Behind the skies and lies

Kabanata 19

The program continued. I have high hopes that Trisha and Andrei can own the titles but I won't deny that the other contestants are great too. Everyone is now presenting their glamorous and enchanting eco-gowns and suits. Para silang mga prinsipe at prinsesa. They all look good kaya kahit sino manalo sakanila okay lang. They are all deserving. 

"GO TRISHAA!!"

There will be an intermission dance before i-announce ang winner so I grab that chance para mag-cr, kanina pa talaga ako naiihi. Inayusan muna ulit ang mga candidates para sa huling rampa nila bago i-announce ang nanalo. Wala naman akong masyadong tulong kaya okay lang na wala ako.

Good thing wala naman masyadong tao. They are all occupied and entertained.

Naghuhugas ako ng kamay nang may tumabi sa aking babae. She washes her hands gracefully. I was just about to ignore her but a realization hit me, she looks like...she is one of the judges. Don't tell me...

Bago pa man ako makaiwas ng tingin at makaalis, her eyes met mine. Tiningnan niya muna ako ng matagal. I can't help but to stare at her too. Hindi dahil sa nilalabanan ko ang tingin niya, but befause she was just beautiful. She squint her eyes, which resembles with Raden. She chuckled kaya nagulat ako.

"Hi." She said between her chuckles.

"Ah, hello."

"Now I know." She nods and smile at me playfully. "I'll catch up with you later."

I was left dumbfounded. Does...she know me? Paano naman? Ngayon ko lang nga siya nakilala at sigurado ako hindi naman ako ganoon kakilala dito. Mas sigurado naman akong di niya ko nakilala mula kay Raden. It's impossible right? He has no reason para ipakilala ako sa kapatid niya.

Bumalik ako sa pwesto namin nila Iza."Tagal mo naman? Tumae ka?"

"Oo. Kabado ko."

"Gaga."

"OMG! Go Trisha!" We cheered for her bago sila pumasok ng stage.

She smiled at us. Those were reassuring smile. She's just enjoying the night. A night to remember for all of us; the hard work, efforts and teamwork. Okay lang na matalo, there will be another chances and if that time came, the experience you gained throughout those journey will surely bring out the best in you.

At the end, ang representative nila Aria ang nanalo for female and for male, Raden got the title. 1st runner up si Mel and the other male candidate. Trisha and Andrei landed on the 2nd runner up. We are really proud, especially me.

"TRISHAA!! We are so proud of you huhu. Ang galing at ganda mooo!" Sigaw namin habang nagpipicture sa stage.

Pinanood ko si Raden at ang ate niya na palihim nag uusap. Dahil nasa backstage lang kami, maganda ang view ko kaya kitang kita ko sila. May sinasabi siya kay Raden and looks like she's teasing him. Rad just laugh and shook his head. He suddenly move his head at my direction kaya nagtama ang mata namin.

He gave me a warm smile. Ngumiti ako ng malawak sakaniya. There's a feeling of triumph in my heart that I cannot explain. I'm very proud of his win.

"Hi!" Hati sa akin ni Aira. "Kakapagod naman tapos lilinisin pa natin stage."

Para akong nanlumo. Oo nga pala. Lilinisin pa namin 'to, kaming mga nag ayos. Parang ngayon palang napapagod na agad ako. May after party pa man din kami, mukhang dito na ko magpaparty.

"What's with your down look?" Natatawang lumapit sa amin si Marcus.

"Maglilinis kami!" Sabay naming sabi ni Aira kaya natawa sya lalo.