Chapter 49: Senior's Ball
LARA's POV
Hinatid ako ni Ian sa Richville Grand Hotel dahil doon ang Senior's ball.
When I stepped out, red carpet na ang sumalubong sa akin and Cybil escorted me inside.
I'm wearing a violet and black vintage sequenced ball gown but I'm not wearing a smile. Though black ang heels ko and silver beaded clutch ang hawak ko, hindi pa rin complete ang outfit dahil nakasimangot. Vintage mascarade kasi ang theme ng ball.
Sana kasi si Tristan ang naghatid sa akin, sana siya ang humahawak ng kamay ko ngayon habang papasok. Sana siya ang katabi ko, pero alam kong malabong mangyari ang lahat ng yun.
Hindi ko na namalayang tinawag na pala ako ng emcee. It's my part to give a speech. Buti nalang at nakita ko si Tristan kasama ang ibang seniors.
I'm smiling while delivering my speech dahil nakatingin sa akin ang taong number one inspiration ko. Though he may be just right there sitting on his wheelchair, it still completed my night knowing he's smiling back at me.
"...Trials are not a hindrance to our success. We may have different problems to test our abilities but no matter what happens, let's keep this in mind: This life we all have is given to us for a reason and that is because were strong enough to live it."
Everybody gave me a round of applause.
"Thank you and good evening once again."
Hindi lang naman para sa kanila yun eh. Para din sa akin dahil minsan hindi ko maiwasang magtanong kung bakit binigay sa akin ang ganitong buhay. Ang hirap kaya maging isang Lara Eunice Aneracion, kumpleto kasi lahat: Family problems, attitude problems, love life, painful circumstances, you name it. Pero I realized, no one can play this role better than I.
Cybil reached for my hand as I went down the stairs.
After a couple of speeches and intermissions, narinig kong time na pala for the ball to start. There I remembered my dream last night.
The seniors put on their masks at isa-isang kumuha ng partners at dinala sa gitna.
"I'll be okay. Cge na, enjoy your night." I said habang tinutulak si Cybil para kumuha ng ibang partner. I don't want to ruin his night. Ayokong buong gabi nasa tabi ko lang siya para samahan ako.
Silence.
Isang taong naka mask ang naglagay ng rose near my champaigne glass. My heart started to pound dahil alam kong ganitong-ganito ang set up ng panaginip ko. Hindi nga lang si Tristan.
Cybil patted my back at iniwan ako knowing na may nagoffer na sa akin ng dance.
"No thanks, I don't dance." sabi ko sa guy.
I turned around to look for Tristan pero hindi ko na siya nakita.
"I'm really sorry, reserved eh." pagsisinungaling ko.
The guy knelt down with one hand on his back and the other waiting for my hand. He never left. He never gave up kahit medyo matagal na siyang nakaluhod. Nahihiya na nga ako dahil baka kung ano pa ang maisip ng mga nakaingin.
I heard the first five beats at alam kong "A Thousand Years" ang music na yun. Biglang sumikip ang dibdib ko. Everything felt the same.
"Perfect na sana 'to kung nakawheelchair ang nagyayaya sa akin ngayon." I told him. Nakakainis kasi. Kahit stranger siya, I wanted him to know it.
Heart beats fast...
Colors and promises...
As soon as I heard that lyrics, I closed my eyes, put on my mask and held the hand of the stranger.
