When Blue Descends

CHAPTER 1

You are invited to the Kim Grayman's Dinner Party

At Mrs. Grayman's Mansion

6th day of June, 20**

Sunday, 7 P. M.

123 Kelvin Street, Crownington, MO 74751

I then threw the black vellum card around 4 inches wide with gold colors imprinted on it on my bed as I put my attention back to my white vanity mirror.

"What a hassle..." I whispered and reaches out to my setting spray as I am done with my makeup.

I then run my fingers through my long hair and decided to brush my hair and sweep it all up securing it into a bun and puff it a little so that I can get a more textured bun yet professional-looking. Perfect for a dinner party later. My makeup wasn't that extravagant as I don't want to gain a lot of attention later from senior businesspeople.

"Khatalina?"

An aged lively voice spits my name behind my door. It was Nanay Neli.

"Hmm?" I responded as I stand and walks in the door of my walk-in closet.

"Kakain ka pa ba rito ng hapunan?" She asked.

"No, I'm good. I'm going to a dinner party, anyway. Nanay Neli, go take care of yourself and eat," I answered and walk into my closet to look for a dress.

"I didn't even prepare a dress," I uttered between my breath.

My eyes then darted at the coal-black velvet dress with a small puff on the shoulders and long-sleeve. I hurriedly get it and wears it. The dress runs until in the middle of my calf and has a black silk belt with it.

I then reached out for my 3 inches gray platform heels that have a strap for the ankle, walk out of my closet, get my pouch, and went straight to my living room.

Nanay Neli was there vacuuming the vast ruddy carpet.

"Aalis ka na?" She asked as I then answered her with a nod and hug her.

"Bukas na iyan, pahinga na po kayo," I told and walks out of my house going straight to my garage and my car...

Mrs. Grayman's Mansion

"I guess I have to offer my son to marry her," the wife of Mr. Calahann said laughing poised and sips on her wine.

I then smiled suspended and waved my hands no to her making her ask me why.

My eyes then roam the whole living room of Mrs. Grayman's mansion. Different types of business people are here almost filling the massive living room.

"Ano ka ba? Bata pa si Khatalina, ano?" Mr. Garcia said as he laughs looking at me and offered to cheers with my champagne glass.

I then smiled at her sweetly as I clink it to his and deliver my drink into my mouth sipping a little bit of the alcohol. Immediately, I felt a warm sensation in my throat swarming to my chest.

Mrs. Calahann then smiles and nods her head as she walks on the couch and sits on it leaving me standing here by the huge glass door with my champagne.

I then look around the living room. I saw billionaire publishers being flirty with blonde girls on their sexy bodycon dresses with their mistresses in the corner of the living room. Pretty heiress acting poised unobtrusively comparing their inheritances from their parent's hard work. Young businessmen flirting with wealthy aged single ladies. What a pity. I don't even know why I am with these rich people who only came to flex their assets and exchange numbers for the sure money-related partnership.

I once again took a sip of my champagne silently observing every person in this living room.

"Someone seems bored," a voice uttered in my side.

I then looked and smiled at her. Mrs. Grayman is wearing a white gown paired with blinding pieces of jewelry hanged onto her as if those were ornaments. Clearly, she wants to stand out.

"I am having fun, Mrs. Grayman," I said still smiling at her.

Mrs. Grayman is the owner of the biggest mall here in the country. I have partnered with her before.

"Khatalina, you still confused me with your actions..." she said smirking then drinks her wine.

"There is nothing to be confused about, Mrs. Grayman. Anyway, thank you for inviting me here to your dinner party. It is nice that you still remember me," I said and kissed her on her cheek making her smile.

"So professional, huh?" she said nodding as she pulls me into the couch area where some of the famous people are sitting.

"Have you guys met, Khatalina?" Mrs. Grayman announced in their group. Some of them nod and some of them did not bother to move an inch.

"Everyone, this is Khatalina Zyliania Maia, the owner of the successful Ethereal," she said smiling widely at them.

"Oh yeah! I heard that you were running second in the industry next to the CLAW, right?" Michael Smith said smiling at me, an actor. I smiled back.

They greeted me with warm words as Michael slowly pulls me out to the group who is now busy talking about their assets.

"Why?" I asked as we stopped by the patio.

"I am getting sick of those people," he suddenly announced making me snicker.

"Why? I thought you are enjoying the aged company of them?" I said smiling making him smile as well.

"You drunk?" He asked as he sits on the chair.

"Nah. I can't be drunk. I have to drive home," I answered.

"So fun," he sarcastically said as he gulps down his beer.

I then looked at him surprised.

"How dare you?" I said laughing saying such things as we only met seconds ago.

He just then laughs and continued talking until I decided to bid my goodbye to him as I have classes tomorrow. He then let go of me asking for my number.

100/100

“Congratulation to Khatalina, as usual, she got a perfect score!” masayang anunsyo ni Mrs. Jimenez sa klase nang maibigay na niya ang mga test papers namin.

Sinundan naman ng palakpakan ng mga kaklase ko ang anunsyo ni Ma'am Jimenez dahilan para mapangiti nalang ako sa kanila. Hindi naman nagtagal ay natapos na ang period ni Mrs. Jimenez hudyat na break time na.

Inayos ko naman na ang mga gamit ko saka tumayo dala-dala ang wallet ko para mamili ng makakain.

“Khatalina, wait!”

Napahinto naman ako sa paglalakad palabas ng classroom nang marinig kong tawagin ang pangalan ko.

I then saw a cute girl with the same height as me running in my direction. She has deep black long hair and teary eyes. Small lips and rounded nose. She was a close friend of mine since junior high.

“Sabay na tayo,” aya niya sa akin saka na kami naglakad palabas ng classroom.

“May meeting raw sa Math Club ngayon ah?”

“Bili muna tayo makakain,” sabi ko sa kaniya at hinimas pa ang tiyan ko dahil nagugutom na ako at hindi ako nakapagluto ng almusal kaninang umaga dahil medyo may tama ako ng alak kagabi mula sa party.

“Sure, libre mo eh,” biro niya dahilan para mapatawa kami nang bahagya.

Dumiretso na kami ng lakad sa canteen at agad bumili ng makakain namin saka nagtungo sa meeting room.

“S’an sila?” tanong ko nang makitang si Renzial pa lang ang nasa room, ang treasurer ng Math Club.

Napadako naman ang tingin niya sa amin saka agad tumayo at hinandaan kami ng upuan ni Pauline.

My eyes then darted on Pauline who’s now drawn with a splash of pale red on her cheeks. She has feelings towards Renzial since we were in Grade 10.

“Wala pa. Maupo muna kayo,” sagot niya saka naupo sa katapat na upuan ni Pauline.

I then place the sandwich that I bought on the table and start unwrapping it. I was expecting that Pauline will do the same but then she remained silent causing me to look at her again.

She was still staring at Renzial who's busy reading a book.

Renzial has a very mature physique for an average 18-year-old Filipino. His stature is quite large as he is also a varsity player at the Cypress University.

Renzial seems like a nice guy and I like him for Pauline. I have been pushing Pauline to confess to him but she always refuses as she is insecure about her appearance.

Pauline is a little plumper than the girls Renzial dated making her feel that she wasn't his type.

"What is that about?" I asked Renzial just so I can get Pauline's attention.

She looks at me and I eyed her to stop staring at him as she blushes and eats her food.

"Oh, this? It's a novel," he answered smiling.

Napaawang naman ang labi ko sa sinagot niya not because I don't expect him to read novels but to see his reaction that he wasn't ashamed. Usually kasi kapag mayroon akong nakikitang mga lalaking nagbabasa ng novel, nahihiya silang aminin sa iba. Probably because they think it is girly?

Gaya ng reaksyon ko ay napatingin din si Pauline kay Renzial habang ngumunguya ng brownies na binili niya.

"It is about an astronaut who falls in love with a star," pahabol pa niya.

"A star?" Pauline asked.

"Yeah, a girl who's bright, smart, and up there," he answered pointing his index finger upwards and looks at me.

I swiftly look at Pauline who seems to notice that Renzial looks at me.

Napalunok naman ako at nag-iwas ng tingin kay Pauline. No, not again.

"Oh, narito na pala sila. Tara na magsimula na tayo at baka matapos na ang break"

Napatingin naman ako sa papasok na mga kasama namin sa club na nagsiupuan na sa tabi namin para simulan ang meeting.

Dahan-dahan naman akong bumuntong hininga as I feel the tension between Pauline and me.

Damn it, I don't want this…