Reaching The Brightest Star

CHAPTER FIVE

Chloe

The Electrifying Stare

I fell asleep crying last night. Still wearing my clothes and shoes on and a phone in my hand. I opened the screen and it stays the same where I left it. I woke up feeling sore all over, inside and out. I just don’t know which is more painful, inside or out. Or maybe it was just because I was tired from my day trip.

The party starts this afternoon. It will be overnight until morning I guess so I will come to the hotel tomorrow. I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. I looked at the mirror and stared at my reflection. My lipstick was slightly smudged at the edges and my hair was messy. I looked like some dog whose hair got blown by the wind. I immediately took a bath so I could eat my breakfast afterwards. I did not eat dinner because I was so tired last night. 

I saw a coffee shop and some restaurant just below this building. They were lined up there and I have many options to choose from. After taking a shower, I looked for some comfortable clothes to wear inside the cabinet. A plain white crop top T-shirt and a grey sweatpant paired with my flip flops. I combed my hair the usual way and let it air dry. I just put on lip tint to add some color on my lips. 

I locked my room, bringing only my wallet, phones and the room key. I choose to eat at the coffee shop. I missed coffee somehow. As I enter the place, I feel like I'm in some unknown place surrounded by plants. The place was nice and cozy, aired by the sweet melody of background music. The aura that it gives me is something real and comfy. I went straight to the counter and decided what to order. 

"One order of Baked Macaroni Melt with Cafe Americano please," I said to the lady cashier while looking at the menu.

"Is that all Ma'am?" She also asked while she pressed down all my orders to her computer.

"Yes, please." I paid my order and sat near the glass window. I really like the view outside, that's why I chose to sit near the glass window. People are walking and some are running. Many vehicles are also passing by. My seat is covered with tall plants but just enough for me to watch and observe what is happening outside this shop. I checked my phone for any reply from my friends.

Isabella:

Thank God! You're surely going huh?

Bethany:

Well that's good, see you!

Everly:

Really? We missed you very much.

Lauren:

Can't wait to finally see you. It's been six years!

Monica:

Hey, I missed you. Does that mean that you can also go to my wedding next week?

It's overwhelming having friends like these. You just can't feel being alone. They're like my second family. And they were good at preaching. They care for me so much. 

Monica is getting married to her long-time boyfriend Francis. I'm really happy for both of them because finally, they end up being together. Their relationship is like a switch, on and off! I typed my reply to them and I reassured Monica that I will be at her wedding. She chose me to be the maid of honor and the other was the bridesmaids. Her wedding will be the only one I could attend because that coincided when I got here for good. I’m sure that some of them will be upset and become jealous, but I had no choice back then.

My order arrived and I took my first bite. I need to get ready for the party. I don't know if I got enough sleep last night because of what happened. But maybe that's enough.  Isabella told me, black and white will be the theme of the party later. Fortunately, I brought a black long gown that I wore on Gab's birthday. The dress was a bit revealing, especially on the back part. But that's okay, I'm used to it.  That was my first long dress I wore back to Gab’s party and I suddenly regretted it. Gab gave it to me and saw the ranging price of the clothes. The dress was designed by Sherri Hill and she personally made it for me. He traveled all the way to America to find her shop just for my dress. I'm thankful that I have a friend like that, but I kinda feel like I'm dependent. He even really did that just for me.

I got back to the hotel, I was still full of what I ate so I took a walk inside the room first. I grabbed my phone and search for the makeup I should wear for the party. With a black and white theme, nudes and simple eye makeup is a perfect match.

At three o'clock I took another bath. I did my own makeup, I’m not that good when it comes to eyeshadows so I make it as simple as I can. In this kind of event, heavy makeup will just make my face really built up, I like simple makeup which only requires small amounts of products. I blow dried my hair before putting on my makeup. For the base, a medium coverage foundation is enough to cover up all my imperfections and blemishes. I slightly bronzed the side of my face with contour to avoid the flatness. Neutral shade of eyeshadow is enough to add some color to my eyes. I just make it a little dark to match my outfit for tonight. I put some blush to make my cheeks rosy and a nude lipstick but more on the mauve shade. I touched up some highlighters to make the illusion of a dewy face. I made my hair really simple yet elegant. I just straightened it and parted it in the middle.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and quietly praised the art I had created on my face.  It was simple but the colors and the intensities of the ones I put came out beautiful.

Wearing a halter cut black long gown that hugged my body and showing my curves, with a slit that shows my right leg. There's a horizontal and rectangular cut on my lower back that shows some skin. It doesn't have any sequins or glitters, but it really stands out because of the texture of the linen. Soft, crepe and feels light when wearing it. I paired it with my three inches silver shimmering strapped stiletto. I also brought a silver clutch which contained pressed powder, lipstick, tissue, phone, keys, cards and some money in case of emergency.

Women need to be beautiful all the time.  That's our weapon.  That's natural for us and even if it's just a little touch up, you'll be presentable again.  So we need to retouch if it's necessary.

I received a message from Isabella.  I opened it and immediately read the content. 

Isabella:

Marco will be there. Are you ready?

Before I decided to come home, I already thought he will be coming to the reunion. That’s where he graduated so he can definitely attend. I had prepared myself long enough to see him again. But I just don’t know if I’ll feel the same when I actually face him.

Me:

Of course. There's nothing to worry about.

I am such a bad liar. I forced myself to pretend that I feeling well in fact, I am not. She has been my friend for years, but I still can't tell her how I trully feel. It will be awkward. Especially on my side.

Isabella:

He will surely be with his new girlfriend.

I took a deep breath when I read that message. He totally forget about me. He immediately found a replacement. Six years was long enough for him to forget me. I wonder how many years they have been together? Maybe I'm the only one who hasn't forgotten yet. He sent me away and told me to leave. To never come back. That's probably the meaning of what he said.

Me:

That's okay...

Isabella:

Are YOU okay?

Crying will only ruin my makeup. I hold it in as long as I can. 

Me:

I am.

I left the room and was immediately spotted by people and other staff wandering around the floor. I just gave them my sweetest smile to ease the awkwardness. It was different because I wore something that is different from what they wore right now.  I'm not used to this kind of attention being given to me.

Being with Gab is no exception. The media are hungry for him and their family. The Hansens are often featured on television and magazines because of their business and influence with the audience. Whenever I'm with him, the media are always around. I can't help but feel bad because he's with me. So he always had a bodyguard with him because of me. What matters to Gab is that it is also hot in the eyes of the media. I was once mistaken for a romantic relationship with him because we often go out together. My aunt was always worrying about my security so she also send a bodyguard for me, but I refused it and she didn't even bother to send one again. Gab's bodyguards are enough. 

I used the escalator to get down, if I use the stairs I might just fall. The security guard helped me when I got off. He escorted me to my car which was parked just on the side of the hotel. People look at me because of what I am wearing. There are a lot of people outside the hotel because the park is located opposite to it.

I am an alumni of Bauan Technical High School. I stayed there for six consecutive years; from grade seven to twelve.  The President of our batch requested this party straight to the principal, and in accordance to that, he agreed. I entered my car in the driveway and parked it in Rizal Park. The school guard saluted me as I opened my car window. The assigned school guard is different. In the long time I haven't visited here I don't know how many school guards there are in this school.

It's six thirty in the evening and there are already cars that are parked here. Which means there's a lot of people inside. The party will be held in the gymnasium. Before I went down, I first looked at my face in the mirror, satisfied with what I had created on my face. I walked along the pathway to the gymnasium as I decided to get out of my car. 

 Hmm, a lot had changed. And it is even better!

The gymnasium was covered with black cloth. I entered at the entrance and was amazed by the venue. The design was simple yet elegant because of the color. It is a minimalist design, as for what I heard, it was designed and conceptualized by the grade twelve students of this year. I was so speechless when I entered the gymnasium. Roaming around my eyes and absorbing the beauty it gives me. The stage has the embossed lettering that says 'Alumni Party of Batch 7: Reminiscing the Past'. The four corners of the gym were like a garden where the flowers are made of paper. It was illuminated with semi-dark lights and the background music was good.

I wonder if my friends are here now, with the number of people around me, I might never see them immediately.  I texted Isabella and asked where they are.

Isabella:

Where are you? I'm at the entrance.

There was no reply. When I hid my cell phone and looked around, I immediately saw them not far from the stage.  I went to them to catch up. They were on a round table while standing and talking to each other, looking so stunning.

Where are their husbands?

Ugh! I missed them so much.

"Hi!" I smiled sweetly as I greeted them. They were all looking at me, shocked and surprised.

"Oh my gosh!" Everly's shout startled me. The voice was hoarse. I jumped a little at her shout as other people turned in our direction. They all hugged me while jumping excitedly. We are like children in our actions. They hugged me so tight while I was in the middle. I feel like suffocating because they leave no space to compress me for becoming so eager to see me.

"I'm speechless!" Everly sighed while squeezing both my arms.

"How are you?! You look so stunning!" Isabella greeted me as she came closer to me.

"Thank you, Isabella." I mouthed to her. She just nodded and immediately diverted my attention when Bethany pulled me over.

"Is Norway so nice and your complexion became this beautiful?" Bethany caresses my shoulder blades.

"Did you even put makeup on? Or did you just put on eyeshadow? Wow! No makeup-look!"  Everly brought his face close to mine and observed it carefully. 

"Finally, you came!" I turned and looked at Lauren's tummy. I was surprised at the little bulge she had. In my estimation, it has been five months. Why didn’t I notice that in the pictures? I placed my right hand on my mouth to cover my stunned expression.

"You were pregnant?" I could see the amusement in her eyes as she looked at me.

"Gus seemed to be pretty fast. She became pregnant even if they're not yet married." Monica spoke and we immediately laughed at what she said.

"I never expected this! I thought you didn't really like Gus."  I said. Still shocked at her as I stared at her belly.

"I also didn't know I was pregnant. I was so stunned when he himself found out about my pregnancy." We laughed at what Lauren said.

"Of course! He knew about your monthly period!" Everly hissed. 

It seems like yesterday. Whenever I look at their faces, I remember my High school days. How we tagged along, how we made fun of ourselves. How we dissed each other. I was smiling as I watched them laugh. They never changed, they were still the same, the friendship we had before. They’ve grown, they became more mature, but they never forget. This was the family I'm talking about. The family that I will keep for a lifetime.

"Of course, I don't want to disappoint all of you, that's why I came. Actually, I have souvenirs for all of you, it's in the hotel."  We walked to the table reserved for us. It was reserved so I didn't have a hard time finding a place to stay.

"It should be! The day of our marriages came and you're not present. There should be a bribe!" Everly said. We laughed because of what she said. They never forgot that.

And exactly seven in the evening, the masters of ceremony began to speak. In all fairness, not a Filipino time. They have improved!

They welcomed all of us and the other important people who also attended the party. The program starts with a short prayer and is followed by several more speeches.

"By the way, is Marco coming?" Bethany turned and asked me directly. She wasn't really looking at me but her tone was focused on me. I don’t know if she was joking or she really forgot that we were gone. Or am I just daydreaming?

"I don't know, we don't talk anymore." I said hesitantly as I squeezed my fingers.

They didn’t notice the awkwardness I was feeling. They kept on asking me about Marco and everytime I answered it, there was a ghostly smile hiding on their lips. It seems like they were fond of making me feel uneasy.

First part of the party was dinner. Appetizers were first served on each table. The waiter filled our glasses with water as the other one was placing the food on our table.

"Thank you," I said to the waiter as he served my food. He just smiled back.

"Of course, let's not forget, Engineer Marco Gomez!" I stopped scooping some soup at the sudden announcement of the MC.

"And I believe he's with Architect Dorothy Salazar," I couldn't help but look at the entrance.

There were two people walking. Center of attention. The spotlight immediately puts on their direction as they walk through the carpeted pathway.

A man and a woman, walking so bravely and full of confidence.

I stopped breathing as his eyes moved to our table. That seems like looking for my presence. Staring at me intently that I just melted.  I felt the hot liquid spilled on my clothes which absorbed the heat onto my thighs. I let go of the spoon and turned my gaze to my dress. The heat brought by the spilled soup to my clothes didn’t hurt so I didn’t react.

"Chloe? Are you okay?" Lauren's tone was full of concern as she helped me wipe my clothes.

"That must be hot! Are you hurt?" Monica asked. She called the waiter and asked for a box of tissues to wipe my clothes.

"Are you alright?" Lauren asked me again but in a whisper tone. I turned to her and there was a visible concern in her eyes.

"I'm fine," I answered her. The waiter arrived carrying a box of tissues. I picked it up and quickly stood up.

"Where are you going?" Bethany asked.

"I'll just let it dry," I replied. My clothes still stick to my thighs. It was no longer hot but still wet. I left my clutch there and went out to the gymnasium. I went straight to my car and turned on the engine, turned on the air conditioner and turned into maximum coldness. I got into the backseat and focused the AC at my thigh as I wiped it with a tissue.

I didn’t even feel any pain when the soup was stuffed into my thigh. I just felt the heat that it brought but it didn't hurt at all. I was more hurt by the sight of seeing them close to each other. It was as if I was torn into two when he looked into my eyes. I was suddenly electrified. 

My eyes saw the electricity by Marco's eyes. The brain absorbs the sense and flows it through my nerves to send me signals. The soup spilled at my thigh because my brain ordered it. Good excuse to cut off his electrifying gaze at me.

My brain really knows what to do. My brain knows which eyes to avoid. And my brain just did what's right to do.