From Dusk to Dawn (Trouvaille Series #1)

CHAPTER 14

Rae

I STARED AT HIS HAND, THEN TO HIS FACE. I don't know how to respond. Lorenzo was towering in front of me, asking me for a dance. Who would've taught that he could be this...creative?

"Well?" He slightly inquired, his hand still waiting.

"Are you serious?" I asked in disbelief.

He nodded his head in my direction, "Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"

There must be something wrong with my brain, I couldn't bring my mouth to say even a single word. I kept on staring at his face; lost to the thoughts swirling inside my head. He must've sensed that I was having an internal crisis and hesitation, Lorenzo lightly grabbed my wrists and gently pulled me up.

"Stop hesitating." He softly said to me while holding my gaze. "Sometimes you just have to stop thinking and be with the moment."

As our eyes locked, my heart started beating fast. There was a lump forming in my throat. He let go of my wrists but he stood close. He was watching me closely. I pursed my lips and looked at him.

"I... I'm not wearing a dress." I mentally slapped my forehead as soon as I said it. That may be the dumbest thing I've ever said.

The corner of his lips rose, humor filled his eyes. "What?"

Napanguso ako sa harap niya. Hindi ko naman sinasadya na sabihin iyon. Iyon kasi ang unang pumasok sa isipan ko. Pero tutal ay nasabi ko na, paninindigan ko na lamang.

"How is this a prom when I'm not wearing a dress?" Pag-angal ko sa kanya.

"Tukayo, you can dance even though you're not wearing a dress." He was still smiling at me, obviously enjoying the moment.

I pouted once more, he has a point though.

I heard him sigh, and when I looked at him, there was a small smile on his lips.

"Smile." He patted my head like I was a kid. "That's the best dress you can wear at the moment."

I felt butterflies flying inside my stomach. His words affected me so much that I can't help but smile like what he has just said. When he saw me smiling, there was a glint of accomplishment in his eyes.

"Ulitin ko lang yung tugtog." Tumalikod siya sa akin at muling lumapit sa may tent. Pinulot niya ang cellphone na nasa may sahig at nagsimulang magpipindot.

Napadpad ang tingin ko sa table cloth na kalapit nito. Meron itong katamtamang laki. Tila may isang ideya na pumasok sa aking isipan. Lumapit ako rito at kinuha, pagkatapos ay itanali ko ito sa aking bewang para magsilbing isang mahabang palda.

I may not be wearing a dress, but I can always improvise.

Hinubad ko rin ang suot kong jacket, dahil alam kong hindi ito babagay. Pagkatapos ay inilugay ko ang aking buhok.

(a/n: you can start playing the song at this part ...or not hahaha)

Nang humarap sa akin si Lorenzo ay bahagya itong natigilan. Tiningnan niya ako mula ulo hanggang paa. Nagtagal ang tingin niya sa aking bewang, may ngiti na sumilay sa kanyang labi na tila nabibilib.

"I am not going to prom without wearing a dress."

Wala siyang sinabi pero nanatili ang ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. Naglakad siya papalapit at tumigil sa aking harapan. Inilagay niya ang kaliwang kamay sa likod samantalang ang kanan ay inilahad sa akin.

"Would you like to dance with me?" Muli niyang pag-ulit sa tanong niya kanina.

Malakas ang tibok ng puso ko at nanginginig rin ang kamay na tinanggap ang kanyang kamay. "Oo naman..."