Chapter 5 Star Studded

Chapter 5

"Primera clase" is all I could say in awe that moment at the lobby. For the meantime, I forgot the nervousness that made me feel like screaming inside the van.

"Secundo la mocion" Becky agreed.

"Are we in a five-star hotel?" she asked me lowering her tone when a group of chambermaids in their light blue uniform looked at us.

I had a tight clasp on my purse, having this something on my chest again that just left me for a while. Deep breath. Crimson Flores will be right in front of me anytime soon, and he will not be able to take his eyes off me. Everything around us is in slow motion, his eyes will be locked into mine. This feeling that we've been keeping to ourselves all these years will make itself known, and we will never be able to deny it from each other anymore, just like in the movies.

Lost in reverie, I didn't know that other alumni had also arrived. Becky is no longer with me. That is sometimes the problem with her, she forgets she has a company. There are times when we are together in an event, I feel like a PA or a chaperone. Don't ask.

Derek and Sheila, the college love team who ended up together have their four-year-old son Dreyco, the babysitter took a leave that's why a cute little boy is the center of attention over there. I feel like joining them to pinch his chubby cheeks. I saw Becky coming towards them in that "tsunami walk" like that of the former beauty queen Miss Shamcey Supsup.

Adrian and Alexandria, the famous twins of BS Commerce Batch 2012 are with the dazzling girls of our batch who tried their luck in the showbiz industry on our younger years but God had other plans for them and brought them in the corporate world. They weren't the best students back in college, but surprisingly doing well in big companies in the country. Adrian is obviously a bit uncomfortable being with Estrella, she's the only girlfriend she ever had. Period.

Eduardo Lustre, our Summa Cum Laude, is now a branch manager of one of the most trusted money remittance in the country. He is with most of the men. I bet they did plan to be in the same van. All of them are still bachelors. I smell an after party after this, as usual. They are going to get Eduardo in the team, for financial support, of course.

Leticia Miranda, the chess champion, who brought pride to the BS Commerce Department, is a proud housewife of an engineer and mother of three handsome teens. Cerafina Perez, Geraldine Rimorin, Maura Ballesteros and Diane Santiago, members of the college choir, with Leticia, looking so vibrant as they make their way to the entrance of the hotel. Geraldine in her black boots, is with her pink and white guitar, reminds me of the Rock Princess Miley Cyrus when she is still starting in her career.

Samson Domingo, Filomena Suarez and Maria Benedicta Sera, biblical in names. Forget it. They are with the city priest's niece, Brittany Lozano and the "nerd" of the class, Drake Vladimir Buenavista. Only God knows what the noises and silences mean in that one-hour trip on Filo's Land Cruiser.

"Ehem" a voice at my back gave me the chills. Counted 1-2-3 on my mind then turned back. The smile that I've been practicing days ago didn't appear in my face when I saw Hero, bursting with laughter. I knew it. Now he's doing good already. I couldn't believe it, after all of my soul-uplifting words the last time, sympathizing with him, despite a heavy burden of my own too, this is what he's going to give me in return. Without a doubt, I slapped him in the face, making him blink several times, wondering how on earth was I able to do that. I honestly didn't regret what I did. I hope he understands that in situations like this, I couldn't accept any false alarms.

"I'm just kidding, Lesty, what the hell?!", he said, obviously not being apologetic. "Of course, I know it's Crim you wanna see in here the most and uh ---" he covered his mouth. "If you did just see yourself so dumbfounded. No, of course you know, I'm just kidding, right?", he said pulling me giving me a bear hug.

"How dare you, Hero, m-my makeup, y-you're ruining my makeup" I'm trying to keep my face away from his chest.

"Oh yes, of course, your makeup. I'm sorry, okay?", he then removed his arms around me.

"Ehem", said such a manly voice.

I suspect someone is looking at us. Hero is looking at my back. The sudden change on his facial expression is making me feel nervous again. I waited for him to say something to confirm something, and God knows how much I want to slap him again.

"Prince charming is here," he said, enough for me to hear him. "Oh, hey bro, it's been a while. So gorgeous as usual", he walked pass me to shake hands with the man.

I stretched my coat to cover my chest but slightly revealing my neck. I pulled some hairs from my forehead to the back of my ears. Then I faced the two, smiling. Both of them are indeed gorgeous, but I have that long stare with the gorgeous one on the left. Carefully, I stepped my right foot forward. I'm used to stilettos but I don't want to risk such an important event for me and Crim. Then my left foot. It didn't touch the floor yet when I felt arms around me. Shock and deafening beating of the heart. 'Mi Corazon,', I thought to myself, reminding me of a familiar scene from years ago...

"Mi anjo de la guardia", it's Crim's husky voice whispering to me, giving me that sensation I'm not comfortable with.

"Thank you", he's almost hugging me and I don't know how to react.

"You're more than welcome" I said while trying to keep a few inches away

"Congratulations to us. Four years had gone so fast" "Y-yeah, you're right" I said and all I could ever think of is to hug him quickly then moved away before asking for his hand for a congratulatory hand shake.