I Love You But...

ix

I saw Al on one corner, thinking of something. Anyway, it is the finals; they're taking this seriously.

I sat beside him. He's preoccupied that he wasn't able to notice I'm there. He was surprised when he saw me beside him.

"Hey." I said.

"Hi." He said shyly.

I apologized about the incident at my apartment; he said that I should not worry. We talked, staring at each other, and I enjoy seeing the sweet smile on his face.

"I'm sorry about this."

He removed his hand from mine. I have no idea we were holding hands.

"I'm sorry, too, Al. By the way, give your all. I'll cheer for you from the audience."

"I'll give my best." He told me with a smile.

It is the fourth contestant who sings on the stage. I have a feeling that Al will be the last one. Well, saving the best for last. But even though he's the best one in my eyes, the other contestants are excellent singers. This will be a tough one.

Al is standing before everyone. He sings Christina Perri's A Thousand Years. I always hear it sung by females, and hearing him sing it is something new... but it's not bad. It is lovely because it's Al. And as I listen to him sing, I think... I'm falling in love. Al, you're not a magician, aren't you? Every time you sing, I'm captivated, and I forget everyone else.

I was too focused on Al that I did not notice the others are wiping their tears. In my case, the more I listen, the more I fall in love with him. He knows how to pull other people's heartstrings.

When he finished, the audience, including me, gave him loud applause. He smiled and bowed before he left the stage.

After the judges made their decision, the seven of them are standing on the stage, waiting to know who will be the three people for the final battle. I am nervous for Al. I cannot sit still because I am damn nervous. I want him to be one of those three, but I know this round is difficult. It's like a battle between Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, David Archuleta, Ed Sheeran, and a lot of well-known singers. I want Al to move forward.

The host stood in front of them to announce the final three competitors. "The contestants who will compete for the final three are contestants number one, number three, and number seven."

Number seven! It is Al! My heart wants to leap out of my chest. Al, if you only know how happy I am.

The first one sang From This Moment On while the other one is singing Your Love. They are outstanding. I wonder how Al is doing backstage. It's like he's competing with Shania Twain and Michelle Wright. That's how difficult it is for him now.

It's his turn now. It looks like something is on his mind. I hope he's not nervous for I want him to win this.

The instrumental began playing. It is On This Day, a David Pomeranz song. Wow. David Pomeranz, whose song Got To Believe In Magic is loved by many. I think he's right in choosing this song. It's like a groom's song for his bride. How lovely.

It is now the announcement of the winner. According to the host, the winner will receive one hundred thousand pesos while the consolation prizes will be twenty-five thousand. The organizer is a generous one, giving away a total of a hundred fifty thousand for cash prizes.

"The winner of this contest, the best wedding singer, is no other than..." His pause only added more to my nervousness. "The only man remaining, contestant number seven!"

I jumped from my seat and screamed. He won! Al is the winner! I am so proud of him.

The host gave him the microphone so he can sing On This Day again. I remain standing, smiling at him as he sings. Seeing Al on the stage in his winning moment is something that will be burned in my mind.

The staff whispered something to him when was done singing. He went with him backstage. Do they still need something from the best wedding singer?

After an hour or so, I saw Al walking as if he is on cloud nine.

"Hey Al!" I called out.

"I never knew you waited for me." He had his shy smile again.

"Oh, it's fine." I did not mind waiting for him. "Of course, I wanted to congratulate you, but I saw you went backstage with someone."

"Ah... That is - "

"But let me give you a hug." I placed my hands at the back of his neck and rested my arms on his shoulders. "Congratulations, Al. I have always known that you can do it."

"Thank you, Jamie. Thank you for believing in me. Without you, this will never happen." He then embraced me. If the heavens will only allow me, I would like to stay like this for a while.

"So, can you tell me what happened back there?" I asked him with interest.

He told me that he met Jeane Florent, the rich but humble businessman.

"Al, that's wonderful. But I'm afraid they will take you away from me."

"Don't worry, Jamie. I will always be your wedding singer."