but I know she doesn't take her eyes off me and it's making me feel sick.

"You look like a barbie, Franki." Gazini complimented her.

"'Diba? Ang gandang barbie." My mom excitedly said.

"Aw. Cute niyo po." Her face is turning reddish as she pouts her lips again. She's so cute when she's kinikilig.

"I hope Arlene can come, I texted her last night. Did you talk to her already, Franki?" I saw a quick change in the expression of Franki's face when my mom asked her that. Even I felt sad by just seeing her face like that, she's been away from her Tita Arlene in like how many years now. I can tell how painful it is for her by just the look on her eyes.

She's smiling but her eyes are crying.

"She called me last night, Tita. And it's okay, at least I have you." She tried to make her tone sounds happy.

"You should eat, Punky." I tried to change the subject to bring back the light mood. Thankful that she insisted it herself.

She's holding the plate while trying to reach the recipe that's near me. I then stopped drinking water and I gave her the plate. She instantly smile after reaching the plate to my hand. In just a second I can feel that Gazini's tapping my side leg. I faced her and secretly glared at her.

"Uhm..." She masticated her food before speaking again, "The dance floor and the main event will start in 12:00am, can I have a dance with you later, Tita?" My heart aches after hearing the old ones words. I thought she was gonna invite me, assumera ka Dianer.

"Oh, assume pa." Gazini whisper to my ears before chuckling. I rolled my eyes to ignored her.

"Of course, hija. You and Diana should dance too." I grin ear to ear after hearing my mother's words. That's my girl!

"Sure, if Dee wants it?" Franki looks at me with her wrinkled head.

"Of course." I casually replied. This is just right. I need to stay calmed and casual. Don't let nervousness kills you, Diana.