Immortal City

Chapter 39

"Oh, come on, Celestine. You're not the type to call me for no reason—"

"Yeah, but—"

"I know this is important so just tell me. I'll help you—"

"Lucienne—"

"I'm not as smart as the others but you can count on me—"

"Lucienne—"

"Or do you think I'm not reliable? Is that it? Did I do something—"

"I have hickeys!"

Silence.

Hindi na ako makapagsalita sa sobrang hiya. Hindi rin naman umimik si Lucienne dahil siguro sa gulat. God, this is so awkward. Just when will my embarrassment end?

"We're having a sleepover at your house tonight and you're going to tell me what happened," Lucienne urgently says. "I'll bring what you need. Send me your address."

"Bu—"

"No buts!"

I let out a sigh. "Lucienne, gabi na. Baka delikado na sa daan."

"Malamang gabi na," she says and I can imagine her rolling her eyes right now. "Defeats the whole purpose of a sleepover kung umaga, 'di ba? Don't worry about me, Celestine. I'll ask my manager to drop me off your house after my photoshoot."

"You're working? Sorry inistorbo yata kita."

"It's nothing, patapos na rin naman."

"Lucienne, you must be tired from work. Forget about me and take a rest. My predicament can wait—"

"No, it can't. I need to know what happened. You can't change my mind, Celestine. I'll stay overnight at your house and you'll tell me every detail, understand? Bye. See you soon!"

At binabaan na niya ako.

What should I do now? Tingin ko ay ayos lang naman kay Mama na mag-sleepover dito si Lucienne even without prior notice. But it's Lucienne I'm worried about. Knowing her, I'm sure she won't give me a rest and really ask me every detail.

Can I even tell her?

Sinend ko kay Lucienne ang address ng bahay namin. Ipinaalam ko na rin kay Mama na may makikitulog akong kaibigan sa bahay. Buti nalang abala siya sa kusina at hindi ako masyadong nilingon kaya hindi niya napansin ang itinatago ko.

Maya-maya pa ay dumating na si Lucienne.

She has a small pink suitcase beside her and she's holding something I assume is food. When she sees me she immediately smiles knowingly.

"Ayan na ba ang kaibigan mo, Celestine?" tanong ni Mama, kalalabas lang ng kwarto niya.

"Good evening po, Tita," nakangiting bati ni Lucienne kay Mama bago nakipag-beso. "May dala po akong apple pie para po sa inyo."

"How thoughtful of you," sabi ng mama ko at tinanggap ang abot na apple pie ni Lucienne. "Salamat, hija."

"Don't mention it, Tita. It's a small token for letting me stay here for the night."

Sa itsura ni Mama ngayon ay kita kong gusto niya si Lucienne. You got to hand it to my friend, she has a way with parents. I guess her eye ability isn't called attracting eyes for nothing.