Moonage Daydream (Ciudad de Escalante #4)

Phase 35

"You're so pretty, sweetheart!" Mommy exclaimed.

She was teary-eyed as she stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror. Kanina pa siya masaya sa nakikita ngayon at mas excited pa siya sa akin. My hair and make-up were done, and I'm all ready to go to attend my graduation ball.

I turned around as I smiled at my figure.

Sumabay sa pag-ikot ko ang aking tuwid na tuwid na buhok. Even my champagne floral backless banquet maxi ballgown danced with each of my move. Hapit na hapit sa katawan ko kaya wala akong matatagong kurba. I love this gown because Mommy and Daddy prepare and choose this for me.

This is what I want. I stared at myself in the mirror again.

This is what Ma. Azariah Miraise wished in her entire life — to be beautiful where no one can see any trails of imperfection to insult her. Pinangarap ko lang ang ganito. Sa panaginip ko lang na nakikita na makakadalo ako sa isang event at makapagsuot ng magaganda na hindi ko kailangan pang ikahiya ang sarili ko.

I can't believe it's happening right at this moment.

"Here, baby..." Kuya Zeren said behind me.

Napangiti ako ng malapad nang isuot niya sa akin ang isang kwintas. Naramdaman ko ang lamig nito sa balat ko. I smiled as I touched the details and elegant chains. Siguradong maganda dahil magaling pumili si Kuya. After that, I tilted my head to see my brother. He grinned sweetly and gasped in awe while looking at the multi-layer moon necklace in my neck.

"Woah, are you my sister or a lost goddess? I can't see any prints of an ugly Azariah..." Kuya teased. I only nudged his stomach before moving a step closer.

I tiptoed.

"Thank you for this, Kuya," I uttered happily and gave his left cheek a peck.

Pagkatapos, tiningnan ko ang gold na kwintas na bagay na bagay sa aking damit at leeg. It was perfect. Everything was perfect. It feels like I'm dreaming. Pinigilan kong maiyak dahil napaka-perpekto ng lahat at parang hindi totoo.

"Enjoy your night, baby. Today, I'll not restrict you to dance with those assholes how much, and many you want," ani naman ni Kuya Zelan na kapapasok lang ng dressing room.

Pinasadahan niya ang suot ko at napangiti.

"So pretty..." he complimented and touched my head. I giggled silently. Lagi naman akong pinupuri nina Kuya na maganda ako kahit noon pa pero iba ang pakiramdam ngayon dahil alam kong maganda na talaga ako.

"Our Azariah is not a baby anymore. I'm happy for you, sweetheart. Dalagang-dalaga ka na..." naiiyak muling sabi ni Mommy at sinabihan sina Kuya na pumwesto sa tabi ko para makuhanan kami ng larawan.

Mommy took a lot of pictures of us. Pagkatapos, inanyayahan na nila akong bumaba na dahil nasa labas na ang mga pinsan ko at naghihintay sa akin para makakuha kami ng pictures.

A gorgeous Callistemon Edel and Hadassah Miraise were the first one I saw. They were each other's date. Nasa harapan nilang dalawa si Cyprus na nakatuxedo na rin at napipilitang kuhanan sila ng larawan. Kami nina Mon, Hads, Cyprus, Eera at Eve ang magkaka-edad kaya kami lang ang dadalo sa graduation ball ngayong taon.

"Ang ganda mo Riah!" Snezhana shouted from afar.

I smiled and mouthed my gratitude. Kasama niya ang ibang pinsan kong lalaki. Nakaupo silang sama-sama sa garden's terrace habang pinapanood kami. As usual, they're drinking again. Sina Kuya ay medyo amoy alak nga kanina nang sunduin ako sa bahay. Natawa naman ako nang makita si Iris na nakahiga sa damuhan at ginawang unan ang paa ni Greshawn. Baka kanina pa umiinom at tinamaan na.