“Hi everyone! It’s me again, Avery, for another episode of Avery Day. And since I’ll be going to an event later…well, yeah, I need to prep for that, so will you get ready with me?”, I smiled before turning my attention to all the cosmetics in front of me.

It’s really hard trying to choose from a wide range of palettes and what would go with the outfit I wanna wear for the event. I’m tempted to go for the full glam look, but thought that it doesn’t really fit my brand—girl next door.

I just opted for a soft glam look, where there’s still glam, but just a bit toned down, and I just ironed out my hair. I really can’t let go of the glam anyway since it’s a wine launching event.

“Okay, so now that I’m done, I’ll just change my outfit, and I’ll be good to go.”

I then turned to my closet and was happily looking at this $50 cowl neck, champagne colored, silk dress that I found in an online store. I immediately fell in love with it when I saw it, but I didn’t even have an event to wear it to, so I’m glad I got invited to this event.

I tried to wear it cautiously, hoping I won’t get my make up smudged or let my hair get all frizzy. Now I realized I should’ve worn this first before the makeup.

Oh well…Now that I’m looking in the mirror, I can’t help but smile, this dress really fits me like a glove.

I then wore my nude ankle strap heels to complete my look.

“So guys, this is my final look!”

I then posed and turned a bit for the camera to show the entirety of what I’m wearing.

“And that’s it for today’s vlog. If you enjoyed this, please like this video and subscribe to my channel for more. Also, I wanna take in suggestions”, I smiled sweetly. “Please leave a comment as to what kind of video you want me to do next! See you again next time. Bye!”, I waved a bit and motioned for a flying kiss to the camera.

Now I need to remove my heels again, I don’t wanna go down and drive wearing this. I’ll just wear my flats first and bring this with me in the car.

When I reached the parking lot of the venue, I noticed that there still weren’t a lot of vehicles around. I just wore my heels before stepping down.

Before I got in, I tried texting the coordinator because I really don’t know anyone yet in the local vlogging scene. In my four months here in Forthworth, this is the first major event that I’ll be attending.

Even when I got invited to a couple of events before, I usually decline because I was busy with some school projects. Although there are a couple of small events I’m able to attend, it usually ends up quick, and I don’t really get enough time to mingle with fellow vloggers.

Armed with both nervousness and excitement while going inside the venue, I was clutching my fists real tight while I’m trying to steady my walk. I’m okay with wearing high heels, but it feels as though I’m drunk and can’t walk straight now.

While trying to feign confidence, I tripped. Good thing someone managed to hold my arms, or else that would’ve been really embarrassing.

“Thank you”, I smiled awkwardly at the guy. “I guess it’s been a while since I walked on heels.”

I chuckled, then tried to look at the guy intently. He was actually cute, albeit rather rugged.

He has this combed over hairstyle, and he’s wearing this cream colored coat with a white undershirt, that’s paired with jeans and camel colored boots. I actually like his style. Most guys can’t pull off this look, but he did it seamlessly.

“Oh, it’s fine, Avery. Just watch your step next time.”

“You know me?”, I tilted my head and stared at him. “Do I know you?”

“No. Sorry, I-, well, I just know you from university. I see you there. I’m Seth, Industrial Design.”

I nodded slowly. “Oh. Okay. So we’re in the same department.”

“Yeah. You’re Avery the vlogger from Interior Design.”

“What year are you by the way?”

“Freshman”, he smiled.

“Cool. So what are you doing here?”

He raised this pass that he was holding which said influencer.

“Oh, I see. Where'd you get that? I need to get mine. I’m still looking for some staff here.”

“I’ll accompany you then, I was just there anyway.”

He guided me to where the coordinator was inside the events hall. When I got my pass, I noticed that there weren’t a lot of people around aside from a couple of press people and some influencers.

Accordingly, other guests and the VIPs would be coming in late. They gave the press and some influencers an early access, so that there would be nice contents to be posted on news outlets and social media.

I scanned the place, and the whole setup is really sophisticated. I felt like I needed to move around gracefully, so it wouldn’t feel very awkward.

“Seth!”, greeted a lady coming from a crowd of influencers. “Oh, you’re with Avery.”

The shock probably registered on my face.

“No, I just met her on the way here. She doesn’t know anyone yet”, said Seth.

She probably noticed my expression. “Girl, you were with Jared before, everybody knows you”, she smiled at me and offered her hand. “I’m Maureen, by the way.”

“Avery”, I smiled awkwardly as we shook hands. I don’t know how I can avoid all things related to Ethan.

It’s been months, but it’s like his name is still attached to mine. Though we haven’t been hanging out since that night. He actually tried to reach out after a few days, but I just didn’t know how to respond. I never texted back.

Although we stumble upon each other in the uni and in the condo, we just pretty much pass by each other. It’s like we’re back to being strangers.

After a while, the briefing about the products started and we were allowed to take photos. Even though I don’t feel too comfortable being surrounded by lots of new faces, I tried to be friendly and tagged along Seth and Maureen’s group. Almost all of us are of the same age, so I figured I’d probably get along with them.

I found out that Seth started making dance covers and his followers rose because of that, then he started venturing into making random vlogs.

As for Maureen, she’s a beauty vlogger, she does makeup tutorials and reviews. It was just recently that she started vlogging about other stuff.

I helped them take photos and in turn, they helped me with mine. I guess that’s one of the good things when you’re in an event with influencers, anyone will do anything for the gram. Most of the shots actually turned out well.

I also took a photo with Seth and put it in my IG stories.

Once the guests started arriving, we were guided to a certain area with high tables that’s just the right amount of distance from the stage. The front part’s reserved for the VIPs.

The venue was almost full when Kel passed by in front of us. Our eyes met and he just nodded in acknowledgment and smiled. I smiled back. I noticed that he was with Zach, and when I saw who was after, I froze.

I’m not sure if I should notice him or not, so I stared at him blankly, but he just passed by me and went straight to the VIP table.

What do you expect, Avery?

I sighed. I keep forgetting that he might be present in events like this, he’s part of the ‘Future of Forthworth.’

I was kinda startled when I felt someone poking me. It was Maureen.

“Hey, Avery, Jared’s there. Can you introduce me to Kel or Zach, just whoever”, she said, giggling.

I looked at Ethan again. I can’t deny that he looks really dashing. He’s wearing an all black formal outfit—black coat, undershirt, trousers, and shoes—it really looks good on him.

“We’re not that close”, I said, shyly.

“Really?”, Seth asked, shocked. “I really thought he was your boyfriend.”

“No, we’re just friends”, I faked a smile.

I tried to avoid their questions pertaining to Ethan. I wasn’t even able to focus on the event because I can feel him looking at me every now and then. I know ‘cause I was doing the same, but I immediately try to avoid his gaze.

I don’t know if I should laugh or not. I just hope he doesn’t find out the effect he has on me.

After the event, everyone decided to go to a bar. I still haven’t tried that, and since there won’t be any classes tomorrow, I figured, why not? I also don’t want to be a buzzkill. And I think I should make new friends anyway, it might also help knowing people in the same industry.

The bar was crowded since it was a weekend. It was so dark, noisy, and reeks of smoke—it’s starting to give me a headache.

I just saw to it that I followed Seth and Maureen going to the table because there were a lot of people and I can’t help bumping into some along the way. Good thing they opted for a VIP lounge, at least there was some sort of privacy.

Others went out to the dance floor, and others stayed here, drinking. They’ve been asking me to drink, but I kept on declining.

I’m also hungry, since the food served earlier were only finger foods. So now, I’m just eating the snacks served. Good thing it’s quite dark, at least my bloated tummy won’t be too obvious.

I know I shouldn’t be doing this, but I can’t help it. I’ll just chip in a big amount later to make up for all the food I’m eating.

I suddenly stopped munching when I saw Ethan’s group come in. And this time, all four of them are complete. They’re also with a couple of guys that I’m not familiar with.

They sat at the table just in front of us at the VIP lounge.

I decided to just fiddle with my phone because I don’t know where else to put my attention to. When I checked my IG stories, I saw Ethan react to all the stories I posted with Seth.

@ejandrada

reacted to your story

💯

reacted to your story

😍

reacted to your story

👏

reacted to your story

🎉

What’s wrong with him?

I looked at their table and noticed that he immediately averted my gaze when our eyes met.

I just rolled my eyes and decided to take a glass of wine and downed it…which was a bad idea. I immediately felt the warm gushing through my throat and I badly wanted to cough. I just bit my lip to stop myself from making any funny reactions. I can’t do that. Not with Ethan looking at me intently.

I tried to keep my composure.

It was like his stare pierced through me, and the butterflies in my stomach can’t stop dancing. I just shook my head, and turned my attention elsewhere.

There’s this girl beside me who’s trying to make small talk, but I couldn’t even hear what she was saying because of how loud it was. I just kept on nodding.

I looked at my phone again and noticed that he left a comment on my outfit post—a photo which Seth took at the event.

ejandrada🔥🔥🔥

sethandre95 💯🔥

Seth also left a comment, and both their comments on my photo had the most likes.

It was the first time that Ethan left a comment on my photo. Even when we were together before, the only thing he does is tag me in photos or stories. I really don’t know what he’s trying to do now.

He was still staring at me, not minding that there’s this guy beside him who seems to want to keep talking to him.

I then took another glass and easily gulped it. Unlike earlier, I already knew what to expect so I was able to control better how I took it. I smirked at him.

When the butterflies in my tummy can’t calm down, I just took the whole bottle and downed it.

His eyes widened and it seemed like he was about to bolt from his seat, but then Seth blocked my view.

“Ave, let’s dance. Have some fun”, he was pulling me. “Let loose.”

I can’t do anything but go with him. When I stood up, I started feeling a bit lightheaded. “So I guess this is how it feels”, I mumbled.

Seth guided me towards the dance floor, then started dancing in front of me, I can’t help but laugh because of how hyper he is. Really can’t deny that he’s great at dancing. If I wasn’t attracted to someone, I’d definitely have a crush on him, that’s for sure.

After a while, the crowd started gathering and circling in on Seth. Pretty much giving him a spotlight, so I ended up being pushed at the back. I can dance, yes, but not like him.

As I was being pushed back, I started feeling more dizzy and accidentally bumped into someone. “Sorry”, I said to the guy.

“It’s okay, miss”. And I felt him trying to touch my butt. It sent shivers down my spine, and I just froze. I felt like I needed to say or do something, but I couldn’t.

I just stared in disbelief and the next thing I knew…I already had a coat to cover me, and someone shoved the guy. It was Ethan.

“Take care of him”, he said to a guy. I can’t tell who it was.

He then guided me outside the bar. I can just feel my heart racing. I sighed.

“Are you okay?”, he asked.

“Uh, ye- yeah, I’m okay. Thanks”, I just closed my eyes and shook my head.

“I’ll take you home now, Ave.”

“But…I brought my car”, almost in a whisper, I said.

“I’ll let someone take care of that. Give me the keys”, he said.

I opened my purse and tried to take a hold of my keys. There. I found it! I can’t help but grin as I gave it to him.

Then I saw him calling someone and a guy arrived, not sure if it was the same guy as earlier. And like what he always did, Ethan opened the door for me, and put the seatbelt on me.

I guess I just miss this. Being around him, and feeling safe, knowing that he takes care of me.

I don’t know if it’s the alcohol talking, but I just started mumbling. “I miss you.”

“Hmm?”, he responded.

“I mean, I missed something”, I mumbled. “I haven’t for anything yet. I finished the food on our table.” I pouted, almost tearing up.

He just chuckled.