Glamor through Pieces

Chapter 2 - Thank you

I smiled at Bernice who’s now on stage with her husband. I raised my thumb finger to show that I’m alright when she mouthed “You okay?”

I just finished eating my buffet and am now talking to them. They seemed very comfortable with me while I’m still adjusting on their company.

Pormal na silang nagpakilala sa akin maliban kay Zach na pinakilala nalang si Sollen na kanyang nakababatang kapatid dahil pagkatapos kumain ay balik atensyon nanaman sa kanyang cellphone. I don’t mind at all.

I learned that they all came from elite families and it made me feel more uncomfortable, but so kind of them to exert effort on making me not to. Sollen is the youngest among us at age of 17. Ellyse is 21, two years older than me while Franco, her boyfriend is 23. 

They are in the middle of laughing about something when my phone beeped. Inilabas ko iyon sa aking pouch para tingnan kung sino. I was stunned by numerous missed calls. Bakit hindi ko ito napansin kanina?

Shock penetrated my body on the registered texter. I opened the message that made me unconsciously stand up. Nagulat ang mga kasama ko sa table.

“Dorcas?” Tanong ni Ellyse. “Are you alright?”

Pilit akong ngumiti at tumango.  “I'm sorry, but I h-have to go.” I stammered as I speak. Nilingon ko si August. Kita ko ang agarang pag-rehistro ng aking sinabi.

“I’ll tell Bernice,” agad siyang tumayo “wait here.” Litong tingin naman ang iginawad sa amin ng aming mga kasama.

“Uuwi ka na po agad, ate Dorcas?” Tanong ni Sollen.

“Sayang naman...” Ani Ellyse. “I thought your curfew’s 11:00?” Tiningnan niya kanyang accessory watch na naka-kapit sa kaliwang wrist. "It's still 9:22."

“Baka may emergency, baby.” Concluded Franco towards Ellyse’s statement.

Nag-iisip pa lamang ako ng maayos na paliwanag nang bumalik na si August, kasama ang kapatid.

“I’ll come with you, Dee.” Nag-aalalang sabi ni Bernice.

Umiling ako. “No, Bernice. This is your wedding! Huwag kang masyadong mag-alala sa akin. Kaya ko ang sarili ko. I smiled although nervous just to assure her.

Nakita ko ang hindi pagpayag sa mga mata nito. “Let kuya then.” Pilit niya.

Muli akong umiling. “Hindi na...” Kinuha ko ang aking pouch sa lamesa. “I can handle.” Lumapit ako sa kanya at plinantahan ng halik sa pisngi.

“Are you sure?” Nag-aalalang tanong niya sa akin. Tumango ako at pilit na ngumiti.

Muling nag-beep ang phone ko. Binuksan ko ito at imbes na basahin ang sumunod na mensahe ay nagtipa ako ng isasagot.

‘Pauwi na po ako Madame. Pasensya na po.’

“Bernice, August,” Pare-pareho kaming lumingon sa tawag ng baritonong boses na 'yon. Nang mapansing nasa kanya ang aming atensyon ay tumikhim ito upang muling mag-salita. “Sorry to interrupt. The board of directors declared an emergency meeting, so I too have to go. Bernice…I won’t make it to the end of the party.” He apologetically stated. Ngumiti naman ang aking best friend at tumango.

“Thank you so much for coming, Zach. And no problem.”

“Iiwan mo ako kuya?” Singit ni Sollen.

Lumingon ang kapatid sa kanya. “Mom and Dad are still here. You go with them.”

“Okay...” Sollen nodded and stood up. She kissed her kuya on the cheek. Nang makaupo ay nilingon niya muli ang kapatid. “Why not idaan mo nalang kaya si Ate Dorcas?”