The Runaway

Chapter 3

Days came by and before I know it, it's already Saturday. The day for the party. I'm sitting inside the car, together with Mom and Dad as we rode our way to the venue. I wore the long ecru gown Dad gave me yesterday, eventhough I don't need one. I paired it with the gold stilettos I bought from Paris last month.

"We're here." Dad said. I looked outside to see where we are to my surprise.

"You're kidding? Here?"

"Why? You don't like it?" he asked me questioningly.

"No. I mean- here? In Grande Hotel? That's so grand for a company party."

As far as I know, Grande Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in the country. Celebrities and famous personnels stay here because of its high quality standards of service. I personally like their garden.

"Of course! We deserve the best, right?" he answered.

"Whatever you say, Dad." we stopped at the front of the entrance to the hotel. A young man opened the door of our van and Dad got out first. He extended his hand to Mom as he helped her out. I opened my purse and took my compact mirror out then held it to my face.

"Sweetheart, you don't need to do that. You're already lovely." Mom said. I smiled at her. I put back my mirror and closed my purse.

"Miss?" said the young man, who opened the door for us, as he held his hand to me. I gladly took it and stepped down.

"Thank you." I smiled then I let go of his hand. I followed Mom and Dad as we entered the hallway.

We greeted the guests who are already inside the hall. There are lots of people. I know a few but most of them are entirely strangers to me. I followed them around, smiling to the people I meet as I walk.

"Are you planning on stealing the night, darling?" I looked at Dad, who now by my side.

"Why, Dad? And where's Mom?"

"She's talking to sime guests. Well, our male guests keep on staring at you. Even the employees."

"Why? Are they attracted to me?"

"Seems like."

"Then, let them stare. I don't mind."

"Good, because you will have Anton's son to accompany you tonight. And speaking of him, here he is." Dad said and he took my hand and placed it in his right arm. We walked along the hall towards a man in a grey suit.

"Anton! I thought you can't come." he let go of me and hugged the man.

"I finished all that has to be done so I wouldn't miss this event."

"Of course! By the way, where's Vanessa?" Dad asked him.

"Oh, Katrina already snatched her from me. They're talking with the guests now."

"Right, girls." they chuckled.

"Oh, right. Anton, I want you to meet my daughter, Kathreene." he introduced me to the stranger.

"A pleasure to meet you again, young lady. Do you still remember me?" he smiled at me. I looked confused.

Remember me? What are you talking about, Mister? I only met you just now.

"The pleasure's mine, Sir. But, excuse me. Have we met before?" I asked and he laughed.

"Oh, how silly of me. How could you possibly remember? I'm Anton Montecillo." he said and extended his hand to me for a handshake.

So this is Mr. Montecillo. I know him but only by name. So this is what he looks like. Dad said he is a friend from college so I think he is the same age as my Dad. But, despite the age, they still look so young. I smiled at him and took his hand.