(WRITTEN SERIES #3)
Having their hearts broken after an expected affair, Penny and Clifford unexpectedly found comfort from each other. But as the bond between the two of them deepens, secrets resurface as conflicts wreck havoc to their present. Can...
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PENNY
"MISS Penelope, are you okay?" my makeup artist asked while finalizing my overall look for tonight.
Although feeling nervous, I nodded with a giddy smile. "Of course, I am! Kinakabahan lang talaga ako. You know, welcoming adulthood pretensions."
After he casted his 'final touchʼ on me, pinagmasdan ko ang sarili ko sa tall mirror. I couldnʼt help but be amazed by how I look. It seems like Iʼm a different person tonight — a whole new different person.
"There you have it! You look so gorgeous, Miss Penelope!" Sinabayan pa ng palakpak ang mga papuri ng makeup artist ko sa 'kin. Ngumiti na lang ako habang patuloy na pinagmamasdan ang repleksyon ko.
Yes, I'm nervous, but I'm sure that this night will be fun. Tonight, Iʼm celebrating my 18th year of existence. And to top it all, ngayon din ang gabi kung kailan ko haharapin ang realidad ng pagiging adult.
I know itʼs going to be a whole lot of pressure, but thatʼs how life works, right?
Habang abala ako sa pagtingin sa salamin, biglang bumukas ang malalaking pinto ng dressing room. Mula sa salaming tinitingnan ko, nakita ko ang pagpasok ni Mom sa kwarto.
"Hi, Mom!" I greeted her and smiled. I may not have a close relationship with my parents, but Iʼm really trying my best to build a connection with them.
Paglingon ko, sinalubong ako ng nakangiti niyang mukha. She looked so beautiful with her overall look tonight. I saw her smile widened as she looked at me from head to toe.
"I canʼt believe it. My princess is finally going to be an adult." Halos mangiyak-ngiyak siya habang tinitingnan ako. "I am so proud of what you have become."
"Thanks, Mom..." I smiled and turned my back at her, facing the tall mirror once again. Kita ko naman ang nakangiti niyang mukha dahil sa repleksyon nito sa salamin.
"How do you feel?" Hinawakan niya ang magkabila kong balikat. Pansin kong pinagmamasdan niya ang bagong gupit kong buhok. This is my first time to try a new haircut — a pixie cut, to be exact.I never thought na babagay pala sa 'kin ang ganito.
"A bit nervous..." I answered, forcing a smile as I looked at myself. "Iʼm going to be an adult tonight. I'll be facing a new chapter of my life."
"And weʼll be right by your side as you accomplish your goals." Hinaplos niya ang balikat ko. "In the next five years, youʼll finally succeed me and your father. Youʼll be the next heir of our fortune."
Nagbabadyang maglaho ang ngiti sa labi ko pero pinigilan ko lang ito. I smiled again as I faced our reflection on the mirror. Sana, hindi niya napansin 'yon.
The door opened again and this time, it was the coordinator of the event who told me that we'll begin in five minutes. Napangiti na lang ako at pinagmasdan ang itsura ko sa huling pagkakataon. The love of my life is going to be my escort so I canʼt look ugly tonight!
