Be Mine

40

The weeks passed and it is the day of the company ball. Caloy has been really busy the past few weeks, preparing for this event, and he kept apologizing to Lia whenever they have to cancel date nights. She totally understands because it is work. Besides, they usually call each other at the end of the day.

Lia was supposed to prepare at home for the ball, but when she found out that Ella will be a special performer at the ball, her best friend decided to pick her up and just stay with her at the hotel room that the company got for Ella. She feels confident, at least because she knows someone at the party.

Her main concern is Gary, Clara, but most of all, Gary's Dad. Her mind is still recalling the day that they saw each other at the building. She knows that Greg Jimenez thought of something else on why she was there. The stares that she got was enough proof to feel uncomfortable. She hopes that she can avoid him as much as possible at the party.

They just checked in at the hotel and Ella's make-up artists are starting to set-up the room for Ella, well, for her as well. Ella hired another make-up artist to fix her. Aside from that, Ella also helped her find something to wear. She owns a few gowns, but Ella insisted on getting a new one since this is a big event. She had no choice but to follow the expert one when it comes to events like this.

They have around three hours to prepare. She is just sitting in the room when they hear the doorbell and she volunteered to take it. She is hoping it's the food because they want to eat before getting ready. To her surprise, it is the guy that he hasn't seen in a week.

"Hey..", she welcomes him with a buzz on the cheek but to her surprise, Caloy pulls her into a tight hug. "Are you okay?", and she felt him nod. She pulls away and looks at him. He looks stressed and tired. "Nakatulog ka na ba?"

He shook his head. "Two or three hours, I think!", he says.

She sighs, "Ang kulit mo kasi. I told you to rest tapos nakikipagchikahan ka pa sa akin sa gabi."

He chuckles, "Ikaw na nga lang yung powerbank ko, ayaw mo pa ako pagbigyan."

She rolls her eyes. "Ang arte mo. Anyway, pasok ka muna para makita ka ni Ella. Nag-aayos lang naman yung make-up artists."

They entered the suite and found Ella walking around in one corner of the room, earphones on, rehearsing by herself. Caloy approached her, too, for a beso and didn't bother asking questions as she is concentrating with her songs. Lia sat down on the couch and he followed, sitting beside her, immediately slid down and rested his head on her shoulder. She looked at him and his eyes are already closed.

"Doon ka na lang sa kama para makahiga ka ng maayos. At least get thirty minutes of sleep."

"Mas comfy dito.", he answers while his eyes are closed.

"Caloy.. sige na. Doon na sa kama."

"Ayaw.", he mumbles. She sighs and would reprimand him again, but she heard his little snores. This guy is definitely tired. She fished her phone out to set an alarm. As much as she would like him to get more sleep, she knows he is needed at the event.

She was playing a game on her phone when Ella approached them. "Kung di ko kayo kilala, iisipin ko na mag jowa kayo dahil sa pwesto niyo.", talking in a hushed tone, not to wake up Caloy.

She rolled her eyes, "Nakatulog na siyang ganyan. Ayoko na gisingin. Ilang gabi ng puyat eh."

"Pinupuyat mo kasi!", and Ella giggles.

"Ako nanaman! Ano bang kailangan mo?"

"Pinapatawag ako sa ballroom for a rehearsal with the orchestra. Will you be okay here? Padating naman na si Anton."