"Hmm, this one? Too plain. Oh, look at this! Nah, it's too revealing." Zara rummaged into the clothes in my walk-in-closet as she looked for a gown for me to wear tonight. Anais left for France a week ago to visit her mom. She was supposed to attend a charity gala event so she asked me to be her proxy. 

Zara got a bunch of my gowns and laid it on top of the blush pink ottoman chair in the middle of my closet. 

"Ok, try this first one, ate!" She handed me over a white A-line dress with embroidered flowers and spaghetti straps. I took a glance at it. 

"Magmumukha naman akong bride sa ganito," usal ko. Her shoulders dropped at my remark.

"Then why do you have a white gown in your closet kung di mo naman sinusuot?" tanong niya sa akin. 

I looked at it fondly. "This is a special dress because I made it in college. Grabe ang puyat ko sa gown na ito. I made this for less than two days because the first dress that I was originally supposed to present got ruined when a stray cat went inside our house in the middle of the night and scratched the entirety of it." I frowned at that thought. 

"Oh, so that's why it looks crappy," sambit ni Zara. I gave her a glare and scoffed at her. "Ikaw kaya ang gumawa ng gown nang mag-isa for two days. Ewan ko nalang kung maganda kakalabasan. Buti nga nilagyan ko pa ito ng kaunting beading eh," sabi ko sa kaniya. 

She raised her hands up. "Sorry na. Ito naman, joke lang kasi yun. Kulang na kulang ka na talaga sa dilig. Halata sa pananalita mo, ate. Lagi ka nalang pikon. Di ka naka-score kay Dee nung kailan noh?" kantyaw niya sa akin. 

"Hindi at wala akong balak kasi alam kong may girlfriend siya." I sat down on the chair and started curling my hair using the curling iron I plugged in a while ago. "Pero alam mo, naguguluhan ako sa kaniya. Did you see his post? Yung moon painting merong C.D.S na nakalagay sa lower right. And the caption. Did you read it? It felt like it was meant for me. Also, sabi ni Nay Fellie, pumunta siya dito nung gabing nag-clubbing tayo." 

"Nako, ate ah. I'm not saying assumera ka pero parang ganun na nga," usal ni Zara. Napabuntong-hininga ako. 

"Baka nagawa niya lang yun dahil may problema siya sa girlfriend niya ngayon. I saw her kissing another guy," I confessed. 

"Woah, really? What a bitch. Lolokohin pa niya ang isang Dior Saavedra? Ganda siya?" ma-attitude niyang sabi. She got the other dress she picked which was a maroon fitted gown with a high slit and low V neckline. 

"Zara, masquerade themed event ang pupuntahan ko hindi strip club. Tsaka ibagay mo naman dito sa color ng mask na susuotin ko." She went back to the stack of gowns and gave me another one to try on. 

"Eto, ate. Ok na? I saw this in one of the boxes on the side." She gave me a light blue ball gown embellished with lace flowers and Swarovski crystals. 

"Ok, perfect! Just put it there first." I saw her put the gown on my mannequin and began ironing the insides of it with a steam iron. I continued doing my makeup which was just simple because it'll be hidden under the mask I'll be wearing so there is no point in doing heavy makeup. 

Nang matapos ako, tinulungan ako ni Zara na suotin ang gown. I looked at the mirror to admire my reflection. 

"Wow, ate. This gown looks so good on you. Hindi ako magtataka kung mamaya, lahat ng tao sa event ay mapapatingin nalang sayo. This is such a jaw dropper," mangha niyang sabi.

"Thanks, Zara. This was one of the best pieces I made," I said proudly. Iniabot sa akin ni Zara ang aking mga alahas na sinuot ko naman. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Hinatid ako ni Kuya Dan papunta sa City of Dreams kung saan gaganapin ang ball. Bumaba ako ng sasakyan at tinulungan naman niya akong ayusin ang aking damit. 

"Kuya, text nalang kita mamaya kapag magpapasundo na ako ah," paalam ko sa kaniya. 

"Sige, Dani. Tatambay nalang muna ako sa MOA para kapag susunduin na kita, hindi ka na maghintay ng matagal," tugon niya. Tinanguan ko siya at dumiretso na sa loob ng hotel. 

Pumanhik ako sa second floor kung saan naroon ang grand ballroom. I saw women with extravagant dresses and men with their dashing suits lined up at the registration table from afar. Some are even taking pictures outside the ballroom and in front of the nearby casino. I went towards the table to register and get my bidder's card for the auction that will be held later. 

"Good evening Miss Chanel Suarez. Welcome to the charity gala hosted by the Salvador Group of Companies. May I have your invitation, please?" the woman greeted me with a welcoming smile plastered on her face. I opened my phone and showed her the electronic invitation Anais sent me. "Here you go," I said beaming. She scanned it and it instantly showed the table where I'll be sitting. 

She pointed on my phone and explained to me the rest of the items written on the scanned invitation. "There you go, ma'am. Your table number is 7 which is beside the dance floor. This button right here is for the auction box lot contents. You could check them out later before the auction starts so that you'll have an idea on what to bid if ever you are interested in one." She reached out for the bidder's card underneath the table and gave it to me. "Here is your bidder's card, ma'am. You may now proceed to the ballroom. Our cocktail area is open for you to grab some drinks." She cheerfully smiled at me. I gave her a grin in return. 

I went inside the ballroom and saw how magnificent the styling was. The interior kind of looked like the inside of a baroque palace with all the gold accents. The guests began piling up inside. Most of them were in the cocktail area delving into their ham and cheese platter together with a glass of wine. I decided to go to my table instead to look at the list of items for auction. 

I fixed my dress before sitting down. I've always found it hard to sit wearing a ballgown. I'd rather wear something form-fitting like a mermaid cut gown whenever I can but I feel like it does not really suit an event like this so I wore a poofy one instead. I took off the mask that is covering my face and placed it on top of the table. 

I took out my phone from my purse and began looking at the items. They were mostly branded bags and limited edition items that are second-hand. There were even lavish porcelain plates and vases from Europe. None of that really caught my attention for me to spend a huge amount of money on.

However, at the end of the page, it says that there will be a surprise item presented at the end of the auction which I admit, enthralled me. 

Maya-maya pa'y may naramdaman akong umupong ginang sa tabi ko. She seemed like she was around her 60s with her Marilyn Monroe inspired hair, thin arched eyebrows, and stacks of pearl necklaces . Her whole appearance screams grandeur and I almost found her intimidating if it weren't for her soft, tender voice. 

"Hi. You must be Chanel Suarez, Anais' friend." She reached out her hand for me to shake and I welcomingly accepted it. "I am Cecile Javier, a shareholder of Salvador Group of Companies. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." I pursed my lips trying not to look surprised with the fact that I am sitting on a table full of higher-ups. Anais is a minor shareholder of this company while her dad has the major shares and I am just...a mere fashion designer attending in replace of her best friend. 

I was about to greet her in return when the host began talking which signalled the start of the occasion. I just gave her a sweet smile and turned my attention to the front. 

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I am Amara Salvador and I will be your host for today's event." From what Anais told me, Amara is the daughter of Joel Salvador, the CEO of Salvador Group of Companies. "I would like to welcome all of you to this grand charity event we are hosting. We would like to acknowledge the presence of our business partners and shareholders, Sy, Valdez, Tan, Arcilla, Villa, Saavedra, and Bartolome." 

Wait, did I just hear her say Saavedra?  Baka naman ka-apelyido lang. Marami namang Saavedra sa Pilipinas. If he really is a shareholder here, Anais would've told me. 

"Let us all welcome my father and CEO, Mr. Joel Salvador to give his introductory speech," saad ni Amara. We all stood up from our seats and clapped our hands. After giving his speech, we began to prepare for dinner and I finally got the chance to talk to the lady sitting next to me. 

"It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Javier," I greeted. I was startled when she raised her index finger. 

"It's Ms. Javier, iha." She corrected me. "I got divorced to my husband years ago. I do not carry his name anymore. Javier is my maiden name." I formed a small "o" with my mouth. "You can just call me Mamita."

"I am so s-sorry Mamita," utal kong sabi. Nahiya tuloy ako bigla at iniwasan ang kaniyang mapanuring mata na ngayo'y pinagmamasdan ang aking kasuotan. 

"It's okay, iha. I have moved on from that sick old bastard. I am enjoying my life travelling alone which I could have done when I was in my 20s if it weren't for my parents who forced me to marry early." Her dainty hand reached out for the glass of red wine on the table and twirled it. I played my fingers dahil wala na akong iba pang masabi. 

"It's unfortunate that my son had to go through the same because of what happened to me and ended up way worse." She took a sip of her wine and smiled at me. "I am sorry, iha. I know we just met but I am saying all of these things to you as if I've known you my entire life. It's just that I have heard a lot of great things about you."

Napailing ako. "Oh, no Mamita. It's alright. I'm glad I could talk to someone here. Buti nalang po kayo ang naging katabi ko. Baka po kasi mapaaga ang uwi ko kung wala akong makausap dito." I chuckled. 

"Nako, iha. Sa ganda mong yan, wala kang makakausap? There are many single men around here. I'm sure they'll love to have a chat with you." Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya.

"My heart is kind of closed as of the moment," I said. 

She leaned closer to me and almost whispered. "Bakit? May hinihintay ka ba?" she asked. 

I sighed. "Parang ganun na nga po." 

"As long as the person you are waiting for you is worth it. Parehas kayo ng apo ko. Kaya hindi pa niya ako mabigyan ng apo sa tuhod. Palagi niyang sinasabi sa akin, malapit na daw pero hanggang ngayon wala pa rin. Naiinip na ang lola mo," she giggled while looking at me intently. I do not know why but her eyes just speak to me. Parang ako iyong sinasabihan niya na gusto niyang magka-apo sa akin. Maybe because I never met my grandparents and I'd always envy people who are close to their lolos and lolas. 

The waiters began serving the appetizers to the guests. I took a look at the menu in front of me and saw that the appetizer is oriental salad with crispy catfish, mango-tomato salsa. I unfolded the napkin and placed it on my lap. I looked at the wide range of cutlery beside my plate and got the salad fork and knife. Good thing my mother taught me fine dining etiquette when I was young. I started eating the scrumptious food on my plate.

A few moments later, the auction began with Amara heading it. 

"Presenting, our first item of the night, this limited edition Hermès Kelly 35 Supple Arlequin Bag." One of the staff placed a box on a gold pedestal in the middle of the stage and took it off to show the bag. 

"This bag is known to have a striking color combination with orange, red, blue, and grey leather. And as what I told you earlier, this bag is limited edition meaning, it is a rare find. So if you're a bag collector and you're looking for this specific bag, now's your chance. This can also make a good investment in the future. Who wants to start the bidding?" 

There were guests who immediately raised their bidder cards to cop this exorbitant bag. When I saw it on the auction box lot contents, I knew it wasn't for me. When it comes to bags, I prefer buying those that have neutral colors like black, nude, or white so that it can easily be matched to what I wear on a daily basis. Ang hirap kasing ibagay ang masyadong matitingkad na kulay na accessories. 

"We got 30, 000 dollars here. Going once, going twice?" Amara said waiting for other guests to name their price before selling the bag. Nagulat ako nang biglang tumayo ang ginang na katabi ko at itinaas ang kaniyang bidder's card. 

"35, 000 dollars!" sigaw niya.

"Going once, going twice, and sold!" Amara closed the bidding by tapping her gavel. 

Pumalakpak sa tuwa si Mamita nang mapasakaniya ang mamahaling bag. Umupo siyang abot tainga ang ngiting nakatingin sa akin. 

"I'm happy for you, Mamita! That bag will match your quirky personality," I said beaming. 

"Thank you, iha. It may look like I'm wasting my money on useless things but I've never done this when I was still married to my ruthless husband. Naka-hold lahat ng credit cards ko. He has control over my expenses. Yun na nga lang ang nakakapagpasaya sa akin sa relasyong iyon, hindi pa niya maibigay." She sighed a breath of relief. "Now that I am free, I wanted to do things my way. Ngayon ka lang makakakita nang tumatandang paurong," she laughed at her remark. Sinabayan ko naman siyang tumawa pero sa loob-loob ko, naaawa ako sa dating siya. Kung hindi siguro siya nakalaya sa kasal na iyon, hindi magiging ganito kalawak ang kaniyang mga ngiti. 

"I am trying to make things right for myself and for my apo. Ayokong maranasan niyang makulong sa isang relasyong wala namang pagmamahal." She held my hand tightly. "Kaya ikaw, pahalagahan mo ang taong mahal mo. Ibigay mo ang puso mo nang buo at tiyak, babalik iyon sa iyo." She looked at me with eyes full of hope and positivity. 

Napaisip ako bigla. I should tell Dee how I really feel. That I want him back and all these years, I still love him dearly. It does not matter if he has a girlfriend. It does not matter if it looks like I am chasing him. All I want is for him to know that his long lost moon found its way back to his vast sky of love. And if there is really no chance, at least he knows that I am once a phase he went through to make his moon full again. 

I smiled back at her. "I will, Mamita."

Nagpatuloy ang auction habang on-going ang dinner namin. The soup is my all-time favorite herbed roasted pumpkin soup. The main course includes prawns and calamari picatta with asparagus, peppered hickory pork belly with blueberry coulis, and grilled peppered cobbler fish fillet with teriyaki-sesame and mango-mint salsa. 

"Now that dinner is almost over, we will now present to you our surprise auction item that is not included in the list given earlier," Amara announced. 

Naramdaman kong tinapik ako sa braso ni Mamita. "I was told you'll love this item enough for you to buy it at a high price," she said and winked at me. 

Agad ko namang itinuon ang atensyon ko sa harapan kung saan naroon ang isang malaking rektanggulo na natakpan ng puting tela. Lumaki ang aking mga mata nang tanggalin ang tela mula sa pagkakatakip. 

It is the painting Dee posted on Instagram. Why is it even for auction? 

"This one of a kind painting sized 30x40 is called Notes from the Moon. The painter does not want to disclose his identity but he said that this painting was made in honor of his one great love which is symbolized by the moon right here. The letters at the bottom part are I think the painter's initials. Also, if you look closely, there are music notes surrounding the moon. I do know how to read notes and if I'm not mistaken, the notes, when played, sounds along the lines of Clair de Lune," Amara described. 

I definitely did not see those notes on Dee's post because they were barely noticeable. But now that Amara said there were music notes of Clair de Lune, I did not need to assume no more. This painting was really meant for me. 

"Anyone who wants to start the bidding?" she asked. I immediately grabbed my bidder's card and raised it. 

"1500 dollars!" sigaw ko. 

"Ok, we have 1500 dollars. Does anyone want to top that?" tanong ni Amara. 

"3000 dollars!" rinig kong sigaw ng isang babae sa likurang bahagi ng ballroom. Napabuntong-hininga ako. This is going to be a tough fight but that painting deserves to be displayed in my house and I could not let any other person bring it home. 

Muli kong itinaas ang aking bidder's card at sinabi ang aking bid. "5000 dollars!" 

Nagtagis ang aking bagang ng biglang sumigaw ulit ang babae. "7000 dollars!" This woman is really testing my patience, huh. And my freaking wallet.

I turned around to see who I was against. Biglang nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita kong ang babaeng kaagaw ko sa painting ay ang girlfriend ni Dee. I tried to quickly calculate in my head how much money I need to make back in order to make up for this painting I am about to bid. 

Agad akong tumayo sa aking kinauupuan at sinabi ang presyong naiisip ko. "10,000 dollars!" I shouted loud enough for the people at the back to hear. Nagpalakpakan naman ang mga tao sa bid ko. Masyado kayang mataas ito?

"Anyone else?" tanong ni Amara. I bit my lip and gave a quick prayer with petition to all of the saints I know for the bidding to end here. If someone else tops my bid, I might just go insane. Thinking about spending more than the price I gave makes my head hurt. 

"Going once, going twice..." I looked at my back to see if the woman would raise her bidder's card. She was just sitting there as if she just gave up. And wait, was that Zeke beside her? 

"Sold to Ms. Chanel Suarez. Congratulations!" I whispered a 'yes' under my breath and sat down with a smile reaching my ears. However, that immediately faded away when I remembered I just abruptly spent half a million pesos on a painting I do not know where to put. Nadala ata masyado ng bugso ng damdamin ko ang pagbili sa painting na ito. 

"I knew you'd love it, iha," Mamita said with the same contagious smile that never left her face since I met her an hour ago. My brows furrowed at what she said. How did she even know that I'll love the painting? It cannot just be intuition. 

I was about to interrogate her more when she stood up and got her purse. "Excuse me, iha. I'll just go to the powder room," paalam niya sa akin. I gave her a nod and I was just left there sitting on the table while listening to the live band on stage. 

"Good evening once again ladies and gentlemen. The dance floor is now open. Enjoy the rest of the night." The guests began standing up to go towards the dance floor. I got my mask and put it on. I might as well just leave and get the painting outside since the ceremony is over. 

Tumayo ako at humakbang nang mapatid ako sa ballgown ko. Napapikit ako sa sakit ng pagkakatumba ko sa sahig. Hinawi ko ang aking damit at tinignan ang sitwasyon ng aking paa. Mukhang hindi naman siya na-sprain dahil wala akong naramdamang sakit nang galawin ko ito. 

I took off my heels and held on the chair for support. I was about to lift myself up when a hand showed up in front of me. I looked up to see who it was but I could not see his face because he is wearing a full mask. I held unto him as I got up. 

"I'm sorry for that. I'm always so clumsy. Thank..." I paused. Even with his mask on, I could clearly see his eyes. Those hazel brown eyes I always loved staring at. I think he sensed me recognizing him so he was about to let go when I squeezed his hand and pretended my foot still hurt. 

I looked at him again straight right through his eyes. Mga ilang segundo rin kaming nagtitigan. Linapit ko ang aking kamay sa mukha niya at unti-unting tinanggal ang mask na nakatakip dito. 

"Dee," I muttered. 

"Looks like my cover blew off," he chuckled. I was able to see once again the smile that makes me feel like there is some sort of party in my stomach. 

He helped me sit down and he sat on the chair in front of me after. 

"Kamusta ka na, Dani?" tanong niya sa akin. The way he mentioned my name sounded like a melody to me. 

"Aside from hurting my foot and breaking my piggybank, I'm all good," I said, smiling awkwardly at him. "Pwede ko bang ibaba sa 8000 dollars yung bayad ko?" pahabol ko sa kaniya. Natawa naman siya sa sinabi ko. 

"If only I could, I will give it to you for free." He stared brazenly into my eyes. "I painted that just for you anyway." I blinked twice.

"You painted it? Not Tita Sol?" I asked with confusion. He just nodded at me. "I never knew you know how to paint." I smiled with amusement. 

"Natuto lang naman ako nung nasa U.S. ako. Mama taught me how. Ang pagpinta lang ang pinagkakaabalahan namin noon," he proudly said. The fact that this was his first painting as a beginner just goes to show that he was blessed with talent. "I thought of making a painting inspired by you kasi ikaw lang naman ang nasa isip ko noon." 

Noon. 

Hindi ko mawari ang naramdaman ko sa sinabi niyang iyon. Oo, ako ang nasa isip niya. Pero noon iyon. Iba na ngayon. 

Kaya siguro pina-auction na niya yung painting dahil hindi na niya yun kailangan. Dahil nakamove-on na siya at gusto na niyang mawala ang mga bagay na nagpapaalala sa kaniya ng dating kami. Kaya siguro pumunta siya sa bahay ko noong gabing nakita siya ni Nay Fellie sa labas. Dahil gusto niyang magkaroon kami ng maayos na closure. 

"Oh, bakit ganyan itsura mo? May problema ka ba?" tanong niya. Nilapit niya ang kaniyang upuan sa akin at tinapik ang aking braso. "Come on. You can talk to me about it. I can be your friend," he said. 

Ouch. So now, he only thinks of me as a friend. Great. Just when I thought I had enough courage to tell him that I still love him, his actions tell me not to. 

"Uhm, wala naman. Bakit mo natanong?" sabi ko. 

"You have that grim look on your face. Did you perhaps have a fight with your boyfriend?" tanong niya.

"B-boyfriend?" I asked, confused.

"The guy you were with at the club last time. Isn't he your boyfriend?" Napaisip ako sa sinabi niya. I was with Jace that time. Akala niya siguro boyfriend ko si Jace. 

"Uhm, oo. May konting tampuhan lang," pagsisinungaling ko. Nakisakay nalang ako sa sinabi niya. Ayaw kong isipin niyang hindi pa ako nakakamove-on kahit totoo naman. Parang nakakahiyang isipin na ako na nga yung nang-iwan sa kaniya, ako pa itong mukhang naghahabol. 

BInigyan niya ako ng tipid na ngiti. "That's alright. Normal naman yun," tugon niya. I just nodded at what he said. 

Silence filled the both of us. 

"Okay na ba yung paa mo?" tanong niya. Ginalaw-galaw ko ito at mukhang hindi naman na masyadong masakit. "Kailangan mo pa ba ng ice? Magpapakuha ako sa waiter. I'm sure marami silang nakastock," alala niyang sabi. 

"Ah, hindi na siguro, Dee. Okay na ako," I reassured him.

"Sigurado ka?" I thought deeply. Okay na nga ba talaga ako?

"Yeah," I said. 

He looked at my feet and knelt down. "Let me help you with this." He got my heels and gently placed it on my foot. Parang feeling ko si Cinderella ako ngayon. Tamang-tama, powder blue ang kulay ng aking gown. Kulang nalang ang fairy godmother ko. 

He offered his hand and helped me get up the chair. 

"I think you should go now. Baka may naghahanap sayo diyan," sabi ko sa kaniya. I tried to sound subtle about referring to his girlfriend. I wanted to tell him about her kissing another man but I'm afraid he might not believe what I say. He looked at the dance floor. His eyes immediately brightened up. I guess he saw his girlfriend waving at him. 

"Yeah. You're right. I'll see you next time," paalam niya sa akin. 

"See you when I see you," ani ko. He smiled at me and left me there standing on my own. I gripped my purse and mustered up the courage to move my feet towards the exit without looking back at him. 

**End of chapter**