The Introvert Out In The World || [A Tagalog and English Story] [TagLish]

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 13

Breakfast went by pretty smoothly, although the silence throughout the meal was a first. Mr. Belyakov ate breakfast with us, and the kids were happy.

"Kaitlyn." Mr. Belyakov said my name. I almost choked in surprised. I looked to meet his gaze just when I was about to put a spoonful of bacon and salad in my mouth. He chuckled when he saw the struggle I was in. "You can eat."

"Yes, sir?" tanong ko kay Mr. Belyakov.

"Have you thought about what to do for your birthday?"

Oo nga pala, yung birthday ko. Isang linggo nalang. "Uhm, I sort of forgot about it?" I grinned in apology. Everyone laughed. "But uhm, my best friend was going to help me plan it, Sir. I'm just waiting for her to get back from the Keys. She had this Marine Environment trip."

"Hmm, that's fine. You can celebrate it here at home. We have the space for it, anyway. Invite your friends. But, I won't be able to make it. I have to be in Paris next week. I have to close a deal with several business partners."

"Oh." Nalungkot naman ako kasi hindi maka-celebrate si Mr. Belyakov sa birthday ko. Siya pa naman ang sasagot ng mga gastusin. "That's okay, Sir. I'll let you know as soon as I have an outline."

"Don't worry. That's why I'm hosting a banquet Friday night here. A couple of our long-time investors and business partners are visiting Miami. It's not a business party, just a small get together. I'll be here, you'll be here. You can bring your mom as well."

I felt my heart skip a beat. Mr. Belyakov is such a kind man.

"That... that would be amazing. Thank you, Sir! I really wanted to celebrate it with you." I almost cried, and then the kids started laughing.

"I'll help her plan and set up, Dad." My eyes shot immediately to Daniel and glared. "I gotta make amends. I have nothing to do anyway."

Mr. Belyakov was already nodding as he sipped his coffee and before I could say something he already approved it. "Daniel, my son, that is a great idea. You need to help out here. And also, you need to thank Kaitlyn for all the things she did for you. Got it?"

Buti nalang at alam ni Mr. Belyakov. Napangiti naman ako at nag pasalamat sa kanya. Lumingon ako kay Daniel, and smirked at him. Pero hindi ko akalaing ngingiti siya and sabay sabing, "I can't wait."

"Let's plan the party today." It wasn't even a question.

I just rolled my eyes in response and got on with my usual day.

-

Friday came in a blur. The catering people came and did the preparation. The kids and I just watched and tried to stay out of their way. Their dad forbade me to help with the banquet. "You are a guest. I invited you to the party. So, don't do anything." The free time also gave me the opportunity to make an outline for the party. I was thinking maybe just a simple dinner, with catering as well. Invite some friends and former classmates. Definitely not like this one! It feels like...

BAM!!

Hindi ko namalayan nakatulog na pala ako.

"You had an amazing nap?" Daniel. I forgot that we were in the middle of planning my party. I kept putting it off until he finally cornered me and didn't let me leave my room.

"Ugh, come on Daniel. I need to get ready for the party! I have to look pretty, you know. We never know, your brother might be bringing some of his HOT and GORGEOUS bachelor friends. I have to get ready."

Pinagtawanan ba naman ako sabay sabi, "Yeah for sure they'll be there. But, come on Kate, we both know that you'll end up just standing right next to the food. Or just sitting down, or play with the kids in their room. You're anti-social."

P*ta tong gag*ng ito! "Hoy! Walang hiya ka! Learn how to respect someone older than you! You're going too far, Daniel. So, what if I'm anti-social? I KNOW that I'm socially awkward and I tend to stay away from people as much as possible, but I'm trying! F*ck this! Why am I even doing this party?!"

Tumayo ako from the couch, and headed to the door. I opened it, and motioned for him to leave my room. Napansin niya ang galit sa mukha ko. Para atang naging kamatis ang mukha ko kasi naramdaman ko talagang uminit ang ulo ko, lalo na ang pisngi ko. Gustong gusto kong sumigaw, pero pinigilan ko sarili ko.

"Get out of my sight, Daniel."

He left, and I slammed the door shut the moment he stepped out.

"We still need to finish the plan!" sigaw niya from the other side.

"SHUT UP! I DON'T NEED YOU TO FINISH IT. I'M FINE ON MY OWN! Now, stop talking to me!"

Nangingig ako sa galit. It took me a few minutes to finally calm down. Muntikan ngang bumalik ang asthma ko, buti nalang hindi. Bigla rin akong natauhan sa nangyari. Bakit kaya ako nagalit? Eh totoo naman ang sinabi niya na anti-social ako. Na sorpresa siguro ako kasi naman, alam ng tao na yun ang kahinaan ko. What a way to impress the guy I like, right?

I sighed, and slumped back against the door, and cried.

Umiyak ako hanggang sa may kumatok sa pinto. "I told you to leave!"

"Huhhh? Sinabi mo? Kailan lang?" That was my best friend's voice!!!

I quickly opened the door. A very tanned Sofia stood in front of me and I didn't waste time to jump on her and hugged her!

"Piaaaa! OH EM GEEEE! You're so tan it looks epically good on you!"

Tumawa nalang siya. "Grabe girl, yan talaga first comment mo. Pero, I agree with you. Tama lang talaga na sumama ako sa trip namin. Hindi pa nga officially summer, pero summer ready na ang skin ko! Yessss!"

Nakakaloka talaga tong babae na to.

"Kaitlyn! Have you been crying?" She pushed me off her and looked at my face. "And what's the deal about earlier? Ooh girl, chismis mo ako while I help you get ready for your boss's party."

I shared everything that's happened so far and the outburst I had earlier with Daniel after I took a shower.

She instructed me to dab moisturizer on my face, lotion on my body, and deodorant. Never forget the deodorant. 

"Then, I just cried." I told her.

Pinaupo niya ako in front of my vanity mirror and I watched her set up her make-up stuff. "Iiyak mo lang yan, girl. Pero tonight, there will be no crying, understand? Tonight, you'll be interacting with strangers and tonight, you'll be breaking hearts except for one."

Sofia grabbed a make-up brush and opened arectangular plastic thingy. She grinned, and raised an eyebrow, like a lionessprotecting her cub knowing that she'll win.