Tears Of Cinderella

Chapter 28 - The Winter Ball

"So how are you?"

Isang tipid na ngiti ang binigay niya rito. She took a sip of her coffee before she answered her.

"I am fine. As of now, wala pa namang nangyayaring hindi maganda. Hindi pa naman kami nagkikita."

"Tama lang yan, Steff. You are a strong woman now. Don't let the memories of yesterday ruin your future."

Tama si Valerie. Hindi dapat niya hayaang hadlangan siya ng multo ng kahapon. She had to completely let go. Because despite everything, what she and Gareth had, it was beautiful. Hindi niya maitatanggi iyon. Sa katanuyan, the small of time that she was with him was the happiest moment of her life. He taught her the true meaning of freedom. He taught her how to love. And she loved him truly. Kylie Margareth was the living proof of how much she loved him. But they were not just meant to be.  

"Baka ito na rin ang pagkakataon mo para magkaroon kayo ng closure."

Napaisip siya sa sinabi nito. Baka nga ito na ang tamang panahon to completely let go of everything. Baka ito na nga ang tamang panahon para magkausap sila ni Gareth. She could honestly say that her anger to him had subsided. Five years was a long time. At sa loob ng ilang taon na yon, she had learned to completely put things in the past. Siguro ganoon din ito.

"We never know Val. Malay mo nga. This is the right time for apologies and reconciliation."

May kakaibang ngiti ang sumungaw sa kanyang mga labi.

Agad naman siyang nabatukan ng kaibigan.

"Ouch!" she complained.

"What was that smile for?"

"What smile?"

"Stop it, Steff. Ang sabi ko, baka ito na ang panahon for you to move on. Hindi ko sinabing magpakamartyr ka naman sa lalaking iyon."

"I actually never thought about that. Para sa akin, Gareth was already a thing in the past. He does not belong in my future anymore," she said.

May pagdududa siyang tiningnan ng kaibigan. She understood her worry because even she could not find the truth in her words. It hurt her heart like hell.

Ibinalik niya ang tingin dito. There was still the worry in her eyes. Doon na lang niya napansin ang crew nito habang kumakaway sa kanila.

"I think, we're good to go," turan niya sa mga ito.

Sabay silang tumayo ng kaibigan.

"Are you going to the Winter's Ball?" tanong niya.

"Oo naman. Masaya kaya doon."

"Well, I just wonder. Can I go with you? Gusto ko rin kasing maexperience iyon. It's my first time," nahihiya niyang sabi dito.

"Seriously? The Winter's Ball is like one of the most exciting event in the whole kingdom. Dinadayo nga ito dito."

"Well, alam mo naman ako. I never got to parties unless work related."

Tuamango-tango lamang ito.

"Sure. Ako bahala sa iyo."

"Can I borrow one of your beautiful dresses for me?"

"Ah, ganun. May ulterior motive ka pala."

Nginitian niya lamang ito saka napuno ng halakhakan nila ang paligid.

Gareth was surprised to see both Ares and Tristan. Si Tristan lamang kasi ang inaasahan niyang darating.

"How're you, bro?" bati ni Tristan.