Sincere Lies

Twenty-Three

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We did everything we could before the day the pageant could start. From our gowns to our sports wear, we took our time and thought about our concepts well enough. I also practiced for the talent portion, and same went with Paris. She was going to sing.

And nope, there weren't any swimsuit portions. My man was completely against it.

-

"Baka naman may swimsuit competition 'yan, ha," ang sabi ni Chris habang umiigting ang panga niya.

"Hala, mayroon nga," I said, looking down on the papers of the mechanics and invitation. But that was a joke.

"Fuck, no!" he shouted. "You will not join that damn pageant anymore."

I pursed my lips, trying to suppress my laughter. I knew that by any time I see that there was a swimsuit competition, I would back out. Kahit gaano pa karami at katagal ang paghahanda namin, hindi pa rin ako papayag. I knew that I wouldn't have the courage.

"Actually, I was just joking."

"Are you serious?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said. "I was just joking."

"Phew," he smiled. "What a relief."

"Why?" I asked, laughing.

"Fuck, I thought they'd see your body," Chris chuckled, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"No, they won't," I said, smiling.

"Good. Baka gusto mong pag-rash-guard-in kita."

-

I could still remember how much Chris didn't love the thought of a swimsuit competition and how Chris helped me pick outfits. And here we were, finally on the day.

And my man's day.

But I already had plans on what I should surprise him with. It was simple and maybe predictable, but it was clever. Clever enough to make justice out of how many times he played with my feelings on my birthday. I wasn't mad though. That was a joke.

I was finally somewhere I could see and hear Chris. But he couldn't. The plan, as what I told you, was clever. And it was going to start.

"Hey, Chris," Paris called, tapping on his shoulder. Chris turned around from standing by and waiting for me on the balcony. Same old floor. Same old balcony.

"Cerulean wanted us to give you this," Paris said, handing the black envelope I told them to give to Chris.

"What's this?" Chris asked, taking the envelope while smiling. "Her letter for me? B-but where is she?"

"Nawala 'yong mask niya," Veronica said. "Baka hindi na kayo makapagkita."

"What do you mean?" Chris asked, almost frustrated.

"Only mask lang niya si Cerulean," Carrie said. "Wala pa siyang ibang mask."

Chris ran his fingers through his soft hair and rubbed his temple.