Based on our history, I’m pretty sure Seph isn’t a fan of going to prom with “Bad Luck” Ilagan.
During the summer after Pa passed away, I was supposed to be Gabriella to Seph’s Troy forHigh School Musical. I never made it to the show. Ma and Achi were already in the car, ready to take me to the theater, but I couldn’t budge from the bathroom floor. It was like every time I thought about my lines, or singing in front of a whole audience, my chest squeezed tighter and tighter—to the point that I had to cling to the edges of my sink so I could remember how to breathe. My head still felt like it was floating when I lied to Ma and said I was sick. Achi insisted I go to the theater the next week to explain why I didn’t show up. As I made my way to the entrance, I saw Moseph talking to the other Trumpets theater kids. They were saying how my surname Ilagan actually means “to avoid” in Tagalog. I heard someone laugh and say that it made sense since I choked on opening night. Then another guy made some joke about how they should avoid saying my name so it doesn’t bring bad luck to the show.
It was so incredibly obvious that Moseph was the one who started the whole thing. I mean, he’s the only person who calls me Ilagan. And it’s not like I’m holding a grudge. I’m great at letting things go! The reason why I didn’t join Trumpets again was because I got busy with more important things. Plus, why should I even care what Seph thinks about me? His opinions are the least of my concerns.
Once Auntie Baby leaves us, Seph unfortunately opens his mouth. “Nice dress, Ilagan.”
To an uninformed outsider, Seph’s comment might be misconstrued as a compliment. I, however, an insider with tons of experience, know it’s an opening to what he really wants to say.
“Maybe you can get a prom date at this ting hun.”
See?
“Not going to prom, Moseph,” I tell him. “Based on all the shameless selfies you’ve been posting, I’m guessingyoudon’t have a date yet.” I tsk and tilt my head. “Couldn’t get anyone to say yes?”
“Taking my time with my options. Did you notice all the moms who have been visiting the condo? A lot of them were asking Ma if I’m free to take their daughters to your prom.”
“Makes sense,” I say, nodding. “Even hell has lots of visitors.”
The sides of his eyes crinkle and his nose scrunches when his lips quirk up. Every time he gloats or shows off, he always adds in an obnoxious smile.
“So where should I set up?”
I gesture to where he’s standing. “Knock yourself out.”
His brow furrows. “How are the acoustics in this area? I’m playing thedying every daysong and I don’t want anyone to miss the buildup to the chorus.”
“Do you mean ‘A Thousand Years’?”
He’s always been the worst at song titles.
“I’m sure the ‘famous’ Seph King can play in any environment.”
“Ilagan.” Seph clutches his chest, matching my sarcasm. “You think I’m famous?”
He smiles.
I smile.
Having a conversation with Seph King actually makes me grateful when Achi calls me to get the pitcher of orange juice from the kitchen.
Yet when I budge open the kitchen door, I see that Auntie Grace and Auntie Baby are already huddled by the ref. Another reason why Ma’s barkada is called Marie-tres: The three of them are pro-gossipers, Marites personified. Even when Marefuses to sign up for any form of social media, she’s still up to date because of my aunties’ network. Auntie Baby has sources far and wide, so she allegedly knew that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got engaged, even before it was announced to the public.
As soon as they’re looking away from the door, I sneak inside and crouch down by the kitchen island. Achi always scolds me for eavesdropping, but I’m pretty sure she’d want to get first updates about the Royal Family too.
My ears suddenly perk up when I hear my name in their conversation.
“Does Beth know that Annika was going to be wearing that dress?”
I hear Auntie Baby sigh. “Hay, you know naman Annika. Didn’t Beth say that she wishes Nika could act more like Jackie?”
My fingers fiddle with the hair tie on my wrist while I keep listening. Granted, I enjoy chismis way more when it doesn’t involve me, but this is old news. I’ve always known that Achi was Ma’s favorite—no surprises there.
Then the gossip gets more interesting.
“I made excuses for her in front of Derrick’s relatives,” Auntie Grace says. “Told them that the girl’s been through a lot and they should pray for her.”
“Beh khan tshiu pa tapos ang judgy na,” Auntie Baby scoffs. “The amah was telling Derrick that she hopes the girls would look proper for the ting hun. She’s worried about Jackie and Nika when she’s the one with a single fifty-year-old son.”
