“Smile”
A flash from the camera lit up the whole room. Today’s my eighteenth birthday, August 20, 2019. I’m at the center wearing my white-silver gown made by one of the famous designer all over Asia. Mommy stood up and went to the photographer.
“Belle, can you smile widely?” she told me after she took a look at the last shot “Isa pa.” she added irritated before returning to her seat
Kasama ko sa picture sina Mommy, Daddy, Ate Ysabella at si Kuya Ysmael. Another ten shots were taken before Mommy finally ended the photo shoot. My birthday celebration will happen later this afternoon, every socialite is invited. Every politicians that my parents knew is invited.
“Belle, you have to be nice later. Smile.” Mommy reminded me for the nth time
Mommy was a Doctor at a prestigious hospital when she met Daddy. Daddy was a politician when she met Mom. Mommy left her work and continued doing medical missions not only to help other people but also to help Daddy who is at the peak of his career. Daddy is currently the Governor of our province. He’s a public figure so as their children we need to be perfect. They want us to be perfect.
“Are you ready?” nabaling ang tingin ko kay Ate Ysabella nang tanungin niya ako
I smiled at her before nodding. “Yeah.”
“You know Mommy expect a lot from you right? You’re her twin.” She stated which made my smile slowly vanished
Ever since I was little, Mom made me the perfect daughter. She wanted me to exceed her achievements. She wants me to be seamless. At the age of three, I started learning various languages. At the age of four, I had different tutors for each subject. At the age of five I entered an Ethics Class. Mommy wanted me to be the role model, she wanted me to be immaculate. Maybe because I’m her carbon copy.
“Yeah. I know that.” I answered before sipping on my juice
“Ms. Ysabella, Ms. Ysabelle, magsisimula na po ang party maya-maya, aayusan po ulit namin kayo.” Sabi ng make-up artist na hinire ni Mama
Tumayo kami ni Ate at sumunod sa tinurong daan ng staff. Everyone was bustling, running around the halls at the second floor of our mansion. I was about to wear my wings when Mommy came barging in inside of the dressing room.
“What are the Torrealbas doing here Yael?” Mommy asked furiously at our father
Nagkatinginan kami ni Ate bago binaling ulit ang tingin sa Mommy na umuusok na sa sobrang galit.
“The head of their household was the Governor before, kinailangan ko silang imbitahan.” Daddy explained but Mommy just got more mad
“You know that they are our competitors in business and they didn’t want you to be the Governor of this province! You knew what they did!”
“Mommy it wasn’t even proven.” Sagot ni Kuya but Mommy hears nothing
“I’m mad at you Yael! I’m mad at you for inviting that family!” sigaw ni Mommy bago kaming iniwan lahat doon
Daddy sighed and smiled at all the people who witnessed their little argument, well if that’s still little. The Torrealba’s are our family’s archenemy. There’s this long-term war that has been happening to our family ever since the generation of my great, great, great grandparents. Not only they’re our business competitors but they’re also our power competitor. Our family can’t have the full power over this province because of them, because they always get in the way. I wonder why Mom always think of that, technically we have the power now, Daddy’s the current Governor.
“The Torrealba’s are here. So, Arturo is here?” Ate asked and looked at me
I rolled my eyes before standing up. How can I almost forgot that Arturo’s a Torrealba.
“Ms. Ysabella, Ms. Ysabelle, magsisimula na po ang party.” Sabi ng main organizer
Napatingin ako sa labas ng bintana at nakita ang malaking hardin namin nadedesenyuhan ng mga puting bulaklak at mga bulak na parang ulap. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ang tema ng aking debut ay puti at mga anghel. Sa dami ng taong nakaputi ay halata mo sakanila ang karangyaan sa buhay.
“Ms. Ysabelle, magready na po kayo, ipapakilala na po kayo.” Sabi nung organizer
I took a deep breath before nodding.
“The last born of the Arcangel has finally come to age. Let us witness her legality tonight as she wears her wings as a symbol of her freedom.” Panimula ng host
Sana nga totoo yang kalayaan na sinasabi niya.
“Let us all give a big round of applause to Ms. Ysabelle Arcangel as she celebrates her legality!” pagkasabi non ng host ay bumukas ang pintong nagtatago sakin sa mga tao sa baba. I slowly walked down the stairs as I looked at everyone. They were all smiling at me while clapping their hands. As I get to the bottom, Kuya Ysmael accompanied me to the stage.
The party went on with its ceremony. From the 18 candles, balloons, treasures, bills and also the 18 roses.
Kuya Ysmael was my seventeenth rose and I was expecting my cousin Terrence to be my last when Arturo Torrealba barged in holding a white flower. I saw Mommy’s eyes widened that reflected mine.
Arturo Torrealba, wearing a black suit and tie was so out of place at the sea of people wearing white. And his white rose stood differently at the bunch of red roses I was holding.
“You look so beautiful Belle.” He started before handing me the rose, I was hesitant to get the flower but I kept my cool and took the flower to dance with him or else he’ll ruin the night
The song played was an instrumental of the Beauty and the Beast. Funny that my name was Belle, and I guess he was the beast.
“What are you doing here?” I asked him hiding my anger
“Celebrating your special day with you.” He said as he looked dearly to my eyes
“You are not invited.” I stated
“I know, but I won’t miss your special day.” He said that made me more annoyed
“I hate you.” I told him looking straightly into his eyes
“I know. But unlucky of you, I love you my beauty.” He said as he kissed my forehead in front of everyone to see
