Dead Reckoning - A Gregorio del Pilar x Reader story

XXXV - Fata Organa

As the two of us exit my room, her accompanying me down the stairs, I stop for a second and so does she when we realize that Goyo is pacing back and forth at the end of the stairs. And a second later, he stops and looks at me, his eyes widening a little in surprise. I even notice him gulping in hard as I bite my lower lip and carefully make my way downstairs, afraid that I'll be tripping. In the end, when I make it to the last step, the two of us had been staring at each other intently that I didn't realize Maria is standing next to me.

She giggles a little and comments, "Heneral, bagay na bagay po kay Binibining (Y/N) ang damit na inyong napili. Maging yung para po sa buhok."

I freeze at that, causing me to turn to her slightly as she immediately covers her mouth after saying something that is supposed to be a secret, and then I return my gaze at Goyo, a little flush at the idea that it is him behind the idea of this ensemble. Shyly, I ask him myself, "T-Totoo ba yun? Yung sinabi ni Maria?"

He frowns a little in embarrassment and turns away slightly. "H-Hindi no! Di ba, sabi ni Kuya siya yung mamimili ng damit para sa iyo?" He eyes me and smirks. "At namumula't kinikilig ka naman na malaman kung ako ang namili ng damit na susuotin mo, ano?"

I pout, looking away. "Hmph! Tinatanong ko lang kung totoo."

"Maria, maraming salamat sa iyong tulong," Goyo remarks after a sigh.

Before leaving, Maria bites back a light laughter and bows at us. "Walang anuman, Heneral. Sana po'y masiyahan kayo sa pagsasalo. Kayo rin po, Binibini (Y/N)."

I ease a smile for her and nod. "Maraming salamat ulit, Maria."

"Aba! (Y/N), ikaw ba yan?" Julian remarks with astonishment as he moves down the stairs.

Enteng follows in tow, saying, "Nauna na sa pista ang iba. Napakabagal kasing kumilos nito ni Julian. Tignan mo. Nauna pa si (Y/N) sa iyo matapos."

I smile at the two of them and curtsy. "Dito pa lamang ay malugod na kitang binabati, Julian."

"Maraming salamat, (Y/N)," Julian replies with a grin. "Halika na at baka mahuli pa tayo. (Y/N), hayaan mong alalayan kita patungo sa pista. Talagang magaling mamili si Goyong sa kung ano ang babagay sa iyo."

I know that Goyo hears it but he didn't comment about it. Instead, I see some light on his eyes as the four of us start walking to where the party is being held. And I calmed my heart, afraid that it will only make me more anxious and shy around Goyo, and try to suppress myself from smiling too much at the knowledge.

# # #

When we arrive at the party, it is true that it is only us who've been missing. The musicians are playing continuous music as the guests start entertaining themselves with conversations and the food. And for us, as newly arrived ones, we are to meet the President personally, the rest of his closest advisors, and the richest and powerful men in this town who are invited, as always. Good thing that I manage to make an accceptable curtsy, and thankful that I am not wearing those heels compared to that time during prom.

I immediately notice the gathered guests, noticing the rest of the members of the seven musketeers dressed on their formal white uniforms, the same way that Goyo, Julian and Enteng are. I couldn't help but feel the gazes of the women upon seeing Goyo and hear their comments about him, asking themselves if one from them will be given the chance to have a dance with him; but I also see a few looking at my direction, glaring with disdain that I've arrived arm-to-arm with his older brother, and their whispers how a show our arrival is as if to pry rumors about what is between me and Goyo. And then the additional inquiry since everyone seems to know that Goyo had been courting Remedios for months already.

I didn't mind their gossips, trying to keep my smile on my face in my best effort to appear lady-like in the presence of others. Not to mention that my blue gown seems to attract attention since most of the women are dressed in earthly tones, and the only other woman who stands out is Remedios with her red gown. I will be saying that even if she wears the same earthly-tone, she'll still stand out with her beauty and elegance alone; the same way that Felicidad Aguinaldo, despite the rich brown color of hers, still emits that same vibrance and presence that she's not like the others.

I am too caught with it that I didn't realize the sudden change in music and everyone suddenly clearing away the space. Young men started asking young women for a dance. And since my eyes had been focused onto Remedios, I notice Goyo asking her. I immediately look away, biting my lower lip. As I turn around, I am surprise to almost come face-to-face with a stranger.

The young man immediately licks his lips and offers his hand to me. "Binibini, maari ba kitang maisayaw?"

I shiver, suddenly feeling scared at this sudden offer. I don't even have any intention to join the dance, or if I will ever do have that thought, I'll not take him as a partner after making me uncomfortable at once.

"Pasensya na, señor. Pero kasama ko siya, at napangakuan niya na ako ng sayaw," Isidro immediately cuts in from behind the young man, smiling with furious eyes. In the end, the young man moves away and leaves the two of us.

I manage to sigh heavily. "Salamat, Isidro."

"Walang anuman, (Y/N). At bilang pasasalamat, makisayaw tayo sa kanila."

"Hindi ako marunong sumayaw."

"Huwag ka mag-alala. Tutulungan kita."

I turn away from him for a second, wanting to tell him that I want to leave right now.

"Kailangan din natin mag-usap," he says.

* * *

A/N: Follow me on twitter @23meraki for more updates. And please! Try reading my story FLIGHT PLAN? Thank you so much! 😍❤️

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