Center of Attraction [Melody Series 1]

Chapter 09: Always you

Chapter 09: Always you

"It's true. Me and Cyrene paired for the engagement that I didn't want. Believe me, Ezra."

"But still! You were fucking engaged to her! Hindi mo man gusto!"

"Come on babe..." He pleaded. I sighed. "Come on let me fix you're dress."

I was about to speak and anger to him but he pulled me to his arm. Hatak hatak nya ako papunta sa kotse kung saan naka park ang sasakyan nya. I was silent the whole time. He brought me a new pair of dresses and sandals. It was a black long-sleeved dress. It looks elegant and luxurious.

"Here. Suit this, I need to tell them what's really going on. Come with me again to the party." I just nodded and turned my back to him.

Mabilis akong pumasok sa isang powder room, I fix myself. I put on the dress that Lenarj gave to me, It's a perfect fit for me as always. I put lipstick, blush, and powder on my face. Nilugay ko ang naka bun kong buhok at ngumiti sa salamin. It's okay. Everything will be fine. Don't be afraid. Don't let them know your weaknesses. Enjoy this night, Ezra. I grab my phone and sling bag bago ako lumabas ng powder room. Nakasandal sa haligi si Lenarj habang hinihintay ako.

"Let's go," hinila nya ako sa kamay at tahimik na naglakad pabalik sa loob ng Hall. All the attention is back again to us... also to me. Fluck off the camera, silently laughing, glaring at me. But all my attention is focused on Lenarj's hand and his tall body. He was protecting me. He was sure that I was no longer harmed by this bunch of crowd.

"May I tell you something, everyone?" Lenarj spoke through the microphone. I'm nervous but still waiting for what his saying. "I just want to introduce to all of you, to my friends, relatives, my parents friends, and investors. My beautiful girlfriend, Ezra. I admire her for a long fucking years. She really knows this story, but I just want to tell you how this admiring turns to love. A quiet, fragile, beautiful, popular girl in our school. Endorsement of many luxurious things, and beauty products all over the world is my girlfriend. I really love her. So please stay away from us. I don't care about our engagement, Cyrene. I see you as my younger sister. I'm older than you, Cyrene. I don't like you like how my feelings about my girlfriend."

"I want to turn down the engagement. Ayokong makasal sa babaeng hindi ko gusto. Ezra, she's the one that I really want to marry. Wala akong pake sa kung anong sasabihin ng iba. Wala akong ibang gusto makasama kung hindi si Ezra lamang. I really hope na hindi na ulit mauulit ang nangyare ngayon. Let's enjoy the night. Thank you for inviting me and my girlfriend." Hinawakan ni Lenarj ang kamay ko at hinatak ako paalis sa lugar. May sinenyas sya sa mommy nito na agad namang tumango.

Sumakay kami sa sasakyan ni Lenarj at tahimik na pinaandar paalis sa event. Tahimik ako habang nakasandal sa upuan at nakatitig sa labas. Tahimik din si Lenarj at pinapakiramdaman ako. Wala naman akong gustong sabihin eh. Should I apologize? Should I thank him? Akala ko iuuwe na nya ako pero nagkamali ako. Nagiba sya ng direksyon at hindi ko agad nahula kung saan kami pupunta.

Hinayaan ko lang sya hanggang sa tumigil yung sasakyan sa harap ng coffee shop na kilala rin dito. Nauna suang bumaba at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. Lumabas ako at sumunod kay Lenarj papsok sa coffee shop. Nasa likod nya ako at tahimik na sumunod. I don't know why I'm silent the whole time. Hindi naman nya talaga gustong ma engaged sa babae na yon. Sabe din nya na mahal nya ako. So, wala namang reason para magalit ako. Wait. I'm not mad anymore. I'm just... guilty? Maybe?

Naupo na kami ni Lenarj magkatapat pa, ng nagtama mata namin ay agad syang umiwas ng tingin. Napabuntong hininga pa ako kung ano ang sasabihin ko. Nakaorder na pala si Lenarj ng kape na gusto ko. Tinitigan ko muna sya ng matagal bago ako magsalita.