I must meet Her
1580 Words
TORI’S POV
I told Mom she couldn't have a party, but now she's messaging me that everything is in place. I'm not aware that she's throwing a party at the hotel reception. She never ceases to amaze me.
"Do you think you're coming? " I inquired to Caleb.
I'm very sure he received an invitation from my mother as well. This is one of the things about birthdays that I despise. There would always be parties and gatherings, and I would be compelled to converse with the visitors in a hypocritical manner, which I was sick of.
"Yeah," Caleb says as he packs his belongings. " Why? You don't like it while I'm around? " He inquired.
I said, "That's a dumb question."
“What?! I'm just curious following yesterday night's events" He grinned, "I figured you wouldn't want to see or be with me."
“Oh, come on Caleb! Drop it, okay? We don’t do that sh*t” I replied.
That concept made us both laugh. Even if the scenario is truly awful, being awkward to one another isn't just our thing.
He's kidding, but I'm not in the mood to be dragged along. We leave since we are all packed up and the shoot is over early, so I and Caleb have time to get ready.
I drove back home to straighten myself up and then traveled to the hotel where the party was being hosted after more than an hour of preparation.
As soon as I walked inside the hotel, every member of the staff greeted me and presented me with flowers. It was just the cutest and most flattering thing I'd ever seen.
It's not that I haven't had that experience, but the way the personnel handled me made me feel extremely flattered. It's just not like any other spectacular entrance I've ever seen. Seeing the staff's genuine grins makes me happier than receiving flowers from other socialites who are full of show-offs and hypocrisy and that’s real talk.
“Thank you” I replied to each staff I’d walk into who gave me flowers.
I can already hear music coming from within as I approach the door. When the door opened, it was pitch black until a spotlight shone on me. Someone wrapped my hand around his arms completely. Caleb was the escort, as I noticed.
I'm not sure why he came here before me. Guys aren't as complex as girls. Caleb stopped walking and angled his body to face me before I even realized we'd arrived in the middle.
"Do you mind if I dance with you now?" he inquired.
Without saying anything, I put my hands on his shoulder and he put his hands on my waist, and we began dancing to Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" in the background.
He said to me, "You really look wonderful tonight."
"Thank you," I said with a smile, "and you look quite nice as well."
We kept swaying till the song was finished and the emcee took over.
"Let us all welcome the birthday celebrant, Ms. Tori Madrigal!”
As the lights were turned on, everyone applauded. I can see everyone in the room, even my parents. There are a lot of visitors, some of whom I have no idea who they are.
"I appreciate your coming here tonight. My heart is bursting with joy right now as a result of the surprise my parents have arranged for me. There isn't much else to say except thank you and I hope you enjoy the remainder of the evening."
After that, I walked down the platform. I still have to entertain the visitor, as well as be personable and political in my interactions with them.
"Hello, are you having fun here?"
I inquired of the individuals at the table next to me. I recognize a couple of them, but others I am unfamiliar with.
“Yeah" One of them said, "We're extremely terrific here."
After that table, I have to go on to the next one, and so on. That's exactly what this industry needs to be.
“Tita! It's great to see you again! Is Tito also present? " When I saw Tita here, I couldn't wait to ask.
"No. He isn't here. He's going on a business trip, but he got you a gift," she said, handing me a wrapped package, which I accepted.
"Tell Tito thank you," I said as I handed the present to my assistant. "I have to leave Tita," I smiled. "I still have to keep the other visitors entertained."
She merely nodded, so I kept asking different people until Caleb approached me.
"You appear to be having fun," he replied.
"Faking and pretending is simple," I said.
"That was a caustic remark."
He's chuckling when I look at him. I should've realized his remark was mocking. Well, it appears that I am not enjoying myself, but I have to pretend that I am.
Caleb responded, "I suppose Tita is calling you." He was right when I looked in the direction of mom.
"I'll see you later," I said as I rose up and walked up to Mom.
She has a big smile on her face and appears to be quite content. I grin so she doesn't think I'm not having fun at the party she's thrown for me.
“What can you say?” mom asked.
I hug her and kiss her on the cheek, "Hi mom," I say as I take a look around before answering her question, "Extravagant," I reply.
“Great! Did you engage in conversation with the visitors and provide a warm welcome?" She inquired.
“Yeah. It's all done," I mumbled.
“Okay. Good. By the way, how's your collaboration with Caleb going? I'm assuming you're having a wonderful time."
I wasn't expecting to hear anything about work, but here comes Mom, bringing it up.
"It's going well, and yeah, I'm having a great time working," I said, forcing a smile.
"How about Caleb?" says the narrator.”
I give her a surprised expression, but she smiles back.
“Mom!"
“What? You two appear to be an excellent match. Why don't you just give him the benefit of the doubt? "Mom is giggling when she says this. She's attempting to embarrass me.
"You're aware that—-"
"I'm aware of it, honey. Come here..."
"Thanks, mum," I muttered into her ears as I moved closer to her and embraced her.
"I'll do anything for you," she said, "and you go mingle with the guests."
As she began to amuse her companions, I smiled and walked away. I take a seat in the corner and observe how everyone is having a good time. I take a glass of wine and sit in, nonchalantly drinking it.
I decided to get some fresh air outside by leaving the building for a moment. The lights inside are so blinding that they hurt my eyes. I sat outside on the building's three-level stairwell, sipping my wine.
It's really soothing here. There aren't many automobiles and it's not overly busy. I put on my earphones and started listening to some random music.
[8 Letters by Why Don’t We]
You know me the best
You know my worst, see me hurt, but you don't judge
That, right there is the scariest feeling
Opening and closing up again
I've been hurt so I don't trust
Now here we are, staring at the ceiling
I've said those words before but it was a lie
And you deserve to hear them a thousand times…
I was listening to music when I noticed a female waking up on the opposite side of the road. I have a feeling there's something on her that I won't be able to describe until she turns to face me.
*Heart skips a beat*
Who is she? She... she looks... she reminds me of myself. Her physical structure, height, and facial features are identical.
I rub my eyes twice, just to make sure I'm not hallucinating or anything, and just to confirm it, I'm not. She was crossing the street in my direction and entering a tiny street, so I had to stand and sprint after her.
Who the heck am I looking at? A girl that resembles me? Is it even possible? F*ck! So many questions have been circling in my head lately.
Because she's not far away, I'm able to follow her. She continues to walk as I maintain a safe distance to ensure she does not catch up to me.
I rush to make sure I don't lose sight of her as she makes a right turn...
*Phone rings*
“s**t!”
"Hello?" I said as I picked up the phone. exclaim. I dash to the side so no one would hear me.
"Where have you gone?" Mom worriedly inquired at the other end of the call.
"I'm trying to get some fresh air. "Don't worry, I'm OK," I said.
"You must return home! The visitors are on the lookout for you! " Mom seemed to be fatigued.
"I'll be back shortly," I told her.
"You should return—-"
"Goodbye, mom! ", I say as I hang up the phone.
Mom called at an inopportune time. I crept into the area where I had seen her turn, but I couldn't see her anymore. Now I don't know where she is, and I need to find her and meet her no matter what it takes.
"Who are you?"
- Writer
