The Next Heiress

Chapter 5 - Envelope

CELINE SUAREZ. MANILA. YEAR 2021.

The door creaks open. A petite, faired-skin girl appears in the doorway. As she enters the room in a cheerful approach, her hooded eyes meet mine. They are wonderfully pampered with light Bohemian makeup. Before coming closer to me, she waves one of her hands and slides them both down to her blue beach maxi dress in an attempt to smoothen it. Then, the girl gives me a bright smile on her tomato-colored lips.

"So, how are you feeling, Celine? Are you excited? Did you sleep well, ha?" Brielle floods me with questions. She squeezes my arm in excitement. Meanwhile, the hired makeup applies a bronze eyeshadow to the corners of my eyes.

I nod. "I'm fine. Not that much. Probably."

"Wow, short replies?" My best friend scoffs. "You're not even busy with your own makeup. Your ass is just waiting for the result."

Upon hearing her answer, a desire comes up to me. It is solely about wanting myself to get up from this big metal chair and to find a packaging tape in one of my mother's old cabinets to shut her mouth.

I lift a brow, sending her a weirded-out look. "Just a minute, girl."

"Miss," the makeup artist pauses. "Please be steady."

When she has witnessed me getting scolded by my hired makeup artist, Brielle can't help but laugh her butt off. This girl is smart. She knows it pretty well that I can't do anything to pay her back because I'm sitting here, waiting for the full makeup to be finished and completely helpless.

From her position close to my seat, she flies away like a mosquito who's trying to avoid a hand that's going to press her down hard. "It seems like you're gonna punch me later if I stay here, so I'll be right back!" She yells in an annoying tone before shutting the door loudly.

"Please bear with Brielle," I look at the makeup artist through the vanity mirror. "She's just like that."

The lady, who appears to be in her late twenties, giggles. "It's fine, honey. I really don't mind. I find it annoying and cute at the same time."

"Really?" I chuckle. "I also do, but only sometimes."

With my response, we both burst into giggles. The makeup artist then continues to ask me questions about my life at house and school to ease the awkward atmosphere and growing boredom between us. After several minutes of chitchatting and makeup application, a new look is created. Hurriedly, I get down from my seat to have a careful glance at myself in the huge mirror.

"Wow. Who's that lady?" I ask myself, touching my chest in surprise.

My heart flutters as I admire how my eyes appear to be touched with a peachy makeup look. Her application of my eyeliner is nearly flawless. As I proceed to look at my other facial features, my mouth forms a small circle in awe when I notice that my Nubian nose is more defined due to the contour lines. My cheeks are also nice, appearing like I was kissed by a peach fruit, which matches with my dusk pink glossed lips.

Great, I whisper to myself.

I give a satisfied smile to the makeup artist. She returns the gesture by showing a gummy kind of smile. Once more, I stare at myself in the vanity mirror, still not believing that there's somebody who can literally transform me into a whole new person.

"She's still you, Celine," the lady says. "She's already pretty, but even got more beautiful. Like putting another art in an artwork."

Upon hearing her compliments, my heart warms in joy. Someone has just pointed out that I am a work of art that's enhanced by a skillful artist. No one has ever made me feel this beautiful aside from my mother.

"Thank you so much, Miss Shine! You're too sweet," I hold her hand, squeezing it softly.

"Oh, dear...I think I just saw a very beautiful young woman," an old voice joins in our conversation. I turn around to look and there I see my mother, grinning while scanning my whole face.

"Thank you, Mom," I beam. "Miss Shine did a great job, didn't she?"

My mother smiles at her. "She's right. I love your style. It suits my daughter."

"Thank you, Mrs. Suarez," the makeup artist replies with a warm smile.

"What do you think about mine?" My mother steps closer to her position. She sets aside some strands of her off her face. "I really want to look ten years younger if that's possible."

My forehead creases. "You're making it more difficult."

"It's nothing," Miss Shine chuckles. "I can do that easily."

"Look, she can do it," Mom flips her hair in a dramatic manner. This woman loves attention.

"Okay, Mom. Whatever," I roll my eyes playfully. Both of them laugh at my reaction.

From my seat, I walk away to get my soft slippers that are placed near the dresser. The two continue to talk about the event, while I'm thrilled for the next thing that I will do.

Immediately, I jog towards the door. "I have to go. See you later!"

"Just go here if you need any help, sweetie," my mother beams.

"Sure," I nod. "But I already asked Brielle."

"Okay. Just call me if you need me," she nods back in approval, then turns to the makeup artist after. "Let's start so I can take care of other things."

"Sure, Mrs. Suarez," Miss Shine replies, grabbing her makeup tools to start.

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As soon as my eyes meet my dress for the night, I gasp in amazement.

"Oh...good heavens," I cover my mouth as my feet come closer. "T-this is so...gorgeous."

The attire is neatly placed in a black half-bodied mannequin in the middle of the beige dressing room. When I reach it, I let my hands slide down the cloth. It is made of white lace with ravishing patterns. The dress has a v-neckline, a pair of long see-through sleeves that end with cuffs on the wrists, and a backless feature. The hemline boasts its floor-length that finishes a circular form from behind. With my chin on my palm, I admire the long white Bohemian dress.

"Believe me."

My concentration dissolves when a familiar voice distracts me.

"You're going to fascinate everyone with that. It'll look beautiful in you."

I turn around to look. There, I see a young man wearing a navy blue polo shirt. Its sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, and probably two to three buttons are undone. An army green scarf with Boho patterns is hanging behind his nape, which matches his belted pants of the same color. My eyes widen as his presence almost blows me off.

"What are you doing here, Jim?! Gosh, you surprised me! Get out of here!" I push him far away from me.

"Woah. Calm down, my lady," he raises his hands in defeat. "Your mom just gave an order at me earlier to keep an eye out for you."

"Really?" I shrug. "But can't you see? I'm about to get dressed!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll just call Brielle to assist you. Just wait here," Jim jogs towards the door.

"Just make it faster!" I yell in annoyance.

He nods with a radiant smile from his crooked teeth. "Okay!"

Before he closes the door, Jim beams at me once more, making his monolid eyes become two curves in shape. A warm yet odd feeling enfolds me. Surprisingly, I find myself smiling at the situation.

"That guy..." I shake my head, feeling somewhat amused.

After debating whether or not to wear my dress alone, I finally sit down on a white chair facing it, making a decision to wait for my best friend.

Minutes have already passed, and Brielle hasn't arrived yet. I don't have other things to keep me entertained. It sucks that I forgot my phone in the other room where Mom is having her makeup session.

"Brielle is taking so long. I should get my phone first."

I head for the door. My hand is about to open it when a deep, husky voice calls me.

"Celine...Celine..."

My head moves around to scan the room.

"Who is that?" I stop walking. "Is anyone here?"

There are no answers. Instead, a deafening silence covers the entire area.

"Jim, stop joking around! I'm not in the mood!" I shout, irritation is evident in my tone.

"Celine..." The voice calls once more.

What the hell is happening?

My heart starts to beat faster. "Jim, you're scaring me! Just stop!"

Quickly, I twist the doorknob to go outside. When I open the door, I am shocked when I see someone wearing a pair of brown sandals in front of me. As my head raises up, another guy surprises me with his sudden presence. He's just standing there coolly, wearing a black Summer polo shirt with white knee-length shorts. Seeing him dressed this way makes him three times more handsome than he already is. It is my first time seeing him wearing a laidback outfit like this.

"Justin..."

"Hello, Celine. I hope I didn't disturb you," he smiles.

"Uhm...no, you didn't," I answer shyly. "What are you doing here?"

He shows a bouquet of tulips from his back. My eyes broaden as they savor the sight of the fresh pink flowers.

"I-is this for me?" I touch my lips in an excited manner.

He nods his head in approval. "Yes."

Gently, Justin hands the posy to me. When my hands get it, I can't help but smell the flowers. He stares at me as if he is evaluating my reaction. I give him a wonderful smile. My heart feels so full and happy, still not believing that this guy has given me a bouquet. I wish it is my birthday every day.

If only...

"Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. How did you know that tulips are my favorite?" I ask, being curious at the possibility that he could choose any kind he may please.

He tilts his head to the side. "Just a guess, I think? They look uniquely beautiful."

"Really?" I smile widely. "Anyway, come in! I was alone and waiting for Brielle. Are you the one who was calling me?"

"Uh, no," he raises his brows in confusion. "I just arrived here literally seconds ago and was about to knock, when suddenly, you opened the door, looking anxious."

I stopped for a moment. "R-really?"

"Yes. Actually, I would love to catch up for your whole party, but I have another appointment to take care of. Is it okay?" He replies, lowering his head.

A pang of disappointment hits me. I realize that Justin only passes by just to give me these flowers, asking for approval to let him go and not attend the occasion. My heart almost assumes that he has gone here just to see and surprise me before the event starts, but yeah, this is his own way to soften his absence.

"Oh, i-is that so? Well, it's fine! At least, you've shown up here. I'll just talk to the emcees to skip your name. That may be an important one so yeah, you can go," I smile with a hint of bitterness.

Suddenly, Justin steps closer to me. Our faces are only a few inches apart. He gives me a soft squeeze on my arms, making me startle a little. "I hope you like the flowers, Celine. Thank you for letting me. I'll try to make it up to you. Happy birthday," he greets with a warm smile on his beautiful face.

"Hi! Are you two done talking?" Brielle interrupts us with her loud childlike voice.

I roll my eyes. "Yes. Your timing is perfect."

"Celine, I have to go now," Justin excuses himself. "Thank you. Have a good time."

"No problem. Drive safely, Justin," I nod, trying to smile as much as I can.

I wave goodbye at him, and the guy does it back. Justin moves away, but Brielle pulls him back to me. Ugh, I facepalm. This girl is so shameless. I'm starting to disown her as my best friend.

"Hey, the party is about to start?!" Brielle says, stopping him from walking away.

"Brielle, stop. He already said that he can't attend," I run my fingers through my hair in frustration.

Upon hearing my statement, she immediately releases Justin and bows her head to him. He does the same, waves at me again, and jogs out of the scene.

Brielle glances at me with that familiar teasing look. "I know what you're thinking."

"I hate you," I roll my eyes.

"Duh, you can say that, but I know you want me to do that too," she shakes her head. "You want him to stay."

I let out a bag of air. "Of course, who would want her longtime crush to go away from one of the biggest nights in her entire life? Tell me."

"I'm so damn right!" Brielle praises herself loudly.

I push her shoulders in a playful way, laughing at her absurdity. "Crazy."

"Wait," she grabs my arm. "What are you waiting for? Go and wear your dress!"

✥━━━━━༺◈༻━━━━━✥

I heave out a deep sigh, mentally preparing myself for the next turn.

"As for our last Rose," the male emcee begins, giving that wide smile to make the atmosphere bright. "I would like to call Mr. Jim Salvador to give her the last flower and dance."

From his seat, Jim stands up with a shocked expression plastered on his small face. The crowd claps cheerfully. His eyes catch mine, smiling in spite of being clueless at the moment. He walks closer until he reaches me. Our faces are only a few centimeters apart. He gazes at me as he hands me a pink rose.

"Celine, you didn't tell me before that I was going to be your last rose. I thought it was Justin?" He whispers, looking very surprised.

"Shut up, Jim," I shush him down. "Just dance with me."

Quickly, I gather his hands and put them both on my waist. After that, I wrap my hands around his slim neck. To my surprise, his cheeks show a faint red color, making me giggle. He's kinda cute, I think to myself. Even if he's annoying sometimes, this guy could be a little adorable.

Seconds later, a familiar song starts playing. My heart shakes a little as soon as I hear it, causing me to blush.

Noticing my behavior, Jim leans closer. "Is Put Your Head On My Shoulder your favorite song?"

I smile in a sheepish manner. "Yes, and why did you ask?"

"Uhm, so that this dance won't be too awkward...?" He grins nervously.

I scoff. "I thought you're confident around girls?"

He shakes his head. "Not with you, Celine."

"Wait, what?" I snort at the thought. "With me?"

"What I mean is...not with this moment. There's a lot of people watching us, and it's my first time dancing with a girl," Jim confesses, making him blush harder than before.

"Woah. Hold up!" I shake my head playfully, acting like I am really surprised. "Jim Salvador of Manila Science High School hasn't danced with a girl until now?"

"Yes...you're right," he replies, lowering his head.

I laugh at his face, causing me to lean more and bump my nose to his.

"C-Celine," he startles at my careless move.

I giggle. "Turn me around, you idiot."

Jim removes his hands from my waist to get one of my hands. When he holds my right one, a foreign feeling comes to me. Touching his palm makes me wonder if this guy does household chores. It is so smooth and soft, unlike mine. Life can be unfair sometimes.

Moments later, he turns me around gracefully. My long lacey outfit follows my movement. The audience watches us in awe.

"You turned around beautifully along with your dress," Jim compliments.

"That's because of you," I beam. "You're the one who made it beautiful."

The guy grins, showing his crooked teeth. "You're so nice to me this time, Celine."

"Only this time, Mr. Salvador," I raise my brows up teasingly.

"Oh, an honorific. I like it," he snickers.

"Just wait when this party ends," I smirk. "My treatment for you would be different again because I hate you."

A smug smile forms on his mouth. "You don't have to."

"And tell me, why would I do that?" I reply, still raising the corner of my lips.

Jim leans closer to me. "Because you can love me instead," he whispers in a seductive tone.

Upon hearing his words, I almost choke on my own saliva. This is his lame attempt at making a smooth pick-up line for me. I'm not surprised, I tell myself. This weird man always surprises me with his other hidden talents.

When the song ends, Jim gives me one last grand turn before returning to his seat. Justin may not be able to attend my party and dance with me, but Jim has really made my night. At least, this guy can make me forget how much I'm upset with my incomplete list of Eighteen Roses, and how bothered I have been earlier with the mysterious voice who called my name several times in the dressing room. Justin has told me that it wasn't him.

Then, who is it? I ask myself.

After the dances, a mini-game has started by the female emcee. Many of my classmates have participated in it, and the audience seems to enjoy the event. Moments later, the turn of Eighteen Candles has come. Several special girls in my life have given their messages and wishes. I'm trying my best not to be emotional to avoid ruining my makeup until my seventeenth Candle comes in.

"Celine Suarez is not only my best friend..." Brielle stares at me as she holds a melting candle in her left hand, struggling to find her next words to say on the microphone. "...but also my partner in crime, soulmate, and sister. Our bond is simply just...irreplaceable."

"I hate you so much. You're making me cry," I mumble, throwing my used tissues near her.

Brielle catches them one by one. She's also crying, but trying to pull her tears back. People laugh at us. Probably, they think that fate brought these two dorks together to create a tragic mess.

Suddenly, she smirks. "As for my last wish for Celine."

The atmosphere becomes different.

"I really do hope Auntie Carol lets us get laid," she jokes, adding a deep breath to make the act more dramatic.

With her words, I become speechless. My eyes are glued to her, trying to process the thing that she has said. To my surprise, the crowd cheers at us teasingly. Brielle is really a daredevil. Silently, I just hope my mother will still let me hang out with this girl.

After her message, she hands the microphone to my mother. Mom gets it swiftly, and she pats her back. I watch them laugh as she whispers something to my best friend, making my eyes roll.

Seconds later, Mom starts to speak. She welcomes the guests first, and she thanks the people who helped her out in making this celebration possible.

"And yes, I would also like to thank Mr. Jim Salvador for looking after my daughter."

My brows lift in surprise. Quickly, I search for Jim. As my mom speaks, I notice the audience looking at a fixed position on the left side. There stands out a fine man in a sea of Bohemian-attired people. When his eyes meet mine, he waves his hand and beams at me. I smile back at him, but later on, I decide to roll my eyes just to tease him. In response to my gesture, he shakes his head while still smiling, and the people around him giggle.

"I mean...I would let my dear Celine get laid if it's him," my Mom suddenly jests.

A loud applause with a teasing cheer dominates the whole ballroom. I look at my mother in shock. She just chuckles at her own joke. My eyes search for Jim. The people around him push him in laughter. His face has turned in a bright red color. He looks at me for a short moment, and his head lowers in embarrassment.

"Mom!" I scoff, feeling my heating cheeks.

"I'm just trying to set the mood. Anyway, thanks for participating," my mother clarifies. While giggling, the crowd claps once again.

Slowly, the sound dies when her usual serious look appears.

"I've always wanted to tell this to other people. Ever since before, Celine is that type of daughter who values everything in life, whether it's big or little," she glances at me. "Because she knows how hard life can be, especially if you're a single parent."

I smile at her.

"And that's only one of the things I love about her," she beams.

Upon hearing her message, my heart warms up. My mother really looks proud of me. As I feel my eyes are becoming heavy, I blink them repetitively in a rapid manner.

"I don't want to make this any longer. It's because I always tell Celine every day how much I love her. Sweetie, you know it," my Mom's voice is about to break into cry. I give her the nicest smile that I could ever make.

"And now, to make this message even more memorable, I would like to present something that I've been wanting to give to my one and only child," she wipes her eyes. Her right hand moves fast to get something from the pocket of her dress. "My dear, you have a very important matter to know. I hope you'll accept it with an open heart."

My brows squish together in confusion as my mother hands me a brown envelope.

I stand up to get it. "Mom, what is this?" I whisper at her, confused.

I could feel the crowd starting to look strangely at us, causing the precious moment to become awkward.

"You will know it soon. Just read it at home," she shows a small smile, then she pats my back.

Before the situation could get any more fiddly, she finishes her message by hugging me. "Happy birthday, sweetheart," she greets softly.