I nodded. I know.
"I am glad you didn't ditch me." I joked.
"Who would?"
Tumawa ako ng peke. Pero tama siya.
We waved at the cameras. I saw models and high profile people entered the hall. Sinalubong kami ng sandamakmak na mikropono papasok doon. I didn't know that she needed this to be captured and documented.
The hall was filled with colourful lights. The logo is in the middle of the stage where people are photographed. Drinks are served, too. I think we're a little late.
"Nikki," a gay designer called me. "Oh, hello, Mr. Korean."
"Spencer, this is Mark…"
He smirked at me. "Well, hello, dear. Akala ko sabi ni Direk, hindi ka raw magdadala ng date!"
I laughed awkwardly. "I can't be the one who doesn't have a date tonight!" I said, talking about the handsome model with him.
He shrugged at me and continued talking about my date and his famous boyband.
"Nikki, wonderful dress! Is that Don Preston's?"
"Is that Mark from BTV?"
"Pupunta ka ba sa Japan tour, Nikki? I heard Tasha can't go."
"Congratulations on the new album! I love the music video so much."
"Do you remember me, Niks? From ULV?"
I just smiled at them. Hindi ko magawang isa-isahin silang batiin.
Nawala sa tabi ko si Mark. Masyado akong na-lula sa mga taong panay ang tawag sa akin. He must be around. Hindi ko na hinanap dahil nauuhaw na din ako. I went to the corner and grabbed myself a drink.
Unang sipsip pa lang ay parang gusto ko nang ibuga iyon.
Bumungad sa gilid ng stage si Hugo katabi ni Jasmine. My eyes widened a bit while I swallowed the champagne. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa wine flute habang nakatingin sa kanila.
Hugo's hands are snaked on her waist. Everyone is congratulating Jasmine. His eyes were stone cold and wasn't really paying attention to the compliments that his fiancé is having.
Nagkatinginan kami.
Hindi ko alam kung papaano niya ako nahanap sa dami ng mga taong nasa paligid. He blinked twice when he saw me, like I was a dream that he didn't know was real.
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa kamay niyang nasa baywang ni Jasmine. She giggled at some people and buried her cheek on his shoulder. Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko.
I dropped the glass by mistake. My hand shaked. Hindi ako nakagalaw kaagad dahil sa takot at gulat. It made a sound that made everyone look at me.
"Nikki!"
"Oh, goodness, are you okay?"
"Someone, please, help her!"
I gritted my teeth. I couldn't hear a thing.
Nawala si Hugo sa pwesto niya. My fear went high when I saw him approaching me. Kunot ang noo at nakatingin sa akin at sa aking paanan. He was clenching his jaw.
Umatras ako. Bawat hakbang niya ay ang aking pag-atras. He was confused but at the same time, hurt.
Nanubig ang mata ko.
Him. Eyes. People. Crowd.
Natakot ako.
I turned my back and ran away. I feel like it wasn't just the glass that has been shattered into pieces.
Kabanata 28
Start from the beginning
