Maybe It Was

Chapter 8

The day of the birthday party came and I was a nervous wreck. The party will start at 6:30 and I was still at my condo at 5, deliberating in what to wear. On my bed, there were 3 dress laid out. They have different colors and different styles.

The first one was color pink with a deep neckline. I felt that it was a little revealing. The second one, a dark green dress with spaghetti straps with a square neckline, and a slit. The last one, a blue dress that looks like a freakin ballgown. I shake my head at the blue one. Why was it here anyways? I picked it up and put it on the floor.

In the end, I decided to wear the dark green dress. I did my make-up and hair. I had my hair half-up. I was rushing ‘cause I didn’t want to be late and take away the spotlight from the celebrant.

I got to the venue at exactly 6:30. I smacked my head but thankfully, there were also others who just arrived. I felt a little relieved at that. The party was held at a five-star hotel. I heard it was expensive renting this hall. The doors were still open, fortunately. There were two men standing near the door like guards.

There were a lot more people inside. The host for the night was speaking on a mic, welcoming the guests. There was a small stage set up, with a grand piano on it and there were stairs on each side going up. There were tables scattered around the room with a small space in the middle left open. The open space might serve as a dance floor. There were two long tables on the right side of the room. One table has drinks and some finger foods as an appetizer. The other table was full of gifts ranging from small to big.

I put my gift behind one of the big gifts. It was a simple gift, a small tag bracelet. I also wrote a small note inside. It says to stay healthy and to find happiness.

The host spoke up and encourage the guests to please sit down. I found a table near the dance floor. There weren’t many people who sat there and those who does seems like my peers. As I sat down I greeted them and I found out that most of them were influencers and the rest were models. After a few exchange, I found out they were invited by Selena.

The program started by introducing the family. First, Mr. and Mrs.Lopez made their entrance by walking down the stairs on other sides and thanked those who were present. Next, Selena and her husband, Tom, who was carrying their child Toby. They went down on the left stairs together and they look like the picture perfect family. Sebastian was called up last and he was welcomed by a round of applause. He descended from the right stairs while his right hand was inside his pocket. He had his hair up.

The girls on my table gasped when they saw him and started whispering. They were saying that Sebastian looks good with his hair up and I agreed with them. Sebastian gave a speech to thank every one of the guests and gave special mention to his parents. After giving his speech, the host took over and called up a pianist to play a piece.

The dinner was served around 8pm. While I was enjoying my chocolate cake as a dessert, my phone suddenly rang. The people on my table turned to looked at me. I forgot to silenced my phone. I apologized to them and took my phone out my purse to check who called. The caller ID displayed “mom”. I excused myself and stood up.

I tried to find a quiet place to take the call. I answered the phone and my mom asked me where I was. I told him I was at an acquaintance’s birthday party. I forgot to tell my mom that I was attending one. My mom wants me to go to their house. She wants me to go there as soon as possible. After the call, I looked up and saw the moon.

“The moon is beautiful tonight.” I was startled by a voice and I looked back and saw Sebastian. Looking at his hair up, he kinda looked like a prince, and I’m the frog with my green dress.

“Happy Birthday.” I greeted him though I knew it was probably late. His real birthday was the day before and he celebrated it with his family only.

He nodded and uttered a thanks. He asked me why I was out and I told him that I had to answer a phone call. I deliberated whether to tell him that I might have to go home soon. In the end, I didn’t tell him. We basked under the moonlight for a while, content with the silence between us, standing side by side.

“This is the first time we are alone together like this. I like it.” He said the last part quietly so I didn’t catch on it. It must be something for himself. I nodded as an agreement. It was the first time we were alone together and just standing. After a few minutes, I broke the silence and told him that we should probably go back in and his guests might be looking for him. He looked at me then nodded.

We went back inside with him being one step ahead. On the way back to the table, I received a message that came from my mom urging me to go to the house.

When I sat back down, Selena went near our table to ask how we were. I took that as a chance to bid goodbye. I told her I have something at home. She didn’t presses me to stay but also looked hesitant on letting me go. She keeps turning her head trying to look for someone. I squeezed her hands and asked her to explain for my stead to her parents and as much as I would like to stay I really had to go. She sighed and let me go.

I went out of the event hall and then the building, The guard helped me call for cab. I didn’t drive to the hotel since I might end up drinking.

I got to my parent’s house and I could already hear voices. My brows furrowed as I noticed that there was a lot of cars also parked on our yard. I went in and was greeted by Martha, one of the maids who has been working for my parents since I was young. I handed her my bag and asked for a cup of water. I went to the living room and I saw that there were a lot of people there. My uncles, aunts, and cousins were there.

The most noticeable among them was Allan, who had his head bowed down. I approached the crowd and went to my mom to tell her I arrived. The atmosphere seems meek so I asked what was wrong. The wedding was canceled.