Daunted By Love

Chapter 8

Daunted By Love

But my heart won't let you go

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As I slowly opened my eyes, a sense of heaviness settled over me like a thick blanket. I felt the weight of the day ahead bearing down on me, and a deep sense of sadness filled my heart. It was hard to muster the energy to get out of bed, but I knew I had to face the day ahead. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the melancholy feeling, but it seemed to cling to me like a stubborn shadow.

Yuan Jace Sevilla, what have you done to me? Anong ginawa mo at sa simpleng hindi mo pagpansin sa akin ay halos malugmok ako sa lungkot?

As I began to get ready, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping up on me. I forced a smile as I picked out my clothes, hoping that the act of getting dressed would help lift my spirits. But as I looked in the mirror, the sadness in my eyes was hard to ignore. I knew I had to push through the feeling and face the day, but it was going to be a struggle.

Pababa na ako ng hagdan nang tumunog ang cellphone ko. My heart started racing when I saw Yuan's name on my notifications, he messaged me! I've never been this excited my whole life, para akong niregaluhan ng pinakagusto kong makuha na bagay.

Yuan:

Anong oras ka pupunta ng practice?

I smiled while reading the message he sent me. I felt as if the old Yuan came back, the one who approaches me and makes my heart leap in joy everytime we speak.

I sat at my desk, staring at my phone with a mix of excitement and confusion. Yuan had just sent me a text, and my heart was racing as I read it. Mayroong pag-asang namuo sa akin na baka bumalik na kami sa dati.

As I read his message again kahit na simpleng pagtatanong lamang iyon, I felt a fluttering sensation in my stomach, like a swarm of butterflies had suddenly taken flight inside me. It was a strange feeling, one that I couldn't quite put into words.

Does this mean I actually like Yuan? Ayokong umasa at masaktan sa huli pero wala na yata akong pakealam kahit na malugmok ulit ako sa lungkot. With a deep breath, I typed out my response and hit send, waiting eagerly for Yuan's reply.

Caia:

Papunta na ako, I'm just getting ready.

A few seconds later, he replied.

Yuan:

Ingat! See you, Cai.

I couldn't help but feel a warm blush spreading across my cheeks. I was so excited I could hardly concentrate on anything else. Every time I thought about the way he smiled at me, my heart skips a beat.

"Okay, I need to calm down. Kumalma ka, Caia." I told myself, taking a deep breath. "Magkikita lang naman kayo para sa practice."

But even as I tried to convince myself to relax, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. As I stood up to leave, I caught my reflection in the mirror and smiled. Maybe, just maybe, today would be the day that we can finally interact again like before.

Nagpahatid ako kay papa sa venue na sinabi ni Claire sa akin. A few minutes later I saw the District 1 Barangay Hall in the distance. Its walls were made of concrete, adorned with faded posters of local politicians and reminders to keep the premises clean.

Bumaba na ako at nagpasalamat kay papa. Inside, the hall was a bustling hub of activity, with villagers gathered in groups, chatting and laughing in the midst of their daily chores. Mayroon namang malaking space sa gitna para makapag-ensayo kami. The smell of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, as vendors sold their wares in the open courtyard outside. The sound of children's laughter could be heard in the distance, as they played traditional games on the concrete pavement.

"Caia!" Napalingon ako sa tumawag sa akin.

Anna is waving at me in the bleachers of the Barangay Hall. Naglakad ako palapit sa kaniya at sa iba pa naming nga kaklase na nandoon na. Napalingon ako nang makitang kadarating lang din ni Yuan. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The dance requires us to have a partner. Yuan's partner was Alliah while I'm paired up with Anna, hindi naman daw kasi kailangang lalaki at babae.

Trish took her place in front of the class and began to explain the significance of the dance.

"Lapay was a dance of gratitude and joy, traditionally performed during celebrations and gatherings." Trish explained. Siya rin ang magtuturo sa amin ng dance steps.

She wanted our classmates to understand the cultural significance behind the dance and appreciate its beauty. Nagsimula na kaming luminya at pumunta sa kaniya-kaniya naming mga partner. Trish started teachibg us the dance steps, mabuti nalang at hindi gaanong mahirap na aralin ang sayaw kaya napabilis si Trish sa pagtuturo.

Sa harap kami nakapwesto ni Anna ngunit panay ang lingon ko sa bandang likuran kung saan nakapwesto sila Yuan. Our eyes would always meet pero palaging ako ang unang pumuputol sa tinginan namin. Things are still awkward dahil matagal kaming hindi nagpansinan.

"One more practice, pwede na tayong mag lunch." Anunsiyo ni Trish sa amin.

We practiced the dance once more. Nagsiupo kaming lahat sa bleachers at nagsimulang magpunas ng mga pawis at uminom ng tubig dahil sa pagod sa practice. Alliah started walking near us, I waved at her and smiled. Nakasunod sa kaniya si Yuan kagaya ng dati.

I nervously fidgeted with my hair as I waited for him to arrive. It had been so long since we last saw each other, and I couldn't help but wonder if things would be different.

But as soon as I saw him walking towards me, all my worries vanished. The way his eyes lit up when he saw me made my heart skip a beat.

"Caia" He called.

We hugged, and it was like no time had passed at all. We fell into easy conversation, laughing and joking as if we were old friends.

I couldn't help but feel giddy with happiness. Being around him was like a breath of fresh air - he made everything feel light and easy.

"Signal Number 2 na daw tayo?" I heard one of my classmates said.

Napalingon kami sa kanila. I glanced outside at nakitang makulimlim na nga ang langit at nagbabadya ang pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan.

Tumakbo si Alliah kay Trish at may ibinulong dito. She checked something on her phone before walking back to where we're at.

"Kailangan na naming mauna ni Yuan, malakas na raw ang ulan sa Meraia. Nagpaalam na ako kay Trish at naintindihan niya naman. Bye, Caia and Anna!" Alliah explained.

"Goodbye, Cai." Si Yuan, tinapik niya ang balikat ko.

"Take care!" I said.

As we said our goodbyes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe this was the start of something new and exciting. But even if it wasn't, I was just happy to have spent the day with him.

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clemenciana