The Things I Never Did Before

0111

Elena's POV

Everyone's cheering as soon as I ended my song. I am so grateful that I am able to sing for other people.

This is my passion, this is what I want.

A smile flash from Philip, Melissa and Aki's faces when I approach them. Philip hugged me while Melissa congratulated me. I was waiting for Aki to say something but he's just looking at me. Observing all the things I do.

The waiter served us our foods with a champagne. Aki took it and open it for us. He poured champagne on our wine glasses.

We clanks our glasses. “Congratulations to Ele!” he proclaimed.

“Woooh!” hiyaw ni Melissa.

“Thank you guys.” I said, seriously. “Thank you for everything you've done to me. I know this is just the beginning but I hope you'll stay with me until the end.” A tear escaped from my eye.

We started eating and everything went smoothly. Habang tumatagal ay nararamdaman ko nang tinatamaan na ako ng champagne na ininom ko. This is so unusual for me.

Napatakip ako sa bibig ko nung maramdaman kong parang babaliktad ang sikmura ko. I excused myself and immediately head to the restroom. I vomited all the food I consume this afternoon. I got a stomachache again. Naghilamos muna ako saglit bago bumalik.

Pagbalik ko ay wala na doon si Melissa at Philip. They are in the dance floor— dancing. May nakakasayaw si Melissa na ibang lalaki at tila ba umiba agad timpla ng mood ko. While Philip is talking to a bartender, the both of them are laughing.

On the other hand, Aki is resting his head with his eyes close. Tinabihan ko siya and marahang inalog, “Aki, wake up.”

He slowly opened his eyes. Nagtama ang paningin namin. His twinkling eyes are staring at me with admiration. Should I confess? No! What's gotten into you, Elena! Pull yourself together!

“I'm not sleeping.” Marahan niyang sabi na kahit maingay ang buong paligid ay klaro iyon sa aking pandinig.

“Aren't you tired?” I ask him. Because base on what I see he is tired. I really guess that he came straight here from the hospital. He could've just say no to me or tell me that he's exhausted. I'll understand naman.

“I'm fine, don't worry about me.” He smiled at me while caressing my head. Natigilan ako sa ngiting iyon, it reminds me of what he did in the past.  “I am so proud of you, always and forever.” he added.

Ramdam ko ang kakaibang tibok ng puso ko. Heto na naman sila, ang mga paru-parong hindi ko malaman kung saan galing.

Delikado. I move a bit. We're both looking at the dance floor. I frowned when I saw Melissa dancing with a man behind me. They are close together that the man's hands are at Melissa's shoulders while the other is in her waist.

Tumayo ako at pumunta sa kinaroroonan nila. I smiled at the guy behind Mel at pasimpleng siningit ang sarili ko sa gitna nila para umalis sila. Melissa's pretty wasted and doesn't know anything.

Akala ko naman ay umalis na ang lalaki dahil nakiepal ako sa pagpapacute niya kay Melissa. Mukha kasi siyang nainis kanina nung lumayo at inalis ko si Melissa. But guess what, nasa likod ko siya at sobrang lapit ng katawan niya sa'kin.

Pasimple niyang kinikiskis ang hinaharap niya sa puwitan ko. Pinalagpas ko iyon nung una pero habang tumatagal ay lumalala na ang ginagawa niya.

“Will you please stop?!” Sigaw ko sa tenga niya. Ayos lang malakas naman ang tugtog at wala din halos makarinig sa amin.