Chapter 5

Chapter 5




I stared in horror at the sequined dress with a long slit in a deep shade of red that Jess held out for me. She is grinning from ear to ear, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.


"No, no, no." I immediately answered, horrified.


"No?"


"No." matigas kong wika. Muntik na akong atakihin sa puso nang ipakita niya sa akin ang gusto niyang suotin ko sa Halloween costume party namin bukas ng gabi.


"But you will look great in it!" she insisted.


"Jessica, that dress is too... revealing..." kalmado kong wika.


She woke me up early in the morning with a call, telling me she's got great news and has to see me asap. Inimbitahan ko siya sa mansion namin, total ay kilala naman siya nina Mama at Papa. Papa likes her so much. Mama smiled and thinks she's a good girl, too.


"What can you expect? It's Jessica Rabbit's costume!" she squealed in delight.


I swallowed a groan. When she told me that she's going to announce some good news, I wasn't expecting that she'd bring me a dress that shows half of my soul.


"You just gotta find some red wig and heels girl, and you're good to go."


"Baka mapatay ako ng mga magulang ko, Jess, kapag nakita nilang suot ko 'to!"


She grinned at me mischievously. "It's a Halloween costume party, right? So, wear whatever you want! Huwag mong sabihin sa aking balak mong maging si Snow White o Cinderella sa party na ito?" nagtaas pa siya ng kilay sa akin.


Twin spots of red suffused my cheeks as embarrassment took over me. I was really planning to dress as one of the Disney characters that I love, given that Mama could order any dress from Manila in just a short notice if she wishes.


"Honey, trust me, you can wear the most sparkling Cinderella shoes and Prince Charming won't fall to your feet. This is the modern time! Kailangan mo nang maging Jessica Rabbit!"


I groaned out loud. I know she's only joking but I'm starting to panic. How would I ever explain to her that I don't want to wear that dress because it's too revealing? At sigurado akong hindi lang sina Mama at Papa ang aayaw sa suot kong 'to, pati na rin si Blake. And I can't dress slutty for the costume party. There would be investors and Papa's business associates! And the entire Sobreval family!


Just thinking about it makes me sweat in cold. Napabuntong-hinga ako.


"Okay, if you're not really comfortable with it, you can wear nude tights or something. I'll help you with that. You'll need a pair of purple gloves and red wig. Some red lipstick and a stunning diamond necklace."


"San mo ba nakuha ang costume na ito?"


She grinned at me. "Naglilinis ako ng backstage kaninang madaling araw at nakita ko 'to. Some lady singer must've worn it a long time ago. Wala na daw ang wig, but the dress is still in a good condition. And when I first saw it, I thought it'd be perfect for you!"


Ngumuso ako. She'd gone so much trouble that it would make me feel guilty if I decline her.


"Come on, Savannah, you need to channel your inner Jessica Rabbit! Baka lumambot na nang tuluyan si Blake sa iyo!"


I raised a brow. "And what would you be wearing?"


"Kim Possible."


We exploded into laughter. I collapsed on my bed and stared at my cream ceiling, wondering what my family and friends would react once they saw me in that very seductive dress. The idea per se is thrilling. I would be delighted to see Blake's reaction but it would also rip my conservative image.


"Pag-isipan mong mabuti, Savannah..." Jessica spoke again. "Panigurado akong maglalaway na si Blake sa iyo niyan."


I giggled again and nodded. Oh well, this is a costume party. And this happens only once a year. It wouldn't hurt a girl to have some fun.


We spent the afternoon together, shopping for a red wig and some purple gloves. Tinulungan ko din si Jess na maghanap ng costume niya. We found the perfect army jeans for her in a thrift store, paired with black crop top and a brown hair wig in loose curls.


After shopping, we decided to have some tea in a nearby coffee shop. I insisted on paying for her drinks, because ever since we got friends, Jessica declined all of my treats. I know she's an independent girl who works to support herself financially, but I still want to treat her now and then. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin niya naikukuwento sa akin ang tungkol sa pamilya niya, and I am patiently waiting that she'll share her story to me. So far, she hasn't mentioned her mother, father, or any hint that she has siblings. All I know is that she's living alone in a boarding house near the school and the landlady is a dear friend of her family.


On the night of the party, Jessica took off her duty earlier to meet me at the mansion. Ang usapan namin ay sabay na kaming magbibihis, and we will do each other's makeup. Being in the ballet world for so long and having done several performances, I know a little about how to achieve the soft glam look on my face. And Mama is also a big fan of makeup, so we spent most of our afternoons together tinkering with the imported makeup products she ordered online. It was nice to have someone my age talk about makeup and boys, I realized, as I was applying a soft shade of pink gloss to Jessica's plump lips.


"Girls? Are you ready?"


Napalingon kaming dalawa nang biglang bumukas ang pinto at sumilip si Mama. She's dressed as Maleficent tonight and she looks dashing as ever. I believe she hired a professional makeup artist to achieve the look and her costume is customized.


"Malapit na po, Mama..." medyo nahihiya kong wika nang dumapo ang tingin niya sa akin. Lumawak ang ngiti ni Mama nang makita ako.


"Why, don't you look so mature tonight, Anna?" she mused sweetly as she stepped inside. She hasn't clipped her wings yet, but I know it will be just as fabulous as her black dress.


"Uhm..."


"Diba po bagay sa kaniya?" ani Jessica na ngayo'y nakangisi na. "Dalaga na po ang anak niyo!"


Tumawa nang mahinhin si Mama sa tinuran ni Jessica. "You're right, Jess. You did a great job. Anna mentioned that you're the one who lend her this wonderful dress. My baby is a grownup now..."


Mama stayed for a little while before she headed downstairs and helped Papa to welcome the early guests. Kami naman ni Jessica ay nagpatuloy sa aming makeup. I keep on dragging the dress upwards because I'm not comfortable of how it shows so much skin on my chest. Baka sabihan pa ng iba na trying hard ako, eh hindi naman kalakihan ang hinaharap ko.


When Jessica finally attached my wig and made me look in the mirror, I was shocked to see a completely different person staring back at me. Fatal and sensual. The soft shade of purple eyeshadow and bold red lips overwhelmed the rest of my soft features. I attached a pair of yellow pearl drops earlier to my ears and a diamond necklace that I got for my 14th birthday.


"See? You look so mature..." proud na proud pang wika sa akin ni Jessica.


I grinned and hugged my friend, thanking her for this newfound confidence. I would've worn an ankle-length ball gown and a tiara if it weren't for her. I'm glad I get to explore this part of me. I look so mysterious and wild in this costume.


She winked at me and promised that I'm going to have a great night. Nang bumaba na kaming dalawa ay marami-rami ng tao. Some are wearing masks, so I could hardly recognize their faces. I greeted politely the people I know and all of them are wearing the same shocked expression upon seeing the De la Rua heiress getting so bold with her Halloween costume as Jessica Rabbit.


"Kukuha lang ako ng maiinom," ani Jessica pagkatapos ng ilang minuto. "May gusto ka ba?"


Umiling ako. I still don't want to drink or eat anything now that the party is getting started. Tumango si Jess at naglaho na sa aming kusina. I stood awkwardly in the middle of the formal lounge and decided that I would join my parents in welcoming the guests. Hindi ko pa nakikita si Blake o kung sinumang Sobreval.


Mama got a lot of praises for her costume and her enormous wings. Some are even complimenting me for my dress. It produces a silver sparkle every time the light touches it. And the slit showcased my long, slender legs, thanks to the years of ballet dancing.


Nag-uusap sina Mama at ang kaniyang amiga na galing Singapore nang may mahagip ang paningin ko. And I'm sure it's not just me, but half the men in the crowd turned towards the woman who just arrived.


Valerie is wearing an enormous ball gown that forced everyone out of the way while she is walking head high. With her blonde wig cut, pink lips, and pale pink Prada, she is the very definition of a walking Barbie. It doesn't really help that her waist is so small and her breasts full. Agaw-atensyon ang pagdating niya sa aming party.


"Valerie!" Papa greeted her enthusiastically. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin na sinalubong si Valerie at hinalikan ang magkabilang-pisngi. A little while little, a girl my age stepped out of the limo and a tall handsome boy who looks like her older brother. Both of them are sharing the same features with Valerie, and they are equally mean-looking and intimidating as well.


Hindi na maalis ang tingin ko sa tatlong bagong dating na bisita. Maging si Mama ay nilapitan rin sila at nginitian.


"This is my children..." she said, making me gasp in surprise. Children?! "Samantha and Steve..."


Hindi lang ako ang nagulat sa narinig kundi pati na rin ang ibang malapit lang sa amin. She looks so young to have two children. At what age did she exactly got pregnant? 15? 16?


"Oh, they're charming..." Mama answered politely, admiring the two mean-looking children of Valerie who didn't even bother to greet my parents, the host of this party.


"Thank you, Ma'am..." sa matamis na wika ay sinabi ni Valerie. Knowing that she already has children somewhat put me in ease. She must have a husband, then. Pero umalis na ang limo at wala ng iba pang lumabas bukod sa kanilang tatlo.


Nag-usap pa silang tatlo hanggang sa nawalan na ako ng interes at umalis. I kept on trying to find Jess in the sea of masked people, dancing and drinking, but I couldn't find her.


"Savannah?"


I froze upon hearing the familiar baritone voice. Alam na alam ko kung sino ang tumawag sa akin. Biting my lower lip, I tried to calm my erratic heart before I turned and saw Blake in his own costume, frowning disapprovingly at me.


"What are you wearing?"


See?


I sighed inwardly. Alam kong magagalit na naman siya sa suot kong 'to. I didn't hear any bad comments from Mama and Papa. Instead, I even got praised for this outfit of mine. Si Blake lang talaga ay masyadong... conservative para sa isang lalaki.


"I'm Jessica Rabbit." I batted my eyelashes at him, hoping he'd smile and tell me I am totally rocking this dress tonight.


Instead, he cursed under his breath. Nilapitan niya ako. He's dressed as Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid, looking handsome as ever. Blake doesn't really need to glorify himself with extreme costume because he'd look great no matter what. And he knows he looks like a Greek god and uses it wisely.


The heels added to my height but Blake is still towering over me. I couldn't talk to him without craning my neck, or looking like a kid, even in this very seductive Jessica Rabbit costume.


Blake looks so distressed right now. He's not wearing a coat, but I figured if he does have one, he'll immediately wrapped it around me.


"Where's your date?" I queried.


"I don't have a date, Savannah." He muttered in a somewhat angry tone.


"And?"


"And that's it. I'm never taking my eyes off you tonight. With what you're wearing..." he shook his head.


"Ayos lang ako, Blake. Nasa bahay ako ng mga magulang ko. Siguro naman ay walang magtatangkang gumawa sa akin nang masama?"


"Does Tita Anastasia even approved of this dress?"


"Yes!" proud kong sagot sa kaniya. "She said I look like a grownup and that I'm beautiful."


"You're beautiful, Savannah. Kahit ano pa ang suot mo..."


What he said caught me in a trance. I stared at him through my heavily-shadowed lips, at loss for words again. Blake sighed and reached for my hand.


"Come with me..."


Hinayaan ko siyang dalhin ako sa kusina. He barely greeted his friends who called out for him and some of our common friends who obviously wanted to initiate a conversation with him. Binitawan niya rin ang kamay ko at kumuha ng isang baso ng tubig mula sa waiter at iniabot ito sa akin.


"Drink this. I'm sure you're tired."


I rolled my eyes playfully but proceeded to drink the water he gave me. Ibinalik ko sa kaniya ang baso pagkatapos.


"Ang taas pa ng suot mong heels, Anna. Hindi ba masakit ang paa mo?"


"Nope. I'm fine. I'm doing good."


Blake stared at me as if he's not convinced but he didn't bother pushing the conversation further. He just sighed and wrapped an arm around my waist, guiding me through the sea of people in wings, ball gowns, and mad hats.


"You're dating Shanna's older sister, right?"


Hindi ko na napigilang itanong iyon sa kaniya. The other day, Shanna ambushed me while I was waiting for the driver to pick me up. She boasted about being related to Blake, now that her sister is finally dating him. I shouldn't be surprise of hearing Blake going out with another woman again, but I couldn't deny that I was hurt. He was so big into talking sweet to me and then suddenly he's dating a much older and mature woman?


"Who said that?" kumunot ang kaniyang noo sa narinig.


"Shanna." I said quietly.


"I'm not dating Rachelle. She's just my date for tonight. There's a big difference."


"And where is she?"


He shrugged. "Said she couldn't make it."


"You'll be missing your Ariel, then..."


Nilingon ako ni Blake at tinitigan. Then his hand slowly caressed my red wig. "You're both redheads so I guess I wouldn't mind having Jessica Rabbit as my date."


Natawa ako sa sinabi niya. It's so weird that I am starting to get bothered by Blake's dating life. I mean, what can I expect from the man? Aside from his elite friends and lavish lifestyle, he's also known as the community's playboy. Sa tagal naming magkakilala, dapat ay nasanay na ako.


"I'm not dating anyone, Savannah, ever since Polly and I broke up." pagkaklaro niya, kahit na hindi ko naman tinatanong kung may iba pa siyang dini-date maliban sa nabanggit ni Shanna.


"Oh. Okay. Good for you, then." I told him.


"And you shouldn't date, too." Matigas niyang wika.


"Bakit?"


"Because... because you're too young. I don't want to see you crying over stupid boys."


Banayad ko siyang nginitian. "How will I ever learn without the experience, Blake?"


"You know you can save yourself from heartaches if you choose to..."


"And how am I supposed to do that?"


Blake stopped when we reached the grass path leading towards the dark rose garden. There's no one around expect for the two of us. I guess the guests are more intrigued by the illuminated pumpkins and seven-tier Halloween cake in the grand parlor than the seductive scent of roses and the solitude that it can offer.


Nilingon niya akong nakatingala pa rin sa kaniya. Mabagal akong kumurap, naghihintay sa sagot niya. I was stunned when placed both of his hands on my shoulders, crouched, and breathed a soft kiss under my ear.


"Protect your heart at all costs. It's the most wonderful thing about you."


Tinitigan ko siya nang matagal, tumatambol ang puso sa sobrang kaba at sa sensasyong umukit sa sistema ko nang maramdaman ang mga labi niya sa sensitibong parte ng katawan. I know it's just a sweet gesture, like how a brother would kiss his crying sister, but it hit me differently.


"Come on... let's go back." Blake said after a minute. "You should rest early tonight. May pasok ka pa."


"I'm not a kid, Blake!" protesta ko, pero sa totoo lang ay hindi pa rin humihinto ang karera sa dibdib ko.


"I know. And if I have to tie you in bed just so you would stop growing up and exploring, I would." Seryoso niyang wika bago naglakad palayo.


Sinundan ko ng tingin ang malapad niyang likod. And then I started to wonder... why haven't I felt like this with him before?


It feels like I'm meeting Blake Sobreval for the first time. 

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