Afterglow

09: Promenade pt. 2

Staring mindlessly on the streetlights, I realized how everything else goes on. The cars are still moving, the lights are still flickering. Even the stars continue twinkling. Nothing stops just because a part of my world is crumbling.

Naalala ko tuloy noong sinabi ni Pierre na ang swerte namin. We all live in our own boxes, and most of the time, we fail to look at the situations other people are in.

Kagaya ngayon, walang may pake sa akin.

Pierre looked so happy. His eyes were sparkling the brightest tonight. I smiled at the thought that he is probably making the most out of this night. Unlike me, who is sulking here, wasting what could have been a stellar night. Pero mas gusto ko na ito kaysa makihalubilo sa mga tao at magpanggap na okay lang ako.

I was taken aback when my phone rang. Alex is calling. I wiped my tears and composed myself, "Alex."

"Lavander Xynth, where are you?"

I can feel anger and worry in his voice, "Don't worry. I'm fine. Nasabi mo na ba kay Lia?"

He sighed, "Don't worry? Liv, kanina ka pa hinahanap nina Jiela. Bumalik ka na. Sunod na last dance."

I sniffed, unable to control my tears, "But si Pierre, baka mas gusto niyang si Maureen na lang."

"Jusko Liv," he groaned, "Ikaw ang niyaya 'di ba? I know you have a lot of questions. Isn't this the perfect opportunity to ask. Basta no matter what happens, I am here for you. Okay?"

"Okay," I whispered.

"Balik ka na. Don't waste the night."

I went to the restroom for a quick retouch. Good thing, waterproof makeup ko, so it did not take a lot of work. Iyong labi ko lang, halatang nasugat.

Alex and Jiela were waiting by the doors of the hall when I arrived. Tumango lang si Alex at pumasok na. Agad naman akong nilapitan ni Jiela, "Finally! Are you okay?"

I nodded, "Don't ask further. Ayokong umiyak."

She got my point, so she just guided me back to our seat.

"The most dazzling Centaurus stars in the night sky. One of the brightest, Beta Centauri para sa," the emcee paused like she was letting us take it all in, "...huling sayaw."

Ito na ang ating huling sandali~

"Love, shall we?" I took a moment to stare at the majestic creature in front of me. He had his wavy hair slightly pushed back. He was wearing a silver earcuff that shimmers as it reflects the light. He was smiling, and he looks so fresh and stunning. Hindi halatang ilang oras na siyang sumasayaw.

Hindi na tayo magkakamali~
Kasi wala nang bukas~

I smiled and took his hand. We slowly walked towards the dance floor. I could hear and feel my heart beating so fast.

Sulitin natin ito na ang wakas.

I should just savor this dance. Siguro hindi pa naman huli. I can still make the most out of this night.

"Liv," he said as he put both his hands on my waist.

"Pierre," I wrapped my arms on his neck. I hesitated at first but reminded myself that this is the least I could do to save my night.

"Liv, you look wonderful," he tucked my stray hair behind my ear, "but are you okay? Parang ang lungkot ata ng mga mata mo."

My heart jumped. He noticed?

"Thanks. Yeah, I'm fine," I smiled. You make me fine. I bit my lower lip a little, but I slightly flinched due to the pain. Nasugatan ko nga pala kanina.