"People inside the mall went crazy,"
"Sorry. I totally forgot about that," I sincerely apologized to him. "Thank you, nga pala," This feels so awkward. I need to hurry pa naman because I have to commute and its getting dark.
"I owe you a lot na," I told him. I really have to treat him or something. Nakakahiya na ang mga pinagagawa ko.
" You seriously forgot about that?" He asked while an amuse grin is plastered on his face. I just nodded to him. I can't even believe myself. Ang tanga ko na!
"Next time, magdala ka ng kasama pag aalis ka. Who went here with you?" He asked me. I think he disguises whenever he would like to visit malls or buy things.
"Me, alone," I answered. Minsan, kasama ko ang girls but I can go in malls alone. I'm not like Ari who can't pay on her own. Never siyang pumila sa cashier. Ending, she has to always bring a companion who would willingly pay in the counter.
"Where's your car?" He asked me. Maybe he would offer to drive me home but I won't allow that.
" Uhhhhh, Parking. Basement," I just said. I don't want to have another favor from him.
"Okay. Uwi ka na? Its getting dark already," He suddenly walked to the elevator then he stopped when he realized na di ko siya sinusundan.
"Hatid kita sa Basement," He offered.
"Wag na, diretso na ako dun. I'll be fine," I lightly tapped his shoulder to bid goodbye. I don't hug or kiss him in the cheeks. That would be so awkward.
"Thanks!" I told him with a smile.
" Masanay ka na. Don't forget. Haha," He teased. He still can't believe that I forgot about the release of the photos. I can't even believe myself. I guess I'm preoccupied with a lot of worries.
"Drive safe. Umuulan sa labas. Bye, Babe!" I glared at him but he only chuckled at my response. Now that he said that, I remembered that I didn't bring an umbrella. Mapapasabak yata ako sa ulan.
When I heard the elevator open, I pressed another floor na naman. I'm not going to the basement. Wala akong sasakyan.
I went out and I turned around so that I can exit in the fire exit of the mall. I don't want the crowd to make noise again. Nung tuluyan na akong makalabas, nabasa na nga ako ng ulan.
But, someone carried me in his arms. When I turned around to see who the person is, I saw Daron wearing a serious face. He's also wet like me. I feel so guilty tuloy. I saw his car near the fire exit of the mall so he brought me inside.
" Why didn't you tell me na di ka nagdala ng sasakyan?" He looked so serious now.
"Sorry, " I felt guilty because I made him feel like I don't trust him.
I looked away when he removed his shirt. When he saw my reaction, he laughed at me like he can't believe me again.
"This isn't your first time. You even touched-," I covered his mouth, ashamed of what else could he say.
I know its true but those are photo shoots. This one's different.
"I'm drivi-, " He can't properly speak. He suddenly stopped the car in the side of the road. He immediately held me in his arms so that I won't bump in front. I felt the heat of his body. It felt so good because it's really cold.
He carried me in his arms, bridal style. So, this is my punishment?
"Hold tight,"Then, he placed my hands around his shoulders.
"Where will you bring me?" I asked and I was really trying to step in the grass. I saw a large brown gate.
"Stop moving," he commanded. I just obeyed because when I saw his face, he's like controlling himself.
I even failed to take a glance at the security. Because a mansion mostly made of glass caught my attention.
I'm stunned in what I'm seeing. A modern mansion in different shades of brown and it really compliments the color white. When I entered, I saw that the interior design of the mansion is well detailed. He owns this?
"Bring me down," I told him still not taking my eyes off the house. I want to admire the figurines closely. I'm glad he did.
"You own this?" I asked. He just nodded as a reply.
"Wear these," He placed two black slippers on the floor. I was about to wear it but he knelt in front of me and he carefully wiped my feet.
"I can do it," I tried to insist. But, he didn't stop. Until natapos na siya at sinuot na niya yung slippers sa akin.
"Thanks," I told him as I watch him stand and get something. I continued to admire the interiors when he came back with a white bath towel, white long sleeve polo and a hanger.
"I'll just blow dry your clothes. You can take a shower inside that comfort room," Then, he pointed the door of the comfort room.
"Uhhhh. I don't have things for women here," He said when he handed me the white long sleeve polo. I smiled to assure him that its fine.
"Salamat,"
When I'm done, I went out and I saw Daron sitting in the sofa. He's hair is still damp, too. Parang kakalabas lang din sa banyo but he is already completely dressed. He turned to my direction when he heard the sound of the opening of the door.
When he scanned my body, I realized na baka nakalimutan niyang mataas din ako. Mas mataas nga lang siya. The white long sleeve polo looks so short on me. Parang naging off shoulder din siya.
He just did that real fast. He looked away and made himself busy.
"I prepared a hot chocolate. Uhhh snacks," Then, he offered me the cup, looking away. My face heated nung ensaktong pag tingin niya sa direction ko, the polo went a little higher because I sat down.
"Thanks,"
"I think I'll dry your clothes muna," He seemed like he is avoiding me. He walked in a fast pace like he would lose his control if he will still stay near me for a few seconds.
I finished the cup of hot chocolate and I washed it after. I don't want to bring more trouble. He brought me inside his house so that I can dry myself for me not to get sick. I didn't protest because I'm sure that the people in the mansion would panic if they see me wet. Yeah, I'm more concerned about the workers in the mansion. My Mom would worry for me but of course I wouldn't tell her. I don't want to add more to her problems. My dad? I don't know. I never saw him worry for me. He doesn't care.
"Here, its already dry," Daron handed me the dry clothes. I thanked him for his kindness. I owe him a lot already. Maybe I should really treat him or something.
I wore my dry clothes and I sprayed my perfume before I went out of the comfort room. I also told Daron that I would wash the polo I wore. He insisted at first but he allowed me.
"The rain already stopped. Maybe I should go....," I got the box of the gowns and I brought my bag. But, before I can open the door, Daron held my shoulder. I met his gaze.
"Hatid na kita," He didn't even wait for my reply. He ran back to his room and got his keys.
**********
When Mom said that I should prepare for the gathering, I followed her orders. She said that when we are ready , we would immediately go to the venue. I chose to put shades of brown for my eye shadow, same with my lips. I chose a bronze highlighter too.
I curled my hair and I fixed it in a flower like bun and I placed silver accessories to make it look more elegant. I curled the remains falling down and defining the shape of my face. I didn't wear hanging earrings. I chose the silver ones in the shape of a rose just like the silver ones in my bun, too. I also just wore a simple silver necklace with a Z pendant.
I faced the mirror and I'm ready to go. I'm wearing a beige gown with three silver roses. The gown hugged my body, emphasizing my curves in the right places. It is an off shoulder fitted gown revealing my cleavage but there are crossed strings to at least cover it. It touches the floor but because of a high slit, I could still manage to walk comfortably. I wore a heel in the same shade with my gown.
I brought the black box embedded with the name, Axel. I placed my gift inside the black box. I didn't bring a handbag but just a silver purse, instead. I thought that maybe the celebrant wants all the gifts gathered in one area so I didn't bother to bring a handbag. I could just place the gift in that designated place when I arrive.
"Iyah, you ready?" I heard Mom calling me. I immediately went out after I sprayed perfume because I'm already done.
"You look so gorgeous, Darling," Those were the first words I heard when I stepped out of my room. I faced Mom and smiled at her.
"You too, Mom," Then, I hugged her. How I wish that Mom could realize that she needs to give me more attention. She should at least give me some of her time.
When I arrived at the venue, I noticed the black surroundings with gold as an accessory. The place really screams elegance. I noticed that some people are already gathering and chatting to each other.
"Mom, where shall we place the presents?" I asked Mom beside me after she greeted her friends. I was finding for a place where the presents could be placed but there's none. Mom laughed at what I said.
"The celebrant requested the guests to personally give it to him," Mom said.
"He wants to know who gave him those presents. In that way, he could also thank the one who gave the gift personally," She added.
I can say that he's quiet different, huh? Most parties I attend to, it's either you give the gift to the one who is assigned to collect them or you place the present in a designated area. His reason is so that he could thank the guests personally for the present and for coming. He's interesting.
After a few minutes, the celebrant already showed up. I can hear greetings everywhere and praises for him, too. So, it's his birthday?!
The real problem is that I have to personally give him the gift. Maybe I can ask Mom to include mine? No, I can't do that. I don't know how would I explain it to her. The only reason I can think is I'm not feeling well but I'd have to go home and rest if I would give her that excuse. I'm not even sure if I can fool her. My Mom's a doctor!
I don't want to disappoint her. She does not always brings me to party, gatherings, or celebration with friends. This is still like the fifth time.
"First of all, I want to thank our Almighty God for giving me another page of life.....," I just chose to listen to what he's saying.
He thanked his parents until he mentioned the word best friend.
"Thanks Gil, thank you talaga Pare," He said then he laughed like remembering something.
"Kasama kita palagi sa mga kagaguhan natin. Thank you for always being patient with me and my attitude. Tinatama mo ako palagi," What? Did I just hear it right? They're best friends! Bullshit!
Mukha silang magkaaway. I mean hindi halata.
"Of course, to all the guests here tonight. Thank you for sharing your time with us to celebrate the day of my birth. I appreciate your presence here. This made my night," That's all I understood from his very long speech. I don't know how would I give him the gift, knowing that Gil is his best friend. But, I think I have to face it as early as now because our eyes met and he slowly walked toward our direction.
"Good evening, Tita!" Nagmano siya kay Mom!
"Good evening, Hijo! Happy Birthday sayo! I know you'll grow to be succesful. I'll pray for that," Mom hugged him. I didn't know they're close. So, his family calls him Axel? That's how his mother introduced him to my Mom?
"Thank you, Tita," My Mom gave him the gift already.
"This is Zariyah, my daughter. Do you know each other?"When Daron nodded, Mom quickly went with her friends, leaving Daron and me alone.
It went silent for a while until he spoke.
"You surprised?" What the hell? Of course! Malaman ko ba namang mag best friend sila ni Gil. Then, birthday niya pala ngayon. Wala akong kaalam alam kahit magkasama kami kahapon.
He chuckled. "That's mine, right? Wala ka atang plano ibigay," He teased.
I placed the box in front of his face the I said Happy Birthday.
"Wow! Ang sigla nung greeting! Ang alive!" I pushed the box to his cheek para matahimik na siya. 'Aray ko naman' I even heard him whisper.
"For you," I turned to him and I faced him but I froze in place. He kissed me on the cheek! He kissed me! What the fuck? I was about to slap his shoulder for stealing a kiss. I mean I'm used to that because others do that to me when they greet me but, him?
"Thanks for coming," He winked at me then I glared at him because he keeps on laughing while running away.
*************************************************
#ForeverYours #ZaRon #ForeignGirlsSeries1
A/N: Happy Birthday, Daron! :)
Let's thank Lianne kasi nagtatagalog na si Iyah minsan.:)
May update ulit bukas! Love lots!
-Pinkish_3007