I Love You But...

X

I am the twelfth out of the fifteen contestants. It will be long before my turn, and it's making me nervous. I just have to recall last time's performance: I was excited and happy to sing. I can do it. Jamie is in the audience, so I know I can do it.

"Number twelve, it's your turn."

It's now my time to shine.

I sang I Do by 98 Degrees, dedicated to a single person in the audience, Jamie. She may not be my girlfriend, but I want to sing this to her. As much as I wanted to fix my gaze on her, I don't want to make it obvious that I like her. No, I am in love with her, that's why I'm giving my best.

The judges have taken their picks, and it's now the announcement of those who will proceed to the finals. The host took on the stage, I fixed my eyes on my number, so I won't forget it.

"The judges selected seven people who will proceed to the finals. They are contestants number one, number four..."

Seven out of fifteen.

"Number eight, number nine..."

Seven out of fifteen.

"Number eleven, number twelve..."

Did he just say number twelve?

"And number fourteen. To our finalists, see you again in two weeks."

I made it! I made it to the finals!

"Jamie, I made it."

"Congratulations, Al." She said with a smile on her face. I felt the urge to embrace her, but I can't.

"You wanna go out with me?"

"What?" I'm surprised by her question.

"My friends and I will go for karaoke. That will be a little later. You could come if you want."

"Uhm..." I'm thinking, will I be welcomed? I am a stranger in their group of friends.

"I got it. You are shy because you think you're a stranger," she got it right, "I will introduce you to them. Don't worry. I know for sure that they will like the way you sing, just like I do." Her words are pretty convincing.

"Okay. I'll go with you."

We arrived at the karaoke bar, and she introduced me as her events singer. Because of that, her friends made me sing a lot. It's like a concert night for me.

"Jamie, thanks for inviting me. I had a lot of fun."

"You're welcome. See, it's pointless to be shy. They liked you."

"They are nice people."

Her phone is ringing.

"Excuse me. I'll just answer this."

I'm not sure if it's her boyfriend she's talking to. She's somehow angry and disappointed. I never thought lovers' quarrel could also be via phone call.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"It's my boyfriend. He's supposed to pick me up, but he won't be able to because he's working on a project."

"If you don't mind, what does he do for a living?"

"He's an architect."

And it reminded me of my childhood dream.

"Maybe someone likes his works, so he was given a new project. I know it's supposed to be his time with you, but don't think negatively. Just think that he's working hard for your future."

"Al, I never knew you have a way with words."

I smiled.