I Could Fall

Chapter Forty-One

"You should go and have fun. Puro ka na lang trabaho at bahay. Ako na ang magpapaalam para sa'yo," dagdag pa ni Kuya Hadeon. He's wearing an easy smile but there's something in his eyes that seemed doleful.

"May pasok bukas, Kuya," sinubukan ko pang makalusot. My friends grunted because of it.

"You're the CEO's daughter. I'm sure it will be fine." Humalakhak siya at tinapik ang balikat ko bago nagawang itulak palapit sa mga kaibigan ko. He brought his attention to them. "Take her."

"Sure!" Phil giggled and clung her arm around mine. Walang pasabi na hinila niya ako. "Bye, Kuya Hadeon!"

They didn't give me a chance to get away. Hinila na nila ako palabas ng function hall. I don't even have cash or my phone with me. Sinabi ko sa kanila 'yon pero ang sagot nila ay hindi ko 'yon kailangan dahil sila na ang bahala sa akin.

It was a thirty minute drive. Malapit lang ang hotel sa high-end nightclubs. Of course, all of our hotels were strategically placed.

Just like any high-end nightclub, the place was loud and jam-packed. Phil held my hand as Trix led the way and navigated us through the crowd.

Their friends were occupying the circular couch. There are a few familiar faces, mga officemates nila Phil and Trix na nakasama ko nung birthday celebration nila.

"Hi!" bati nila Phil and Trix sa mga kaibigan bago nakipagbeso.

Nang makita ako ng mga kakilala kong officemate nila ay bumati at bumeso rin ang mga ito sa akin. They introduced me to the new faces. I politely smiled and greeted back.

"And to properly welcome the newcomers," Erika lifted two shot glasses and handed it to Trix and Phil. Sunod niya ako tiningnan at nakangising inabot ang shot glass sa akin.

It's a tequila shot. I grimaced. I hate this drink. The taste is too strong and it burns my throat. Every event, I only have one shot of this. They know it's my limit.

Phil winked at me for encouragement. She licked some salt before drinking the whole thing in one gulp. Her face scrunched up as she sucked on the lemon slice.

Huminga ako nang malalim at ginaya ang steps niya. I almost threw up at the taste. Thank God for the lemon.

I thought that was the first and last of it. One of the new faces, Tricia, kept on distributing tequila shots to everyone. Sunod-sunod. Sa ikaapat na shot ay sinubukan kong tumanggi.

"Ay, sis, 'wag mo akong ipahiya," sabi nito sa akin. "Mag-wa-walkout ako."

The others lauded for me to drink it. Nag-angat pa ng baso ang isa para sabayan ako. Others joined to show their support. Wala akong nagawa kundi ang uminom din.

My head was starting to spin and my body feels light. Sa sumunod na abot sa akin ng tequila shot ay walang angal na ininom ko na 'yon. I think thirty percent of the liquid spilled on my dress but who cares.

I scanned our group who were rowdy and laughing. May tatlong nakatayo pa at sumasayaw. I snickered as I watched them. It looks fun. I wanna dance, too!

Without missing a beat, I stood up and made my way to their spot. I think I floated towards them because I didn't feel my feet take a single step.