Rosy's POV
Two days have passed. Erick will only tell me good morning, good night, pass me 'this'... nothing more.
I haven't had the courage to apologize to him.
Mai's POV
Surely something is going on between Rosy and Erick. They haven't spoken to each other so much. Also, Naru looks at me weirdly, not a good weird. 'What is happening?'
Naru asks for his usual tea, but when I place his tea in his office, he would look at me either indifferently or deep in thought. Before, he would have looked at me with soft eyes.'And just when I was beginning to think he might have feelings for me.'
Tonight is the Foreigner's Christmas Event. Since it's at night, it won't interfere with work. 'I hope Naru comes.'
Apparently, Rosy's parents are going, but will be at a different table than the others. Yasu, John, and Lin are officially going. I hope that Naru and Erick might go too.
Rosy's POV
'Things don't solve themselves by just ignoring them. You have to confront them before it's too late.' That's what I told Naru a couple of days ago, back at the cave. I knew that I have to follow my own advice.
It was already noon, and soon I would have to leave to the event. On the way I would quickly pick Mai up from her apartment. I dressed myself in a long, red dress and my hair was in a messy but classy bun.
My plan was to gain Erick's forgiveness and for Naru to make a move on Mai. I was expected to participate on the event, and I also wanted to fix things up. So, why not combine both?
I left a note and Erick's invitation sticking with tape on his door. Furthermore, I made my way out of the house.
Naru's POV
Tonight was the event that Rosy invited me to. When Rosy called me a couple of days ago to tell me the truth, I felt a little confused as to what to believe in. As I thought back to the part where Rosy telepathically showed me the scene of Mai and Erick hugging, I noticed that when Erick separated from Mai's hug, his shirt was a little wet. 'She was crying. What would have made her cry? I know I have to find out.'
Will I go find out tonight? Or will I wait until another moment?
One thing at a time, Noll.
Erick's POV
I read the note that I found on my door. It was written in Spanish. It read:
Dear Erick:
I am sorry for what happened, for my false assumptions. I know you just might hate me by now. I hope you can come to tonight's event so I can really tell you what I feel. I have to fix things and I'm determined to do it. I hope you find some forgiveness for me.
With all my love,
Rosy.
I felt tears falling down my cheek. I immediately knew what I had to do. I grabbed the gift I had been hiding for some weeks and went to change into my formal clothing. 'I'm coming, Rosy.'
Mai's POV
Rosy and I were in our way to the event. She looked to be deep in thought.
"Rosy, is everything alright?"
"Erick and I had a little fight, but don't worry about it. Listen, Mai. I made a mistake, and now I'm determined to fix it. Please don't hate Naru because of his attitude lately. It was my fault. I know you don't understand what is going on, but just listen to me, ok?"
I looked at her with confusion. I still didn't understand how she was responsible for Naru's attitude.
"Alright. I wasn't going to hate him, anyways." I smiled.
"You really love him, don't you?"
A small blush made its way to my face. "Yes, I do."
"Aww! By the way, you look fabulous in that dress I gave you. I can't believe it fit perfectly. If Naru sees you, he will melt."
I giggled. "Thank you... for the compliment and the dress." My dress was a beautiful black dress with golden sparkles all over it. It was strapless and long. Also, it had a little golden ribbon at the waist and down from it, the dress flowed beautifully.
She just smiled.
We arrived at the ball room. Lin, Yasu and John were already at the table assigned for all of us. We approached them, and I said hello and hugged them.
"You guys stay here. Because I'm going to participate, I'll have to prepare myself."
"What are you going to do?" Asked a curious Yasu.
She smiled. "I sing."
"What?" Both Yasu and I shouted.
"How is it that we have never heard you before?" I asked.
"Well, I sing sometimes at John's church and at his orphan and homeless shelter."
We all looked at John. "He, he. She has a beautiful voice. She even sang Amazing Grace perfectly."
"I wouldn't say perfectly." Rosy seemed to be pink from the compliments.
"Wow, Rosy. I didn't know. And to say that we are close friends!" I said.
"I don't brag about it, it's all. Now, I really have to go." She made her way to wherever it is that she was going.
We kept talking and laughing once in a while at Yasu's anecdotes. I was smiling at all that was happening at our table, then I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Naru smiling down at me.
"Hello, Mai."
"Hello, Naru."
He was dressed in a blue, long and formal shirt, along with a black suit. My breath was caught in my throat. It didn't help when he took a seat next to me.
"Staring isn't polite, Mai." I saw him smirk. I immediately looked away.
"I'm going to get something to drink." I stood up and left.
Naru's POV
As Mai stood, I finally caught a full view of her appearance. She looked so beautiful. I just sat there in shock, with my eyes wide open.
As she left, Yasu spoke. "Boss, if you don't want to catch flies, I suggest you close your mouth." Everyone in the table started to laugh.
I glared at him, wishing that I could spill his drink over him.
"I didn't think you'd come, Noll." An amused Lin said.
"Why wouldn't I? I was promised with good music." I said, trying to hide my true intentions.
"Right..." He smirked. "It was about time." He had that amusement in his eyes, it made me want to glare holes on his forehead.
"Whatever."
Mai returned with two cups of beverages.
"I brought you some soda. I know it's not tea, but there isn't any here so..."
She was talking to me.
"It's fine, thanks."
I drank the soda. It made me feel like my blood was rushing rapidly through my veins.
I began speaking things about the paranormal, telling anecdotes of before I met all of the current SPR. I was so concentrated in talking, that at the end is when I noticed all of their shocked faces.
"What?" I asked, frowning.
John smiled. "It's nice to see you enjoy speaking with us."
"Yes, I really like this non-stop-talking Naru." Mai giggled.
I controlled myself enough to regain my composure, but to also make Mai happy.
Rosy's POV
I heard as the event's host started speaking through the microphone, gaining almost everyone's attention. He began to greet and thank everyone for being here.
As he was speaking I was looking for Erick everywhere, but I just saw part of SPR and my parents.
'Maybe he won't come, after all.'
Suddenly, my name was called, as I was the one to introduce the event by singing.
I entered stage, and as I heard the music's cue for me to sing, I sang Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is you.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree.
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas
Is you, you yeah.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
And I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree.
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day.
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby.
Every part of what I was singing, it was my heart calling out for Erick.
Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
And I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe.
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click.
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do?
Baby all I want for Christmas is you,
You Baby.
I wanted him here, to hear me sing to him. I want him to forgive me.
Oh, all the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air.
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need?
Won't you please bring my baby to me?
I really wish you were here.
Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door.
Oh, I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is
You, You baby.
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby
All I want for Christmas is you, baby.
As I finished the song, I looked everywhere. No Erick.
Mai was on the 'dancefloor' dancing crazy along with Yasu. Naru was glaring at said Yasu. Lin was applauding as I finished, and my parents looked at me with an all-knowing look.
I got off the stage, and went to speak with everyone once they settled at the table.
"So, how was it?" I asked.
"It was great!" Mai said.
"You really have a sexy voice." Said Yasu.
"Thank you."
I looked at Naru. 'Get. Her. To. Dance.'
'Stop intruding my mind!'
'If you dare put your barrier back on, I will ask you out loud to ask her to dance.'
Naru narrowed his eyes. 'You wouldn't.'
'I think we both know I would.'
"Ahem, care to explain us what's happening on your little staring contest?" Asked Yasu.
"Nothing, I was just hoping Naru would do something I asked him for. Anyways, I have to go. After this dude who's playing classical piano, I will have to sing again."
I didn't wait for their response. I left.
As again I was called to the stage, I felt nervous about this song. I asked a friend to sing it with me, because it was meant to be heard by two people.
He played the guitar and I played the piano. We began to play, and I saw Erick walk in. He stayed near the entrance to hear me play and sing.
My heart started to beat faster. 'I will do this. For both Erick and Naru.'
Naru's POV
I heard as Rosy began to play the piano.
Then, I was shocked by what she began to sing.
Erick's POV
I saw as Rosy looked at me with all nervousness. I could tell that she wanted to tell me something through the song.
Passenger- Let Her Go
Well you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let him go
Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missin' home
Only know you love her when you let her go
And you let her go
(Naru) I stiffened as I remembered the day Mai confessed to me. 'Me or Gene?'
(Erick) I knew she was speaking about me.
Staring at the bottom of your glass
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
But dreams come slow and they go so fast
(Rosy's Friend) You see her when you close your eyes
Maybe one day you'll understand why
Everything you touch surely dies
I remember when I left for England. It was days later when I finally understood why my question meant so much.
'She can't blame herself of being a harm! She is no harm.'
(Both) But you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go
Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missin' home
Only know you love her when you let her go
(Rosy's friend) Staring at the ceiling in the dark
Same old empty feeling in your heart
'Cause love comes slow and it goes so fast
Well you see her when you fall asleep
But never to touch and never to keep
'Cause you loved her too much
And you dived too deep
Well you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go
Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missin' home
Only know you love her when you let her go
I will not let it happen again. Even if I re-gain her love slowly, I will not give up
I knew for sure that she really felt bad for what happened.
(Rosy) And you let him go (oh, oh, ooh, oh no)
And you let him go (oh, oh, ooh, oh no)
Will you let her go?
I knew that it was meant for me to hear that last part.
'Cause you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go
Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missin' home
Only know you love her when you let her go
(Both) 'Cause you only need the light when it's burning low
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow
Only know you love her when you let her go
Only know you've been high when you're feeling low
Only hate the road when you're missin' home
Only know you love her when you let her go
And you let her go
Rosy's POV
I finished the song. I poured my heart out. I knew I also made Naru realize what he's got by his side: an opportunity.
I looked for Erick. He walked away again outside.
I went off the stage and ran to the bathroom. Something inside me knew that I would cry.
Mai came in and comforted me. As I recovered myself and wiped the tears away, I listened to Mai and went to sit along with everyone. Naru looked concerned as to my wellbeing.
'Naru! Go and grab her a drink!'
'I will. Are you sure you're ok?'
'I'll be fine. Go. Now.'
He got up and asked Mai what she wanted to drink. She told him she would have soda. As he left, Mai looked at me.
'EEEEP! He's been nice to me all night! I don't know what got into him.'
'He loves you, Mai. What do you expect?'
'Are you sure?'
'Yes, Mai.'
'I'm still not sure, Rosy.'
Our mental conversation was interrupted as I saw a little wrapped box being put on my side. Suddenly someone sat next to me.
"Erick?"
"Hello, Rosy." He smiled.
I hugged him and looked at the box. "Is this for me?"
"Open it."
As I unwrapped my gift, and opened the box, I saw a beautiful bracelet with charms. "Thank you."
And blab la we hugged and everything. What surprised everyone was when Naru came with Mai's drink and... A gift?
Mai looked at it confused.
"Open it, dummy."
She did as was told. Inside was a beautiful necklace. She looked wide-eyed at Naru.
"It's a thank you gift and my Christmas present for all of your hard work and friendship. I really appreciate what you have done for us."
I saw as Mai's eyes watered and she hugged him.
"Thank you, it's beautiful. I love it."
"I'm glad you liked it."
I looked at him. 'Friendship?'
'Let me take things slowly, Rosy. You know it's hard for me to show affection.'
'You got that right.'
"I have to go yet again. I will be singing Agnus Dei."
"Agnus Dei? Isn't that a traditional song?"
"Indeed." I ran and left them to sing my opera-like song.
After I finished the song, I waited for a couple of more musicians to play and sing. Finally, I made it to the stage to sing a final song.
Mai's POV
As I began hearing the music to what Rosy was going to be singing, my face lit up and I smiled.
"I love this song!" It was All of me by John Legend
What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
Naru held his hand for me, and we went to the dance floor. I put my arms around his neck as he gently wrapped his arms around my waist. The pace was faster than I would like, but we managed to dance anyways.
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright
I looked at Naru's eyes. They showed shyness.
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all, of me
And you give me all, of you
How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you
This reminded me of everytime I knew he was hiding his emotions.
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all, of me
And you give me all, of you
Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it's hard
I hope that someday we might be together.
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
But for now, I will enjoy being his friend.
I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you
Oh
What a perfect night.