Ring of Promises

Chapter 36

Ring of Promises

Chapter 36

A week had past. Umuwi kami dalawang araw bago ang engagement party namin. The party will be held at our mansion, everything was prepared by Daddy, Tita Lucia, and Tita Jade.

Maraming hindi pamilyar na mukha ang natatanaw ko habang nakatayo kami sa harapan. Daddy was giving a message after Tito Casper.

"Now, I will formally announce the engagement of my first daughter, Amanda Venice Marcus to Caspian Furn Silvestre, son of Casper and Lucia Silvestre." Nilingon kami ni Daddy kasabay noon ay ang masigabong palakpakan mula sa mga taong sumusuporta sa dalawang pamilya na nasa kanilang harapan.

"Good evening everyone, I hope you are sitting comfortable and feeling warm tonight. First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to the people who made this happen, Tito, Tita, Mama and Papa. You've been so supportive ever since Amanda and I started." I felt his right hand grazed my arms. Naghatid iyon ng init sa aking katawan.

"On behalf of our families, me and my fiancée, Amanda, thank you for coming here to share this special night with us." Nang matapos ang speech ni Caspian ay nakihalubilo na kami sa mga tao.

Maraming nagulat sa pagdating ng dating presidente. Kahit alam kong imbitado ang buong pamilya ni Tito Casper at posibleng makarating ang Lolo niya ay nagulat pa rin ako. I mean, everyone knows how powerful that man is, who wouldn't be shock if you find out you're breathing the almost exact air with him.

"Lolo, I'm glad you made it." Nagmano si Caspian kaya ginaya ko siya.

"Of course, I will come." Tinapik ng matanda ang balikat ng apo saka bumaling sa akin. "Congratulations on your engagement with my grandson, hija."

"Thank you po." I tried to equal his tender smile on me. Pagkatapos sa lamesa ng mga kamag-anak niya ay lumipat kami sa mga kaibigan.

I was expecting Autumn to ran towards me but I didn't see her. I made sure to send her the invites through social media, and I'm sure she's seen it! What the hell is wrong?

"Did you see Autumn?" Tanong ko kay Caspian habang naglalakad kami patungo sa puwesto ng mga pinsan ko.

"Hmm?" He crouched a bit. Dinikit ko ang labi ko sa tainga niya para marinig niya ang sasabihin ko.

"Did you see my best friend? Where is she?" Nag-aalala kong tanong sa kanya. "She won't miss this engagement. Caspian something's going on, something's wrong. She never contacted me for the past few months."

Halos maghisterya na ako pero sinubukang pigilan ang sarili dahil may mga nakatingin sa amin. Hinila niya ako sa isang gilid kung saan walang dumaraan.

"I need to see my best friend, Caspian." Biglang nangibabaw ang takot sa akin. Baka may nangyaring masama sa kaibigan ko! Nanginig ang kamay ko nang biglang may pumasok na imahe sa isipan ko. It's terrifying!

Lumandas ang luha sa aking pisngi.
I don't want to jump into conclusion but when I'm already fed up, I can't stop myself! Kung hindi ko binalewala ang pananahimik niya ay baka nandito siya ngayon at nakikisaya!

"Calm down, Amanda." Hindi ako nadala sa mga salita at mararahang haplos niya kaya niyakap niya ako at marahang hinalikan sa noo at ulo. "I will try to check on her. You will see your best friend, okay?"

"Is there something wrong?" Narinig ko ang boses ni Kuya.

"She's looking for Autumn." Saglit na namayani ang katahimikan sa kanilang dalawa.

"I haven't seen her, too. Why? Is she supposed to come here?" Bahagya akong lumayo kay Caspian para sagutin ang tanong ng kapatid.

"Of course! She knows how important this engagement for me, she wouldn't let this pass without even greeting me." We've never been in touch for few months. When she said she doesn't want to be disturbed, I left her alone. Isang maling desisyon ba na pinabayaan ko siya?