Roses for Aphrodite

02

"What are the odds," I murmured as I read one of the articles spreading online, remembering the small encounter I had a week ago with a stranger. That wasn't supposed to be a remarkable one but it was after realizing that that stranger isn't actually a stranger to everyone.

He's all over the news, from various social media platforms up to the National Television. Perhaps, this is the reason why he looks so familiar, especially those ocean blue eyes that became my dream's favorite visitor.

'SONS OF VENUS' VOCALIST ANNOUNCED THEIR UPCOMING THREE NIGHT CONCERT AT MANILA...'

'RUMORS CONFIRMED BY XAD VEÑEGAZ...'

'SONS OF VENUS' FIFTH MAJOR ALBUM IS CONFIRMED WILL BE RELEAS THIS APRIL'

'SONS OF VENUS MUSIC VIDEO IS CONFIRMED WILL BE FILMED HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES...'

'SONS OF VENUS' MAIN VOCALIST SECRET GIRLFRIEND...'

My forehead creased as the last article caught my attention. There is photo attached below, and despite of its low quality, I can completely recognized the two person on that photo.

It was me and that guy! Kuha ito noong gabing iyon sa convenience store, magkatabi kaming nakaharap sa counter pero nakaharap sa akin ang mukha noong lalaki. Good thing my face wasn't shown. Iyon lang ang tanging litrato and it was circulating around social media. No one recognized the girl and there is no name being mentioned, which is a fortunate thing.

"Isobella, darling."

Mabilis kong tinaob sa kandungan ko ang hawak na cellphone at hinarap si Mama Isadora.

"Yes?" I asked, masking the surprised reaction on my face. I can feel my heartbeat raced for seconds before it went back to normal.

"We're here, ayos ka lang?"

I gave her a small smile and nodded. I tuck some hair strands behind my ear and gripped my phone. The massive fountain studded with pink diamonds greeted my eyesight after I stepped out of the limo. There are also colorful lights on the fountain's floor, painting the water blue, green, and purple. It was enough to illuminate the whole place.

The cold evening breeze kissed my bare shoulders and back. I kinda regret that I wore the long dress my Mama Isadora's Assistant, Georgina, chose for me. It was white, thin strapped and chiffon, backless and has a deep cut on the chest. Its flowy skirt has two slits on both sides, exposing my legs whenever I walk. I paired it with my nude lace up high heels with transparent block heels and toe straps. My hair was tied into a low messy bun, releasing some few strands on the side of my face.

Mama Isadora's amiga, Madam Mathilda met us halfway. "Oh, my! Is this your youngest?" She asked in a gentle voice. I give her the most practiced smile that I've learned when her candle like fingers brushed against my arms.

"Yes, yes. She is," Mama Isadora glance at me before returning her eyes to Madam Mathilda. "Isobella, sweetheart, this is your Auntie Mathilda. She's also your Kuya Octavius' godmother."

"Hi," I utter and give Madam Mathilda a gentle kiss on her cheeks na ikinatuwa naman ng ginang. "Happy Birthday, Auntie."

"I'll take the presents later," she giggled like a teenager before leading us inside the huge glasshouse where the dinner is held. Yes, glasshouse. It was big----no, massive enough to accommodate a large number of people for this kind of gathering.

Pink, white, and gold fake vines and flowers were hanging on the ceiling, resembling wisterias, as we entered. The tables were clothed with pink and white lace with gold intricate designs.

For a fifty year old woman, this kind of motif is too dreamy and youthful for a birthday celebration. The guests were all clad on their finest long dresses and tuxedoes, moving with grace and class under the serenity of a classical music.