The Fall of Alexander the Great (Monteverde Series 3)

2

Chapter Two

"That man is crazy, Amanda! He should be closely monitored by the building owners, because who would do something like that?"

Natatawang tinignan ako ng kapatid ko habang pabalik-balik akong naglalakad sa harap niya. Siya naman ay kalmadong kumakain ng potato chips habang nakikinig sa paghihimutok ko sa engkuwentro namin ng hambog na kapitbahay kanina.

"First time yata 'tong nagfail ang alindog mo."

"Walang mali sa alindog ko! 'Yon! 'Yong lalaking 'yon ang may mali. Masyado siyang mayabang, akala mo naman ay kung sinong guwapo!"

"Well, guwapo naman kasi talaga siya."

"Kahit na! Maganda rin naman ako, pero hindi naman ako nanghihingi ng filled out application form sa mga nagpapakita ng interes sa akin. Akala mo ba ay napakalaking pribiliheyo ang maging kalandian niya!"

"Hindi ba?" Amanda taunted after she took a swig of beer.

"Hindi, 'no! Nakakapanggalaiti."

"Woah. There's that word again. Naniniwala na akong sobrang naiinis ka nga."

"I'm serious, Mands. Kailangan siyang bantayan ng building owners, because someone who thinks like that must have a huge dent on his brain. He needs to see his shrink, something is definitely wrong with him."

"I think you need to blow off some steam tonight. Go party and have fun. Huwag mong hayaang tuluyang masira ang gabi mo. Aba, men would kill to be Blythe Dominguez's boyfriend, tapos ang lalaking 'yon ay parang manok na tinanggihan ang palay. Now, be the yummy palay he doesn't deserve."

"A yummy palay? That is the weirdest analogy I have heard from you so far."

Her laughter filled the living room. "You are one annoying yummy palay. Go."

Nakangusong dumeretso ako sa kuwarto para maligo. I realized my sister is right. I can't wallow in my embarrassment just because some poor excuse of a guy made me feel bad. Given, I was the one who initiated the interaction, but still, he could have addressed the situation nicely. I hate how he thinks I'm the type of person he needs to do a background check on. I was raised decently by Amanda's parents.

"Refuse the palay, you don't get to enjoy the unli rice."

Napangiwi ako. Ano ba 'tong naiisip ko?

***

I'm wearing a classic off-shoulder plain white top paired with high-waist jeans. My Louboutin beige follies were making a statement as they glittered on my feet. I blow-dried my hair and put a dainty gold clip on one side. I sat on my vanity area and reached out for a light pink lipstick. I did two swipes, bottom and top, before I pressed both lips together to make sure the product sticks and stays.

"You look fantastic," turan ni Amanda nang makalabas ako ng kuwarto. "Yummy palay at her best. Bigas ka na ngayon."

Binato ko siya ng pinakamalapit na cushion na nakuha ko at natamaan siya sa mukha. Humahagikgik na umiwas na siya nang akmang babatuhin ko siya sa pangalawang pagkakataon. "Hindi mabiro. You have fun, okay? But, in case you need a ride home, call me."

"Don't worry, I won't get too drunk."

"Good. Because I am really cramming with my report. See you in a few hours?"
"Yeah, I'll be home by 12."

"Wow, that's early! Alright, Cinderella."

I took my purse and kissed her cheek before I went out. I fished the car key of my beloved McLaren P1, which I named Ka Chow, in honor of Lightning McQueen. The car beeped and glowed a faint color red, as I opened the door. Driving fast, I was already considering which bar I wanted to go to. A few minutes later, I went with the safest option, the classic Talaria bar which was close to where I live. At least if I end up getting drunk somehow, Amanda won't have to drive a long way to get me home.