Checkmate on Love (COMPLETED- Published under PHR)

Part 14

"ANG GANDA MO MAVIS." Sabi ni Donna nang matapos niyang magbihis. Her gown fits her well and she liked how she appears on the mirror. Excited tuloy siyang lumabas at harapin ang mga bisita niya.

"Thanks Donna."

Today, is her 18th birthday. That would mean she'll already in legal age. Maaaring iyon kaya ang hinihintay ni Jacques sa kanya?

Naalala kasi niya ang sinabi ni Eric bago siya lumipad pa-Seoul. Pareho kasi daw silang lalaki ni Jacques kaya sigurado siya sa ibig sabihin nito. May pagtingin din si Jacques sa kanya.

Pero malalaman niya iyon lahat mamaya sa party. If that happens, will she say yes right away? Is Thea still on the picture? Kinakabahan na siyang marinig ang totoo.

"But are you really gonna wear those shoes?"

Siyempre susuotin niya ang sapatos na bigay ni Jacques. Kahit pa hindi pa siya lubusang magaling, gusto niyang ipakita kay Jacques na mahalaga sa kanya ang sapatos na bigay nito.

"Oo naman. Kaya ko naman mag-heels. Minsan lang ang debut ko kaya kakayanin ko talaga."

"Siya nga pala nasa labas ang mga reporters. Gusto kang ma-interview. Grabe ang sikat mo ngayon. Congrats nga pala."

Because of what Eric told her, she was so inspired during the tournament. Now she's the Asian Champion - the youngest and only female who has won this title. No wonder the press is after her.

"Thank you. Di bale, magpapa-presscon naman bukas. Doon ko na lang sila kakausapin. For now, party party muna."

Nang tinawag na ang pangalan niya nagtayuan lahat at pinalakpakan siya. She felt so proud of herself. Alam niyang hindi lang dahil sa birthday niya ang mga palakpak na iyon kundi pati na rin sa pagkapanalo niya sa tournament.

Sa dami ng pumalakpak sa kanya isang tao lang ang talaga ang nakikita niya ngayon. And it is Jacques who is wearing his black suit and tie. He was smiling as he continues to clap his hands for her.

Ilang sandali pa napansin niyang may lumapit dito at bahagyang bumulong. Donna?

At wala pang isang segundo ay naglakad na ito papalapit sa kanya. Her heart flutters as she saw him walking towards her. The man she has been longing to come is now right in front of her - his hand reaching out for her to hold.

"Hindi pa magaling ang paa mo. I'll be your aid."

Hindi pa man siya nakakasagot ay hinawakan na nito ang kamay niya at inalalayan siya pababa ng hagdan. With all the eyes on them, hindi niya mapigilang lumipad ang isip niya. Maybe it would be the same as their engagement party. Or wedding day perhaps?

He guided her around to be greeted by the guests. There were lots of familiar faces from her parents and godparents business, her classmates, some neighbors and friends. And her new close friends Pia and Eric, with teasing looks, cheered on her.

She has not seen Thea and it made her feel that what Eric said is true. She really has to talk with Jacques and let him explain everything. She just has to listen to him. That's all it takes. As for now, she's happy in his arms as they walked around.

Nang makalapit na siya kina Tito Ben at Tita Jacky ay niyakap siya ng mga ito.

"It's a double celebration Mavis!" Her Tito Ben said.

"Thank you po, Tito Ben, Tita Jacky sa party na ito."

Pinisil ni Tita Jacky ang kamay niya. "Oh you deserve it anyway. Ang saya-saya ko para sa iyo."