A Blast From the Past

Auguste has been in the parking lot of Cusina ni Ikay for 15 minutes already, but he can’t seem to get himself out of the car. He just stayed there seated at the driver’s seat, looking in front not knowing if he should come out, or just drive away from there and not attend the get-together with his friends.

Now he wants to regret ever saying yes to Iñigo. He is actually secretly reprimanding himself for being overtaken by his ego. Why did he even agree into going here tonight? When did he care what his friends will say behind his back? That is actually one of the reasons why he lost contact with them after the breakup. He felt like they will definitely talk about him, sometimes behind his back. He doesn’t care, though, but it’s better if he is completely oblivious about it and not deal with their concerned glimpses that will definitely result in more discussions about him after.

Well, he’s already here. For sure Iñigo already informed everyone that he is coming. He is very sure he is proud to let everyone know that he was able to persuade him to come tonight. Thinking about that made Auguste feel more annoyed at himself. Why did he ever agree to what Iñigo said?

Anyway, this is not the first time Iñigo was able to persuade him. Only last week did Auguste do what that cousin of him told him to do. It did not turn out that bad, though. He was able to meet that interesting girl named ‘Marga,’ and he must say he had a good time that night. So maybe, this night would turn out okay just like that one?

So, Auguste was able to make himself get out of the car. What else could he do aside from leaving? Which is more embarrassing knowing that he confirmed his appearance tonight then just walking away. It turns out, he’s not totally alone tonight, as he saw his friend Fatima walking to the restaurant’s lobby.

“Tim!” He was surprised to see her, in a good way.

“Hey, Auguste!” Fatima walked towards him. “Nice to see you.”

“I’m glad you came.” That was true. He is really glad she was there tonight. Out of all his friends, she is the one whom he is most comfortable with.

“Because I heard you’re coming.”

Auguste smiled. Fatima is really the best friend.

The two of them walked to the reception area, and after saying their reservation, they were led to the bamboo hut, where some of their friends are already waiting for them.

“Hey!” That was Charlotte Fernandez. She is the first one who came to greet the two and kissed them on the cheek. “It's so good to see you again.”

“Same here,” Fatima said. “You look great as always.”

“Oh why! Thank you, Tim.” Charlotte almost blushed at Fatima’s compliment. She has always been the fashionista in the group, and until now she is still updated with the latest trends.

The next one to greet them was the scholarly Stella Roque. She also kissed them on the cheeks like Charlotte. Then there’s Josiah de Vera, who shook hands with the two.

Of course, Iñigo was already there. He greeted Fatima who greeted him back. As for his cousin, he gave him a confident smile.

“Thought you’re not coming, Cuz,” he said mockingly.

“I was about to decline, yes,” Auguste said. “Been quite busy at work.”

“Good thing you were able to come,” Charlotte said.

“I heard you’re the new CEO of the Ortega Group,” Josiah said. “Congratulations.”

Auguste smiled. “Thank you.”

“Who else will they get as the new CEO?” Iñigo said. “He’s obviously the next in line.”

“Well, he could not have gotten the position if the Board did not vote for him,” Fatima said, on Auguste’s defense. “They are just very impressed with his performance as the COO of the company.”

“Yeah, and because almost half of the votes are from him and his father. And also, yours,” Iñigo said to Fatima.

“Almost half,” Fatima said. “But not majority.”

“Fatima, you’re also a member of the Board of the Ortega Group?” Charlotte asked, obviously impressed.

“Well, my father used to be, but he just wants to stay at home playing with his grandchildren lately. You know old people,” Fatima said.

“Talk about early retirement,” Stella said. “My father also started giving us most of the responsibilities in the company. I don’t know what’s with these old people lately.”

“They just want to enjoy themselves, you know, while they still can,” Charlotte said.

“Quite true,” Fatima agreed.

“I wonder when the royal couple is gonna arrive,” Charlotte said. “I’m excited to meet the prince.”

“I am actually looking forward to it as well,” Stella said.

“Well, that is the real reason for this get-together anyway,” Iñigo said. “For us to meet the prince. Right, Auguste?”

Auguste did not answer. The others also kept quiet as they stared at him, finally realizing what the situation really was. Auguste is Astrid’s ex-boyfriend, and here he is right now waiting for her to arrive with her fiancé.

It was Fatima who tried to somehow lighten up the mood.

“I don’t know what’s so fascinating about meeting the prince,” she said. “I have been friends with someone from a royal descent since elementary school.”

“For the record, Auguste is not of royal descent,” Iñigo said. “They just blew up the fact that his mother came from Louis XVI’s lineage. But that does not mean they are royal.”

“Iñigo, everyone who has royal blood are royals, notwithstanding if they are the ruling family or not. The fact that they came from the same lineage means their ancestors were once the ruling monarch,” Fatima explained.

“Fatima is correct,” Stella said. “Auguste’s mother was a descendant of Princess Louise of France, the eldest sister of King Louis XVI. But since in France, only the dauphin can inherit the throne, or the eldest male surviving heir, she cannot be the queen. Nevertheless, Auguste’s ancestor still descended from the former king of France.”

“Wow! Stella, you know a lot about French monarchy,” Charlotte said.

“My new hobby is watching Youtube videos about history, particularly monarchs from various kingdoms,” Stella explained.

“You really like boring stuff, don’t you?” Josiah said to Stella.

“How about you? You feel like you’re Iron Man with all those tech related posts you share on your social media accounts,” Stella fired back.

“I own a hospital. Of course, I need to research about new technologies about Medicine and Science.”

“How about those cars and gadgets I always see you share?”

“Of course, we also need diversion! We cannot just be all work and no play.”

“You guys,” Charlotte said. “I’m actually wondering why you’re still not married.”

“Yeah, they could have tied the knot long before we finished college,” Fatima agreed.

“I’d rather die with my car collection than be married to our genius friend here,” Josiah said.

“And I'd rather be an old maid than be married to you,” Stella retorted.

“Speaking of married, here is our royal couple!” Iñigo suddenly announced.

Everyone looked at the two people who are approaching their hut, except Auguste. Well, to his defense, his back is turned on the entrance making him not see the arrival of the couple. But due to respect, he made himself turn to see them coming.

Which he shouldn't have. For the moment he laid eyes on the couple, he felt that familiar stab on his heart that he started feeling way back when he first saw Astrid with Prince Samuel.