This Could End

Chapter Thirteen

Mama and Tita Bridgette were already at the restaurant with another lady who looked like in her late twenties. She's probably the event planner.

Magkahawak ang kamay namin ni Giovann habang naglalakad. Nangunguna siya sa paglalakad patungo sa table.

My father dampened my evening last night when he sent a text to tell me about this engagement party planning. He didn't even bother welcoming me back to the country. My expectation was low anyway.

Second day pa lang sa pagbabalik sa Pilipinas ay eto ang pinagkakaabalahan ko. I'd rather spend my day off binging on series at home. Mabuti na lang at pahinga rin ako bukas. I need a break.

"Good afternoon Mom, Tita," si Giovann ang unang bumati. He released my hand so he can properly greet them with a beso.

"Oh my God, Kaia!" Gio's Mom dramatically stated. She even had her arms wide open to welcome me for an embrace. Yumakap naman ako. "It's been a month since I last saw you."

"Hi, Tita," I greeted sweetly and hugged her back.

She gave me an air kiss before pulling away at arm's length to have a look at me. "You are so tanned. It suits you."

"Thank you." I smiled.

Tita Bridgette let me go. I faced my mother and greeted her with a hug. I relaxed a bit in my mother's embrace. She rubbed my back and kissed me on my cheek.

"Kaia, this is Cindy. She's going to be the event planner for your engagement party and wedding," Tita Bridgette announced.

Bumitaw ako kay Mama ay hinarap ang event planner. I modestly smiled and extended my hand to her way.

"Hi, I'm Kaia," I bid. She happily shook my hand. Her eyes were bright and wide.

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Kaia. I'm a fan," she stated.

I laughed a bit. "Really? Thank you so much."

"Let's take our seats. I'm excited to plan out the engagement party," Tita Bridgette enthusiastically exclaimed.

I sat near the event planner who's sitting at the head of the table. Si Tita Bridgette at Mama ang magkatabi sa isang side habang sa akin naman tumabi si Giovann.

A server approached us. Nag-abot ng menu sa aming dalawa ni Gio. Gio thanked the staff.

"How was Thailand, Persephone?" Mama asked.

I mentally cringed 'cos it just dawned me that I forgot to buy souvenirs for the Alvarez. Oh, well. I orchestrated a problematic and dejected look.

"It was all work and our schedule was so tight. I'm sorry I forgot to buy pasalubong." I glanced at Tita Bridgette. She was mimicking my disheartened expression. I think she's convinced with my act.

"Oh, don't fret. We've been in that place anyway. We're just glad that you're finally back," Tita Bridgette said to assure me.

I smiled at Tita Bridgette with gratitude. I brought my eyes to the menu and browsed the food that they offer to cut that topic short and we can move on with this thing. The sooner we start, the sooner we'll finish.

"So." Tita clapped her hand. "Cindy already showed us their company's portfolio. Your mother and I were impressed. Would you like to take a look at it first before we proceed?"

"No need, Tita." I courtly shook my head. No thanks. "I trust your tastes."

"Great. How shall we start with this?" Tita Bridgette glanced at the Cindy to cue her in.

Cindy sat up straight and opened her notebook. She clicked her pen and beamed at us. "Before anything else, I always ask my client if it's going to be a big event or a small gathering and if it's formal or informal."