EVE
"no. I have a problem with it, actually."
Imagine my surprise to hear Xenon speaking. He has been silent most of the dinner conversation and then he suddenly speaks up. I thought he was only a yes-man to his father and my mother's demands.
"you're saying something, son?" – his father asked
"well, who are we kidding? We know the main goal for this marriage. Genevieve not carrying the family name after the wedding would defeat that purpose. Also, what will the media say?"
I hat to admit this, but I see his point. Even when I know deep down it didn't mirror his best interest.
"I agree, actually…." – I said, looking at Xenon. I mean, of course to keep my family name would be nice but Xenon's right. The five people in this table exactly knows that's not why we're here.
"well, then… if that's what you want, Genevieve." – Tito Rusty said, giving me a forced smile. Mom gave me a look which I dismissed with a small shake of the head.
The rest of the meal passed with only the parents filling the table with their conversations. Randoms, to be exact. They were discussing some tourist spots in the city, the highs and lows of the market, the college reunion that they were planning to host. Deciding that none of those have something to do with me, or Xenon and I for that matter, I stood up and excused myself to use the bathroom. None noticed.
The walk to the bathroom was only brief and when I entered, there was no one using the large rectangular mirror. I didn't feel like peeing actually, I just needed a moment to look at the mirror and have a pathetic self-talk.
The reflection that was staring back at me didn't say anything, except give me glared of confusion and fear of the unknown.
"what did you get yourself into?"
The girl in the mirror said nothing.
"you know you cannot take a step back now, don't you? this is going to be your life. You're going to be Mrs. Alister. You're Genevieve Guinzon no more in a couple of months. Might as well get that in your head and start acting like one."
I let out a sigh and opened the tap. The water was cold. Perfect for the dash of coldness I wanted to experience for myself. With both hands, I washed my face, letting the cold seep through my pores and wake me up. I raved my system for a sign of regret. Just to feel something about this. Because, to be honest, I'm starting to think whether it was all worth it. Is this insane feeling I have for Xenon Alister worth it?
As if to answer my question, someone entered with a yellow purse on her left hand. Upon seeing me, she stopped on her tracks. I heard her mutter an "of course" under her breath. I kind of recognized her. and when I realized that I did recognize her, it was too late to get out of the bathroom.
She dyed her long brown hair blonde but how could I ever forget the only woman my supposed husband-to-be loved? Sophie Grace Dominguez. The campus' "it" girl. Rich, sophisticated, has long wavy brown hair (blonde now, though I have to say she looked better with brown), fox-like eyes, thin lips and a model-like figure. Beside me, I looked like a commoner. Which maybe I am.
She touched up her blush on, with fingers as slender as twigs. I don't know where her reaction from earlier sprang from. I am unsure if she knows me or heard about her ex's engagement. Or maybe Xenon has said some words.
"hey, Sophie." – I braved myself to greet her.
She looked at me through the mirror and thinned her lips.
"I'm sorry… I don't know you."
My jaw dropped. I know she does. I've seen how she reacted.
"I'm Eve Guinzon. We went to the same school in college."
"yeah. I heard you're marrying my ex." – she said, reapplying her lip gloss.
I licked my lips. See how fast she dropped the act?
I cleared my throat. How exactly does one respond to that sentiment anyway?
"don't worry. You can have him."
She said and walked out of the door after finishing her lip gloss. Three seconds after, I felt worse. The purpose of being comforted, by which the reason I came to the bathroom and had some moments to myself was toned down by Sophie's mere presence. I wasn't comparing, but looking at her, I sure knew why he's so into her. It's as clear as day.
I got out of the bathroom to see the table cleared and my companions getting ready to go.
"everything alright, dearie?" – mom said
"of course, mom."
I replied, wondering what she saw in my face that made her ask.
Dad and Tito Rusty walked ahead followed by me and my mom. It was then that I realized that Xenon wasn't walking with us. I'm not sure if he was at the table when I walked out of the room exactly. But what's certain is that he's nowhere with us now.
"wait… have you guys seen Xenon?"
The three of us looked around. Tito Rusty shook his head and my dad shrugged.
"I'll go ahead and find him then. You all can go and wait in the car."
They gave me a nod and I turned to search for him. The place has now became crowded with people waiting for vacant tables. I circled the corner, on the way to the men's bathroom. To be honest, it wasn't just that I was worried about. It's not just because I couldn't find Xenon… it's also because Sophie is here on the same place. They can't meet. It's not good for them, especially for Xenon. The breakup hasn't been easy on him. I know because I've seen how hard it has been for him.
Now that I think of it, I'm one of the liabilities too.