Chapter 7

Vangie woke up early to get ready. She and Sheila were going to a birthday party, so she decided to close her store for the day, even though she didn't plan to stay long. It was their godchild’s sixteenth birthday, the child of their former classmate, so many of their old classmates would be there. Vangie knew she might end up staying longer since it would be like a reunion.

“Vangie! What’s taking you so long? Aren’t you ready yet?” Sheila called out. She had arrived at Vangie’s house at 7 AM, but it was already 8 AM, and Vangie was still busy. Sheila sighed and sat on the sofa to wait.

“Almost done!” Vangie replied from her room upstairs. She stood in front of her mirror, putting on red lipstick and brushing her hair. She wore fitted jeans and a sleeveless floral blouse with buttons down the front, pairing it with white sandals. She let her hair down and, once satisfied with her look, headed downstairs.

“Finally, you’re ready!” Sheila exclaimed, putting down her phone and standing up.

Vangie’s eyes widened when she saw Sheila’s outfit. She wore a tight red dress that hugged her figure, sleeveless and ending above her knees. It showed off her smooth shoulders and full chest. She matched it with white sneakers, making her look younger than her age.

“Sheila, we’re going to a kid’s birthday party, not a nightclub,” Vangie pointed out.

Sheila pouted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and ran her hand down her stomach.

“What? Do I look bad?” she asked, raising her arms and spinning around for Vangie to see.

Vangie shook her head and placed her hands on her hips, giving Sheila a once-over before smirking.

“How many guys are you trying to impress today?” she teased.

Sheila pretended to be shocked, covering her mouth before grinning widely.

“As many as I can handle! As long as they don’t give up, I’ll let them in!”

Vangie stared at Sheila before they both burst into laughter.

“You’re unbelievable, Sheila!” Vangie said, still laughing. “Let’s go!”

After making sure all her windows and doors were locked, Vangie stepped out with Sheila, and they walked to the tricycle terminal to catch a ride.

It took them about twenty minutes to reach Maricel’s house—the mother of their godchild and their former classmate from high school. Maricel used to live in the same neighborhood, but after marrying someone from town, she moved there.

“Vangie! Sheila!” Maricel greeted them warmly, kissing them on the cheek. She spotted them as soon as they entered the gate. “Wow, you two haven’t changed at all! Still as beautiful as ever!”

Sheila laughed softly. “Of course! What did you expect?” She then looked around. “Where’s our godchild?”

Maricel sighed. “Inside. You know how teenagers are—acting all moody.”

“She’s probably waiting for her boyfriend,” Sheila joked.

Maricel’s eyes widened. “What? If she has a boyfriend, I swear I’ll pinch her thighs!”

Vangie chuckled and nudged Sheila.

“Don’t mind her. You know how she is,” Vangie said, throwing Sheila a warning look. Sheila just shrugged.

“Anyway, come inside and find a table.”

“Alright.”

Vangie pulled Sheila into the yard. She always felt embarrassed by Sheila’s bluntness. They picked a table in the farthest corner. The party hadn’t started yet, and many tables were still empty. Their godchild loved princesses, so the party had a Disney theme.

Soon, the party began, and more guests arrived. Vangie started feeling awkward as she saw many of their former classmates. Some even sat at their table. She knew they would come, but she couldn’t help feeling uneasy—especially since they were also classmates of her ex-husband.

“Hey, Vangie! How have you been? What a shame about you and Fredo, huh?”

Vangie winced. She knew this would happen. This was why she usually avoided gatherings with their old batchmates. She only came this time because of their godchild. She put down her drink and looked at Jerry, one of their former classmates and Fredo’s old friend.

“I’m doing fine,” she replied curtly, ignoring his comment about Fredo.

“Why did you and Fredo break up? I haven’t heard the full story,” Marissa, another former classmate, asked. Vangie never liked her—she was a teacher’s pet and had a crush on Fredo. Things between her and Sheila had never been good.

“Don’t bother asking. You won’t like the answer,” Sheila interrupted, rolling her eyes at Marissa. Sheila had always disliked her—especially since Marissa had once stolen her boyfriend, leading to a catfight between them in high school.

“I heard Fredo cheated. He found another woman,” Esmeralda chimed in.

Sheila’s eyebrow shot up, and she glared at Esmeralda.

Meanwhile, Vangie started feeling tense. She knew Sheila wouldn’t stay quiet—especially since she had already been drinking. Vangie stopped drinking and focused on watching her friend.

“Oh, really?” Marissa said, pretending to be surprised as she turned to the person beside her. She acted like Vangie wasn’t even there. “Maybe he wasn’t satisfied anymore.”

Vangie froze. It felt like someone poured cold water on her. Yes, Fredo had cheated, but she had never questioned why. She never bothered to ask. But if it was about her performance in bed, she knew she had done everything to make him happy during their marriage.

Before she could react, Sheila suddenly slammed the table, making everyone flinch. Her eyes were blazing as she glared at Marissa.

“There you go again, Marissa. Acting like you weren’t dumped for the same reason,” Sheila sneered. “How many guys have left you because you’re bad at giving head?”