When The Night Sky Becomes Lively

XVI

"Probably because I don't want my sweaty hands to touch your delicate ones on the dance floor."

"How thoughtful."

He just nodded and guided me to the car. Lingid sa aking kaalaman ang dahilan ngunit maginoo siya ngayon. Was he acting for formality or he was really a gentleman? Pinagbuksan niya pa ako ng pinto.

Ngunit may napapansin ako sa kaniya. Hindi siya makatingin sa akin ng maayos. May problema ba sa mukha ko?

Sa buong paglalakbay ay nabalot sa katahimikan ang loob ng sasakyan. To fill the silence, the driver turned on the radio. Honestly, I could not help but avoid eye contact. This guy beside me was unexpectingly charming. If I would site an example, he was like the son of a mafia boss.

Our silence lasted until our car was decelerating. Napansin ko ang mga nagmamahalang mga kotse na nakaparada sa lugar.

It seemed this was the place. Pagkababa namin ay bumungad sa amin ang isang malaking mansyon. Whoever designed the mansion, the architecture of Victorian and modern eras were well constructed. I thanked the dricer which nodded in reply.

"To think that I will have a chance to see a semi-Victorian house," Steven muttered. Nakasuot na ngayon ang kaniyang mga sa mga manggas ng coat. His eyes blinked like he reminded of something, then lifted his left arm. "So shall we, my lady?"

I scowled, "You are just embarrassing yourself. I hope you refrain the theatrics."

"At alam mo palang pinapahiya ko lang sarili ko. Pwedeng makisakay ka na lang?" he demanded. I almost forgot that he's still the same guy.

"Well, I do not mind. Guide this young maiden to her place." Instead of reaching his hand, I wrapped my arms to his. And when I took my first step, he stood still. May problema ba? If he was thinking that thing , I would stomp him.

"Hehehe. Alam mo ba kung saan iyong papuntang function hall?" Steven sighed.

****
Matapos ang inspection at pagsulat namin sa logbook ay agad na kaming pinapasok. I could notice my escort's stiff expression as we stroll at the red carpet. I could not blame him. Even my heart was rattled due to nervousness.

Sumalubong sa amin ang mga nagningning na chandlier. Ang mga mesa ay nakabalot sa bughaw na tela. Sa harapan naman ay ang tanghalan o stage na may iba't ibang palamuti. Karamihan sa mga ito ay mga sampaguita at lilac. Sa kanan naman ay ang isang makeshift bar kung saan maaaring kumuha ng alak.

"Daijobu. Just relax. As long as I am here, your worry is unnecessary," I assured.

"No, not that. Hindi ko alam kung bakit necessary pa 'yung red carpet. We're not in Hollywood, right?" He grabbed his handkerchief and wiped his sweat. Ngunit kanina pa siya tumitingin kung saan-saan. May hinahanap ba siya?

"Ganiyan talaga ang mga mayayaman. Kaya nilang gawing magarbo ang isang munting salo-salo." I could not help but giggle. I somehow sympathize because he's not used to this extravagant gatherings. Kahit ako, nagagarbuhan sa buong lugar.

"At kaya rin nilang magpakulong ng taong walang sala. Tch."

"May hinanakit ka ba sa mga mayayaman o alinmang dahilan?"

"Wala. Sadyang naiirita lang ako sa iba na ginagamit ang pera para sa kabulastugan." I could sense his disgusted tone despite the poker face.

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako. Nagtataka pa rin talaga ako kung bakit ganiyan ang tingin niya sa mundo. Para bang laging may anino na nakadikit sa kada aksyon ng tao. While I agree that everyone has their own shadow, it cannot be applied every time.