The Opposite of Hate (Upper Crust #1)

Chapter 34

Chapter 34
"Fought"

"Thank you," I said, greetings after greetings. "I hope you're enjoying the party."

Pormal at tipid ang aking mga ngiti.

Lola decided to throw a party kasabay ng kaarawan at pag-uwi ko. Honestly, I don't think I deserve a celebration for something I did not even work hard for. Hindi gaya noon. But in the hope that he will show up, pumayag ako.

I lost count of how many times I glanced at the entrance and even at the corners of this hall.

Ilang parties na rin ba ang pilit kong dinaluhan just to have a glimpse of him, of his shadow? Kahit iyon man lang.

I should have not put my hopes up.

I sat down when I finally got the chance to distance from the guests. I have been standing for so long at bilang hindi ganoon ka sanay sa pagsusuot ng high heels masakit na ang mga paa ko.

Katabi ko si Lavigne. Kung dati she's all over the place sa mga party at nakikigulo sa iba ring mga bata, ngayon ay mas pino na ang kilos at nakapirmi na lang. She has really grown up. At ibig sabihin lang din noon, I have grown up, too. But maybe not so much wiser. I hope I am. I really hope I have learned. So I can make better decisions as an adult who has responsibilities.

The feeling of being lost at this age is normal, many say. Studies even suggest that many go to this dark tunnel knowingly and unknowingly. But I think it should not be normalized nor be an excuse for bad actions. But if it means going through all this process and learning something impactful for the rest of your life, siguro nga ay kailangan dumaan doon. Wala namang may gustong maguluhan at halos mawala sa sarili just to be validated by yourself o sa mga taong mahalaga sa'yo.

If I have my life figured out now? Hindi pa rin siguro.

Lavigne sighed dramatically na napabaling ako sa kanya. She crossed her arms on her chest while sulking, looking so bored. She pouted more. Akala mo gaano kalaki ang pinoproblema.

Nilingon niya ako. "I miss Kuya Aris."

Natigilan ako at napatitig sa kanya. I was not able to react. I blinked and released a short sigh.

"You mean you miss his spoiling?" I raised a brow.

Kumibot ang labi niya.

"Why did you break up with him?" malungkot niyang sabi.

My eyes check our sides kung may tao ba.

"Dahil ba ayaw ni Papa? Hindi naman kasi natin siya kapatid."

"It's not that simple, Lavigne," mapait kong sabi. I won't start explaining either dahil hindi rin naman niya lubusang mauunawaan. Ayoko ring turuan siya ng kung ano pang ideya. It won't be healthy for her.

"Should just keep it a secret. Hindi ko naman ipagsasabi, eh. I even lied to Andrea na hindi naman kayo iyong nakita niya. Kamukha lang."

Goodness, gracious. Clarke Roa's eyes will surely pop out in horror hearing these words from Lavigne. And Ludwig Ricaforte will have to build a tower para ikulong ang isang ito.

"I hope you do realize it's wrong." I sighed. "If its needs to be kept in the shadows then it's wrong."

"Then just tell Papa and the whole clan. Kapag ayaw nila magtanan na lang kayo." She said as if it was a great scene straight from a romantic film.

"Let our parents hear that and you'll instantly be homeschooled and restricted to almost everything."

Sumimangot siya. Napailing ako at napangiti na rin kalaunan sa mga pinagsasabi niya.