Arctic Heart [#Wattys2018 Winner]

Chapter 3

Chapter 3
Architect

I arrived at the venue almost an hour late. Sinadya kong magpalate para mas maraming atensyon ang makuha nang pagdating ko.

I'm not an attention seeker. I only aim for that certain person's attention. But in order to get his attention, I also need to attract the others.

My heart was beating so loud as soon as I approached the venue. I briefly recalled every action that I need to be reminded of.

Maintain your elegance and gracefulness, Zarina. Keep in mind that you have to look mature. Jace might like a mature woman instead of someone like you who still have her childish and immature side.

"Zarina, you really came!"

Napalingon naman ako sa babaeng paparating at nakita ko si Fretzie. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag at medyo nabawasan ang kabang nararamdaman.

"You look so different tonight!" she commented.

I can't help but to grin. I think my look successfully deceived someone.

"Ikaw rin naman," pagpuri ko rin sa kaniya.

She just laughed at my compliment.

We decided to go inside the venue. I was right! All eyes were on us when we entered the venue. Some of my high school friends immmediately flocked and hovered at me.

They asked about my life in New York and I happily told them stories that are very memorable to me. Perks of living outside the country for a while. When you came back, you're an instant idol.

"Grabe, Zarina. You look so different. You look so mature." A friend of mine complimented me with a compliment that I wanted to hear the most.

I gracefully chuckled. "Hindi naman. I'm still the same as before."

"Tama si Dana. Sobrang laki ng pinagbago mo," sabi naman ni Bernadette. "Naaalala ko pa dati kung paano niya habul-habulin si Jace ng parang bata pero ngayon ay mukhang siya na ang dapat na hinahabol."

My cheeks heated at what she said. But wait! I almost forgot about Jace. I wonder if he attended. Masiyado akong nalibang ng mga kaibigan ko at nakalimutan ko nang siya ang pinunta ko rito.

"Nakakahiya nga ang mga ginawa ko dati," sabi ko naman.

"Oh! You should meet Jace!" biglang na-eexcite na sabi ni Dana.

Napataas naman ang kilay ko habang pinapakiramdaman ang biglang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso ko. "He's here?"

"Yes, he is!" Dana exclaimed. "Come on! Doon ka nalang sa table namin."

Hindi na nagpigil si Dana at hinila niya na ako patungo sa table nila. Pagkatapos naming makakawala sa nagkukumpulang mga tao ay pakiramdam ko'y huminto ang mundo ko nang makita ko siyang nakaupo.

He's drinking wine, and I can't help but to bit my lip as I watched his lips touched the wine glass as he drinks.

I've seen his transformation through the pictures that Abrielle took. Akala ko kaya ko nang pigilan ang matinding pagkalabog ng puso kapag nakita ko ang pagbabago sa kaniya pero hindi pala. His obscene look is so mesmerizing in person. Pakiramdam ko'y kapag hindi ko pinigilan ang sarili ko ay mapapatili nalang ako bigla.

My heart that's hibernating for a number of years suddenly awakened. He is all what my heart needs in order to function completely and feel the love that's been missing for years.

"Babe!" Dana waved at Ericson, who's sitting beside Jace.

I was amazed by their relationship. Hanggang ngayon ay silang dalawa pa rin. Hindi na ako magugulat kapag nalaman kong magpapakasal na silang dalawa dahil sobrang tagal na nila.