Flying Without Wings (Del Gallego Series #1)

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Lifetime

"It's my first time seeing you," Vladimir whispered.

I forced myself to ignore the gauche that embraced the both of us.

He's grinning very weirdly and it's quite uncomfortable for me. Hindi pa nakatulong ang paglapit niya sa'kin at pagtitig. His face was bit near on mine. Tumatama sa aking balat ang kanyang hininga na amoy alak na.

"G-Ganoon ba?" nasabi ko na lamang.

Tumawa siya sa'kin.

Ramdam ko ang pag-pisil niya sa kamay ko, habang sumasayaw kami sa malamyos na musika na pinapatugtog sa ballroom. We're in the midst of dancing people. I saw him stared at me with a smirk allowing my gaze to draw away.

Napalunok ako.

Inaya ako ni Vladimir na sumayaw ngayon, pagkatapos ng napakahabang seremonya. Lately, I sat on the extravagant couch at the center as my debut party proceeds. Guests' eyes never leave my shadow. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang mararamdaman ko. Halo-halo ang lahat ng emosyon sa aking sistema kanina.

Minsan parang ang saya ko, dahil napakaganda ng lahat. Minsan kinakabahan. Ngunit minsan din ay nalulungkot dahil sa isipin na hindi natupad ng aking Abuela ang kanyang binitiwan na pangako.

I didn't receive any call from her. And I don't have any courage to ask someone in my family about that. Hindi na nga nila ako pinapansin, iyong sagutin pa kaya ako?

I sighed.

As the orchestra reign the surroundings, my eyes are a bit teary lately because my father's hand holding out through mine. He wanted to be my first dance. And I was struck dumbed seeing other men lining up too. Wala akong kilala o kaibigan sa mga iyon. Ang kilala ko lang ay ang mga kuya at pinsan ko na nasa likod din ni Papa.

"Did you know that until now your Papa can't believe that her princess is already eighteen?" Papa smiled at me.

"P-Papa..." A tear rolled down my cheek.

Masuyo niyang pinunasan ang luha ko.

"Don't cry, sweetheart... I'm just grateful I became your Papa," he whispered suddenly, his eyes warm with an unusual feeling. "You have grown up so kind, respectful, lovely, and I'm very proud of you..."

My heart softened.

"Gracias, Papa." I smiled at him.

Sumayaw kami sa gitna ng mga taong nakatingin. Ang tugtugin ay nanunuot sa aking pakiramdam habang kasama si Papa.

"No matter what happens, know that I'm here for you, okay? I love you, sweetheart. We love you so much, always remember that."

My father kissed my forehead before someone replaced him.

It's Kuya Demi's turn.

"Happy Birthday, mi querida hermana," sinserong sabi niya.

Tumango ako sa kanya at ngumiti ng maliit, dahil sa pagtatampo. "Gracias, Hermano."

He smiled softly and danced with me. After a while, he was replaced by Titus.

"Feliz cumpleanos," seryosong sabi nito.

Kahit pa naiilang, dahil sa mga nangyari, pilit ko muna iyon ikinimkim.

"S-Salamat." Ngumiti ako.

Then, Pablo came.

"Happy kaarawan," he jokes to somehow lighten the mood.

I just chortle a little, before dancing with him. "Gracias, Pablo."