Growing up in a well-known family, Celeste Aragon always lived in unending rules. And among all of the rules, there's one rule she should never violate: Never ever show her special ability to anyone. Her being illusionist should be a secret. But Cel...
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I woke up the next morning, feeling my head pounding.
The light from the outside passed through the window and went in between the closed curtains, directing itself to my face. I turned my face on the other side, avoiding it. Nakakasilaw kasi. Masakit na nga ang ulo ko, sasakit pa ang mata ko dahil sa liwanag ng araw.
I accidentally glanced at the clock and saw that it's already past eleven in the morning. Dahan-dahan akong bumangon habang nakahawak sa ulo ko. Napatingin ako sa suot ko nang mapansing 'yong suot ko pa rin kagabi ang suot ko hanggang ngayon.
"Shit..." I tried to smell myself. I couldn't explain my exact smell, basta ang alam ko kagabi ko pa ito suot, kung ano-ano at sino-sino pa ang nakasalamuha ko. Yuck.
I did remember going in my bed and hugging my pillow when I entered my bedroom last night. Wow. So, I passed out?
I went straight inside my bedroom and took a shower. It took me couple of minutes to finish. I also cleaned my face and teeth before changing my clothes. Umupo ako sa kama at sinubsob ang mukha sa mga kamay. I tried massaging my temples, hoping the pain would lessen. Bukod sa sakit ng ulo, kumakalam na rin ang sikmura ko kaya wala akong choice kung hindi ang lumabas ng kwarto.
Naglalakad ako sa hallway nang masalubong si Dwein sa daan. She acted surprised when she saw me, she even sarcastically put her hand on her chest. "You're here? Grabe, akala ko nakidnap ka na kagabi." Her voice full of sarcasm was ringing in my ears.
"Dwein, thank you for your care," I responded, sarcastically. I tapped her shoulder when we passed by each other and gave her a fake smile.
I continued walking and went downstairs. I slowed my walk when I saw Dad and his 'assistant' Trent in the living room. They looked like they're having a meeting, as usual. I bowed my head and turned my back on them, not planning to show myself to them. But...
"Have you finished packing?"
I stopped when I heard Dad's firm voice. It's just a simple question but why do I feel like I'm being interrogated? His tone always made me stiffened. I slowly turned to face him and shook my head. His eyes underneath the glasses were gazing at me. Trent, however, didn't care about the conversation. He was just typing on his laptop.
I heard Dad sigh. "Tapusin mo na. Your flight is tonight." That's the only thing he said before going back to his business.
I was left standing in the middle of the living room like a fool. I nodded at myself before walking again towards the dining room. He didn't mention anything about me going home late last night. Maybe he didn't know? Or probably he just let that pass?
Napadukmo ako sa lamesa pagdating sa dining room. The empty table made my stomach growled. Nagwawala na tiyan ko dahil wala akong nakitang pagkain dito sa lamesa. The door from the kitchen opened and it showed Manang Jessi. I lifted my face and leaned my chin on the table.
