26

Chapter 26 part 1 Nice Aldrin's lips protruded when he saw me. He even stood up in his seat. My brows shot up at his reaction. "Pretty, Thalia, we're leaving, huh? We have another racket, eh." I looked at Missy and her companions, the gays who made me up. "All right. Thank you, huh?" "Missy and your service." He approached me and whispered. "Look, Engineer is so stunned at you." We turned to Aldrin who was still pitying his mouth today. I just shook my head while laughing. "Hair length, 'te." He added before approaching his team. "Enjoy, guys!" He turned to Aldrin. "Bye, engineer," he said flirtatiously before finally leaving the house. When they got out the door I turned to Aldrin. I raised an eyebrow at him. He shook his head in a slow manner and shot his brows up. "Should I regret letting you go now? You look so damn good," He trailed off. I rolled my eyes. "Tss. Stop me. You can't fool me, big bro. Guess what? Saw your tagged photos on facebook last night. Your sweetness when the woman was with you-" "Damn it." I smirked and arched my brow. "Why? She's beautiful, ha. What's her name-" He groaned. "We're getting late. Let's go," He turned his back on me, waiting to leave the house. I didn't follow him so he turned to me. I arched my brow at him again. This time, he averted his gaze. I burst out laughing. "What the hell, Aldrin. You're blushing!" I teased. He groaned again and held my hand. "You're too nosy tonight, Thalia. It's not okay for you to be naughty now." "Tse!" I was still laughing as he dragged me to his car. I just stopped when I was a bit sweaty. My make-up can't be ruined. "Are you avoiding the topic?" I asked while he's revving the car's engine. "Are they Tita?" I sighed. "So you really are avoiding the topic," "Tss." I just shrugged. If he does not want to talk about that girl, then fine. I will try my best to shut up. "They're already mommy. You know …" I said. He smirked. He knew what I meant. My mom is excited to show off and my dad is anticipating to close deals tonight that's why they went to the venue so early. Tonight's the night. The gala night that I am talking about. I am sporting a black off-shoulder lace mermaid gown designed by my dearest friend. I also put on some accesories that matches with my night gown. This is gonna be a long night. The sound of clicking cameras welcomed my ears when Aldrin opened the car's door for me. Aldrin offered his hand and I immediately accepted it for support. "Thanks," I said and dramatically went out of his car. The feels of coming out from a luxurious car in my gown and make up is so fascinating. He gave a valet the key to his car then addressed me. "You really look wonderful tonight," He blurted out. I just raised an eyebrow at him. In a few moments, the press hit us. Fortunately, there were people who intercepted their guards immediately so we escaped from them immediately. I don't want to be interviewed by them. I have memorized their questions. Where I made a gown this year, why Aldrin is my date tonight, what exactly do we have and so on. You can only say one wrong word, they can manipulate you. I hate that. After passing them, Aldrin and I walked the red carpet to the event hall. We stopped at the photobooth just beside the entrance of the hall for some pictures taken by the hired photographers to cover the event. "What's new this year?" Aldrin muttered while we were in the photobooth. "Tss. That's nothing. This event will always be an indirect trade." We laughed. We were talking about what will happen later. Whether our ears will be at peace even for a moment from business matters or not. I bet no. We entered the hall and we got the attention of the crowd. They all turned to us. "Damn. I have the most beautiful date tonight. Everyone's stunned at you." Aldrin murmurred while we were walking down the aisle. "Tss." I dined the inexplicable way people thought of us, of me. Whether they're amused or annoyed, I don't care. Instead, I walked audaciously, with my chin up, and with a fierce look. That's Thalia Ysabel Villegas. The place is dazzling. It's obvious that the designs they used for tonight's event are all high class. Like all the people present here tonight, the hall is meticulously catered. The combination of white and red color motif made the ambiance more glorious. Include a live violin performance as background music, I am carried away. Every table was catered intricately too. In front is the large stage performing later by invited performers as part of the event. The crowd. Everyone is dressed flaringly. Even the men's suit is designer the former. A man in uniform approached us and led us to our assigned seat. When we went there I saw mommy and daddy in the distance. They were at the table with Tita Andrea and Tito Phillip and the other not -so -well -known businessmen as well as their wives. As what I've expected, the men were seriously taking about business. They are mommy and the other women at the table are whispering and showing off jewelry. I was just shaken. "Thalia, hija!" Aunt Greta got up from her chair and Aldrin and I approached. "Aunt!" I kissed her cheek. He did the same to me. She is one of my mother's colleagues. "Good evening, Mrs. de Dios," Aldrin whispered. "Good evening too, son. You're too formal. Just call me Auntie!" She exclaimed. Tita and I laughed. Aldrin just scratched his head. She then turned to me again. "You're so fabulous as always, Thalia. You really inherit from your mommy," I smiled at her, not knowing what to say. "By the way, where is Daieanah?" "They were there near the stage with them Tita Andrea, Tita." "Oh. Alas and I'm not at their table-" "I'll leave for a moment. I'll just ask Dad something," Aldrin whispered. "Okay," I replied. "Excuse me, Tita," When Aldrin left, Tita poked me. "How are you and Engineer? Aren't you planning to get married yet?" She gritted her teeth. I quailed. Is this what I'm saying, e. People who are not always with us think that we are a thing. I faked a laugh. "We're not, Tita. We're just friends." Her eyes widened. "Eh?" I guided him to sit down because we had been standing before. A few more minutes before he received what I was saying. A few moments later, the rest of our tablemates also arrived. They started their chitchats and I cannot frigging relate. Even though I am a business ad graduate and have a job, it still seems new to me to hear them talk about business! "Hi," Aldrin sat down in the adjacent chair. I breathed a sigh of relief. "Good thing your back," I gritted my teeth. He chuckled. "Why?" I approached him to whisper. "I feel so out of place, you know. We're all adults here at the table. They've been talking about business before. I can't relate," I glanced at our table again. They are really adults and I don't know them very well. Tita Greta and her husband have also joined their conversation so I can really only talk to Aldrin. There are two more unoccupied seats at our table. Hopefully Aldrin and I will be sitting there at the same level. "Hey, Aldrin!" Aldrin looked at us from behind. My eyes widened when I recognized the girl who called Aldrin. He's your … Aldrin's picture partner in Spain! Your model! I turned to Aldrin. His reaction is priceless. It was as if he had seen a ghost! "Phoebe," He called after recovering from his shock. She shamelessly went to him and kissed his cheek. It seems like Aldrin froze at her move. I arched my brow and secretly shook my head. Now that I'm seeing this, I'm sure she's one of those girls who likes Aldrin. I was also obsessed with Aldrin back then but at least it wasn't like this one. "Did you come home yet?" She cheerfully asked after. Aldrin cleared his throat. "Yup. Last week yet." "Oh. Me too, e. Destiny is really bringing us closer." She said in a girly tone. Aldrin was silent again. I already averted my gaze on them. I'm the one who's ashamed for him. Was I like that with Aldrin? "Kidding!" She laughed. "So … I guess I'll see you around?" Aldrin nodded and smiled. "See you," When Phoebe left, Aldrin sighed and turned to me. I gave him a mocking look. "W-what?" He averted his gaze on me. I followed his gaze as my eyes narrowed. "Stop it, Thalia. Don't make a fuss about it." He drawled. I chuckled. "How can I not make a fuss about it. Your ear is red!" "Tss." I laughed again. It's really nice to be teased by this person. "Phoebe, huh. She's pretty … and hot." I teased. He groaned. "You're still better there." He said, blatantly I arched my brow. "Of course, big bro. But what now then? C'mon. Is there something I don't know about you? Hmm?" I brought my face close to his to tease. I tried my best to understand him a while ago but now that I saw it on hand, he no longer has a loophole in me. He shook his head. "You'll just be issued-" "Oh. That's them. Jared, Miara!" Aldrin and I were both stunned. I turned in front of me and my world seemed to fall apart. Fuck. Jared's dark eyes were immediately directed on me. He just averted his eyes when one of our table mates stood up and approached him, them. He turned to the old lady. My eyes then involuntarily went to the person beside him. Once more, I felt my heart contract painfully. He's with the same girl he's with at the coffee shop. Together? I looked down at Miara's hand that clung tightly to Jared's arm. I swallowed so hard. "What a great timing," Aldrin sarcastically murmurred. I couldn't react. It was as if something stuck in my throat as I watched them both smile as they shook hands with people. After a while, they were attacked by people from another table and I could not understand why. They look like they're newly weds. Damn. I want to sink into my seat. Jared is all smiles while interacting with them. He no longer had that dark expression when our eyes met. "Do you want us to transfer seats?" Aldrin asked. Jared slid his arm around Miara's waist. I averted my eyes. I'll only torture myself if I keep on looking at them. I turned to Aldrin as I swallowed the bile in my throat. I immediately wiped away the tears that were about to drip. "No. Here's our assigned table. We're just here." His lips protruded. He nodded afterwards as well. I just realized, I need to face this reality. If when I first saw him with others I could not cope and I ran away, now I have to face it bravely. If every time I see him Miara is with him, then I need to train myself. We live in a small world. Even if I avoided them I would not be able to do that forever. I should be used to it so that I won't be hurt again next times. I'll torture myself moderately. Moments later they decided to sit down. "You two look so good together," said a lady at our table. They both laughed and my heart ached once again. From the scene I saw at the coffee shop last week to what I am seeing right now, I can only infer one thing. They are together. Damn. It hurts. I simply examined Miara. She is wearing a white gown. I am whiter than her but because of the color of her gown, she seems to be shining. While I have a daring look tonight, Miara has an angelic look. He was like an angel coming down from heaven. The softness of his expression. The lightness of his vibe. Nakakapanliit. I shook my head. Stop degrading yourself, Thalia. Accept the truth. The event started. Dinner came first. Our table was filled with laughters from all of them. Sometimes I fake a laugh at them so I'm not obvious. They can't feel the awkwardness that I'm feeling. Of course it's because they didn't know that Jared and I had something back then and that issue with Aldrin and me was long over. Jared never looked at me again. I know because I glance at him often. After all, why would he look at others if his girlfriend was just next to him? Maybe I should also quit stealing glances at him. I should pay respect to his girl. "Jared, by the way, congratulations! I just found out yesterday that you're the new President of La Sirene. The duration of the press, ha." Said a lady in the middle of our meal. I was stunned then simply glanced at him. New President. Wow. I didn't know. It's too far away for our families. Sadly I no longer knew him. Even his return I have not heard of. Well, I deserve this. They all congratulated him, even Aldrin. He laughed. "Thank you, everyone." "Are you appointed or the board voted for you?" "Majority of the board voted for me, ma'am." They nodded. "What took you so long to take over La Sirene, son?" Another lady interjected. He chuckled. Damn. "I took my master's degree first, Tita. So that I could be more deserving." "Yeah, but that was just two years. Why didn't you go home right after you grumaduate?" Jared's grin faded but he recovered quickly as well. My stomach got cold for no apparent reason. "I still have some things to take care of there, Tita." I almost raised one eyebrow. Is Miara the one you're taking care of, Jared? Damn. "Oh." "But I'm already working for La Sirene since I graduated college, Tita. I am one of their overseas workers." The woman nodded. "Hmm, that's nice to hear. The important thing is you're already here. The Prince is back to claim his throne." They all laughed. "Xandro and Jene can now lie low on business, huh. Where are your parents, by the way?" "They're somewhere over here, too, Tita." Jared replied. "How about you, Miara? Where's Mr. and Mrs. Torres?" I lifted my gaze to Miara. "Mom and Dad's with Tito Xandro and Tita Jene, ma'am." She smiled. I was swallowed. She calls Jared's parents as Tito and Tita. They were probably close. Their families were close. While Aunt Jene was still scolding me. I have absolutely no panama with him. "How about you, hija? You know, your life's very private. We don't know much about you here even though you're Mr. Torres' son. All we know is that Jared and you are an item. Where did you meet? " I was swallowed. Do they really need to voice it out? How many times will the truth strike me tonight? Miara laughed heartily. There was a ghost of a smile on Jared's lips. Wouldn't it hurt more? Qouta that I really am tonight! "Aunt Jene asked my mom to look after Jared in New York back then, ma'am. So I moved to Jared's school. That's how we met." She smiled and turned to Jared. They looked at each other. My chest tightened. Their body language tells me that they're so in love with each other. Tita shook her head. "It's really young people now. When it's okay, then we'll get married there." They all laughed. "Oh. I remember. Thalia, I heard you rejected the offer of a clothing brand to you to become their model?" I was stunned and looked up at everyone. I already have their attentions. Amazing. "Yes, please." I'm embarrassed to answer. Her forehead creased. "Why? It's up to you to be a model, hija! You are more than beautiful!" My cheeks flushed. "Uh …" "Maybe Aldrin didn't allow it? Am I right, son?" Aunt Greta groaned. I just closed my eyes tightly. "Sort of, Tita. I am against it because I don't want her to be so exposed. But then, if she really wants, I will compromise," Aldrin looked at me. "Tss." I heard Jared say but I didn't bother with that anymore because I was too hotseat. Why are we kids their favorite thing to talk about while eating ?! I can't enjoy the food! Their conversation then went on business again. I just now appreciate the business case on such occasions. It's better to talk about business than personal life. The dinner ended and the performances from hired artists began. Before that was the speech of the main sponsors of the event. I excused myself for the comfort room to retouch and to breathe. It was as if I was choking on that table. I spent my time inside the cubicle inhaling and exhaling alternately. If Brent was here, he would be embarrassed because the one wearing his design now seems to have aged a few years in just a few hours. Moments later I decided to get out of the cubicle and face the mirror. I opened my pouch for my pressed powder and lipstick to retouch. The bathroom door opened and I almost went beyond putting lipstick on my lips. It seems that destiny is really waiting. Miara and I looked at each other in the mirror. She smiled sweetly at me. I was a bit shocked on that. I smiled back when I recovered but I don't know how it looked like. Every move he made was offensive. It was as if I had nothing to do with him. He stepped aside from me to fix himself as well. I simply sneeze to calm myself. I continued fixing myself in the most apathetic manner just so she won't notice my uneasiness. I'm just with the woman I love. "You're Thalia, right?" I looked at him. She is currently adjusting the earrings so in the mirror she is looking at me. I opened my mouth to speak but words didn't came out from it. She addressed me after adjusting her earrings. "I believe were not introduced to each other yet. I'm Miara. Miara Torres," She offered her hand and smiled sweetly. My throat is dry. I unwillingly received her hand. "Thalia," I smiled fakely. Why? Why is she talking to me ?! Must not! It will just make my feeling worse! "You're really nice," She trailed off. I let out an awkward smile. Oh, please. Don't be too nice. The bitterness I'm feeling will just get worse if you continue being so approachable! "Do you always go to the spa?" "Uh … somehow, yes," I said. She nodded. "How about a dermatologist?" She cheerfully asked. "Yes. We need it, e. To maintain our skin healthy." I said as a matter of fact. "Right!" Our conversation went on. I think we spent half an hour inside the CR talking about our skincare routines. Within thirty minutes, I was relieved of him. It's like I reunited with a friend I haven't seen for years. All the doubt and negative thoughts I have a while ago vanished. All inhibitions gone. All I can say is … she's nice to be with. "Oh. I need to go back to our table now. Jared texted me. I'm looking for you," She waved her phone and chuckled. And the pain hit me once again. My stomach felt hollow at what she just said. Damn. Of course. "Okay," I tried to make my voice cheerful. I just don't know if it really sounded like that. He closed his pouch and turned back to me. "It's really nice to meet you, Thalia. I hope we can be friends." She smiled softly. I matched his smile even as my chest tightened. "See you around?" "See you." When he got out of the CR my smile immediately disappeared. Tears replaced my wide smile. It rolled down my cheeks like a broken tap. Earlier, I was still feeling pretty good even though I knew Jared had someone else. But then I met his girl and she's so nice. I have nothing. She's damn perfect. Her personality's outstanding. Friendly. What am I up against there? Her type is the type of woman that would suit Jared. I have nothing to blame. Neither soothing is absent. Damn. She deserves him. They deserve each other! I kept crying. I feel so defeated. I feel so little. My phone rang just in time for Aldrin's call. I answered you immediately. "Thal. Where are you-" "Let's go home, please," I sobbed. "A-are you crying ?!" I didn't answer. I continued to moan. I no longer care if Aldrin witnesses it. After all, he knows how I feel. I just can't because I can. "Thalia. Where are you? I'm worried!" I wiped my tears. "I'm in the bathroom. Don't follow me. I'll meet you outside the hall," "What? No! I wanna see you!" "Please, Aldrin …" I heard him sigh. "Okay. I'll wait for you there."