STRANGER

4 - Dahil Sa'yo

Deanna.

Ouch. Kung kailan ka nagmamadali.

Somebody just bumped into me as I was walking fast and in a rush to reach the main hall. Medyo malakas din ang bungguan namin, well, siya ang bumunggo sa akin dahil naglalakad lang ako at bigla na lang itong sumulpot from a corner. 

"What the? Watch where you're going next time." medyo hindi ko naitago ang inis sa boses ko.

"Sorry." a woman quickly replied.

I checked my clothes if it's still presentable, okay naman. Napatingin ako sa taong bumunggo sa akin, nakatayo siya at tinitignan din ang suot nya.

Naka yellow floral dress ito at boots huh.

Is she one of my guests here? Parang hindi yata appropriate ang suot nya. Hmmmn, baka one of the girls na naman ng mga bisita ko. Napaismid ako ng bahagya.

Nakayuko ang ulo nito habang pinapagpag ang damit nya. Then medyo nag angat sya ng tingin, I saw her face partially.

Wow. Mukhang may hitsura.

Kahit hindi ko masyadong nakita ang buong mukha nya, I can feel na maganda ito talaga. Wait lang, she looks familiar too. 

Pero sa dami ng taong nakikita at nakikilala ko, parang magkakamukha na silang lahat.

Luminga linga ako, shit, kailangan na nila ako sa loob. As much as I wanted to check if she's alright, I don't have time. Wala akong nagawa kundi umalis na.

It's not in my nature to be rude but I'm in a hurry.

Nasaan na ba si Valerie? I've been telling her to do everything right and perfect, the first time, every time. But of course, she missed something na naman.

Matutuyuan na naman yata ako ng dugo sa isang yun tsk. I should get another assistant na talaga. Tagal ko ng balak humanap ng bagong assistant pero hindi maharap. That will be my priority after this gathering.

First thing first, I have to start this program early then get it over and done with quick.

I immediately changed my expression and show my wicked grin as I approach some of the guests that are now convened in the hall.

Yes, it's that time of the year again where each and every person I know are congregated in my place. My friends, colleagues, associates and business partners are all complete and in full support tonight.

It's the annual auction of SWA, better known as Salcedo-Wong Auctions.

Lahat ng mga aficionados na mahihilig sa mga vintage items like fine or decorative art, jewelry and collectibles ay asahan mo na nandito ngayong gabi.

I'm talking about the whole specialists, fanatics, buffs and enthusiasts all over the Philippines here. Imagine the value of the people that are present in tonight's event.

Kaya dapat lang na walang palpak na mangyayari ngayong gabi. I always make sure that everything will be perfect. For the last 5 years, sobrang successful ng event na ito kaya the more yung pressure to excel again this year.

"Good evening everyone!  Nice to see all of you again. Everything alright?" I asked the group on my right side.

"Deanna!  Great. It's gonna be a success for sure." sagot ng may ari ng one of the biggest chain of malls in PI.

"Nice setup again, Deanna." replied by the shipping magnate.

"As always, every single thing and article are interesting. You will have this area empty by the time the last hammer goes down." answered by the Senate President.