Ferocious Affection (COMPLETED)

39TH

Ysa's

Clinking glasses of white wine could be heard all around the mansion's ballroom as guests in their own formal attires chatter. Too many unfamiliar faces were in the area. As I looked around, everything was lightened up, including the chandeliers. May tumutugtog din ng grand piano sa isang gilid, making the ambiance much more soothing. Ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng kapayapaan sa bahay na ito.

It was my Dad's fiftieth birthday today, so my Mom decided to throw a big event for him. Sabi niya, it is the golden age that's worth celebrating. That explains why they invited almost everyone we've met in our life, including those whom we least interacted with. I could only see a few of my colleagues inside and outside of the company.

Agad akong naalarma nang inanunsyo na ng host ang simula ng programa. Pinapunta na kaming dalawa ni Mom sa tabi ni Kuya Rudy na suot ang isang black tie.

"Please welcome, Mister Suarez's family!"

Wearing a gold and ivory high neck embellished dress, I gracefully went down the staircase with my family. Mom and I were grasping at my brother's arms. I plastered a fake smile to the guests as they welcome us with a big round of applause.

Sunod na bumaba si Dad, stealing the spotlight. As soon as we were all on the stage, the opening remarks started in no time. Dad took the stage to give his speech, kaya't bumaba na kami upang pumunta sa aming table. Rinig kong iniisa-isa pa niya ang achievements ng aming pamilya. Birthday party ba talaga ito o business party?

Nang sa wakas ay natapos na siyang magpatalastas, we all raised and clinked our glasses of wine for the toast. Bumaba na si Dad kaya't ang host na ang muling may hawak ng mikropono. Right after a photographer took a picture of us on the table, I stood up to join my colleagues on the other tables.

"Looking gorg!" compliments one of my female comrades as I joined their group.

Nginitian ko siya. "Close tayo?"

Unti-unting nawala ang ngiti sa kanyang labi matapos kong sabihin 'yon. Nagitla rin ang ilang kasama namin sa mesa.

Napa-angat ako ng tingin nang namataan si Kuya Rudy sa likod niya, sharply looking at me. Tss, sasabihan na naman ako nitong maging mabait sa mga ka-trabaho namin. Ka-plastikan.

I met her eyes again and lightly chuckled. "Just kidding." Tumawa rin siya, halatang naiilang sa sitwasyon. "Thank you," I replied as I rolled my eyes away from her direction.

"Why so sungit?" bulong sa akin ng katabi kong si Leia. She was wearing a long black open-back dress paired with some jewelries. She looked beautiful.

I heaved a sigh as I once again rolled my eyes. "This is natural."

Sinundot niya ako sa tagiliran at ngumisi. "Sus, meron 'yan."

I just shrugged it off dahil tinatamad akong magsalita. She then started to shake and plead me to tell her the reason. Napapikit ako ng mariin dala ng pagtitimpi.

Leia has been my only friend ever since I joined our company. She approached me first despite of the vicious aura I had back then. Our friendship was similar to what I have with Nico. I liked her, yet sometimes, I can't withstand her peskiness. Ang ugali niyang 'yon ang nagpabahagi sa 'kin ng mga bagay-bagay sa kanya.