CHAPTER 30
ALMOST
Damian's POV
"Bro, there's a letter for you!" Art shouted as loud as he can, the moment he heard my bedroom door opened. I frowned but went downstairs anyway. Wala naman akong ine-expect na sulat kahit kanino. I haven't applied to any extra curricular programs at school.
"From who?" I asked, grabbing the blue envelope from the table.
"I dunno. I received one as well."
It wasn't just a plain ass white envelope that people usually use to send letters. This one's a blue silk with a pearl brooch magnet closure.
'To: Mr. Damian Alejandro Lewis' it says.
I opened it and was surprised to learn that it's an invitation for a birthday party at the Philippines.
"Iris Fleur Leona? Who's that?" I mumbled, trying very hard to recall where I heard that name. It sounds really familiar.
Have I met this woman before?
Perhaps an ex lover of mine?
"Ah, naalala ko na. That's your brother's girlfriend," Silva explained while staring at his own greeting card. It seems like we're all invited.
I looked down and read everything. The event will be happening this weekend at a hotel in Serenaville.
"Should we go?" Art asked. "It's a huge gathering, assuming from the fact that they invited us even though we're not really her friends. I bet most Elites would be there. Do you guys think it'll be as grand as Silva's?"
"Maybe," Silva muttered, looking at me. "What do you think bro? Do you want to attend your future sister-in-law's birthday party?" Parang mga engot na naghagikgikan 'yung dalawa.
Mukhang magandang idea nga ang umuwi sa Pinas ngayon. Gusto ko muna mapalayo kay Nova para hindi ko siya maisip at puntahan. I feel bad for avoiding her but clearly, if I stick around her right now, she'd fall for me harder than before.
Naaawa na ako sa kanya dahil hindi ko magawang ibalik ang feelings niya para sa akin. She's a great friend of mine and I hate hurting her.
"I think we shall." Ngumiti ako at ibinaba na sa table ang invitation.
It's time to finally meet my brother's girlfriend.
Iris' POV
"Why are you so grumpy today? It's your birthday," natatawang tanong ni Ate.
"Is it? I feel like it's Mom's day today," I snapped.
People may call me a brat or ungrateful but if they're on my feet, they'd understand. I hate how my Mom always do the opposite things that I want. I begged her not to make this occasion a huge one but she still made everything overdone, extravagant, and of course, based on her taste and not mine. From the silk invitations, numerous gowns that I'd probably not going to wear, large and lavish event place, the party production and styling even to the long list of guests that would attend the event tonight, all were solely her ideas.
I just learned today that almost the whole Serenaville society will be going and if it's not annoying enough, Elites who are halfway across the world got invited too. I DON'T EVEN KNOW THESE PEOPLE! I bet my ass they don't know me too!
I'm a very lowkey person. I like to stay out of the spotlight as much as I can. Why can't my Mom understand that?
"Well what's done is done, Iris. It's not like you can call things off just because you want to."
I asked my makeup artist to stop what she's doing, only so I can glare at my sister. "That's easy to say considering that they always listen to you."
"It's the other way around. I always listen to them. Kasi kilala mo naman sila Mama. If I say no, they'd do everything to change my mind. Hindi naman sila titigil hangga't hindi ako napayag kaya para wala ng gulo at para hindi na ako naiinis, sumusunod na lang ako. It's for the best din naman, Iris. They only wants what's best for us." Tumayo siya at may iniabot sa aking maliit na box na kulay itim. "Take my advice. Enjoy the party even though it's too much. Dito masaya sila Mama at Papa kaya pagbigyan mo na sila. It's not like you're going to spend a dime here, sila naman ang gumastos. Bababa ka lang doon, ngingiti ng ilang oras. Then that's it."
I pouted but sighed.
She has a point. Ako lang din talo kung maiinis ako. At never naman gagawa sila Mama ng isang bagay para mapasama ako. Siguro hindi lang talaga kami nagkakaintindihan.
"What's this?" I asked, changing the topic.
"My gift. Happy birthday, sis."
Ngumiti ako at binuksan ang box. It's a pin na ribbon ang design. It must have cost thousands since there are diamonds on it.
"Ate! Thank you so much! It's beautiful!" Tumayo ako at niyakap siya.
"O baka umiyak ka ah."
"You wish!"
We both laughed and for the first time in a long time, I finally appreciated that she's my sister. Ate Irene maybe better than me at everything but still, I'm grateful for the love she's giving me. I'm lucky to have her in my life.
*****
"Hey," I looked up and grinned as soon as I saw Dashiell at the door of my hotel room. He looks so handsome wearing a light blue tuxedo. Blue kasi ang theme ng party ko. Everyone will wear any shades of blue today.
"Happy birthday, my life." Yumuko siya upang halikan ako saglit at ibigay sa akin ang dala-dala niyang malaking bouquet ng blue peonies. Everyone inside the room gushed over my sweet boyfriend who looks like a prince.
I blushed and hugged him in front of their cameras. "Thank you!"
"Ahem!" I glanced at my side and giggled when Ate Irene raised an eyebrow at us. Naka-cross arms siya ngunit nakangiti naman. Feel na feel talaga nitong magtaray, hahaha!
"Ah. Dash, si Ate Irene pala. Ate, si Dashiell."
"Hi Ate, it's nice to finally meet you." Inilahad niya ang kamay niya ngunit tiningnan lang iyon ng kapatid ko. What the hell?
"I'd be damn straight with you. I have no problem with you dating my sister but make sure that your intentions are good and that you'll never hurt her, otherwise I'd make your life a living hell. You hear me?"
My eyes widened in shock. "Ate!"
Akala ko mao-offend si Dash sa pakitungo sa kanya ni Ate pero nagulat ako ng medyo tumawa ito.
"I will take care of her heart, I promise." Dash genuinely smiled towards my sister, the same time he squeezed my hand. Tumingin ako sa kanya at napangiti na rin dahil kahit nagmamaldita ngayon si Ate ay nauunawaan niya pa rin ito.
He's not even a bit nervous. He seems so cool despite of my sister trying to scare him away. Kumapit ako sa braso niya at inihilig ang ulo ko sa balikat niya.
"That's good then. Tatandaan ko 'yang sinabi mo." Ngumisi na si Ate at nag-wink sa akin bago siya lumabas ng hotel room. Thankfully, Camille and my glam team eventually stopped watching me and my boyfriend.
"Sorry about that. Hindi ko in-expect na ganun ang unang sasabihin niya sa'yo..."
"Wala namang maling ginawa ang ate mo." He kissed my hands. "She's just looking after you." Lumayo siya nang kaunti kaya tumaas ang isang kilay ko.
"Anong ginagawa mo?" I can't help but ask.
Tiningnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa pagkatapos ay bumalik uli sa mga mata ko ang tingin niya. "Paano nga pala ulit kita napasagot? Grabe my life, sobrang ganda mo."
I giggled and rolled my eyes. "You don't have to be so cheesy. Girlfriend mo na 'ko, no need na para bolahin mo pa."
He frowned. "What do you mean? You really are the most beautiful girl I've ever met."
"Oo na. Wag mo na ko pakiligin."
Tumawa siya ngunit tumango rin naman.
Ipinatong ko na sa gilid ang bulaklak na ibinigay niya. Ingat na ingat ako dahil ayokong masira iyon.
After that, I pulled his hand so he'd take a step towards me. "Salamat at pumayag kang maging escort ko ngayong gabi. I don't think it'll be that nerve-wracking facing all these strangers as long as I'm holding your hand."
"I'm happy to be here," He said in the most sweetest tone ever. "Oh, I almost forgot..." I watched as he took something out of the pocket of his tuxedo and then he gently added a charm on the bracelet that I'm wearing. Ito 'yung niregalo niya sa akin nung monthsary ko kaya naman palagi kong suot-suot.
"What is it?" excited na tanong ko. When my eyes finally focused on it, I realized he attached a heart shaped pendant, next to his carved name.
"My heart."
I used to think things like these were corny and so outdated until now that I'm experiencing it myself. Hindi siya corny at all. In fact, sobrang saya ko na gumagawa ng mga ganitong bagay si Dash para sa akin.
I blushed and tiptoed to kiss him lightly. "I thought I already have it?"
He chuckled. "Way before you even agreed to be my girlfriend."
And it's true. He fell for me first but that's only because I was confused at the time.
I thought what I felt with David was love. My heart's racing wildly every time I'm with that guy, mind blowing with each kisses and it's crazy that I'm always hungry for his touches...
But all this time, I was wrong. That wasn't love, it was purely just lust.
What I have with Dashiell is real. The kind of love that comforts you, make you feel secure and happy. I'm always at cloud nine whenever he's around. I thank heavens that I ended up with such a perfect guy.
Damian's POV
As soon as we arrived at the airport, we went straight to the hotel that was indicated at the invitation. There were a lot of media outside but we were able to sneak in through the basement parking without anyone noticing us.
At the lobby, we sat at one of the lavish sofas and called Dashiell to meet us here. Within a few minutes, he showed up with a grin on his face.
"Finally!" Lumapit agad siya kaya naman tumayo ako at ngumisi. We hugged for a brief moment before he was greeted by Art and Silva.
"Girlfriend ko lang pala makakapagpauwi sa inyo," biro niya. "Do you guys want to meet her? She's upstairs, at her room."
"Sige ba nang makilatis namin ang babaeng nakabingwit ng puso mo," tatawa-tawang asar ni Art.
"Okay, tara sa elevator---"
"Masyado ka namang excited." Tinulak ko palayo si Art bago ako umakbay sa kapatid ko. "Mamaya na 'yan, pagod pa kami. I don't want to stand in front of your girl looking like a mess. Besides, madami namang oras para diyan. It's not like we're going anywhere. Saan nga pala ang rooms namin? Gusto ko na muna makapagpalit ng damit."
"Wait lang." May tinawag siyang tauhan yata ng girlfriend niya at iyon ang kumuha ng room keys namin sa receptionist.
"Bigatin 'yang girlfriend mo ah," Art muttered.
"She's just like one of us but she's really humble. Idea 'to ng Mama niya pero kung siya ang tatanungin, mas gusto pa non mag-stay lang sa bahay."
I smiled while listening to him. Halatang in love na in love siya dahil pati ang mga mata niya ay kumikinang.
"Damian?" We all glanced at the girl who was just a few feet away from us. Hindi ko siya nakilala agad pero nang ma-realize ko kung sino iyon ay napangiti na rin ako. "I knew it!" she almost shouted in joy.
"Hey Caylee." Tumakbo siya at sinalubong ko naman siya ng yakap.
"I didn't know you'd be here!"
Ginulo ko ang buhok niya kaya tinulak niya ako. I laughed at her annoyed face. "Last minute decision."
Agad niyang sinuklay ang buhok niya gamit ang mga kamay niya. Halata namang hindi pa siya nagaayos dahil hindi pa siya nakasuot ng gown at wala pa siyang make-up pero kung makasimangot siya ay parang krimen ang nagawa ko.
I chuckled and that made her hissed. "Buwiset!"
Tumawa sila Silva at Art sa pagmamaktol nito habang ngumiti lang ako. Never ko naman inasar ng sobra ito dahil may pagkapikon.
I'm relieved to see that she's fine now. There's not a single hint of pain in her eyes which is what I've been praying for all this time.
Nabalitaan ko kasi ang gulong nangyari noong naghiwalay sila ng first boyfriend niya. Everyone was talking about it that even though I had my social media days off, I still got updated with it.
It bothered me so I called Dash to confirm and he told me that the cheating rumor is indeed true. Galit na galit ako sa narinig ko dahil parang kapatid ko na si Caylee. She's the little sister I never had. I wanted to be there for her or atleast take revenge for her but I couldn't go home because of my studies.
I called her several times and each time, she cries over the phone. It went on until she went back to getting pissed off at my numerous phone calls. That's when Dash told me how Caylee changed, how she's starting to become a party girl and dresses up like Naomi.
Now that she's in front of me, I can confirm that what my brother said was true. Mas nagpapakita na siya ng skin at nagaayos. But it's good thing. If she feels more confident now, then good for her.
Wag nga lang sana talaga siya sumobra. I don't want her making huge mistakes that can change her life forever. Pero nandiyan naman ang mga kaibigan niya para bantayan siya. Alam kong hindi siya pababayaan ng mga ito.
"Dito ka lang pala, kanina pa kita hinahanap." Zin arrived and immediately went to Caylee's side. Inakbayan niya ito kaya inis na inis na umirap si Caylee.
"Get your filthy hands off me, will you?"
"Napakasungit mo naman agad, wala pa ngang ginagawa." He laughed but obeyed. He went to stand beside me instead. "Buti nakarating kayo."
"We wouldn't miss it for the world. We heard tonight's going to be the party of the year," Silva smirked.
"I heard that too." Nilingon naming lahat sila Nigel at Naomi na naglalakad palapit sa amin.
"Ugh, kompleto na naman kayo." Caylee rolled her eyes as if it's a bad thing for me and my friends to be reunited.
"Gio can't be here though," Art mumbled.
"Nako ha, promise me you guys won't do anything stupid tonight. Ayokong maulit ang nangyari noon," pagbabanta ni Caylee.
"Sshhh!" Silva immediately hushed her.
"I'm just saying. Keep an eye on Nigel."
"Hey, I thought we're forgetting what happened in the past?" Nigel asked.
"Whatever!" Tumalikod na si Caylee at naglakad papunta sa elevator. Zin smiled at us before he ran after her.
Pinanuod ko kung paano niya habulin ang papasarang elevator door upang magkasabay sila ni Caylee.
"Nagde-date na ba sila?" curious na tanong ko kay Naomi.
"Nope."
Tumingin ako sa kanya upang magtanong pa sana ngunit napansin kong nakatitig siya kay Art. I looked at my friend and they were smiling at each other.
Whoah.
Umiling na lang ako at nag-decide na hindi mangasar. I know Nigel tends to be a little overprotective of his little sister. Plus I don't think those two are dating though there's definitely something there. Or maybe masyado lang akong malisyoso. Hahaha.
"Tara na nang makapagpahinga saglit bago magsimula ang event," I told everyone.
"Sige Kuya, I'll see you all later. Sila Papa pala parating na rin daw."
I just nodded and patted his shoulder.
*****
The lobby's crowded by the time I went downstairs. It's a good thing that every reporters here are occupied already. They're busy interviewing guests who are arriving.
Gladly, they didn't notice me as I walked around till I reached the great grand staircase of the event hall. It was the ultimate dramatic entrance and I presumed this is where the birthday celebrant would walk later with my brother on her side.
Pagbaba ko nang hagdan ay tumumbad ang mala-palasyong disensyo ng hotel. The whole place is exquisitely stylish and at one glance, you'd definitely know that this is a high end top notch party.
"Bilisan mo, ayusin mo na ang projector! Sayang ang pictures ni Ms. Iris kung hindi natin maipapakita iyon sa mga tao! Tsaka gusto mo bang mapagalitan tayo ni Mrs. Leona?" I heard a staff whispered to his colleague.
Mukhang may problema pa yata. I do hope they get it fixed right away.
"Want wine?" A woman asked me while I was looking for some food at the buffet table. I peeked at her and noticed how she's leaning into me. Pinapakita niya talaga ang cleavage niya dahil hinawi niya pa ang buhok niya bago siya ngumisi sa akin.
She's sexy, damn good sexy, but I'm really not in the mood to flirt. Pagod ako sa byahe
"No, thank you."
Akala ko aalis na siya ngunit lumapit pa siya lalo. "You're Damian Lewis, right? I didn't expect you to be here..." Her seductive tone almost got me but thankfully, my phone vibrated.
Tiningnan ko kung sino ang caller at napabuntong hininga na lang nang mabasa ko ang pangalan ni Nova. She must be looking for me and my friends. Hindi kasi namin sinabi sa kanya na uuwi kami ng Pinas ngayon. We just packed our bags and booked a flight.
Binalik ko na sa bulsa ko ang cellphone ko nang hindi sinasagot ang tawag.
This is probably for the best. Masyado na siyang sanay na kasama at kausap ako palagi. I'm helping her move on even if what I'm doing is kinda cruel for her.
"Sorry, I have to go." Kumuha ako nang ilang finger food at lumayo na sa kanya.
The last thing I want is to sleep with a stranger. Doon naman talaga ang kahahantungan ng paglapit niya sa akin kaya habang maaga pa ay dapat iwasan na. I want to be distracted from Nova but having another girl to keep my thoughts diverted just doesn't feel right.
Masyadong mahalaga sa akin ang kaibigan ko para saktan ko ng ganun. Kung pwede ko nga lang din mahalin si Nova, siguro ginawa ko na.
I went to sit beside my friends. Si Art wala pa dito, mukhang nandoon pa sa hotel room niya.
"Who's that chick?" pagtawa ni Nigel.
"I don't know."
"Damn dude, ano na nangyari sa'yo? You used to flirt with everyone but now, you've been avoiding girls for years."
I snorted. "It's called maturity. Unfortunately, you don't have it."
"Asshole." He laughed. "Hanggang kailan pala kayo dito?" Nigel asked, changing the topic.
"Hanggang bukas lang. We need to go back asap," Silva answered.
"Boring!"
"Ganun talaga. Sana nga sumama ka na lang sa Australia, e 'di sana apat tayo doon nila Art."
"Like my parents would approve of that. Pagbalik nga sa America, ayaw nila. What makes you think Australia's any different?"
"Now that's boring," biro ni Silva kaya napangisi ako.
Habang naguusap sila ay nag-vibrate na naman ang phone ko. Tiningnan ko iyon at nagtaka nang makitang tumatawag na naman si Nova.
Hindi niya ugaling mangulit nang mangulit. She can be pushy sometimes but when it comes to phone calls, she never did frequent calls until now.
I placed my phone facing down on the table and continued eating. While drinking the red wine that was served to us, I noticed that my phone's vibrating again.
Something's wrong.
"Pre, labas lang muna ako. I have to take this call," I told Silva, standing up. "Tawag ng tawag si Nova."
"Just answer it here. Magsisimula na ang party. It's almost eight."
"It's too noisy here." Malakas ang tugtog ng music at ang daming tao.
I went outside the hall and scanned the whole place. Kailangan ko pumunta sa lugar kung saan walang masyadong tao.
Just in luck, I noticed the balcony viewing the hotel lobby. Walang katao tao doon kaya umakyat agad ako sa hagdanan at sinagot na ang call ni Nova.
"Hey, sorry. I'm not in Australia right now---"
"Hello. This is from the Royal Woman's University, calling in behalf of Ms. Nova Esquelo. May I know who I'm speaking with?"
Natahimik ako saglit. Hospital? Bakit?
"I'm Damian Lewis. Uh...her friend. What's wrong?"
"Sir, we need to speak to an immediate family of Ms. Nova as soon as possible. She's unconscious and we couldn't open her phone. You are on her emergency contact so we were able to reach you."
"Why? What happened?" Sumandal ako sa railing dahil pakiramdam ko ay nawalan ng lakas ang katawan ko.
"She got into a road accident and she needs to be operated within the day. We need her family to sign the surgical consent paper before we can proceed."
Napapikit ako sa takot. It's serious.
"I'll call you back as soon as I have her parents' phone numbers. Please take care of her, Ma'am."
Sinabi ko na kasing wag siyang mag-motor! Napakatigas ng ulo!
At anong ginagawa niya sa labas ng 11 pm? Gabi na doon sa Australia ngayon!
Yumuko ako pagka-end ng call at ni-relax ang sarili ko. I stayed still for a full minute till I came back to sanity. Maingay na sa baba ngunit hindi ako lumingon dahil wala ako sa mood upang makiisyoso. Some actress or public figure must have arrived for them to be like this.
I immediately called my father's assistant while I walked back and forth the balcony.
After a few rings, he finally answered.
"Damian? Bakit ka napatawag? Does your Dad wants something---"
"Hey, I'm sorry to bother you but can you do me a favor? I need to find the contact numbers of my friend's parents. And also can you book me a flight at this time? I need to go back to Australia today."
Hindi ako matatahimik na nasa party ako habang si Nova, nakikipaglaban sa buhay niya. She needs me there. I have to be at her side when she wakes up.
Iris' POV
"Oh bakit mo tinatago ang mukha mo?"
Hinampas ko nang mahina ang braso ni Dash dahil kanina niya pa ako inaasar. I've been trying to hide behind him but he keeps on moving away.
"I can't handle this," naiiyak na sambit ko. Lahat ng mga tao ay nakatingin sa akin paglabas na paglabas pa lang namin ng elevator at sinalubong agad nila ako ng nakakasilaw na flash ng mga camera.
"Hold my hand." Tumingin ako kay Dash at sinunod siya. "I'm here, my life. Don't be scared. Nothing bad will happen."
I started to calm down as he held my hand tighter. I felt safe with him.
"You okay?" bulong niya.
Tumango lang ako at kumapit na sa braso niya. I'm wearing a blue tube ballgown with a princess crown on top of my head. Medyo mabigat ang suot suot ko kaya dahan-dahan talaga ako sa paglalakad.
Inalalayan ako ni Dash hanggang sa natigil kami sa gitna ng lobby. An unexpected crowd went towards us. Humarang agad ang mga guards ng hotel ngunit hindi pa rin sapat iyon upang mapigilan ang mga tao. Our fans went wild when they saw us. Hindi ko alam kung paano sila nakapasok dito. I'm both surprised and overwhelmed seeing them.
Habang nagkakagulo at ginagawan ng paraan upang makausad kami ay napatingin ako sa may balcony ng hotel lobby. I saw a man's back on the railing, wearing a midnight blue tuxedo.
Is he one of my guests? He seems familiar.
Kahit nakatalikod siya ay pakiramdam ko nakita ko na siya dati. That height and body figure...
Nakatigil lang siya doon ng ilang segundo bago siya may tinawagan sa phone niya. I frowned as I stare at him.
I swear I saw him somewhere.
Is he one of the Elites?
"Come on." Na-distract ako nang bumulong si Dash at tinulungan na ako maglakad. I glanced once more at the guy before I nodded at my boyfriend.
We went to the entrance of the hall and instantly, a slow music started. Napailing na lang ako dahil pakiramdam ko magde-debut ako. Walking down the stairs, I clung more to Dash. Natatawa siya ngunit pinipigilan niya ang sarili niyang humalakhak.
When we entered the event place, I think my jaw dropped a little bit. I am in awe with everything---from the huge chandeliers on the ceilings, table design, band playing at front, the long buffet table on the side, to all these people smiling at me right now.
Geez, my Mom's really extra.
"There's your friends," Dash whispered to me. Sinundan ko ang tingin niya at napangisi nang kumaway sila Tiffany sa akin. Kumpleto silang lahat at pumapalakpak pa nang sobrang lakas si Asher.
Parang sira ulo talaga 'yon. Hahahaha!
Habang naglalakad papunta sa gitna ay bigla na lang ulit pumasok sa isip ko ang lalakeng nakita ko kanina.
Why do I keep thinking about him?
I racked my brain very hard to know where I'd seen him before. Hindi kasi ako mapakali na hindi ko maalala kung sino 'yon. Sigurado akong nakita ko na siya. Hindi ko lang maisip kung saan.
"What's wrong?" worried na tanong ni Dashiell pagkaupong pagkaupo namin sa harapan. I just shook my head and smiled at him. Of course I don't want him to misinterpret things. Hindi naman mahalaga iyon.
Dash kept his promise to me. All throughout the event, he never let go of my hand. Siguro ay nung mga oras lang na kumain na kami ng dinner pero maya't-maya niya pa rin talaga hinahawakan ang kamay ko.
"Halika, ipakilala na kita kila Papa," I muttered. Halatang kinabahan siya dahil sumeryoso ang mukha niya. I chuckled but pulled him to my parents' table anyway.
"Ma, Pa, si Dash po pala." I contemplated if I should even say he's my boyfriend or not. Alam ko namang alam ng mga magulang ko.
"Hello po, good evening."
My father just smiled while my Mom shocked me by clinging into Dashiell's arms. "Ang gwapo gwapo mo talaga iho. Ganyang mga mukha ang dapat nagpapadami ng lahi."
"Ma!" I blushed and frowned at her. Hinila siya ni Ate kaya bumitaw na si Mama. Dash just laughed at them.
"What? Totoo naman. Bagay na bagay kayo, anak. Masaya ako na nagkagustuhan kayo. I already knew it the moment I saw you two at the Christmas Ball." Ngumisi siya at tumingin uli kay Dashiell. "Ang parents mo pala, nasaan?"
"They just arrived, Tita. Na-late po sila dahil may inasikaso pa si Papa."
"That's fine. Ang mahalaga nakarating sila. Halika iho, ipakilala mo naman kami."
Ano ito, pamamanhikan? Oh my gosh.
Dash obeyed her and led my parents to the opposite table on the side. Nakipagbeso kaagad si Tita sa akin nang makita niya ako. "Happy Birthday Iris. This party is amazing! I love it! And you look fabulous!"
"Salamat po Tita. I'm happy na nage-enjoy po kayo tonight."
"Dad, si Iris po pala. Girlfriend ko." I noticed how Dashiell became so formal in front of his father. Parang hindi niya tatay ang kausap niya kundi boss.
Ngumiti ako sa Papa ni Dashiell na ngayon ko lang na-meet. "Hello po, Tito." He pursed his lips, nodded but did not smile back. Pero tingin ko naman ay wala siyang problema sa akin. Mukhang seryosong tao lang talaga siya.
Habang nakikiramdam kung anong dapat kong sunod na sasabihin ay hinawakan bigla ni Mama ang siko ko. I glanced at her and that's when I remembered I haven't introduced my family to Dashiell's parents.
"Tito, Tita, parents ko nga po pala at ang Ate ko po, si Ate Irene."
"Dominic! It's been a while," pagbati ni Papa sa tatay ni Dashiell. I wasn't aware they knew each other. They shook hands and surprisingly, started talking to each other about their businesses. Our Moms on the other hand sat on the chairs and gossiped about me and Dash, and the whole party.
It was a sight. Hindi ko inakalang magkakasundo silang apat ng ganun-ganun lang.
When I dated Drey, my Mom never approached the Ruizo's. Pero sa mga Lewis, siya pa ang nagsabing ipakilala siya.
"Where's your brother?" tanong ni Ate Irene kay Dash. "Akala ko ba sabi mo kaya ka umalis sa hotel room ni Iris kanina ay dahil dumating na ang Kuya mo?"
"Yeah. He's here, I met him at the lobby. Saglit." Lumapit siya kila Silva at Art na nakaupo malapit lang sa table nila Caylee. Ate went to my side while still staring at Dash.
"Hindi naman siguro siya nagsinungaling, right?"
I rolled my eyes. "Kung ano-anong naiisip mo. Bakit naman gagawin ni Dash 'yon? Hindi naman ako mahigpit na girlfriend. If he's going to do something else, he'd tell me."
"What if ibang babae pala ang mineet niya? Tingin mo magpapaalam pa siya sa'yo? I just think it's weird that he said he met his brother but that guy's nowhere to be found."
"Hay nako. Kaya ka single e. You don't trust men easily."
"Atleast I don't get my broken."
Nang mapansin kong tumayo na rin sa upuan sila Silva at Art ay naglakad na ako papunta sa kanila. Mukhang may problema kasi.
"Anong nangyayari?" tanong ko kay Dashiell.
"Iris, salamat sa pagimbita sa amin ah. Happy Birthday nga pala," Silva greeted me.
"Salamat. Okay lang ba kayo? Anong meron?"
"Hindi, wala. Ngayon lang kasi namin napansing hindi pa rin nabalik si Damian dito mula nang lumabas siya kanina. Hanapin lang muna namin siya ah."
"Sure. Let me know if you need help."
Pinanuod kong maglakad yung dalawa palabas ng event hall.
"It's not something we should be worried about, right?" I asked.
"Yeah, of course. Black belter din sa Martial Arts at Taekwando si Kuya katulad ko, kaya kung may loko loko mang magtangka sa kanya, sigurado akong iyon pa ang kawawa."
"But have you guys tried calling his phone?"
"We did but he's not answering. Baka may emergency lang na inatupag. I'm sure we'd be able to reach him later."
Tumango ako at hinayaan na siyang alalayan ako pabalik kila Mama.
I hope his brother's fine.
*****
Hindi na ako sumama sa after party dahil pagod na pagod na ako. I've been greeting all my guests for hours. Maiintindihan naman nila kung hindi na ako nakigulo pa doon. Besides, they know I don't drink much. Hindi rin ako mage-enjoy.
I told Dash to join our friends downstairs. Buong Larkyn Bears ay invited kaya kahit wala ako doon ay may makakasama siya. Nandoon din ang mga kaibigan ko kaya naman panatag akong hayaan siyang mag-isa sa baba.
I immediately took off my huge ball gown and heels the moment I entered my hotel room. Magisa na lang ako dito dahil may sariling kwarto naman ang glam team ko. My parents and my sister also have their own rooms. As far as I know, all my guests are booked for the night.
Nakasuot lang ako nang underwear nang pumasok ako sa bathroom. I washed my face to get rid of my make-up then sat at the toilet bowl for I think an hour, just browsing the internet. Trending ang party ko at ang pangalan ko. There were numerous articles, videos and pictures from fans, the media and the guests.
Hindi ako artista at wala pa akong napapatunayan sa mga tao pero napakaraming nakakakilala sa akin. It's insane.
When I grew tired of it, I decided to take a hot shower. The water feels really nice on my skin. Nakaka-relax at nakakawala ng pagod.
After a long bath, I wore a bathrobe and dried my hair. Napapapikit na ang mga mata ko sa antok. I should go to sleep now.
Bumalik na ako sa kwarto ko at pinatong ang cellphone sa night stand. Pagkasarado ko nang curtains ay nagulat ako nang may kumatok sa pintuan. I frowned since I wasn't expecting anyone. Gabing gabi na at tapos na ang birthday ko.
Palapit pa lang ako sa pintuan nang marinig ko ang boses ni Dash. "My life..."
I hurriedly opened the door. "Hey, what's up? Why are you---"
Nagulat ako nang sinalubong niya ako ng halik. I immediately pulled away to look at him.
"W-what was that?" I could smell the alcohol on his breath.
He bit his lower lip and slowly closed the door behind him. I heard he locked it.
Napalunok ako nang titigan niya ako. It was an intense stare that made my heart beat faster.
"Mahal na mahal kita, Iris." Even at his drunk state, he's still so sweet.
I smiled and touched his cheek. "I love you too."
Pumikit siya at hinalikan ang palad ko. "Can I sleep here? I want to spend the night with you."
"Oo naman pero magpalit ka muna kaya ng damit? Do you want me to get some clothes from your room or should I just call---"
Nagulat ako nang bigla niyang hinubad sa harapan ko ang coat niya. Then he took off his tie and started unbuttoning his shirt.
I just stood there, watching him like a fool. Hindi ko alam kung dapat ba umiwas ako ng tingin o 'di kaya tumalikod...
I did my best to calm down. I'm his girlfriend and this is normal. Matutulog lang naman kami. Nagtatanggal lang siya ng damit dahil madumi na iyon. That's it. Stop thinking about anything else, Iris.
Na-distract ako sa pagiisip nang maalis niya na ang pangitaas na damit niya. I couldn't help but look at his perfect abs. Grabe ang training niya kaya naman ang ganda talaga ng hubog ng katawan niya. He can be a model if he wants too, that's for sure.
Unintentionally, my eyes followed his hands when he started taking off his belt.
Wait. WHY IS HE TAKING OFF HIS BELT? MATUTULOG LANG NAMAN 'DI BA?
WALA NAMANG IBANG GAGAWIN?
"W-what are you doing?" I sounded as if I'm running out of breath. I cleared my throat and forced myself to have a poker face.
"I can't sleep with my pants on. Ayos lang ba kung tanggalin ko ang pants ko?" He asked in his hoarse voice. Pumupugay na rin ang mga mata niya na tila kaunti na lang ay babagsak na siya. Mukhang naparami ang inom niya kaya antok na siya.
I slowly nodded and averted my gaze on the wall beside him. "Maghilamos ka na muna sa CR. Mayroon namang clean towel doon."
"Okay..." He lazily walked towards the bathroom, not even closing the door behind him. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang mawala na siya sa paningin ko. Agad akong kumuha nang pantulog sa bag ko at magdadamit na sana nang marinig kong bumalik na siya agad.
I turned around and saw him wiping his wet face with a towel. Naka-boxer shorts na lang siya nang umupo siya sa dulo ng kama ko.
When he looked up and saw me standing a few feet away from him, he just laid his eyes on me, like he's waiting for me to join him in bed. I grew uncomfortable at his fixed gaze.
Sobrang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko at rinig na rinig ko iyon dahil ang tahimik dito sa kwarto ko.
I hope he couldn't hear it because that would be so embarrasing.
"Dash, mauna ka na muna matulog. Hindi pa kasi ako tapos magayos."
He didn't say a word. Instead, he stood up and walked towards me. Tumigil siya sa harapan ko at tinitigan lang uli ako.
His burning stare is alluring. How is it that I couldn't break eye contact with him?
"I may had a few drinks but I'm well aware of this moment." His low rough voice made my throat dry. My heart is palpitating fast as he looked down, holding the end of the lace on my bathrobe.
"Can I untie this?" He seductively asked for my permission.
My cheeks heat up and turn crimson as I felt him slowly pulling the lace.
I knew that if I stood still, I'd be naked in front of him within the next few seconds.
I bit my lower lip and thought about it. I'm in the mood just as much as he does but I still feel uneasy. Before it's too late, I decided to stop him. Hinawakan ko ang mga kamay niya at huminga ako ng malalim.
"I don't think we should..." I admitted. "Don't get me wrong. Mahal kita pero pakiramdam ko, masyado pang maaga."
I was so ready to do it with Dash when we were making out at his room on our monthsary, but now I just feel like this isn't the right time.
I once made a mistake before and I regretted it so much till this day. Ayokong maulit iyon.
I'm not being a hypocrite. I'm just smarter now. Nagawa ko lang naman ibigay ang sarili ko noon sa isang taong hindi ko lubusang kilala dahil nagrerebelde ako nung mga panahong iyon. I was so hungry for freedom that I didn't realize I was the one trapping myself to wrongdoings.
Now that I'm allowed to date the guy that I love and I finally understood my Mom, I want things to happen accordingly.
"I hope you don't get upset," I whispered.
Ngumiti siya at yumuko upang halikan ako. Madiin ang halik niya ngunit saglit lang. "Upset at what?"
"At me for saying no to you."
"You have every right to say no." Hinalikan niya ulit ako and this time, it was longer but I could feel that it wasn't going somewhere. Talagang halik lang ang nais niya na ngayon. "I respect your decision, Iris."
He brushed his lips on mine before he pulled away. "Hindi dahil boyfriend mo ako, ibig sabihin iibigay mo na lahat ng kailangan ko. That's not how I want our relationship to work. Hindi lang ako ang mahalaga dito, pati na rin ikaw. Always remember that."
He cupped my face so that my eyes would focus on his. "Sorry, nadala lang din ako ng tension. I guess it has something to do with those stupid drinks I had." Napakamot siya sa ulo niya at napailing. "Sana wag mong maramdamang minamadali kita."
"I know you'd never..."
Idinikit niya ang noo niya sa akin. "I love you no matter what."
I kissed him lightly and smiled when our lips parted. "Thank you for understanding, Dash."
Niyakap niya ako saglit bago siya nagsabing maliligo na lang muna daw siya nang maalis ang init ng katawan niya. I, on the other hand, changed to my sleepwear and waited for him in bed. Nang tumabi na siya sa akin ay hindi na ako kinabahan. For some reason, I felt relaxed now. Siguro ay dahil alam kong walang mangyayaring iba kundi ang matutulog lang talaga kami.
Niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit at ibinaon ang mukha niya sa leeg ko. I love how he cuddle like a baby. His skin is warm despite the coldness of the room temperature.
"Goodnight, my life. Sweet dreams," he murmured, kissing the crook of my neck before drifting to sleep.
I am so lucky I'm with this guy. I wouldn't choose anyone else to spend my life with but him.
*End of Chapter 30*
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Work has been so time consuming lately, stressful even but I'll do my best to update asap.
Happy love month by the way!
Xoxo.