Chapter Five
I can’t believe 2 weeks have already passed. The
engagement party is this Friday. I’ve been going around trying to make time for
my studies and club activities that I had forgotten about the whole thing until
mum woke me up on a Monday morning and dragged me to the spa.
I mean, they’ve been making a huge deal out of
something that won’t be announce public yet. They want it to be extravagant
although there aren’t more than 20 or 30 guests…and all are close relatives. I
spent half the day around shopping, going to the salon, spa, and doing a
manicure with my MUM. I don’t think the shopping will ever finish.
When we got home though I was surprised to see
Robin standing at the door looking rather impatient. He greeted my mum politely
and with a cute smile, and then angrily dragged me out again after my mum went
inside. I groaned…and tried to run off inside but he wouldn’t let me.
“I’m exhausted at the moment, so please come back
tomorrow,” I whined. “Pleaaaaaaseee.”
“Don’t worry I’m driving. You just need to sit and
listen to me…”
“Then just come to my house!!”
He stared at me as if I’d said something unbelievable.
“Are you…are you giving me permission to enter your room?”
Come to think of it…I never let him into my room
and he never asked so I guess it seemed a little a strange. I nodded, and
walked back in with him following beside me. At some point he actually held my
hand and I don’t know what got into me. I started getting nervous, and thank
god mum was in the kitchen and didn’t notice.
I quickly jumped onto my bed as we got to my room,
burying my head into the pillow. I really want to sleep now. “What did you want
to talk about?” my voice was muffled because of the pillow.
“I want you to stay away from Gabriel.”
I sighed. “Why would I do that?!” I sat up
straight, facing him directly…trying to ignore the really fast beating of my
heart. “He’s my best friend!!”
“I don’t think he thinks the same way.”
“What are you trying to say?!” I snapped. “He…” and
then I was cut off when his lips gently touched mine. It was a light and gentle
kiss that got me to shut up.
“I know because of the way he looks at you…although
he himself is not sure of it, but he does like you.”
I blinked. “W-what?”
“Just stay away from him…for a while at least.”
I was about to say something but he stopped me.
“Clare…” He looked at me blankly and I ended up accepting. If what he’s saying
is true then I’m going to go bury myself alive. I mean, how can it be possible
for the guy who I’ve been best friend for like so long suddenly decide to
‘like’ me?
----------------------------------------------------
I took a deep breath and stepped in front of
the mirror. I was wearing the long strapless dress, and I had decided to keep
my hair simple…I left it loose with a few wavy strands. I wasn’t as nervous as
I thought I’d be. I’m finally getting engaged today. Of course everything was
different than how I expected it to be. The people who were responsible to get
everything ready were running around with flowers and other things. We were
holding it at a hotel and it was too extravagant. I clearly remember telling
them that we weren’t inviting a lot of people, but I was surprised to know that
there were over 30 guests.
I was ready
at around 3:30 PM. Everything was perfect until my mum told me that Robin’s
cousins were coming too. That included Maya… Not that I have anything against
her, but I know one thing for sure, she never liked me. For some reason back
when I used to go to Robin’s house she would do her best to get me to leave. I
used to think she and Robin were just out there to destroy me. She used to pull
my hair at times and once she even slapped me for some reason I don’t remember.
“You ready? Everyone’s waiting…” I jumped when
he came in. His pretty green eyes gleaming as he looked out the open window. I
could tell he was trying to avoid looking at me. The black suit looked rather
good on him. He looked like a responsible, smart, young president of a company.
I smiled, as he finally rested his eyes on me.
“You
look ok,” he said.
“Yea…I
don’t feel nervous at all. Do you?” although I was kind of worried on how I was
going to face Maya. I haven’t seen her in a while. I just hope she’s changed.
“Well,
not really.” He quickly looked away and I was sure he was nervous. It was
obvious. “Let’s go.”
Without
thinking I walked towards him and put my arm around his. “It’s too late to back
out now…”
“That’s
not it…”
“Don’t
worry, you look really handsome,” I interrupted.
He
snorted. “Is it supposed to make me feel better?”
I
nodded with a smile.
“You…well
you look beautiful today,” he whispered.
“Only
today?” I teased.
I was
finally able to relax more when he actually laughed. “Everyday…You’re always
beautiful. Happy now?” It was strange how close we seemed to be now. Is it
because of the fact that we’re soon getting married?
When
we walked in to the huge hall we were greeted by family members. We had to
greet each one of them. My mum hugged me tight and my aunts all got me presents
because they were sorry they couldn’t come earlier to go shopping with me. We
live in different countries so we barely ever see each other.
Robin’s
family were all nice…well that’s what I thought until Maya showed up with a few
other girls. She looked so different, beautiful and grown-up actually although
unfortunately her personality hadn’t changed much.
The
first thing she did was stare me up and down then without any greetings she
turned and walked away, laughing loudly…with the girls at her heels.
“Sorry…I
did tell her to be polite. She never listens,” Robin said. He really looked embarrassed.
I stayed silent and continued walking with him, and greeting more family
members. I was dead tired after 2 hours. The heels were killing me and I had to
go to the bathroom to check on my make-up.
I
excused myself for a while and walked out of the hall. It was so empty…no one
was around. I had to look for a while to find the bathroom and once I did I immediately
checked myself in the mirror. Make up was still good but my feet were aching.
“Clarissa?”
My
heart skipped a beat when I heard that voice. I don’t know why she scared me so
much. Maya walked towards me and took out her red lipstick from her purse. She
looked at me for a while before turning to the mirror and applying the red
color to her lips.
“You’ve
changed,” she said after a while. “I never expected you to get to my cousin
like that. He doesn’t even like you. How did you force yourself onto him?”
My
jaw dropped and I looked at her with utter shock. The only thing that comes out
of her mouth is poison. She really hasn’t changed.
“Shouldn’t
you be out there? You can’t stay here for long,” she said with an impish smile.
I
ignored her and ran a comb through my wavy hair. After she left I let out a
deep breath and shook my head with disbelief. Seriously…that girl makes me go
speechless. She’s this rude, considering I’m older than her by 2 years.
I
decided to go back quickly but guess what happens? The door’s locked. That…she’s
definitely out there to ruin me…
