Even If It Means A War (Chaotic Series #1)

Kabanata 19

Even If It Means A War

Kabanata 19

A lot of people were invited at Cecilia's 22nd birthday. The event was held in a hotel. Isang oras nang nag-uumpisa ang event at isang oras na ring ngawit ang pwetan ko sa upuan.

"Gusto mo tequila?" tanong sa akin ni Rems. "Want ko ng hard drink, hindi nag-iinit ang katawan ko sa beer."

I nodded at my sister. "Bring a bottle."

Tumayo siya at agad nagpunta sa table ng mga nakahandang alak. I was left alone at the table. Mom and Ate Kris were seated at the other table. Rems wanted us to be separate so we were placed in the back.

Bumalik si Rems na dala ang tequila. She poured some into my glass. A burning sensation crept out my throat as I took the one shot.

Hindi ko matanaw ang kinalulugaran ni Zame. Malayo ang table nila at kahit tumayo, hindi pa rin matanaw. Kaya bagot na bagot ako rito at hindi ko man lang siya nakita kanina.

Kanina pa lumabas si Cecilia. She has been sitting on a throne-like chair while being serenaded by a well-known band and danced around by an international group of dancers. Ang daming pasabog na nangyari kaya maingay magpasahanggang ngayon ang mga tao. The guests were even taking pictures with celebrities who attended the party. Five famous actors were invited and all of them are friends with Cecilia.

Si Rall naman na abala ay isang beses kaming dinaluhan sa aming mesa. Ilang beses ko siyang nakitang abala na kinakausap ang mga guests.

"Ano? Nakita mo na ba si Zame?"

Umiling ako sa tanong ni Rems at pinaikot-ikot ang ulo ng lobster sa plato. "Hindi pa. Masiyadong maraming tao, hindi ko makita."

"I-text mo kasi."

Umiling ako. "Makikita ko naman siya mamaya sa last dance ni Cecilia so it's fine."

Rems and I were just waiting for the twenty-two roses to finish, and after that, we would go home. We both had no interest in finishing the entire event, lalo na sa tingin ko aabutin pa ata kami ng higit alas dose ng gabi rito.

Naghintay kami sa susunod na mangyayari. And the most anticipated of all was Cecilia's twenty-two roses. Everyone was excited, especially during her first dance with a handsome young man. I saw her friends who were positioned in the front row couldn't contain their excitement.

Sakop ng dalawang sumasayaw ang malaking space sa harap. Rose petals were also being showered there. Cecilia looked like a doll with her perfectly done makeup that matched her gold gown. She was wearing a crown which made her shine more under the spotlight.

The music played softly as her fourth dance partner joined her.

When I turned eighteen, I never experienced such a grand birthday celebration. It's always simple gatherings. I don't complain about it, though. That's why also Rems found this cheesy because we never had this kind of celebration every year despite being wealthy.

My phone buzzed with a text. Zame's text appeared on the screen notification.

Z:

I want you to be my dance instead.

I laughed at his text.

Ako:

I'm not the birthday celebrant, honey.

Z:

I can even hear you saying that.

Kinagat ko ang labi nang lumapad ang ngiti.