HIS BELOVED BOTANIST

Chapter 9

NOAH'S POV

Sa sobrang kaba ko ay hindi ko namalayan na kami na ang susunod na sasalang sa runway. Ang daming magagandang designs. May kanya kanya

The grand hall fell silent after the Applause as the MC called none other than Mr. Adonis Beauchamp, a walking, killing charismatic figure known for his amorous presence, stepped onto the stage as he is going to introduce the finale. Animoy inaakit ang lahat ng manonood sa bawat hakbang at tingin.

Tumikhin muna sya bago mgsalita sa microphone. " What a lively night this has been. Alam ko na halos lahat dito ng mga manonood ay taga tangkilik ng Beauchamp Fashion lines and some of your fathers here are my closest friend and shareholder in our company who keeps expanding for several decades. Now, Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests and beloved staffs, I'm standing here in front of you to use my voice in  unveiling the two masterpieces that was once just a mere fabric and thread. Tonight, we present to you the Black Dahlia and the Gardenia, creations that tell a story as old as time itself." Panimula ni sir Adonis.

" Best of luck Noah. It's your time to shine." Bulong ni sir Nicholas.

I stationed myself behind the runway curtains at hinintay na tuluyang mahila pataas ito.

"The Black Dahlia."

Nagsimula na akong maglakad at inalala ang lahat ng inensayo namin kanina ni sir Nicholas. Puno ng tensyon ang buong paligid sa sobrang tahimik. Ramdam ko ang mga mata na nakatutok sakin. So this is the modeling world. I don't like it but I don't hate it either.

" This work of art represents the depths of human emotion, the ender man that lurks within us all. The Black Dahlia symbolizes betrayal and sadness, of mystery and allure, a reflection of the complexities that define us."

As he spoke, the Black Dahlia I'm wearing seemed to come alive dulot na rin ng lighting effects and screens who projects white and red to compliment my Black and red outfit.

I striked a pose on the left end of the runway.

"And now, the Gardenia." He  continued. " It is a symbol of secret and unrequited love, hidden truths and unspoken desires. The Gardenia blooms in the darkness as if sinadya na itago ang kagandahan nito da dilim, its fragrance a gentle whisp of passion and deep longing, a reminder for us that even in the depths of despair, love can still blossom."

Pagkatapos nun ay magkukrus na ang landas namin at magkaapalit ng pwesto, iikot habang ineemphasize ang outfit at saka magsasasama na sa gitna.

At that moment, Sir Nicholas and I stood side by side.

" This night won't finish unlike any other fashion show we had. Tonight, we have a new routine to follow. This show is not all about fashion anymore, but the stories that our designs can tell and the emotions hidden beneath them as we witnessed the outstanding portrayal of The Black Dahlia and the Gardenia."

Isang masigarbong palakpakan ang umugong as if their hearts touched by the beauty of the creations before them.

" I'm not done yet. This collection, ladies and gentlemen is also a confession of a true story. A story woven into every stitch, every seam, every detail of this masterpiece."

Napatingin ako kay sir Nicholas na ngayon ay nakatitig pala sakin. Nagulat ako sa susunod nyang ginawa.

" That asshole." He hissed. "I'm sorry." Sabi nya." I told Sigmund not to tell that part."

Hindi ko maintindihan ang ibig nyang sabihin. Magkaharap ngayon kami. His fingers are intertwined with mine. Were both men, this is just wrong in so many levels pero bakit hindi ako makatanggi. It felt like it's been more comfortable nang hawakan nya ako. Biglang nawala ang kaba ko.

"The Black Dahlia, a symbol of betrayal, a love that has been lost, a shattered heart. It speaks of a young man, blinded by passion, who believed he had found his soulmate. He poured his heart, loyalty , respect, trust and soul into their relationship. Only to be hurt by their bitter end."

What? This feels like the story of me and Constance. Is it just a coincidence?

"But the Black Dahlia is not just a story of heartbreak. Isa lang itong phase sa ating buhay. The Black Dahlia is just a phase everyone experienced at least once in their entire life." Pagpapatuloy ni sir Adonis, almost breaking his voice as if he's trying not to cry. Of course it is to draw the audience's attention towards the story. He's a mad strategist after all.

"The Gardenia, a story of silent and hidden love of a man that cherished his feelings from a young age. A love that endured years of unspoken longing, a loyalty that never wavered, even after seeing someone he loves, loved another. "

I looked at sir Adonis sa platform ng stage. His grin is just as wide as the Sahara desert. Sir Nicholas on the other hand is somewhat pissed. Na parang inaasar sya ni Sir Adonis sa kabilang dako.

"The Gardenia has always admired the Black Dahlia, drawn to his brilliance, infinite intelligence, resilience and charisma. But the Black Dahlia never ever knew the Gardenia's affections."

" That blabbermouth! I was about to inform you earlier but I don't want to impose something you don't want to. I clearly told him not to tell that part. " Halata ang panic sa boses nya.

Okay? Hindi ko talaga maintindihan ang ibig nyang sabihin.

He gestured towards us two people standing on the runway.

" Are you kidding me? No, this show ends here." He mouthed.

" Oh come on Nicholas. You have been hiding that for several years. Now's the time to do it. I have gone through lengths to get this done."

" I should have known."

One of the staffs put a lapel on both of us. Pagkatapos nyan ay nagsalita na si sir Nicholas

" Go on Nicholas." Pagpupumilit ni Sir Adonis. " After all these years, I think it's best that the Gardenia will confess to the Black Dahlia himself."

"The Gardenia-" huminga muna ng malalim si sir Nicholas."-has chosen to express his love through his art, to create a masterpiece that reflects the depth of his feelings. And the Black Dahlia, though still wounded has the assurance of being protected by The Gardenia."

Is he talking about me?