kundiman.

chapter 12.

*Prom Night*

"COME ON AND MAKE SOME NOISE EAGLES!!!"

The DJ yells at the sea of students who attended Prom. They react with piercing volumes of cheering.

Clara and Jason are still running-mates for Prom King and Queen, but their relationship has grown distant.

Jason now spends most of his time with Priscilla, leaving his friends whenever Priscilla says they need to go. Priscilla is very controlling with Jason and leaves him no room to share his opinion. She cuts him off anytime he voices out any of his emotion, reversing the blame on him anytime something is wrong. Also, she despises Clara, who she thinks is trying to steal Jason from her. She pulls Jason away and says they need to go every time Clara is present. The past month and a half has been miserable for Jason, but for some reason he stays with her.

They arrive in matching baby blue attire, along with Kyle and Mariella who are also matching, wearing emerald green outfits. Priscilla constantly forces Jason to show affection to her. She flaunts him around like a trophy, as if to say, "Look who I'm with. I'm with the star quarterback." Jason becomes increasingly uncomfortable with each group Priscilla talks to with him by her side. He does his best to put on a fake smile.

The members of Try To Remember, Mike, Tommy, and Ed, show up together as well. They arrive in matching black suits, all three with untucked shirts and loosely knotted black ties. In the year and a half they've been a band with Jason, they've garnered a multitude of fans, many of which are students St. Joseph High. A group girls squeal near the entrance as the three walk in. The girls immediately swarm them and beg them for a picture. They find their way in after taking pictures and find Jason. They approach him and give him hugs. Priscilla hates his band mates too. She pulls Jason away as he begins talking to them and forces him to stand next to her as she socializes with her cheerleader friends.

Clara arrives with Jamie. She's wearing a dress her mom made for her: a cream colored, modern take on the traditional Filipino dress called the Terno. Every eye turns to look at her. Not a soul dare pass her by without complimenting her. Her hair and makeup, very simple, but with the utmost elegance. Her every step making her look like she's floating in air. She exudes beauty and class, forcing attention at every turn she makes. But, it is her humble smile and soft-spoken spirit that draws in and melts even the coldest heart. Except Priscilla. She glares at Clara, her heart of stone glowing green in envy. Jason can't help but stare at Clara as she enters with Jamie who is also looking absolutely breathtaking, matching with Clara with a cream silk dress, a far cry from her usual bare face and boyish outfits, despite being a cheerleader. Jason's eyes can't seem to break away from Clara. Priscilla notices and grips Jason's hand as hard as she can. Jason whips his head towards Priscilla in disdain.

"What?" Jason darts at Priscilla.

"What are you looking at huh?" She quips back at Jason.

"So even where my eyes go you want to control?" Jason whispers aggressively, his eyes becoming filled with fire.

Priscilla is taken aback. Jason has always just kept quiet and accepted Priscilla's unrealistic expectations. It seems as though he's had enough.

Jason rips his hand away from Priscilla's grip. He stares at her, his eyes piercing through her.

"What?!?" he says.

Priscilla says nothing.

Kyle and Mariella, along with Mike, Tommy, and Ed, hear everything. Kyle approaches Jason and puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Bro, not here," Kyle whispers to Jason.

Jason shakes Kyle's hand off and looks at him.

"No bro. I'm done. I'm sick of this." He turns to Priscilla. "We're done. You have done nothing but break my heart Priscilla. I'm done with you."