Again

Chapter 10

Despite the news about the winner in the pageant's prelims, Linc and I still trend that night. They were surprised and a lot of fans were convinced that we're really in a good relationship ever since we confirmed our dating rumors.

Maybe that's why. Maybe that's the reason why Linc sent me flowers.

Halos gusto ko nang tumakbo papunta sa labas nang malaman kong nandito na si Linc para sunduin ako. Farrah keeps teasing me about the flowers and the card. Hindi niya lang alam, there's someone that reminded me of what Linc did.

When I thought that I am finally free from awkwardness, I realized that our ride is more awkward than in Farrah's house.

"Did you receive it?" Tila biglang mas lumakas ang tanong niyang iyon kaysa sa musika na natugtog sa kanyang kotse.

"Yes. And, thank you." He wasn't looking at me when I said those kaya hindi na niya napansin ang nagtatanong kong mukha. He just nod and we became silent again the whole ride.

Nakarating kami sa entrance kung saan may nakalatag na muling red carpet. I was about to go outside when Linc talked.

"I meant the card."

Nakailang pikit at mulat ako sa narinig ko mula sa kanya. I was left confused. Ang bilis na lang ng pangyayari dahil nakabukas na ang aking pintuan at nakalahad na ang kanyang kamay sa akin.

Binalewala ko ang sinabi niya at tinuon ang tingin sa mga photographers. Tulad noong nakaraan ay wala kaming pinaunlakan na interview. The crowd went wild when we walked into our seats. Rinig na rinig ko ang pangalan ko at ng may ari ng kamay na nakahawak sa akin.

This coliseum was jam packed. Saglit kong iniikot ang paningin ko at iilang upuan na lang ang bakante. I saw some tv personalities as well as politicians near us. Tuwing may papasok sa kabilang pinto para sa mga VIPs ay naghihiyawan ang mga tao.

I was still sitting with Linc before the event started but when they announced that the event will really start, Linc transferred to another seat that was reserved for him. Ayos lang naman sa akin dahil si Tita Julliane ang katabi ko ngayon. But Tita Julliane was looking at me like it was a big deal. Nalayo raw ako sa boyfriend ko.

I already posted some pictures of my outfit again. Bilin kasi iyon ni Farrah lalo na't for promotion of the designer brand pa iyon. Laging ganito, kahit nung nag Cebu kami ay kailangang may post ako sa aking social media. It's for a sneak peak, for people to look forward on my projects.

Hindi na naman kami nakapagsalita pa dahil nagsimula na ang pageant. The candidates were introduced again until the top sixteen were chosen. All those who received their awards in prelims made it to the top sixteen. Kaya sobrang palakpak ang ginawa namin ni Tita Julliane.

The audience were silent and disciplined the whole time when the remaining candidates were asked some questions. Halos mapunit na ang aming labi nang walang hirap na sagutin ni Jill ang tanong sa kanya.

Nang nagbreak saglit para makapagpalit ang candidates para sa sunod ay may nagperform na dance troupe. As far as I know, sila ang nanalo recently sa isang talent show in Philippines television.

Hindi rin nagtagal ay lumabas na muli ang mga kandidata. The swimwear for this finals was designed by a Filipino designer. I did memorized his name just in case I might look for one.

Jill is overflowing with confidence when it's her turn. Yung confidence na alam mong ikakapanalo. Malaki rin ang suporta sa kanya hindi lang ng kanilang lugar pero maski na ang taga kung saan. Our schoolmates also are cheering for her based on their posts on their social media accounts. Noon pa man sa university ay nakakatanggap na siya ng good luck sa kanila. She is one of the crowd's favorites.