Vetto just asked me to a dance. Although I was speechless at first, deep down, I wanted to say YES a thousand times.
Just when I had summoned enough courage to finally give him my answer, the Host chose that `moment` of all the moments to create screeching sound with his microphone.
It caught everyone's attention, including Vetto's. His gaze immediately shifted from me and was fixed on the stage.
"The moment has finally arrived.. to give a few out of our bright and worthy distinguished students their prizes for the Year"
Great.
The most boring part of every event that people just seem to have so much interest in.
Back in high school, we would call it .. ` A Day of Opportunities `
Anyone who creates the best impression or receives the most prizes wouldn't have to bother about begging for a job after graduation. Instead, employers would be the ones begging.
I don't mean to brag at all, but back then, I was reputable for my good grades which earned me a lot of scholarships until my mum didn't have to bother about paying school fees forever.
Grade 12 was when I completely outmatched everyone and earned my scholarship to this college. There was a lot to choose from due to the crowd of Principals that came rolling at my feet.
At least, now, it is quite a relief that I'm not receiving any award this year because of the high level of competition in my department. But that meant no going half-blind from taking so many pictures with strangers that cared for nothing more than adding me to their pile of talents.
I was glad that at least I've found someone who takes interest in me for being me. And not for my achievements.
Vetto suddenly turned to me.
"You seem rather distracted and focused on the stage."
"..."
" Are you receiving a prize tonight?"
" Oh.. erhm.. No.. actually--" I cleared my throat. That question hit me straight in the guts. " I slacked behind recently,, I'm not qualified this year."
Vetto's mood suddenly turned pale. He looked away from me. I could see a tint of disappointment in those brown eyes of his. " But you're on scholarship.. That's almost impossible." He managed to say.
I felt my mind fall to dust. Vetto had completely changed the whole topic, and now I've missed yet another chance to give him my answer.
But what confused me more was how Vetto knew I was on a scholarship. Was it written on my face? Certainly not. How does he know, and why does he even care about it. Just how much about me does he know?.
I have a lot of questions I wanted to ask him. But just then, he excused himself and walked away. Leaving me to fill in on the awkward conversation we'd just had.
I kept replaying his last words over and over in my mind. It stung more for every moment I thought about it.
A familiar figure walked right past me. From her silhouetteos and demeanour, I knew exactly who it was.
* * *
Tess Worles made her way past the centre of the hall, dodging waiters' carts while maintaining her elegant steps and charisma. Her eyes were closely fixed on Elr, her main target.
All the while, Elr was pacing around from side to side, battling with himself on whether to approach Kurv head on or just simply let go. But he's had his eyes on her for weeks now, `Letting go` wasn't going to be that easy.
Considering Vetto was a formidable opponent with all the charm and sparks enough to woo any lady, it would be wiser to give up the thought of it.
Just then, Tess made her own move. She walked past Elr, and just as planned, she tripped over herself, aiming to land right into Elr's arms. The hidden camera she had planted before-hand would do the rest of her dirty work.
But Elr D'Carter was already used to this type of setting. He dodged her left hand, which was aimed to hang itself around his neck, and he quickly stepped back to prevent the whole `Drama` from happening.
Tess Worles landed butt-down on the floor with the tip of her dress getting a little slit from the pressure of being stretched by a nearby table.
D'Carter swiftly walked away, disgust written all over his face.
At the Bar stand, Vetto poured himself a drink. His eyes lit up on seeing Elr D'Carter.
"Well, if it isn't my arch rival.."
Elr turned to face the person speaking to him. He sighed and poured himself a drink.
"Little mouse names itself an enemy.." Elr raised his glass and pointing it towards Vetto, "To what do I owe such an eyesore?", a teasing smile crossing his face.
" Tch"
Vetto filled up another glass. "Old fuels shouldn't be used on a new fireplace. I'd expect you to be more choosy with the words you use on me.. Friend."
Elr scoffed.
" Friend isn't the right word you should use on me either. Carson. A decade's gap wouldn't even let for such a thing to happen."
" Okay. No hard feelings. You don't want to ruin tonight's mood with such a sharp temper." Vetto said, not wanting to cause more trouble than he already had. He just wanted to talk Elr into signing a collaboration with him. But that just wouldn't work.
"For decades now, your brand seems to be doing better than any other.."
Elr's mood lightened and a smirk grew on his face. " Finally accepting defeat? That's too soon."
" Tsk. You little.."
D'Carter stood up, not wanting to further his conversation with Vetto. " Enjoy the rest of the night," he calmly said before leaving.
Right. Because tomorrow, Tensixx will deliver such a bomb that even Vetto's Company wouldn't see coming. And after that, no fashion industry would ever stand its ground against Elr as much as Vetto's Brand has, these past few years.
* * *
My eyes scanned the hall for Vetto. The sooner I found him, the much easier it would be to tell him.
I stopped at the scent of a very familiar perfume. I don't know when but recently, that sweet red fragrance coated with men's musk was always around me. It felt like the person wearing it is always far or near. Watching me.
My thoughts were cut short when I saw Vetto seated at a table right in front of me. Tons of bottles were on his table, but he didn't seem drunk.. rather, he looked really pissed off. The guy from earlier before must've been the reason why, no doubt about it.
A little chat might have caused a spar between them. Vetto didn't look happy.
Before I could pull myself together, he received a phone call and walked away in the opposite direction.
I don't know if I'm just overthinking it.. was Vetto avoiding me???!