Bewitched By You (After All Side Story)

Chapter 24

I really felt good as I was staring at myself through the oval mirror inside my room. I’ve never wear something as revealing and elegant as this and it actually made me feel even more confident.

“Are you sure you really want to wear that, Thalia?” Eve threw that question out that earned a glance from me.

Nakaupo siya sa gilid ng kama ko, titig na titig sa akin at kung iisipin mabuti, parang hindi niya gusto ang ayos ko ngayon. Medyo nakaramdam ako ng diskumpyansa at pag-aalangan sa sarili ko dahil doon.

“You sound as if you don’t approve my get up tonight. Pangit ba?”

“No! Of course not. I’m just worried. Hindi ba at haharap ka sa mga magulang ni Christian ngayon? Don’t you think you’re showing too much skin? Lalo na at puro marka iyang katawan mo.”

Natigilan ako ngunit kaagad rin nakabawi. Pinagmasdan ko ang suot na pulang spaghetti long dress na hapit sa aking katawan. The left side has a long slit that exposed my long leg. Pansin ang bawat tattoo sa tuwing hahakbang ako. My hair was set into a low rolled bun that showed my neck.

“They’re an American, right? That only means that it will be fine for them to see a tatted woman. Normal na ang ganoon dito.” Si Hell na kakapasok lang sa kwarto ko.

Mula sa repleksyon sa salamin ay nakita ko siyang sumandal sa hamba ng pintuan at lumalagok ng Gatorade niya. He crossed his masculine arms when he’s done and anchored his eyes on mine.

“Ang kaso, may lahing Pinoy ang mga magulang ni Christian sa pagkakaalam ko. Baka mamaya, ma-turn off sila kay Thalia dahil sa mga tattoo nito.” sagot naman ni Eve.

Hell groaned frustratedly. “Damn. What’s with those people and their views about tatted persons? Umay sila.”

“You just don’t give a care to them, Hell—”

“Why would I care about what other people say against me? I’m handsome and fucking rich. I don’t need their opinions towards these marks. Same with you, Thali. If his parents won’t like you or even mock you because of your tattoos, never get affected.”

“I’m sure Christian won’t let that happen.” I muttered under my breath.

Naglakad si Hell patungo sa akin. Nagkatinginan kami sa salamin. He wrapped his tattooed arm around my neck and suddenly kissed me on my temple.

“Just be yourself. Don’t let anyone judge you. If you need some back up, know that I’m one call away.”

Natawa ako saka pinalo ang braso niya. “Ako pa ba, Hell? Layasan ko lang sila kapag ginawa nila sa akin ‘yon. Kahit mahal ko si Christian, hindi ko ipagsisisiksikan ang sarili ko sa mga taong ayaw sa akin.”

He laughed. Maging si Eve ay natawa rin. I know they’re just concerned about me and I completely understand that. Kaming tatlo lang rin ang nag-alala para sa isa’t isa.

But then I’m holding to Christian’s words that his parents are nice. Siguro naman ay hindi nila ako pagsasalitaan nang hindi maganda dahil lang sa mga tattoo ko.

Christian arrived thirty minutes after. Sinabi kong huwag na siyang pumasok pa sa loob ng apartment at hintayin na lang ako sa labas. Malayo pa lang ay natatanaw ko na siyang nakasandal sa hood ng kotse niya, nakapamulsa habang nakatungo.

I stopped for a moment and appreciate how handsome he is while standing under the mystical moon. Palagi ko naman siyang nakikita na nakapormal pero tila naiiba itong gabi na ‘to. He’s ridiculously captivating in his gray three piece suit. Bagong gupit rin siya at napakalinis tingnan ng mukha.

I sighed. How do I get to be so lucky for having this man?

Holding the small silver clutch bag on my left hand, I slowly descended from the stairs until I was standing in front of him. Nakita kong dumapo ang mga mata niya sa mga paa ko. Christian raised his head and met my eyes. His gray orbs suddenly looked black under the dark sky.