Chance Again (Again Series #3)

Kabanata 09

Through my eyes, I witnessed how driven, passionate, and hardworking Cleo is. She deserves the chance that I gave her. She deserves the scholarship—and a better future. And what I did was right, wasn't I? If I hadn't done that years ago, she wouldn't be what she is right now.

A random song to be danced by an unprepared dancer could lead to two different results—either a disaster or a masterpiece—something that will mark the audience's hearts and minds.

"Let it ignite, fire won't stop if we'll just fly. Come on, tell me to stay, 'cause I would want to, tell me to touch you, 'cause I will hold you, baby..."

Natahimik ang paligid nang mag-umpisa si Cleo.

And I didn't expect that she would dance smoothly. The charisma and stage presence is there, plus the step that she is making is great for an impromptu.

"That was a smooth style, ha?" bulong ni Kyla sa amin, tutok na tutok ang paningin kay Cleo.

I bit my lip as I watched Cleo until she reached the chorus.

"I never wanna let you go, even if you say so. I'll kiss you 'til you tell me it's okay. Let us play with fire, angel."

Naghiyawan ang audience nang mag-chorus, because she even got a hook part for that! At bawat beat ay nabibigyang hustisya, habang gumagalaw siya.

"I know you, you're not good as a liar. If you want me, you will let me. You don't have to say anything or regret, let us play with fire..."

"She's so hot!" narinig kong bulong ng nasa likuran ko.

Nilingon ko ang nagsabi at tiningnan nang masama. Napatungo ang dalawang babae na nag-uusap at pinagmulan ng ingay. Nagbalik lang ako ng paningin nang mapagtantong nahuli ako ni Sena.

"Tell me it's okay, let us play with fire."

I was amazed.

But the thought that it felt like she was dancing for someone made me feel uncomfortable.

After the chorus, huminto na si Cleo at nag-bow.

"You got a gift right there!" Kyla, on a microphone, said. "Parang gusto ko tuloy umakyat sa stage at magkipagsayaw sa 'yo!"

Nagsigawan ang mga babaeng audience, of course, puro naman kami mga babae rito.

And why am I thinking that...

Straight si Cleo, ang alam ko. I am sure, may ka-M.U. siyang naiwan sa Clintton's! Stupid ako kapag nagkamali ako.

"Anong masasabi mo, Awii?"

Nagulat ako nang tanungin ako ni Kesha.

Geez, wala pa naman akong balak na mag-comment. I don't want her to know that she got me mesmerized.

Ngumuso ako, saka nag-angat ng paningin sa kaniyang nasa akin na pala ang paningin.

"Y-you... are great..." labag sa loob kong sinabi.

"Eyy!" kantiyaw ni Kesha. "Kahit si Awii, na-impress mo, Cleo!"

Nag-iwas man ako ng paningin, nakita ko pa rin sa labi niya ang ginawa niyang pagngisi sa akin.

And this afternoon before our classes end, inilabas na ang resulta ng audition. May kalapitan ang bulletin board sa locker kaya natanaw naming apat ang paglapit ng students doon.

Madali lang makita si Cleo, dahil hindi siya naka-uniform, at hindi rin siya nakidumog, hinayaan pang kumaunti ang students na naroon bago niya tingnan ang result.

"Grabe! She's on fire kanina!" puri ni Jonary.

Nilingon ko si Sena na walang pakialam sa paligid, inaayos ang mga gamit niya sa locker.