“Forth’s POV”
I got home tired and powerless after our last practice. The competition will be held tomorrow evening. I entered the house and saw my dad sleeping at his work bench again. Dad has already quit doing car repairs. With the help of Kurt, they transformed the auto shop to a custom car shop.
He just started with this kind of business but he has already been receiving lots of deals from elite people who fancy high end wheels. They have satisfied customers from different parts of the country with their futuristic take on old models. Soon mom came home dragging herself after being gone for two weeks. Just like my old man, she was also busy with her work. She was assigned as the head civil engineer at a major infrastructure project in the province.
I told my parents about the competition. Both of them just gave me a pat on the back and told me to do my best. They were too tired to move a muscle. I was hoping for moral support during the day of the competition but I understand. There are situations like this that can’t be helped. I was just thankful that both of them are healthy despite their hectic schedule. It’s their loss for not being there to support their youngest son, the most handsome engineering student and soon to be declared as the most handsome student in the whole university. Belle and Kurt on the other hand told me that they will coming to cheer for me.
“Hey dad. I forgot to tell you, Beam will be there too. He’s going to be a backup dancer for one of the contestants.” I told my dad who is currently dead flat lying on the sofa.
Dad’s droopy eyes dilated as soon as he heard Beam’s name and stood up immediately. He ran to his room and rummaged his things.
“Honey! Where did you hide my camera? We’re going tomorrow!” Dad nearly stumbled due to his excitement.
Mom on the other hand did not answer. Upon hearing me talk about Beam, she went straight to her closet and searched for clothes to wear for tomorrow’s event. I could not stop smiling. Even with their current schedule and tired physical body, they can still find time when it comes to Beam. They don’t have any interest with their own son joining the competition but both of them are hyped after hearing that Beam will be there even if it was a minor role. I don’t know if I should be happy or jealous over the attention they give to my lover.
After a nice warm bath, I went straight to bed. I opened the side table drawer and pulled out a small blue box. I started dreaming of the moment that I will be able to put this on Beam’s hand. I hope that moment will be perfect; and I hope that everything will work out just fine.
Beam and I will be three months exactly on the day of the competition. On that day I plan on giving him a ring to commemorate our third monthsary. What am I even saying? I have been going out with him but there hasn’t been any label between us. My lover hates it when I talk about this kind of topic. It makes his blush from head to toe. Even so, I still count all the days starting from that moment that I saw him crying under the heavy rain up to now as our official dating period. I know that Beam is aware of it. He just can’t admit it to himself that we are already exclusively termed as couples.
“Forth! What are you still doing? Why are you still asleep?” I woke up on my mom’s voice.
I checked the wall clock and saw that it was still 9 am. The competition starts at 5pm. I wanted to sleep more so I can have enough energy for tonight’s event. Mom went straight inside my room and tried pulling me off the bed.
“Mom! It’s still early. I need to rest.”
“We need to get the front seats! I can’t miss out on Beam’s performance.” She was already dressed and well prepared.
I don’t want to argue with her early in the morning. She’s currently out of her mind. Dad on the other hand did not open his shop today. He came in my room as well fully geared with his DSLR camera and video recorder. Both of them were annoying.
Good thing the doorbell rang. I was temporarily spared from the two of them nagging. We all looked at each other questioningly. Who could that be? We heard someone calling from outside. I was faster than my parents to open the door when I heard the voice. I definitely knew who that was. Even if the call is hundred miles away, I could not mistake that voice for anybody else. Beam came to check on me. My parents were crying as they reached the front door.
“Beam! What took you so long to visit us?” My dad was hugging Beam making him choke.
“You told us the last time you were here that you’ll be visiting us often. It’s been ages since then.” Mom was sulking after dad got hold of him first.
The look on Beam’s face clearly stated that he’s regretting coming to my house. It took them half an hour battering Beam on the door step before they intend to bring him inside the house. Finally, he was able to sit on the sofa. Beam’s trouble did not end there. Even after I served him tea and snacks, my parents were not still leaving him alone. He was squeezed between my parents; my dad on his right and mom on his left.
“Would you two shoo away! Beam cannot eat properly!” I shouted after losing much patience with my parents.
Both of them stood and walked away after realizing what they’ve been doing. They knew that Beam was getting uncomfortable with them toying around. Mom hesitantly moved out but still ruffled Beam’s head one last time. I saw dad taking stolen shots while walking back to the kitchen.
“I came to check on you.” Beam spoke concernedly.
“Huh? I’m perfectly fine. It’s just a friendly competition. It’s you whom I’m worried about. You look more nervous than me.” I answered after noticing him a bit giddy and his eyes looked worried.
“What should I do? I kept thinking about it last night. I might make a scene up there.” He bit on his lower lip.
“Don’t get so worked up. You’re not even among the contestants to feel that way and I bet Phana would look more disastrous than you. Hahaha!” I tried to lighten up his mood.
“It’s my stage fright Forth.” Beam sighed.
“Have you slept already?” I hugged him to release all those tension building up.
He shook his head telling me that he stayed up all night. He dug his face to my chest to savor the embrace. I pulled him towards my bed and lay beside him under the sheets. I cuddled him warmly and rubbed his back. Soon in no time he was asleep like an angel.
“Are they awake yet?” I heard my mom whispering while peeking inside my room.
“No movements yet honey. Do you think we should wake them?” Dad answered trying to keep his voice down.
I checked the time again. It was 3 p.m. I should be getting ready now. Beam was still sleeping peacefully in my arms. I kissed his lips repeatedly to wake him up. I heard my mom and dad shriek. Beam woke up and pushed my head away to stop me from attacking him. He sat groggily wondering when he fell asleep.
“How was your rest? You feel a lot better now?” I asked.
He nods his head and went straight to the bathroom. He looked more at ease now than when he arrived this morning. He was restless and wary back then.
The competition started exactly on time. My parents had a perfect view of the stage. Belle and Kurt came earlier to reserve seats. We separated ways. Beam had to go to Phana to rehearse the steps with Kit for the last time. I tuned my guitar on the other hand.
There were a lot of people tonight. I can’t deny it, Phana’s fan club packs up a crowd. He must be currently on the lead with the entire fan vote. However, I still have to give it my best. I have plans if ever I win the competition. The ring is in my pocket. I can’t spoil the moment. It’s the perfect time that I have been waiting.
The talent competition began. Contenders were singing, dancing and acting. Some did magic and death defying stunts. The star from medicine department wowed the crowd with her fire dance.
It was Phana’s turn to rule the stage. Just as I suspected, the doctor gang flunked at the talent portion. It was the laughing stock of the year. The crowed were all tears while holding their stomach from laughing. The three of them were all over the place. I was at the side of the stage to watch my precious Beam yet I could not stop laughing myself. It was a good thing he was cute and adorable. That was enough to make out for his awkward dance moves. He did not look stupid at all because there were three of them. They became the three stooges. The dance they performed became more of a comedy act. That took a toll on Phana’s scores pulling him down from first place. It was only my parents who cheered after the trio perform. Dad caught everything on cam. I need to have a copy myself.
Now it’s my turn to own the stage. I saw Beam and Kit sitting next to my family hiding inside their jackets. Kurt was still teasing him after they performed badly. My dad had to comfort him from the embarrassment.
I got everything set up on stage. I went out and sat on the chair at the middle of the platform. I positioned the microphone and spoke calmly. The spot lights were focused to me.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I am Forth from the College of engineering. Today I have prepared a song for everyone to enjoy. Let’s all have a great night and join with me as I sing.” The crowd started cheering as my voice set the mood.
“Before I forget, I want everybody to know that this song is dedicated to a special someone. You out there!” I pointed straight to my Beam’s direction.
“The one wearing black! Don’t even bother hiding behind your friend. You can hear me loud and clear right? I love you!” I did not call his name or else he might die of cardiac arrest.
“Thinking back at our younger years; from the day that I laid eyes on you up to this very moment, I want you to know that you have turned my world around. I’ve been waiting for you for so long and now nothing can take you away from me. Each day I spend with you is heaven.” The crowd wailed in cheer.
The moment froze as I started singing. It was magical. No other sound except my voice and the guitar that I’m playing. The night sky cleared and the moon became my light. It was only me and Beam at that moment. My eyes never left him. Every lyrics of the song were dedicated to him. Nothing else mattered for me. My heart swayed to the tune of the music.
The song ended and the crowd made uproar. The barricades in front did not last. The security had to control the crowd of girls from going to the stage. I snapped back after the last strum of the guitar. Beam got lost from my sight. I could not see him among my family. Everything was so sudden.
A dazed young man who was drawn by the music came to the stage. His complexion was pale as snow, lips as sweet as cherry and his stare as deep as the ocean. He was like floating towards me. His eyes were blank and emotionless as if his feet decided on their own to bring him here. It was the first time I’ve seen Beam stood up to a huge crowd to get himself recognized. This was the best thing I could have wished for. He never fails to surprise me. My heart was jumping for joy. He approached me without uttering a single word and dived in for an embrace.
“Forth. I don’t even know what I’m doing.” Finally, he was able to say something on my ear while hugging me tightly.
“Hahaha.. You just got possessed with my love.” I reciprocated the show of affection.
I waved back at the cheering crowd as we went back stage holding each other’s hand.
The competition was far from over. The announcement of winner will soon follow. Beam was about to go back to his seat when I stopped him on his track.
“I have something to give you after this. Don’t go far.”
Finally, the moment that everybody was waiting for has arrived. All the contestants were gathered on the stage for the announcement of winners. It started with the stars. A never ending cheer exploded after the lady from the Medicine department won the title of the most beautiful maiden in the university.
However, it must have been a close tie for the moon’s title. It took several minutes before the judges could agree on a winner. The roar of the people could be heard to the city ends. Half of the crowd was cheering for Phana while the other half on me.
“Let’s settle everyone. We now have this year’s University Moon.” The guest speaker came in with the results.
“Let’s hear it for this year’s moon.. From the college of… Medicine! We have a grand slam victory for the Medicine department!”
Phana could not believe what he just heard. We had to push him in the middle of the stage to receive his award. Beam and Kit were hugging each other and crying like fools after their best friend won the title. I could not be any prouder. Second best was enough for me. In my mind I know that I already won the best prize of the night.
After receiving the sash and trophy’s, we had our photos taken. Torn whom I’ve not seen throughout the competition was crying while taking pictures for the school newspaper. He was sobbing because he did not make it in time to hear me sing. He was also sobbing because I lost to Phana.
When I got the chance to disappear from the crowd, I took Beam to the music room. The lights were off but the windows shone a beautiful night sky. The silhouette of the moon was radiating inside the room. I dragged Beam inside and muster all the courage I can get. When I felt that everything was calm and quiet, I knelt in front of him and gave him the ring that I have been keeping throughout the entire time.
“I’m sorry Beam. I was intending to give it to you after being declared as the winner. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Can you still accept this ring even if the one giving it to you is only the second best?”
I faced him after opening the box. He was sincerely glowing with joy and happiness that he could not contain his emotion. His pale skin radiated under the starry night. Tears flowed freely from his eyes each drop sparkling like diamonds. I was drawn to his beauty and elegance. He looked like a goddess.
“Only if it will fit.” He answered smiling while wiping away his tears.
We stayed in the music room for a while. Beam was wrapped in my arms. I don’t know how long we have been there. I did not care about the time. I was with the person I love. That was the only thing I need. Beam was staring at his ring while projecting a satisfied look. I was glad he liked it. It took me weeks to find the perfect one.
My phone rang together with his. We answered at the same time. Kurt was looking for me while Phana was looking for him. Our family and friends got worried because of our sudden disappearance.
We both laughed at each other after taking the call. We decided to go back but Beam pulled me to a sudden stop.
“Forth. I have something to give you as well.”
I was surprised. I have a gift? Maybe he intended to give it to me as a present if ever i win.
“Forth.. uhhh.. can you stay at my place tonight?”
Chapter 37. 😗😗😗
Warning on next episode. Not for the faint hearted. 😑😑😑