CHAPTER 19
CHRISTMAS BALL
Iris' POV
"How many times do I have to tell you? Don't slouch!"
I almost rolled my eyes at the tone of mother. She's been torturing me since I woke up this morning. Kanina pang kung ano ano ang napapansin niya sa'kin. Maski nga ang stilettos na susuotin ko dapat ko ay pinapalitan niya kanina dahil hindi niya tipo. For her, appearance is everything.
"Smile. No, not like that---Ghad Iris, even a two years old girl can smile better than you. Ngingiti ka lang ng maayos, hindi mo pa magawa?" She tried so hard not to glare at me.
How about stop treating me like a robot or a dog so I can relax? It's a party and not a freaking fashion show. I'm starting to get annoyed and we're not even inside the function hall yet. Kung pwede lang magpaiwan sa bahay ay ginawa ko na.
"Ma, give her a break. You're stressing over nothing," natatawang bulong ni Ate Irene. "She'll be fine. Parang hindi mo naman po kilala 'yang si Iris. She hates the spotlight, remember? Once she's with her friends, she'll blend in."
Bumuntong hininga ang nanay ko. "She's hopeless but I'm glad you're here to represent this family. Now come on, we have to impress a lot of people today." And then she started talking about some business deal that my sister easily understood.
Pumasok na sila sa loob ng function hall kaya naman kumapit na ako sa braso ni Papa at naglakad na rin.
"Don't mind your Mom too much. You know how she is," My father reminded me.
"Of course, Pa."
I had accepted a long time ago that I'm the less favorite child. I can never do things my sister does, and it's fine. It's not like I can do anything about it.
Ngumiti na ako sa harapan ng napakaraming photographers bago kami tumungo sa designated table para sa pamilya namin.
The Christmas Ball for the Elites is one of the huge events in the country every year. Sobrang bongga ng party na ito dahil lahat ng mayayaman at makapangyarihang mga pamilya ay nagsasama-sama para sa isang gabi ng kasiyahan. Most of these adults are busy with their businesses but they'd cancel everything just to attend tonight's occasion.
It's a big deal if you're part of the society and yet you're not invited. It's either your family's not in good terms with a lot of other Elites or you're just not that relevant. I don't know which one's worse but I'm glad the Leona's have been attending this party for decades. Mula pagkabata ko ay tradition na para sa aming dumalo dito.
"Iris, you remember the Montealegre's right?"
My dad introduced me to a guy the same age as I am but it's pretty obvious that he's not interested for matchmaking stuff like me. Hindi kasi siya tumingin man lang sa akin at mukhang iritable pa siya. I smiled as a sign of respect and shook his hand. Then I immediately excused myself and left.
Tiffany caught my eyes. Its impossible not to since she's sitting alone at a huge table. "Hey girl!" I greeted.
"Hi! Merry Christmas!" Tumayo siya at niyakap ako. "Oh my gosh! You look lovely!"
"Thank you." My Mom made me wore a customized red off shoulder silk gown. "You as well."
Tiffany's crimson long sleeves lace gown made her look so sophisticated. Nakataas pa ang buhok niya kaya naman ang ganda ganda niyang tingnan. Maybe that's why no stranger here dares to talk to her tonight, they're intimidated.
"Oh shush," she giggled.
"Why are you alone? Where's Tito and Tita?"
Nawala kaagad ang ngiti sa labi niya. "Don't even ask."
I frowned. "But it's the Christmas Ball. Shouldn't they atleast clear their schedule for tonight?" Alam kong busy palagi ang parents niya. Sa aming lahat, si Tiff ang palaging mag-isa. Sometimes she even spends Christmas at the Grimshaw's, kila Caylee, para lang may makasama siya.
"They're still in LA. They told me their flight was cancelled but I'm pretty sure they just don't want to fly back here in the Philippines to attend this party and then go back there the next day. Hassle masyado para sa kanila. I checked the weather in California. It's not that bad."
I held her hand. "I'm so sorry to hear that."
"It's fine. Sanay na 'ko." She squeezed my hand before smiling. "Ikaw? Where's your family?"
"Over there. Kung sino sinong mga kinakausap. Dito na muna ako habang hindi pa naman nagsisimula ang program."
"Good choice." We both smiled and went to find our friends.
Madali na lang namin sila nahanap dahil magkakasama na pala sila. Halos magkakatabi lang ang tables ng family nila Caylee, Zin, Rios, Kiel at Asher. Zin's friends are also just a few feet away from us. Sila Theo at Evan hindi ko pa nakikita. Baka parating pa lang sila, it's still early anyway.
"Sheeez! Wow Iris! Ang ganda mo, buwisit ka!" Niyakap ako ni Caylee at inayos pa ang buhok ko ng kaunti.
"Thanks but no one can surpass your beauty." Ang sexy niya sa wine tube gown niya na may slit pa sa gilid.
"Ako? Hindi mo rin sasabihang maganda?"
Natawa ako nang biglang lumitaw si Ava sa gilid namin at tinaasan ako ng kilay. Her crisscross halter neck garnet gown compliments her fair skin.
"Stop being so gorgeous," I mumbled.
She chuckled and kissed our cheeks. "I can't. Nasa genes ko na ang pagka-dyosa haha---Wait, where the hell is Naomi?"
"I'm here!"
We all looked around and saw Naomi waving at us. She made her way through the crowd like a runway model, wearing a burgundy plunging v neck, backless gown. May slit din ang gown niya pero dalawa ito kumpara kay Caylee.
"What did I miss?"
"Wala, nagbobolahan lang naman 'yang mga 'yan," Kiel mumbled. "Parang mga ewan."
I rolled my eyes and playfully pushed him away.
"Hey guys, smile at the camera!" Tiffanny called out.
Agad kaming umayos ng tayo at nagpa-picture sa official photographer. Binati rin namin ang mga parents ng isa't-isa. Kuya Nigel was finally able to apologize for what happened. Syempre since magpapasko na at wala namang seryosong nasaktan sa amin ay pinatawad na namin siya.
Then the program started. We ate dinner, slow danced with our families and friends, watched talented people perform on stage, listen to speeches and gave gifts to each other.
"No way!!! Dad!" Natigil kami nang marinig namin ang medyo malakas na boses ni Rios.
"What's happening?" I asked Tiffany.
"I don't know..."
Niyakap bigla ni Rios ang Papa niya pagkatapos ay nagtatalon ito sa saya. Natawa kami at agad lumapit sa kanya.
"What the heck is wrong with you?" Caylee asked.
"My father just gave me a beach mansion as his Christmas gift."
Napanganga kami sa gulat. My parents gave me a luxurious bag pero si Rios, property talaga? Ang bongga ha!
Caylee immediately went to her parents. "MA! PA! Did you hear that? I want that too!"
Tinawanan lang siya ng magulang niya kaya naman natawa na lang din kami. We all know how thrifty Mr. Lance is. Hindi siya basta basta gumagastos kung 'di naman kailangan.
"Psh." Nakasimangot na bumalik sa amin si Caylee.
"Aanhin mo naman ang beach mansion ngayon? Just buy one when we graduate or when you finally get your hands on your trust fund," Zin said.
"Was I asking for your opinion? I believe the answer is no."
Mangaasar pa sana si Zin nang bigla na lang kaming may narinig na ingay sa likuran namin. When we turned around, a lot of camera flash surprised us. At first I was confused why are they taking pictures of us all of a sudden but then I saw a huge bouquet of flowers and the guy holding it was walking towards us.
Napatakip sa bibig si Caylee at agad yumakap sa boyfriend niya. Na-speechless siya at walang ibang nagawa kundi ngumiti at titigan ang bulaklak.
I peeked at Zin and he sighed. Of course, he's sad. Masakit makitang may ibang nagpapasaya sa taong gusto mo. Kumapit ako sa braso niya at ngumiti lang siya sa akin. He tapped my hand and excused himself. Binitawan ko na siya at pinanuod lang na umalis sa party.
I guess what Zin needs right now is some air.
"Iris..." I glanced at my side and smiled widely when I saw Dashiell.
"Hi!"
He stopped in front of me and stared at me with awe in his eyes. "Y-you look stunning."
My cheeks burned at his compliment. "Hay nako. Nangasar pa nga."
The corner of his lips tilted up and then he suddenly handed me a small white box. "Merry Christmas."
I wasn't able to react quickly. I think I just stared at his gift for like a few seconds.
Dash bit his lower lip and scratched the back of his head. "I didn't know what to give you. I mean, you seem to go shopping with your friends a lot and I was afraid you might already have this but...uhhh...I hope you...uhhh...."
While he's still trying to find the right words to say, I opened the box and picked up the white ribbon hair clip. May tatak na 'Chanel' ito.
"I noticed how you love wearing ribbons on your hair so..."
I looked up and met his eyes. Natigil siya nang tumitig ako sa mga mata niya.
"Thank you, Dash. That's really thoughtful of you."
He slowly smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
Namula lalo ang pisngi ko. We're friends but I really wasn't expecting him to buy me anything.
Nakakatuwa lang na naalala niya ako.
"I---uhmm---bought one for you too," I admitted.
Nung nagsha-shopping kasi kami nila Ate ay napadaan ako sa isang branded store for boys. Initially, I was only going to buy some clothes for my guy friends but when I saw this red and white jacket, it reminded me so much of Dash. Kakulay kasi ng Larkyn Bears uniform. Pansin ko ring palaging may kulay pula sa mga gamit niya. Since it's the Holiday's, I thought why not buy it for him? Parang tropa ko na rin naman siya.
"Wait, really? This is for me?" Agad niyang binuksan ang paper bag na inabot ko at iniangat ang jacket. "How'd you know red's my favorite color?"
"Your rubber shoes? Your school bag? Your car? Anyone would know."
Natawa siya at sinuot pa talaga ang jacket upang isukat. I felt relieved that I bought the right size. It's not too big but it's also not that fit.
"I'm so sorry if it's not as grand as---"
"Hey, I love it. Thanks, Iris."
For some reason, I couldn't stop smiling back to him. And even though our eyes are locked at each other, right now I didn't feel awkward at all. Parehas lang kaming masaya sa hindi maintindihang dahilan. I guess receiving gifts would make you feel that way.
"Dude!" Evan greeted Dash, his eyes immediately noticing the box on my hand. "Uy, ano 'yan? Bakit may paregalo?"
"HA? ANO? NALILIGAWAN NA NI DASH SI IRIS?" pasigaw na asar naman ni Asher.
"Yieeee!" Theo added.
"Shut it! Parang sira ulo talaga 'tong mga 'to," suway ko kaagad.
"Tsk! Wag niyo nga sirain moment nila. Mga 'di marunong makiramdam." Ava winked at me before pulling the boys away.
Medyo marami rami rin ang nakatingin pa rin sa amin kaya napapayuko na lang ako sa hiya.
I shyly peeped at Dash to see if he's upset but thankfully, he's smiling. "Sorry about that."
"It's okay. Kilala ko na mga kaibigan mo." He took the jacket off and put it back on the paper bag. "Oo nga pala, may itatanong ako. Muntik ko na makalimutan."
"Yeah? What?"
"May pinsan bang babae si Aaron na sobrang ka-close niya?" Okay, that's so random.
"Ha? Siguro. Bakit mo naman natanong?"
"I saw him the other day outside a restaurant. He's hugging some girl. Akala ko nga si Caylee but then when I saw the face, I got shocked. Ibang babae 'yung kayakap niya."
Natigil ako sa narinig ko. I suddenly remembered the cheating rumor of Aaron. "Sure ka? Baka naman namamalikmata ka lang."
"No. He's really with someone else."
Tiningnan ko si Caylee at Aaron. Sobrang saya nilang dalawa at sa harapan pa ng magulang ni Caylee naguusap 'yung dalawa.
If he's indeed cheating on my friend, he wouldn't have the guts to face the parents of his girlfriend, right?
"I'll ask Caylee later. Maybe it's not what we think it is. I mean, look at them. They're so sweet."
Dash nodded. "Sana nga. Parang kapatid ko na si Caylee. Ayokong masaktan siya."
I exhaled and took my eyes off them.
"Ehem." Parehas kaming napatalon nang may magsalita sa gilid namin. My eyes widened when I saw my Mom smirking at us. Tumingin siya sa akin at sinenyasan ako. Agad ko namang na-gets ang ibig sabihin niya.
"Uhmm. Dash, si Mama nga pala. Ma, this is Dashiell Lewis."
"Hello po, Tita." Magmamano sana si Dash pero bumeso na si Mama sa kanya.
"Lewis? As in the son of Donito Lewis?"
"Yes po. I'm his second son."
"Oh." My Mom smiled at me. Kinabahan na agad ako sa nanay ko. I know she's up to something. "I didn't know you and my daughter are friends."
Tumingin sa akin si Dash at ngumiti. "Yeah Tita. It's a small social circle. We're bound to be friends."
"Of course. But just friends?"
OH MY GOSH!
"Ma!" I quickly interrupted.
"What? I'm just asking." Unbelievable!
"Dash, 'di ba hinahanap ka na ng Mom mo? Sige ah. Salamat ulit sa regalo mo. Merry Christmas!"
Ngumisi siya at tumango. I know he understands what I'm trying to do. "Yeah. Right. I almost forgot. See you around, Iris. And it's nice meeting you po Tita."
Pagalis na pagalis ni Dash ay sumimangot ako. "Ma naman! Ano po 'yon? Nakakahiya kay Dashiell," bulong ko.
"Iris anak, it's totally alright if you decide to date that kid. He comes from a wealthy family and he's handsome too. For the first time in a long time, I am satisfied with your choice. Gosh, a Lewis? Good taste."
I closed the white box I'm holding and shook my head.
"Kami ni Dash? I don't think so, Mom."
"Why not? His family would approve of you too."
But our hearts won't.
We're both not ready to fall in love with someone else.
"I only see Dash as a friend. But don't worry Ma. If I ever become someone's girlfriend again, I'll tell you. You know me. Hindi ko naman po tinatago sa inyo 'yung mga ganung bagay."
Pinakilala ko na sa kanila noon ang naging highschool boyfriend ko, though they were so against it cause his family is quite known to be unkind at work, one of the many reasons why I had to end my relationship with that him. Tingin din nila ay hindi ito mabait. Pero puppy love lang naman 'yon kaya hindi ganong kasakit. Besides parang wala na rin akong feelings sa kanya nung nag-break kami.
"If he's not as good as that Lewis boy, don't even bother."
*End of Chapter 19*