Sleep, My Love

Chapter 14

"Magpeperform na tayo!"

Naghahanda na kaming lahat dito sa assigned room na binigay sa amin dahil malapit na kaming sumayaw. Nakaupo ako at nakaharap sa salamin. Inayusan ako ni Lila bago sila humanap ng upuan para manood sa cultural performances.

I wore light makeup. My hair, styled in loose waves, cascaded down my back, framing my face. May flower clip din na nakaipit sa buhok ko. I was wearing a flowing white dress that fluttered around as I moved. The dress symbolized purity and unity.

"Ang ganda mo, Astria," puri ni Mica.

Ngumiti ako sa kaniya. "Salamat."

My classmates, each dressed in outfits representing different cultures, showcasing the diversity within their group.

Napatingin ako sa pinto nang bumukas ito at pumasok si Rylan. He was wearing a black suit that fit him impeccably, the white shirt underneath adding a crisp contrast. His choice of footwear was a pair of polished black dress shoes. His hair was slicked back, giving him a sharp look. His fit symbolizes the harmony between different individuals.

My classmates couldn't help but compliment him on his outfit. Rylan laughed and thanked them. Nang mapatingin siya sa direksyon ko, natigilan siya at napaawang ang labi niya.

I was adjusting the flower clip in my hair in front of the mirror, and he was staring at me. He was behind me and he couldn't tear his gaze away from me. Napataas na tuloy ang kilay ko, nagtataka na sa kinikilos niya.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

Rylan, caught off guard, couldn't help but blurt out, "Ang ganda mo."

"Hulog na hulog ka na naman," inasar siya ni Nico, kaklase ko.

"Sino ba naman hindi mahuhulog e si Astria pinakamaganda dito," dagdag ni Mica. "Kahit ako nagkakacrush e."

Nagsipagsang-ayon ang iba kong mga kaklase. Naramdaman ko ang init sa pisngi ko dahil sa hiya sa mga puri nila. Hindi kasi ako confident sa itsura ko. I looked normal in my perspective. Hindi gaanong kagandahan. Hindi gaanong pansinin. Tipo ng babaeng hindi ka mapapa head turn. I just don't look at myself like how they looked at me.

Napalingon kami nang may kumatok sa pinto. Sumilip si Coach David. "Everyone, position na tayo sa backstage." pagiinform niya.

Tumayo na ako sa pagkakaupo at inayos ang mga gamit. Ganoon din ang ginawa ng mga kaklase ko. Binitbit nila ang mga props bago kami lumabas sa kwarto. As we walked towards the backstage, Rylan positioned himself to create space for me and offered his hand.

Tinignan ko muna siya, nagdadalawang isip kung tatanggapin ang kamay niya. In the end, I smiled and accepted his gesture. Inalalayan niya akong maglakad dahil nahihirapan ako sa mahaba kong dress.

The sight of us walking together, hand in hand, drew more glances from our peers. Their expressions filled with admiration and maybe a hint of envy. Nagbubulungan pa ang iba.

As we reached the backstage area, the reality of the upcoming performance began to sink in, and I felt a wave of nervousness. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

Rylan looked at me, noticing me biting my nails. Without hesitation, he took both of my hands in his, his grip warm and reassuring. Natigilan ako at napakurap sa kaniya.

"Hey, you're going to be amazing out there," he said softly, his eyes locking onto mine with a calming gaze. "Just breathe and remember, I'm right here with you."

I felt a surge of comfort from his touch and words, my anxiety slowly melting away. I nodded, a small, grateful smile forming on my lips.

"Thank you," I whispered.