Paper Memories

Chapter 33-I

Chapter 33-I

"Sheena! Are you still busy? Hindi ka pa ba mag-aayos? " Nabi borderline screamed right beside me. Medyo nagulat pa ako dahil suot-suot niya ang vfx mask. The thoughts in my mind just got rattled and I stopped looking at the ceiling, they made me help hanging the flying props the other day afterall." I want to see you in your costume! Hindi ka naman kasali sa technical and backstage team, ha?"

Tinaas ko na lang kamay ko." They need all hands on deck."

Napanguso na lang si Nabi." Well, then hurry up---ayusan kita."

"Maiba ako, nakita mo ba si Ricos? Is he still out giving flyers?"Napatingin din ako sa kabuaan ng preparation area ng stage play. All the blocks that would perform are already preparing the mechanical props and lightings they would use, and since I made some of the makeshift animatrons I'm aslo helping." I ran to him earlier. Naghahanap siya ng maitutulong dito kanina, diba?"

"Ah, bumalik yun kanina. Dumaan nga sa dressing room kasi hinahanap ka." Nabi wistfully watches the other stage crew. Maya-maya tinatawag ako ng iba para tumulong sa mga inaayos. Ngayon nga meron na naman, pero si Nabi di matinag sa tabi ko. Mas dikit pa siya sa akin kaysa kay Ronald o Ricos!" He said that somebody special is looking for you."

"Somebody special? Who?

"Probably your creepy boyfriend? I dunno--- hindi na yun papasukin dito."

"No, it can't be Percival. That transferee is just probably making things weird." I heaved, as I look back at the crew member that is calling me. At kung si Percival talaga ang naghihintay sa akin ay ayaw ko siya makita. If he can't die and leave me alone he better get out of my face." Everyone else could wait, mag-aasikaso pa tayo para sa play. But, si Ronald, hindi naman niya ako hinanap sayo diba?"

Nabi shrug. "I haven't seen him, pero nga pala pansin ko bakit siya puro pasa?"

I want to watch this play unfold.

Malapit ng magsimula ng opening ng buong play. Kahit panghuli magp-perform ang block ni Kiera ay dapat nakahanda na ang mga props na gagamitin mamaya. Tutal sila lang ang fantasy themed. I also had my own fun by being part of this performance and even if I manage somethings almost all alone I wanted to see some part of it to succeed. I also want this play to be a terrifying masterpiece--- both its beginning and end.

The Theme of Theater Arts Block 3 play is about how darkness wins afterall.

"Do you want to fix your makeup, Sheena? For a change." Nabi tugged the sleeve of my dress . Nakaupo siya sa harap ng mirror na ginagamit ng cast sa pag-aayos. She's already on her complete nymph getup while I simply have a black dress on." Para hindi naman ikaw yung mag-aayos ng itsura ng iba. I'd make you the prettiest witch."

I smiled, grabbing a lipstick." Light makeup kailangan.."

Suddenly, Nabi grab my hand to place it near her lips." Is that a no thanks?"

"Okay! Okay, I'll humor you. Yung madalian lang, side cast lang naman ako eh." When I sat on the stool, I am just on Nabi's eye level. Pinunasan niya muna ang mukha ko ng wipes, dark paltter lang ang magiging make up ko." The main character is the one who needs to be the prettiest si Ether ng Underworld Lilies."

"H-hey...Am I beautiful, Sheena?"

"Yes, yes. Nabi, you're beautiful."

Her eyes suddenly became sharp, she stared uncannily. Ibinababa niya ang wipes na hawak niya, at napayuko kaya naman natatabunan na ang buhok niya ang mukha niya." You don't mean it, Sheena. Hindi mo naman ako tinitingnan ng maayos. Para nagsasabi ka lang ng ganyan para maging plastic, baka pati ginawa kong costumes di mo naman talaga gusto. I do everything you ask me to..."

"Yes, you do. That's my good girl."

"Girl? I'm an adult you know...Do you see me as little girl?"

I sighed, I called to her while I look her eye to eye. She did. But its full of hurt and desperation. I touchher soft hair, playing with it as if it's my own attempt to calm her down. I gently pulled a long lock of her hair towards me, until its right by my face. Lifting it playfully." My lady, why would you think that's how you are to me? Tingin mo ba nagsisinungaling ako?"

Her voice was breaking. "Alam ko naman na matagal mo nang ayaw sa akin."

I smiled at her, planting her hair with a kiss." Then make me like you, Nabi."