Blooming Rose in the Dusky Night

Chapter One

Chapter One

Homecoming

In the room's dim light, I stared blankly at the smoke curling in the gloom. The stagnant stench of cigarettes and the sharp smell of drinks competed with the rock music that dominated the atmosphere. Hundreds of loudly spoken conversations fill the space. I'm not supposed to be here. I'm not too fond of this place. But today is my birthday. I need to have a party.

I raised my glass and shouted.

"Happy 26th birthday, self! You beautiful light, even at your lowest, you shine bright! Keep shining, self! Tandaan mo, ang ganda-ganda mo!"

Before I drank another cocktail shot, I twiddled my hair over one shoulder of my red Chanel dress, seemingly absentmindedly, and giggled girlishly. I cocked my head to one side, slightly protruding my red lips.

"Ah! This is life!"

Ibinagsak ko ang wine sa glass sa counter. The bartender was there to take my order in a flash, eyes dropping only momentarily to my low-cut neckline.

"Asian, eh?"

"Nope." I smiled. "A goddess."

While mixing my cocktail, the attractive bartender chuckled flirtatiously.

As I leaned into the bar counter, I flirted back with a smile.

"Hey, you."

"Gavin." the bartender smiled. "Gavin is the name."

"Kaia," I said, extending my right hand, which Gavin quickly accepted. "Kaia Isabelle Elizondo, I'll give you a million dollars, Gavin. Please wish me a happy birthday."

Walang bumati sa akin ngayon kaya magbabayad na lang ako. The bald old geezer has most likely forgotten my birthday again. Damn him! Makalbo pa sana siya. Palagi niyang nakalilimutan ang birthday ko.

Gavin laughed and smiled. "Happy birthday, goddess."

Ngumiti ako saka binawi ang kamay. I took my Chanel purse and draw a check out from it. Susulatan ko sana pero naramdaman kong hinawakan ng malanding si Gavin ang kamay ko.

"There's no need, goddess. I greeted for free."

May sinasabi ang lagkit ng titig nito at hindi ko nagugustuhan kaya marahas kong binawi ang kamay.

"Thanks very much then."

I stood up and turned my back. Lumabas ako ng bar at hinahap ang mga bodyguards pero hindi ko nakita. Maging ang mga sasakyan. This is first time. Palagi silang nakasunod sa akin. Kulang na lang kahit sa comfort room samahan ng mga taong iyon. Ito ba ang regalo nila sa akin ngayon?

Napangisi ako. I liked it.

I have to hail a cab then. Pumara nga ako at nagpahatid sa suite ko. I left my purse in the bar. Glad I have my wallet with me. I still have my cards and few money.

Hindi ko talaga inilalagay ang wallet ko sa mga bag ko dahil mahilig akong tumakas bigla at para linlangin ang mga bodyguards, iniiwan ko ang bag at nagpapaalam na gagamit ng CR kahit ang totoo talaga, tumakas na ako.

Pagdating ko sa suite, naabutan ko si Tanya na nanunood ng TV sa living area at kumakain ng chips.

"O? Nandiyan ka na pala? Happy birthday. May regalo ako sa'yo. Nasa ibabaw ng kama mo."

Kumunot ang noo ko sa narinig. Habang hinuhubad ang heels, tinignan ko ito nang masama. Humagikhik naman ito.

Hindi ko na kailangang tignan kung ano ang iniregalo dahil alam ko na kung ano. Pero ginawa at tinignan ko pa rin. I love opening gifts and Tanya seemed to know that because she loves wrapping her non-sense of gifts. Kahit hindi na talaga kailangan dahil litrato lang naman ang palaging inireregalo niya sa tuwing birthday ko.