I Wish You Knew

Chapter 09

"Happy Valentine's po!" A group of underclassmen greeted me, happiness evident in their faces. I flashed them a quick smile before returning the greeting. 

The most anticipated day of the month of February has finally arrived. It was finally Valentine's Day and excitement, as well as love, was in the air. The entire of Crestview was transformed to the best that we can for this event. 

I was currently at the gym, roaming around and making sure that everything was okay. Love songs were blasting through the speakers as students immersed themselves with the booths. Some of them were lining up for the Dedication booth while others were cheering for those who were in the Marriage booth. 

And of course, Valentine's wouldn't be complete without the numerous couples walking around hand in hand. 

Tumigil ako sa isang booth na malapit sa may stage. Binati ko 'yung mga estudyanteng nagbabantay bago nagpaalam na uupo lang saglit. Kanina pa nagsimula ang program namin kaya ngayon ay nag-eenjoy nalang ang buong student body sa mga booths at food stalls. 

Natigil ako sa pagmumuni-muni ko nang makarinig ako ng pagbubukas ng mikropono. Napatingin ako sa stage kung saan nakatayo si Macy at Rielle—our MCs for this event.

"Alright everybody we got another song request slash dedication from Zeus De Vera of the Grade 11 ADT strand," Rielle said, gaining the attention of the students at the gym. She then turned to Macy who nodded at her before continuing. 

"I hope Liana Cruz from Grade 11 ABM is here cause this song is dedicated to you!" 

Nang matapos ang dalawa ay agad na pinatugtog ni Jules ang ni-request na kanta. I immediately recognized the song at the first beat. 

We could leave the Christmas lights until January

And this is our place, we make the rules

And there's a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you dear

Have I known you 20 seconds or 20 years?

Lover by Taylor Swift was the requested song and it was currently blasting through the speakers. I looked around me and found couples slow dancing to the song. I released a sigh at the sight. Must be nice. 

Pagkatapos ng kanta ay napagdesisyunan kong maglibot pa sa mga booths. Sa gitna ng paglalakad ko ay naalala ko na wala pala kaming designated photographer para sa event. Nilabas ko 'yung phone ko at nagsimulang kumuha ng litrato. 

Habang kinukuhanan ng litrato ang mga estudyante sa may booth ay nakita ako ni Alexa na agad na ngumiti sa akin. Itinaas nito ang kan'yang kamay sa akin bago tuluyang makapunta sa pwesto ko. 

"Ate Calli! Kanina pa kita hinahanap," Alexa said which made my brows furrow. Magtatanong na sana ako kung bakit niya ako hinahanap nang hinawakan niya ang kanang braso ko at hinila ako sa may direksyon ng stage. 

"Tara na ate, pinapatawag po tayo ni kuya August. Sa may stage daw po tayo."

Patuloy ako na nagpahatak sa kan'ya. Habang naglalakad ay iniisip ko kung ano kaya 'yung dahilan ng pagtawag sa amin ni August. 

Mula sa malayo ay nakita ko na ang mga kapwa officers ko na nagkukumpulan sa tabi ng stage. Ang kaso lang ay puro 'yung mga babaeng miyembro 'yung naroon. Nasaan na 'yung mga lalaki?

Agad akong sinalubong ni Thalia nang makarating kami ni Alexa. Tila nagtataka rin ito kung bakit kaming mga babae lang ang nandito. 

"Alam mo ba kung nasan si August?" Tanong nito sa akin. Umiling ako bago sumagot.