Fight or Flight? [Book 2] ON GOING

8

-Flashback-

(Art Auction Setting)

Kanina pa ako naghihintay kay Quinn dito sa auction. Nakailang ikot na rin ako at sa tingin ko ay napagmasdan ko na ang bawat paintings ng mga twenty minutes. Kahit ganoon pa man ay alam kong darating at darating ito.

"Yasmine Bernice? Is that my beautiful niece that I'm seeing. You are looking so much like your mother." Napangiti ako ng malaki ng makita ko kung sino ang tumawag sa akin.

"Tita!" I went to her and hugged her, "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Likewise. What brings you here? Or should I ask, does my brother know you are here?"  Tanong ni Tita Paula. Kapatid ito ni Dad and she's currently the Undersecretary of Customs ng bansa.

"I got my tickets from Dad and I'm waiting for a friend of mine who is like a fan of everything that's in here." Sabik na akong makita ang reaksyon ni Quinn mamaya. She'd definitely enjoy tonight. What's taking her long anyways?

"Is it Reece? I saw her Mother together with her aunt earlier."

Paano ko ba sasabihin ito? Bago pa ako makapagsalita ay may lumapit kay Tita Paula na PSG at may inabot na maliit na papel. Mahina lamang ang boses nilang dalawa habang nag-uusap.

"I wonder." I heard my aunt say. Sinundan ko kung saan man ito nakadungaw at nakilala ko agad ang babaeng naglalakad habang ang mga mata'y sa akin nakabaling ang tingin. I smiled at Quinn and waved my hand, "Is she the friend that you were waiting, Yassy?" may halong gulat ang tono ng boses ni Tita.

"Yes, Tita. Is there something wrong?" Nag-aalangan kong tanong habang sinusubukan basahin ang ekspresyon sa mukha nito, "If she's not allowed to be here then I will just—-"

"This is surprising. Of course, she's fine to be here. Some of her relatives are your Uncle's highest bidders. Money really can't do nothing to improve this." Turo nito sa ulo niya sabay kindat sa akin. I don't know how to react to what she just said because I know how smart Quinn is.

"I hope I didn't miss much. I had a hard time asking permission to go out tonight." Quinn smiles at me. Mabuti na lang at hindi nito narinig ang sinabi ni Tita Paula, "And you look good without your glasses."  I blink my eyes, slightly irritated with my contact lenses on.

"You did not miss much. Quinn, I'd like you to meet my Aunt Paula." Ngumiti naman si Tita kay Quinn. Whilst Quinn raised her eyebrow a little at my formality.