Chapter 16

After the incident in Drex's house, everyone became busy. This is the last week of their semester and by Saturday is her debut party.

Say has not seen Nick for almost a week.

Nay Sabina just told her that Nick is completing a few things he needs for his graduation for next week at the same time, he already started working full time for his new position in the bank. He has been staying in town since then.

She wanted to see and congratulate him as he’s starting to live a better life. But their schedules don't coincide, so she was just hoping that it was already her debut party, so she could see him. She also started to get busy with her party preparations since her dad wasn't able to hide the surprise anymore.

And then the day of her debut came.

“Kumpadre Antonio! Look at your daughter - too lovely in her debut. Happy birthday Say!”

“Thank you, Tito Julio”

“Later, my son will be here or perhaps Drex is here already. What a nice pair they should look for sure.”

“I can’t even wait to see it.”

Say didn't hear any more of her dad and his political allies' conversations as she has moved from one guest to another hoping to see each of her expected guests. It was 8 PM and everyone is here, she thought, except for one...

Where are you, Nick?

In a few minutes, her friends came and hugged her. “HAPPPPPPYYY BIRTHDAY SAY!”

“Hey girls, thanks for coming!”

“Are we going to miss this day? Of course, not! This is the special night for you!”

"Your gown is so beautiful, it suits you."

“Correct, and you really look like a Queen now. Fashion fit for a Queen!” Lilac was referring to her customized gown in a royal blue with a little tiara on her head. Her party theme was royalty, so everyone came in looking regal.

Their conversation was interrupted when the host spoke on stage. Her name is called to sit on the royal chair in the middle of the stage and for the event to begin.

An hour passed, and she was in the middle of her party. Messages were given, candles were lighted ... some of her squadmates presented a dance presentation, a popular singer in Manila was invited and sang a couple of love songs and serenaded her in the middle of the floor ... a lot of things happened, but Nick was still gone.

Until it was already the Eighteen Roses dance.

Tommy first danced with her, then Troy, another boy lifter in her cheer squad.

Where are you, Nick?

Two of her cousins and two male classmates followed in dancing with her on the stage.

Have you forgotten my birthday? Have you forgotten your promise to come?

****

Nick quickly stepped into the mansion kitchen and almost lunged and fall to a passing guy-server.

He could not even remember how he parked his motorbike in a hurry. He also almost tumbled because he didn't properly tie the braid of his shoes - the black shoes he just bought for this special occasion. Tonight, he ditched his old rubber shoes for fine black shoes.

He caught up with his mother and fellow cook Aling Maring who are so busy in the kitchen.

“Nay! Whew! Good thing I managed to catch up! ” He smiled as he approached his mother and did a mano.

The two looked at him curiously, especially at what he was wearing. “Nick! Why are you here? Are you in a hurry for something?"

And you are also wearing something so formal -slacks and white long sleeves? Are you attending Ma’am Samantha's party, Nick? ”

“Yes ... I was in a hurry because I just came in from my part-time job in town. Good thing I came in just in time. Anyway, my long sleeve is still a bit messy. I came here to see if you like it? Will you take a look at me, nay? ”

It took a couple of seconds before his mother answered. "Son... are you sure you were invited to Say's debut?"

“Nay, I forgot to tell you about it. I am Say's last dance. ” He said excitedly to the two while he fixes the flower he is carrying. Nick was holding 3 pink roses in his hands.

Aling Maring, on the other hand, could not believe it. "You mean you are the governor's daughter's last dance?"

“Are you sure, Nick?” His mom looks at him with utter disbelief and worries at the same time.

Yes, Aling Maring. Oh, first look at these roses I brought - it's three pieces, so I'm going to give each one of you the other two. Only one rose is given to the debutante, right? “

"Nick, isn't the last dance usually for the most special man of a debutante? The boyfriend?" Aling Maring did not hesitate to ask him after accepting the rose Nick gave.

“Yes. And that’s me.”

“You are the boyfriend of Ma’am Samantha???” Her mother’s co-cook asked him again, thinking she misheard his answer earlier.

He smiled proudly. “Yes, I am, Aling Maring. I am Say’s boyfriend since last month.”

She smiled at him proudly. Aling Maring was like her mother's best friend for they have worked together since he was young. "Oh my... You have finally captured the heart of that lovely girl - what a piece of delightful news! ... But wait--"

Nick saw Aling Maring stop like she has remembered something.

“Why, Aling Maring?”

“I saw the son of Mr. Julio Reyes earlier, the main sponsor of the governor for his campaign, and I heard that he is excited to be Ma'am Samantha's last dance. The friends with him seem to be excited too."

“That guy, Drex Reyes? No, it can’t be ... Of course. Say chose me over anyone, and she is expecting me. Even if you ask her. Or watch later when I will be with her on the stage for her final dance. Nay, come on, please check my looks if I already look handsome enough?"

Nick's smile faded when he saw that his mother was not speaking but was clutching her hands in her chest, breathing heavily. "Nay? Are you okay???"

Nay Sabina just waved off Nick's hand when he worriedly touched her. "This is nothing, son."

“Nay? Do you want me to take you to the hospital and have you checked now? It’s getting frequent.”

“Yes, why don’t you do the check-up, Sabina...” Aling Maring prodded.

His mother removed the grip on her chest and smiled at him again, holding his hand.

“Nick, go ahead now, go to Say's party, or you'll be late to dance her. You don't want her to be disappointed, right? I want you to be happy too today with Say. ”

“I will, Nay. Wish me luck. And later after the party, we will go straight to the hospital and have you checked up, okay? ”

“Alright, son.”