Still You

CHAPTER 26

(day of engagement party)

After I had greeted the principal and her daughter, Josephine, who is celebrating their engagement, I decided to just sit at our table. The party has not yet started. That's why I just tried to pick some fresh fruits being served on our table.

Mommy is busy chatting with her co-teachers na pumunta rin sa party. I'm bored actually. Wala akong kakilala maliban sa mga co-teachers ni Mommy na may mga edad na rin.

"Good evening everyone, I am Samantha, your emcee for tonight" nagulat ako sa boses ng emcee. Napalingon ako sa stage at halos matulala ako ng makita si Samantha. Sean's girlfriend.

She's undoubtedly beautiful tonight. It is delightful to the eye to see her attractiveness. Sean fell in love with her without a question. She's kind, independent and a career woman. A total package. Indeed, a girlfriend material.

"Firstly, I would like to thank all of you who have made it here tonight from across the country to celebrate with Josephine and Carlo as they venture into this new journey. Let there be spaces in your togetherness. Let the winds of the heavens dance between you" she announced. The audience applaud.

I am in shocked. I started to panic. Palingon-lingon ako sa paligid. What if Sean is here too? Omg! I can't! I don't want to see him.

The principal and her husband started to give their speech to the soon-to-be husband and wife. They give their heartfelt messages and best wishes. 

"Oh, what such melting words from Tita and Tito. Well, there's more! We will be hearing another message coming from Josephine's closest cousin. This cousin of hers almost couldn't make it here tonight due to his busy life, but he made a way just to be here and give his message to his beloved cousin. All right, Sean, come on stage."

'Shit!' I whispered.

Lumabas si Sean at dire-diretso sa stage. Napalingon ako kay mommy. Nakita kong nagulat din siya nang makita si Sean.

'oh no! Paano kung makita niya ako? I can't afford!'

"To those relatives and friends who don't know me, I'm Sean. I am honored to give this message to our soon to be husband and wife, Josephine and Carlo".He paused. He looked at Josephine and Carlo's direction, then smiled. "I've known Josephine since we were kids, and so, I witnessed how she's deeply in love with Carlo". He said  in a soft and slow voice. "Josephine is like a little sister to me. A stubborn little sister. Eight to about thirteen years of age, is when we tried to ride bikes, ballet, swim, and get braces on our teeth, "he laughed while reminiscing the old memories they had. "Fourteen to twenty were books, and earnest discussions about the plight of the world. We got an education, experimented with what we did and didn't like, and through it all, there was 'us'-united. And then along came Carlo. I am the first to know that she's seeing Carlo. She had a big crush on him. He was kind, attentive, persistent and ultimately persuasive. And yes, I could see he had Josephine's best interest at heart. He loves her and she loves him. They are a perfect couple, and I am happy he's come between us. To Josephine and Carlo: we're going to have so much fun planning your wedding! Please love each other until the end. Don't give up on each other. " He concluded.

After Sean gave his message, nagpaalam ako kay mommy para pumunta ng restroom. I plan to leave the party once I'm done with my business at the restroom.

Pagkalabas ko ng restroom ay buo na ang loob ko na umalis. I will just tell mommy na siya na ang bahalang mag imbento ng dahilan kapag hinanap ako ng kanilang principal. I don't want to stay here any longer. I don't want Sean to see me here. He hates me and I'm hurting too.