Darren’s POV
I couldn’t explain the happiness I felt when I saw Jeyah entering the hall. She is so pretty in her powdered blue maxi dress, and I couldn’t help but stare at her for a long time. I wanted to approach her, but I was a little hesitant, and I don’t know why.
She went to my direction and greeted me, but my group mates were good at teasing when they said, Jeyah should hug me. I know she was not feeling comfortable, but she pretended she wasn’t affected by it and just for a few seconds I felt her warm embrace. Then she handed to me her birthday gift. I wasn’t expecting to receive anything from her because her presence alone is enough to complete my day.
I made an excuse from my group mates and went back to where my family were seated. Then, I gave a ‘go’ signal to start the program.
“Who was that woman, chum?”, Dolly asked me, softly thumping my arm.
“I guess, she is special to you. Was she the reason, why you were not in the good mood earlier?”, Daphne butted in.
“Maybe, you were thinking, she would not be coming here, right Chum?”, Dolly spoke again.
“Hmm. Love is in the air right here!”, mom jested and tickled the lower part of my torso.
I just smiled, but I remained quiet. “Introduce here to us, son”, mom spoke.
“Yes mom later. Thank you.”, I responded.
Mom doesn’t interfere with me when it comes to my personal life. And I think, I don’t have any problems with her, but with my father, I guess, he would never allow me to have a romantic relationship with someone else except Bridgette. I was thinking about it, when I was asked to give a short speech. I was a little bit nervous, as soon as I stood in front because I know that Jeyah, was looking at me.
The dinner followed after the program had ended. I was about to go to where my friends are when Bridgette entered the party venue. She was so sexy in her dress, but I did not find her attractive. She approached me with a hug and kissed me on the lips. It was too fast that I was not able to control her impulsiveness.
“Happy birthday, my love!”, she exclaimed, and then she handed to me her birthday present. Afterwards, she turned her gaze to mom.
“Hi Auntie, it’s good to see you here in the Philippines!”, she uttered and kissed mom on her cheek.
“Hello, Dolly, Daphne, glad you’re here! How’s France and where’s Uncle Nick?”
“He is busy, darling”, mom said. Then she pulled a chair for Bridgette.
Dolly looked at me and rolled her eyes. Daphne also smirked, obviously did not like Bridgette’s presence.
“Uhm, excuse us mom, Bridgette. I just would like to introduce these ladies to my group mates”, I said and gestured my sisters to go with me. I heard they softly chuckled as they encircled their arms around mine.
“Thank you, chum. I really don’t like to talk to that woman!”, Dolly sneered.
“And so do I”, Daphne chortled.
“And so you left mom out there?”, I said.
“Well, at least mom, is good at acting professionally towards Bridgette, but not me!”, Dolly snapped.
“Hi bubs, are you all okay here?”, I asked my friends as soon as we reached their table. Some of them were still eating, while others were sipping a glass of wine. My sisters stood up to get their food from the long rectangular table.
“Yes, bubs, we’re fine. But why Bridgette is here? Did you invite her bubs?”, Clarisse asked.
“Nope, I did not!”,
“By the way, where is Jeyah bubs?”, I asked when I noticed she was not around and only her plate was left on the table.
“We don’t know where she is, bubs. I tried to call her, but she just ignored me and left hurriedly”, Clarisse responded while shrugging her shoulders.
“But maybe she is in the restroom, bubs!”, Angela spoke.
I stood up and rushed my way to find her, because I feel like there’s something wrong. I went to the restroom and even called her name, but no one answered. I reached for my phone and dialed her number, but she was not picking up.
Where should I find her? Is she home already? I asked, at the back of my mind. I continued my way and took the stairs to the second floor.
“Good evening sir, how may I help you? Do you want to book a room, sir?”, the receptionist on the information desk asked me while smiling amorously.
“No, thank you. I just want to ask, to where that stair is heading to?”, I asked while pointing the stairs on the right side, a few steps away from the information desk.
‘Uhm, it’s going to the rooftop, sir. Are you looking for someone else, sir?”
“Yes. Have you noticed a woman going there?”, I asked, while intently looking at her eyes.
“Hmm.. Yes sir”
“Okay, thank you, Miss”, I said and hurriedly took the stairs.
After a few minutes, I reached the rooftop. It has pendant lights that illumine the whole area, so I immediately saw Jeyah in a bend-standing position while her elbows were pressed against the top rail of the baluster. She was looking at the stars in the sky, so she did not notice my presence.
“Bubs!”, I called and walked towards her.
She was startled as she turned around, and as soon as she recognized me, she quickly averted her gaze.
“Why are you here? Are you okay, bubs?”, I asked, while staring at her.
“I’m fine bubs, thank you”, she softly said, but she was not looking at me.
“Are you crying?”
“C’mon, please tell me, bubs. What is it?”, I insisted.
“Nothing bubs. I just wanted to catch some air.”
“Okay, let’s go back to the venue now. My family wants to know you”, I said and held her hand.
But she pulled it away and it hurts me.
“I don’t want to have trouble with Bridgette, Darren. And you’re supposed not to be here. She might be looking for you”, her voice cracked as she walked ahead of me.
I followed her and grabbed her hand. Tears were slowly dripping from her eyes, and it struck my heart. I know she was hurt when Bridgette kissed me. This is what happened during the Valentine’s Party before, and it was totally a misunderstanding.
“Bubs”, I hugged her and gently caressed her back.
“I’m sorry…”, I said softly.
I thought it’s already my time to confess my feelings for her, but our moment together ended abruptly when I heard Bridgette’s voice behind.
“So what is this, Darren?”, she scowled as she went closer to us.
Jeyah pulled herself away from me and looked at Bridgette’s’ frowning face.
“When did the group’s policy of not having a romantic relationships change?”, she lashed out.
“Bridgette please…! Don’t mess around here!”, I said, trying to calm her down. I know her so well, she can do everything, and she fears no one.
“Bubs, I’ll go ahead. Maybe the two of you need to talk”, Jeyah said, and hurriedly left.