LTB— 10
1515 Words
After trying on the gown I'll be wearing for the wedding, Almira arrived at the boutique right on time. She picked me up, saying she'd take me out for the whole day. I've been busy with work in the past few weeks, so we haven't seen each other for a long time.
"Let's go to the spa first," she said as we walked towards her car.
"It might be expensive there," I quickly replied. I didn't want to deplete my savings.
"I've got it covered. They have a promotion today, fifty percent off. It's like I'm just paying for their regular services." I smiled and thanked her.
"Seriously, you need to be a regular at the spa." She turned to me for a moment, scrutinizing me from head to toe.
"Your skin tone is even now. You look human now," she teased in the end. I just laughed it off. Other people might get annoyed by Almira's jokes, but that's just how she talks.
"Just keep using the skincare products I gave you. And don't leave your skin exposed to kojic soap for too long; it can be harsh on your skin and might damage it. I have some new products to give you."
"Thank you so much, Almira. You're always so generous. May the Lord bless you for your kindness."
She was my first friend in this city, wealthy but not snobbish. She's a great companion because she's genuine.
"Plus, you need these. Especially if you want to become a model," she replied before hugging me. I smiled. I'm so lucky to have a friend like her. Not because she always gives me things, but since we met briefly, I've felt her concern for me.
"There are a lot, so I put them in the car trunk. There are bags, sandals, and clothes I included. I haven't worn some of them, and others I just used for selfies. I don't have a little sister to dress up, so you can have them," she explained at length.
She sighed afterward. It's like her mood changed in an instant.
"As for Pauline, she's well-off. Pia, she may be poor, but I don't like her. That woman is a nightmare. I wish she could be gone! It would be satisfying to see her on the street."
She clenched her fists, and I furrowed my brows in surprise at what she said and how she suddenly acted. She shook her head and forced a smile later.
"Are you okay? How about Pauline? Is she okay?" I asked with concern. She shook her head. I saw the sadness on her face.
"I even wanted to strangle my brother. If she treats her wife like that, you'd think... Ugh! Anyway, let's not talk about them. It ruins my mood."
"Okay."
It felt so good when Almira and I left the salon and spa. She availed almost all the services, from our hair, massages, body scrub, laser, and mani-pedi. It makes you feel so beautiful. But it's painful for the wallet. I really can't afford to pamper myself like this. If I ever become a famous model someday and have a lot of money, maybe I can afford it. I'll bring my mom to the spa; she'll definitely be delighted because her tired body will finally relax.
"That's how it is. Models do that. Not always, but you should go to the spa and salon. Don't worry; I'll find you a sponsor. I'll ask some of my friends."
"Do you know what's enjoyable after getting prettied up?" she asked with a grin. I nodded. I knew what was on her mind.
"Party!" we exclaimed together. It was what I missed when I was with Almira. Partying. Not to feel special, but it's just fun to experience these kinds of things. It felt like an escape from my stressful and difficult life.
"See that guy over there?" Almira asked, pointing towards the bar counter. There were three guys sitting there quietly, having drinks.
"Which one?" I asked, scanning the men one by one with my gaze.
"The one in the sky-blue button-down polo. The hottest among them," Almira replied. It was like the first time I heard her give such a compliment.
Honestly, all the guys there were good-looking. But she really emphasized on the "hottest" one. Hmmm.
My eyes narrowed as I examined the guy's appearance. Despite the dimly lit bar due to the extinguished lights, it couldn't be denied that Almira was right. He was indeed the hottest among them.
"Why? Do you like him?" I asked, partly teasing her because of her interest in the guy.
"Yes," she replied with a mischievous grin.
I nodded before shifting my gaze back to the guy. He and Almira looked good together.
"Do you know him?" I asked again.
He nodded. "But he's mad at me right now," he said with a hint of sadness.
"Why?"
He sighed. "Well, never mind. Hmm... Can you help me with him?" He approached me and leaned on my shoulder.
"Please..." he pleaded, blinking his eyes.
"W-what kind of help?" I stammered, feeling nervous all of a sudden.
"Go to him. Invite him over to our couch," she replied as if it was a simple task she was asking me to do.
I hesitated, but this was the first time she had asked me for a favor. She had done so much for me.
"Okay," I agreed, even though my heart was racing.
"Okay?"
I just nodded. He picked up our glasses and handed one to me.
"Cheers!" We both took a sip of our drinks. Then I stood up to approach the guy.
As I was about to take a step, I realized that I had no idea what to say to the guy.
"What am I going to say?" I asked her, who couldn't contain his unusual grin.
"Ask him to join us here. Tell him you and your girlfriend are looking for a companion tonight," she instructed me. I carefully absorbed her words.
"Walk like a model, Lia! You should be the type that catches the attention of every man here tonight," she reminded me before I left.
"Alright! Fine!" I turned away from her completely.
As I walked, I noticed some men looking at me. Our outfits with Almira were a bit daring, so I was bound to get noticed.
After this night, I might catch pneumonia because of the backless dress I was wearing.
I continued walking. Just as Almira had advised, I walked with confidence.
Before I could even reach the bar counter, the man I was targeting was already looking at me.
I stopped in my tracks and felt something from the way he was looking at me. Those pairs of eyes, they were like.
"Hey, babe!" he called out to me. All three of them were now looking at me.
But I didn't glance at his companions. I focused all my attention on him because he was my target.
A strange smile slowly crept onto his lips. I smiled back.
The two men beside him fell silent, exchanged glances, and chuckled lightly before patting the man I was interested in on the shoulder.
"Hey," he called to me. He nodded as if asking me to approach him. I did.
"You're new here?" he asked. I felt tongue-tied, and all I could manage was a nod.
"Give me a cosmopolitan for the lady," he instructed the bartender.
He was quite friendly. I understood why Almira liked him. I couldn't understand myself right now.
He smiled at me. There was something about him that I couldn't quite put into words.
He reached for my hand and gently pulled me closer to him.
"I like you," he said straightforwardly. My eyes widened, and my lips parted slightly. My cheeks felt hot. I avoided his gaze.
I heard his hearty and soft laughter, which amazed me even more. What's happening to me? I shouldn't be feeling this way.
Oh no, sorry, Almira!
I cleared my throat. "My friend likes you." He furrowed his brow. I pointed to the couch where Almira had been, but she was no longer there.
She disappeared! Where is she?
He shook his head at me, as if he couldn't believe me.
"I am Fourth," he introduced himself.
"Cecilia." I reached out to shake his hand, but he brought my hand to his lips and kissed it.
I knew these were simple gestures, but I couldn't understand why I was affected.
When the bartender handed him the drink, he stood up. He held the wine glass in his left hand and offered his right hand to me.
"W-where are we going?" I nervously asked. I looked at his hand resting on mine.
"Upstairs. I have a private room there," he said. My eyes widened at his words. A private room? Why and for what?
I might be in trouble. He laughed when he noticed my reaction.
"Relax, it's as if I'm gonna eat you alive," he playfully said.
Almira likes him. This can't be! Where is that girl?
- Writer
