Chapter 20
Mabilis ang pagdaan ng mga araw at mas lalong nalalapit ang exams namin. Ganun pa rin ang routine ni Kiel and lately nasasanay na rin ako sa pagsundo niya sa akin at ang kumain sa labas kasama siya.
Hindi naman nagtatanong si Mama dahil naging busy siya lately and I am busy with my studies too. Except for Kuya Ethan na every time umuuwi siya sa bahay ay hindi niya mapigilang magtanong sa akin about school and the people I'm with everytime. Kinakabahan na lang ako dahil baka malaman niya about Kiel. But I remained to act cool and act as if nothing happened.
"Are you seeing someone, Eunice?" Kuya Ethan asked as he went towards me.
Nasa sala ako ngayon nagbabasa ng lessons namin. Natigilan ako saka siya liningon.
He was standing there and waiting for my answer.
"What do you mean Kuya?" I asked trying to act my calm.
"May nanliligaw ba sa'yo? May nobyo ka na ba na hindi ko alam?" he asked looking serious right now.
"Huh? Wala... bakit mo naman tinatanong yan." Saka binaling ang aking atensyon sa binabasa.
Humalukipkip siya saka nagbuntong hininga na lamang.
"I will not force you to tell me every single detail, Eunice. But I want you to be honest with me and ayoko lang na sa bandang huli ay masasaktan ka. I don't want that to happen." He said saka umalis na.
I watched kuya's back as he went upstairs. I'm sorry Kuya but I can't just tell you yet, hindi pa ako sigurado at hindi pa ako handa baka sakaling magbago pa ang isip ko about kay Kiel or it's the other way around.
Sunday night and my mom went home early than usual. She immediately went to my room.
"Eunice, anak. We have a business party tonight and I want you to come with me." She hastily said and I was just sitting on my bed wearing my pajamas.
"I can't, Ma. I have to study." sabi ko and motioned my study stable where lot of handouts and some books are there.
"Sandali lang naman tayo roon. I know naman na hindi ka mahilig sa mga ganyan, but a lot of my business partners and co-workers are bringing their son and daughters there! Alam ko naman na nakapag-aral ka na nung isang araw, kahapon at kanina. Besides, it's Sunday." Sabi niya.
"Do I really need to?" I asked while I am really not sure.
"Please? Just spare your time for tonight. Just tonight." Sabi niya saka nginitian ako.
"Okay." Sabi ko saka masaya niya akong niyakap.
"Thank you. Go get dressed, wear something simple. It's just a mere party, don't pressure yourself too much."
I nodded and she stepped out of my room as I heavily sighed again.
Ilang oras pa at nakapag-ayos na ako. Naka black semi-formal jumpsuit attire ako that I paired with a Yaro ankle strap sanda, saka nilugay lamang ang aking buhok.
My mom was already downstairs when I stepped out of my room. She immediately saw and smiled at me.
We headed straight to the venue where the event will be held. As we arrived, marami na akong nakitang mga mayayamang tao base sa kanilang itsura. We headed inside as some cameras flashes on us. I tried to smile and not to look at anyone as possible. Nakakahiya bakit hindi sinabi sa akin ni Mama na may mga media pala rito.
The venue was ineffable to describe. It was very luxurious and beautiful. I roam my eyes around to find something to eat. Mukhang nakakahiya namang kumain dito, but my mom said it was just a mere business party! Ganito kalaki ang venue tapos may chandelier pa umiikot sa gitnang taas? You called this simple? Nevertheless I remained my cool and smiled at every people my mom introduced.
