Eternal Tune (Haunted Series 1)

Chapter 1: Midnight Memories

Years ago.

"The pack has entered securely, agents on standby." Our bodyguards escorted us, and I sighed with relief nang makalayo na kami sa press pagkapasok sa hall, malayo sa mga camerang tinututok nila sa'min na nakakapanlabo ng mata.

I clutched the side of my gown as we ascended the stairs, smiling at Kuya Valdin, the head of our security team. He nodded at me in return while I passed by, "Have fun, Miss."

Narinig 'yon ng kakambal ko na nakaalalay sa'kin and he scoffed, "Fun doesn't exist in these types of celebrations. Another day, another boring shit to attend to."

I gave my twin a side eye as I heard him grumbling with annoyance. Hindi pa nagsisimula pero puro reklamo na siya.

Standing guard over on the side of the ballroom, we passed by our security team as we stepped into the vast room. With high ceilings, the chandeliers glittering in gold, and the deep red curtains on each window turned on the sides so we could see the full moon outside.

My family instantly became the center of attention as the doors opened, and my eyes took in the huge number of people who stopped and stared. I murmured para pamilya ko lang ang makakarinig sa reklamo ko, "Sabi ko pa nga we're late na, you all took too long to prepare."

I planned the itinerary for us today, but they didn't follow my timetable. Now, see what happens.

"Jamie, it's natural for the main characters to arrive late." James tapped my hands that were holding his bicep, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him.

Despite the stares, we moved forward.

Our father is escorting CJ, our little sister, while I'm in the hands of James, my twin. Si Jaceon lang ang naglalakad mag-isa na sinalubong agad ng ibang kamag anak naming dumadalo rin sa celebration.

Because the whole clan is dominating different businesses, I easily spotted familiar faces of our relatives in the crowd. Some I made eye contact with, so I waved and went to greet them.

"Cheska." Nakipagbeso ako sa pinsan namin from our Dad's side. This type of gathering is a mini reunion for us.

Pahinto hinto kami dahil may mga sumasalubong, and when Dad's associates approached him to talk about business, he had to go. "When Sky arrives, tell him to find me."

"Okay, Dad." Daddy spoke to no one in particular, pero ako na ang sumagot.

Lumingon sa'kin si Daddy at sa mga kapatid ko, "Stop frowning and make new friends. There are kids here your age."

Daddy pinched Cici's cheeks before siya umalis, and I had to laugh at my little sister's annoyed face. "Yucky, how could I make friends at a place full of sipsip people."

James laughed while I gasped as we shared a look. Where did she learn that language? "Cici, you can't just call people sipsip."

"But they are." She pouted, and I couldn't help but laugh at her cuteness. Look at those chubby cheeks! 

For quite some time, I was conversing with my cousin nang hinila niya ang dress ko bigla at tumili. Kinakausap ako ni Cheska nang naghiwalay kaming magkakapatid pero lumapit ako kay CJ para hindi siya mawala sa paningin ko. "I want that cheesecake!"

I glanced at the other kids holding small bites of cheesecake at tiningnan kung merong server na malapit sa'min ang may bitbit nito. "Later, Cici. Mukhang nasa gathering area ang ibang food. Sasamahan kita doon mamaya."

"Oh my God, look at that." Cheska looked and sounded disgusted. Sumilip ako sa tinuturo niya, and I schooled my expression when other people that are beside us waited for my reaction from seeing my father's mistress enter the room. "What is she doing here?"