Suddenly Gone

CHAPTER 2

I woke up with a little twinkle in my eye as I stretched myself here on my bed. I checked my digital clock and it says 5:40.

"D*mn early," I whispered as I yawned. I rolled out of bed and looked for my tie.

"Ugh. Why do I always lose my hair tie? Tsk," I mumbled as I tried to look for it around my room. That spring-like tie I always lose. I even peeked underneath my queen-size bed. Yes. ‘Coz I’m a queen without a king, sadly. I looked underneath just in case it fell below in here.

"Uhh never mind," I gave up looking for it and fixed my bed instead.

You might wonder I live alone? It's not that I don't want to live with my parents. It's just that I needed to teach myself how to live without someone who would always automatically wash the dishes, sweep the floor, do the laundry and pay bills for me.  I guess this is the perfect time to discipline myself right? Who will do that for me besides? No one but myself.

I've been here in my condo unit for I don’t know how many months already— yes I forgot. I’m sorry. I really asked for my parents' approval to let me move in here as I concentrate myself on the business but when I get a free time, I make sure I go home and spend at least a day or two at our own house, the place where I grew up. It's somewhere in the north so it's totally far from my shop and my pad, just so you'll know.

After leaning my pillows against the headboard, I made my way to the kitchen. A smile was painted on my face as I remembered what happened yesterday. I just feel better today after everything Jean has told me at the café. She's right. I should get better this time that I can now have all the chances in the world to enjoy what I have— alone, and pamper myself more this time and worry about myself first.

"Yes. That's right. Pamper yourself Erin. Make yourself beautiful. Show your awesome-ness. Make yourself the best version of Erin. Prove it to Dave that he lost something he'll never have again," I whispered to myself just as I was waiting for my water to heat up for my coffee.

I opened my cabinet where I put my 3-in-1 coffee. I poured just the right amount to my fave mug when—

"What the hell?!" I shouted in disbelief as I saw my mug shattered on the sink. I was aghast when I saw a figure of a woman beside me already. How did she get in??

"Jeans! The hell?! Why—"

"How're you going to get better when you still use the things he gave you?!" the sophisticated woman snarled at me like a dog with her hands on her waist. She definitely can be my mom in another world— a nagging mom.

I looked at the broken mug on the sink and noticed that it was the mug Dave gave me. It was the same mug I use every day whenever I drink my coffee or tea. He bought that for me when I found it cute with its butterfly prints around it when we were actually roaming around the kitchenware in the mall months ago.

"But you don't have to break it?!" I gave her an Am-I-right face. It's actually cute. I want to keep it for the sake of a good display— Hmmm well I thought I can at least use it for the last time but Jean broke it already!

"What's the use when he already broke your heart in the first place?!" And she gave me an I’m-Sure-I-Know-Better face.

I stared at her annoyingly. "Ugh! Whatever," I gave up and grabbed another mug from the cabinet below where I got my coffee from, but I turned around to face her again with confusion.

"Wait! How did you get in here by the way?! Tsk sneaky— ouch! The hell's wrong with you Jeans Reid!? How can you be so violent today?!" I massaged the top of my head when she suddenly spanked me with her palm.

"You're just 21 Dawn! Why do you act like you've got Alzheimer's? Goodness! Do you want to get robbed?!" Here she is shouting at me again like a menopause-d mother.

"What's wrong with you? It's still 6am and you're disturbing my neighbors!" I lifted my fist and acted like I’m ready to punch her.

"You're the problem! I've been disturbed with your acts!" She blurted. Does she have her period today? Well, even if she does have hers today, she doesn't usually talk to me like this.

"Ha?" My clueless face made her roll her eyes at me again.

"Where do you think I'll get in if I'm here in front of you?" She asked with her emotionless eyes s***h slightly annoyed face.

"Through my door," I said softly and casually.

"Exactly. I opened the door and that means?!" Her eyes grew bigger as she asked.

"It means.... You have a duplicate key?" I was kind of unsure. How could she have a key here in my unit??

"Oh f*ck Erin! And why would I have a duplicate key?! Am I a protective mother who keeps an eye on her daughter who has been pale and head over heels with her boyfriend who broke up with her for the reason that he wants them to be matured, independent or—whatever that's for character development?!"

"Oh wow," that's the only thing I was able to answer. She looked at me with her eyes not breaking with mine.

"You mean—“

"Yes! Precisely! You just left your door unlocked the whole night!" She pointed my temples like saying I should never forget what she's saying.

I held my forehead and closed my eyes, "Seriously?"

"This is the 8th time I went in here with your door slightly open. Geez Dawn. Get a hold of yourself. You age too fast,” and she grabbed a mug from the same cabinet where I got mine and made her own coffee.

We then walked to my small living room and I sat on my favorite couch just in front of my TV. She placed her coffee on the side table beside the long sofa, where she's sitting, after sipping.

"What made you come here and nag at me so early?" I eyed her while my lips still on the edge of my mug trying to sip my coffee slowly, hot smoke trying to cover my eyes from seeing her.

She leaned her back against my soft sofa and crossed her arms and legs. "Come with me later,” then she smiled at me suspiciously. What's she got in her mind?

"Where?" My eyebrows furrowed at her invitation. I know she's going to bring me somewhere I don't usually go to ‘coz I can feel some evil plans.

"Somewhere you'll really have fun, Rin,” she timidly answers.

“C’mon Jean. Please no alcohol. No gimmicks. If it includes anything that I don't like, please don't drag me there.” My words definitely meant a no but for sure, she’ll insist knowing that she came all the way from her place just to tell me this.

"Duh? We're going to a party! Of course there will be drinks!" She raised her arm with a pissed expression before rolling her eyes at me.

"I’m not invited. I don't want to be a gate crasher," I said without any interest on her plan. She excitingly opened her bag and got something. She showed me an invitation card that says 25th birthday of...

"Who is this?" I asked. I scanned the whole card and saw that it will be tonight at 7pm in a grand hall here in the most expensive hotel in the city. I bet this is one of Jean's filthy rich friends.

"Dominic Oberes. He's a high school friend of mine, coming from one of the most prominent families in our place. So get up! And let's work our ass out! We have to as gorg as ever!" She grabbed me by my arm and I almost fell on my face but luckily, I was able to find my balance as I stood up.

"Jeans! No! I’m not coming! I’m not invit—“

"Who says you're not?" She faced me and raised her brow, showed another card from her hand.

"I've got two invitation cards and congratulations! You are one lucky girl I can bring!"

*****

"Oh. My. Gosh!" Jean shouted as she turned her gaze to me. It's 5:30pm and we're here inside her unit to fix ourselves before the party.

Here I am looking at myself in the mirror and could hardly believe what I’m seeing. I really don’t find myself that attractive since I’m not fond of fixing myself every day. Oh wait. You might think I lack hygiene. It's not like that. Putting just light cream and a good lip tint is always enough for me. Well, sometimes I put mascara when I don't usually rush myself to the coffee shop but I always end up late so I guess, lip tint or lip balm will make me a bit alive already.

Unlike Jean, she makes sure she has eyeshadow, eyelashes, red lips and a contoured face. She's naturally beautiful and after putting some colors on her face, she just looks more ecstatic.

And seeing myself wearing this super fit red dress with a pencil cut just above my knees Jean has lent me, I don't know if I'll be able to show myself up in that party. I will and I can if you let me wear a mask the whole time right there.

"I can't just walk in there wearing this Jean! This is uncomfortable!" I snarled. Old-fashioned as he would always comment about mw, but I just don't have the guts to flaunt myself with confidence and a head up!

"Oh my gosh Dawn. Don't you dare decline my fresh from New York red Mango spaghetti strap pencil cut dress! God can't you just be proud of your curves?" she turns me around and roamed her eyes on my body.

My fingers travelled the cloth of this dress I’m wearing which I admit, just fits my shape and I can't just remove the fact that— yeah it looks good on me. Kind of. Hmmmmm.

"See?? Even you, yourself, find your bod sexy with that dress. C’mon Rin! It's a party! Not just an ordinary party!" her excitement was seen as she held her hands together on her chest.

I forced a smile and looked at myself in front of the mirror again, "Yeah yeah fine! I find it amusing seeing myself wear this but isn't it too revealing?" My voice kind of worried with what I'll be like later.

"Revealing?! Are you saying that you’re going to wear a blazer over my pretty dress?" her eye smile turned to a furious one as she held on to her hips. I showed her my puppy eyes and sad face hoping she'll let me slip this time for my conservativeness.

"No Dawn. It just fits perfectly for you," she stood up and held my shoulders.

"You look like a beautiful lady ready to make heads turn for you and you deserve it. You deserve all appreciation from the eyes of many. Just trust me okay?" Her assuring eyes spoke to me and with that, I blew a sigh and gave in. I smiled anyway. I knew I can't say no to this woman.

"Yes! Good!" She clapped her hands and made me sit on her chair and made me face her mirror that's attached to her cabinet.

I roamed my eyes on various make up stuff in front of me. Can she make use of all these stuff every day? I saw different colors of eyeshadows and some were still unused! D*mn!

She then turned her head to me and smirked, "Let's get you prettier and—inviting— ouch!"

I slapped her arm this time!

****

Jean drove her Toyota Vios all the way to the venue. Just after we parked, we made our way to the hotel. We looked for the grand hall where the venue is and when we were about to enter, I held on to Jean's arm.

"Why?" She turned to face me.

"I really can't Jeans," I told her and bit my lip. I was pulling my dress lower, at least to cover my knees. To think that it was a spaghetti strap I’m wearing, I also kept pulling the dress upward since I didn't wear any bra coz it already has these pads on it. God. Mine looked bigger this time—Oh my goodness what am I saying?!

"What? We're here! I swear. You're going to enjoy this night. Forget everything and think of it as your first step to moving on. Okay? And look at you! You just look so gorgeous. I have the best make up stuff and you ‘re face just glowed up way more than how you look before." And she fixed my slightly curled hair swaying on both sides of my shoulders like a stylist.

She totally made me become like a party-goer from an innocent girl with this red matte lippies and with cat eyes with black eyeliner on my lids to open up a bit of my eyes. She also used a thick volume mascara to thicken my eyelashes since she said I look like a tired mythical being ‘coz my lashes are short. Well— It's not really short for a Filipina with a bit of Chinese features like me but if you compare it to her, of course hers will be longer since she has Spanish features visible in every bit of her!

I, then, bitterly smiled and followed her. I have no choice. I don't know anyone here so I'll have to be her tail wherever she goes.

We sat on a round table and there she started to introduce me with her friends.

"Hello! Hey! How are you? Yeah this is my good friend s***h business partner Erin."

It was always in that way whenever she introduces me to someone she knows around here and I couldn't speak that much since I don't usually mingle with people I don't personally know.

"Jean!"

A voice called her out in the middle of a conversation with another friend of hers. Both of our heads turned to where the voice came from. As I was looking at this man walking towards us, I saw how his features make him a head turner, someone you would want to stare at as he seems to walk on the red carpet towards you.

"Dom! At last! I was looking for you. Happy birthday!" Jean said and hugged him just as he was close enough.

"Thanks for coming Ms. Ferrer. I thought you wouldn't make it,” his masculinity was oozing and it was obvious that he had ‘class’ if you guys know what I mean with that.

"Would that even be possible? Of course, when it's Dominic Oberes, I definitely won't miss it," she answered with a very mischievous smile. Tsk. This girl. Very teasing and playful.

This Dominic smiled naughtily too and added, "I heard you're busy with your coffee shop. How's the business going?"

"Ahh ‘bout that, we opened just a month ago and we've been visited by a lot of customers especially during weekends. Usually teenagers. I don't know what's up with millennials today getting hyped with coffees and teas," she nonchalantly said.

He then turned to my direction which left me speechless but gave my small smile.

"And who do we have here?" He stared at me for like 5 secs before speaking which got me really nervous and I thought I’m turning so red right now.

Coz honestly? He's d*mn hot.

"Oh! Yes! This is my college besty who I mentioned to you the last time. She's also my business partner in Barista's Café. Erin Dawn Santos. Erin this is Dom," Jean introduced us to each other but my eyes really never left his and same with him. Oh my gosh.

"Hi. I'm glad I finally met you Ms. Erin." He smiled warmly and saw his right hand in front of me. I reached for it and shook hands with him. I guess that's what his hand meant right? God I’m trembling. He's such a man.

“I'm glad to meet you too Sir," I answered him this time, showing my commercial-like smile. This maybe was what Jean meant by somewhere I'll surely have fun. A lot of good faces everywhere. I swear.

"Drop the formality pretty. Just Dom," and he smiled broadly this time. Woah. Such a jaw dropper. He seriously is attractive.

"Ahh. By the way. I'd like you, girls, to meet someone. Hmm wait,” his eyes traveled around the venue and then smiled just when we, together, saw a woman getting close. Just when she stood in front of us, he kissed this Hispanic beauty on her forehead

"Meet Graciella, my fiancé,” Jean and I made an oh-sound and shook hands with her right away. Okay. Taken. It’s over.

"Hi Graciella. Im Jean."

"Hello. I’m Erin."

"Pleasure to meet you lovely girls,” her beautiful eyes with long lashes was the most prominent feature of her face. Perfect face, perfect smile, perfect body and that's what perfectly fits a Dominic Oberes. Okay. Back off Jean and Erin.

"So when's the wedding?" Jean asked.

"Hmm.. Next year? We're still planning whether we push through with a June wedding or just do it on his birthday," she smiled at him sweetly and I just feel jealous whenever I see couples talking ‘bout their union. Dave and I used to talk about wedd— ughhh. Never mind. Erase. Erase.

"And so? We'll leave you guys here and more visitors are coming," Dom said as he turned to Graciella who nodded at him. Gosh. They're perfect.

"Yes! Yes! Go ahead. It seems like most of the visitors are your business allies aside from high school friends," Jean said as she pat Dom's arm.

"Please enjoy. In a while, a live band will be performing. We have drinks at the bar if you want! It's complete. Get anything you want," he pointed the bartender's den at the back.

"Yeah sure don't worry." Jean casually said.

"We'll go ahead girls." Graciella smiled at us and made their way to the next table.

"Sh*t," Jean flopped on her chair, her arms swayed without energy. "He was my last option. And now, I should get used to living alone. Huhuhu" as if crying.

I knew it. She really has some crazy little agenda with this Dominic Oberes.

"Crazy! There are a lot of Dominic-like guys here. You can pick one or two. Duh?" I told her as I sat on my chair and drank water from a wine glass.

"Wow! Look who’s talking?! Okay then! Since those words confidently came out from your mouth, and it looks like you’re taking a step to the phase called moving on, fine let's go fishiiiiiiing," she sang those words and stood up without hesitation.

"Hey wait. Where are you going?"

"Gonna go get some big fish to eat!" her nose scrunched with a little growl out of her playfulness. I glared at her but her back faced me already.  This girl. Does whatever she wants. Even if I ask her to stay with me, she won't. I know she wants me to socialize on my own, get to know people and learn to interact.

I stayed and sat on my spot and observed the guests around. I can see that these people here are bigtime business tycoons. Hmmm I wonder if Dave is here— wait. What?!

The whole time I've been sitting on my chair, I've been pulling my dress lower coz it keeps me uncomfortable whenever my thighs are exposed! And when I pull it lower, my chest gets the attention from people and damn Jean! When I need you the most, you're not here! Ughh! I wish I grabbed a blazer before we left from her pad!

While some guests were still eating, a power point presentation was showed on the wide screen. It was a compilation of the celebrator's childhood pictures which left everyone laughing and goofing around. I even saw how Graciella laughed so hard when a nude baby picture of Dom was showed.

"Small balls!"

I wasn't able to control my laughter when someone suddenly shouted. I suppose that was one of Dom's friends which made everyone giggle altogether.

I roamed my eyes around the venue and saw Jean on the other side talking to whoever that was but I’m definitely sure, she's hitting on someone again. This girl.

As I travelled my eyes around, a figure caught my attention. My smile slowly disappeared as I was staring at a manly silhouette. His toned arms— I just assumed they were toned— were just above his chest with his left shoulder leaning on the wall and his right hand holding a wine glass. He was just in the corner with no one but I’m sure he was wearing a coat that covered his long sleeve tee. His body was facing my direction but I couldn't clearly see if his eyes were looking exactly at me but it really gave me goosebumps.

I looked to the other side of the hall where I saw Jean just a while ago but to my dismay, even just her shadow wasn't there anymore! Where can she be? That b*tch!

"Nice one, Jeans. Just when I need you here, you’re nowhere to be found," I uttered in so much fear.

I transferred my sight from where I last saw Jean to the same spot where I saw that silhouette and that man was also gone!

"Where is—“

"Looking for me?"

*****