The Only Exception

Chapter 8

The outfit was inspired by a famous young actress. Adik na adik kasi si Syrene dun, kaya't ginusto niyang kunin namin yung style ni Kathryn nung naglakad siya sa isang fashion show.

"Ladies, gather here please." the organizer called us. Nagsi-lapitan naman kami. Lahat kami gray ang suot. It's our color coding for our first entrance and prepared number.

"In just a moment, you'll all be entering the stage. Do what you must do. Enjoy, and have fun! This is the final chapter of this contest. Make sure you make the most out of it, okay?" she reminded us.

We all nodded our heads in agreement. Before the program start, the organizers, and we decided to pray.

"You're all already a winner even before this coronation. Congratulations!"

I smiled. Some of my co-costestants are teary eyed. May mga nag-yakapan, nginitian ko silang lahat. We have all come to the end, the judgement night. I'll surely never forget this experience. I've never imagined to be a part. Who would've thought?

Matapos 'yon, dumiretso ako agad ng comfort room. Sa init kanina I drank so much water, I need to pee!

I washed my hands in the sink. Umangat ang tingin ko nang narinig kong bumukas ang pinto ng isang cubicle. I saw who it is, and it immediately made want to roll my eyes.

Hindi siya nagulat ng makita ako.

"Goodluck, Cat. I'm happy that you even made it up to this point."

Sarcasm was evident in her voice. She's smiling, but something is beyond that.

I didn't answer. If I could, I really wanted to avoid any interaction with her. So, I ignored her presence. After what she accused me of, malinaw naman sigurong hindi kami friends para batiin niya pa ako.

Ew, I smell plastic.

Pinagpag ko ang kamay tsaka kumuha ng tissue at tinuyo ang basang kamay.

"Natutuwa talaga ako na umabot ka dito. Like, I'm really suprised that you're still here!" she made it sound like she really is suprised, but even without looking I can sense her smug face.

I thought of that too, at the beginning.

But look at where am I now? This accusing and degrading bitch! Anong akala niya? Hindi ko kayang umabot dito?

Newsflash. Umabot ako sa coronation nang hindi ko ginu-gusto. Paano pa kaya kung talagang ginusto kong makuha ang korona? This woman infront must have developed a habit of talking about things she doesn't have an inkling about. What a waste!

"Whats more surprising is that you have the guts to talk to me after accusing me."

I caught her off guard. She must be expecting na hindi ako sasagot sakanya.

"Its not an accusation." sagot niya nang nakabawi na. "Its the truth."

"I have no time to prove myself to you." I eyed her fiercely through the mirror. "And If I have, I still won't do it."

Pinag-ekis niya ang kamay, hindi pa rin nawawala ang mayabang na ngiti sa labi.

"Bakit? Natatakot ka?" she smirked.

I maintained my bitch face. I don't want this lady getting the satisfaction that she affects me. Yung akusasyon niya siguro, meron. Pero siya mismo? I don't think so. I don't even want to waste an ample of my attention nor my time at her.

"Simply because its not worth my time." I faced her directly. "I'm saving your ass from the grave, you personally dig for yourself. Consider this as a chance to get your facts straight. So, do it." I warned.

"And if I don't?"

"I'll slap your face..."

Ibinuka niya ang bibig para mag-protesta pero inunahan ko na siya. I don't want to prolong this conversation anymore.

"With the truth," I continued, "I'll gladly do it." I said it with conviction as I let my brow rise and my lips form a smirk.

I'm still kind. Pagbibigyan ko pa rin siya at hindi ko siya susuklian ng kaparehas ng ugali na pina-pakita niya. I don't want a rotting attitude like her's, anyway.

But then I'd want her to have a glimpse of who's infront. Just to give precaution.

Nirolyo ko sa bola ang hawak na tissue at binato 'yon sakanya. Halos muntik na akong humagalpak sa tawa nang napa-pikit si Felicity habang umiilag.

I knew she'd do that! I suppressed my laughter, nginitian ko ang mukha niyang namumula na panigurado dahil sa inis.

The tissue perfectly landed in the trashbin.

"Alcoran, three points!" I smiled like a devil before turning my back.

One thing is sure, I left her fuming mad.