The FuBu

Chapter 34: The Barrio Fiesta's Benefit Dance

But before heading back to their busy lives, Yanna's grandparents invited them to stay for one more special event: the annual Barrio Fiesta, a celebration filled with food, music, dancing, and a traditional benefit dance—an important part of rural Filipino culture.

The night of the fiesta arrived, and the whole town gathered at the plaza, decorated with colorful banderitas (small triangular flags) strung from trees and lampposts. Lively music filled the air as stalls lined the streets, offering delicious local dishes like lechon, kakanin, and bibingka. Children ran around with sparklers while elders exchanged stories, and the energy was infectious.

Fox and Yanna arrived hand in hand, greeted by familiar faces and waves from the townsfolk. Yanna's grandparents introduced them to everyone, and Fox couldn't help but feel like part of the community.

Fox: "This is incredible! It's so full of life!"

Yanna smiled, her eyes twinkling. "It's one of the things I love most about this place. The sense of belonging. Everyone comes together."

As the night deepened, the music shifted to traditional folk tunes, and the benefit dance was announced. The concept was simple: people would bid for the opportunity to dance with their favorite person, and the money raised would go towards community projects—usually to fund repairs, schools, or support for local families in need.

Lolo Amado nudged Fox playfully.

Lolo Amado: "You better have some pesos ready, boy. Don't let anyone else win a dance with Yanna!"

Fox laughed but took the advice seriously as he saw local boys already lining up to bid for a chance to dance with Yanna. The crowd gathered around the dance floor, and the bidding began.

Yanna was called first, and as the host introduced her, several young men eagerly threw their bids, hoping to sway her for a single dance. Fox felt his pulse quicken, but he wasn't about to let someone else take this chance.

The bids climbed higher, and just when it seemed like someone else was about to win, Fox stepped forward with a confident grin.

Fox: "500 pesos!"

The crowd let out a cheer, impressed by his boldness, and the other bidders quickly backed down. Yanna laughed, a blush creeping up her cheeks, as Fox walked over to claim his dance.

Yanna: "500 pesos for one dance? You must really want this."

Fox grinned, pulling her close as the music began. "Worth every cent."

The folk music played, soft and melodic, as they swayed together under the starry night sky. The atmosphere around them faded, and it felt as if they were the only two people on the dance floor. Yanna rested her head on Fox's chest, feeling safe in his arms.

Yanna: "I never thought you'd fit in here so well."

Fox: "I didn't either, but being with you makes everything feel right."

As they danced, Fox felt a deep contentment wash over him. This wasn't just about the excitement of the city or the hustle of their daily lives. It was about the simple moments—the warmth of the community, the joy of being together, and the love that continued to grow between them.

The crowd cheered as the dance ended, and the next couple was called to the floor, but for Fox and Yanna, the moment was unforgettable. They laughed as they left the floor, hand in hand, with the warmth of the night and the sense of belonging wrapping around them.

Later, as they sat with Yanna's grandparents, watching the rest of the festivities, Fox turned to her with a serious expression.

Fox: "You know, I think I'm starting to understand why you love this place so much. It's not just about the peace—it's about the people. The way they care for each other."

Yanna nodded, her eyes softening. "It's something special, isn't it? Being part of something bigger, knowing you're always welcome."

Fox smiled, pulling her closer. "I'm glad I got to experience this with you."

As the night wound down, they left the fiesta with full hearts and a deep sense of connection—not just to each other, but to the community that had welcomed them so warmly.

The experience of the benefit dance wasn't just a fun moment; it was a reminder of the kind of love they wanted to build—one rooted in tradition, loyalty, and a shared understanding of what truly mattered.

The following morning, the sun rose lazily over the farm, casting long shadows across the fields. The cool air was alive with the sounds of roosters crowing and birds chirping. Fox woke up earlier than usual, his mind still swirling with the events of the previous night. The Barrio Fiesta had been an unforgettable experience, and he felt a deeper connection to Yanna and her world.

As he stepped out onto the porch, he found Yanna sitting quietly with a cup of coffee in her hands, watching the sunrise.

Fox: "Morning, beautiful."

Yanna smiled up at him, motioning for him to join her. He sat down beside her, and for a moment, they just enjoyed the stillness, the farm coming to life slowly around them.

Yanna: "Last night was something, wasn't it?"

Fox chuckled. "Yeah, it really was. I think I'll remember that dance for the rest of my life."

Yanna turned to him, her expression serious yet soft. "You fit in so well here, Fox. I wasn't sure how you'd take to the slower pace, the community... but you've surprised me."

Fox shrugged, leaning in closer to her. "Honestly, I wasn't sure either. But it feels good. It feels real, like you said before. I guess I didn't realize how much I needed to slow down."

Yanna looked at him thoughtfully. "What happens when we go back to the city? Back to our busy lives? Will you still feel the same?"

Fox paused, considering her words carefully. He had been thinking about the same thing—how different this place was from their usual life. But the peace and connection he had found here wasn't something he wanted to leave behind.

Fox: "I think... we can carry this with us. The simplicity, the togetherness. It doesn't have to end just because we leave. We can make space for it in our lives, no matter where we are."

Yanna smiled, a hint of relief in her eyes. "I like that idea. I don't want to lose what we've found here."

They sat in silence for a while, watching as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The smell of breakfast wafted from the kitchen, and they could hear Yanna's grandparents chatting inside, their voices a comforting backdrop to the morning.

Fox turned to Yanna again, his hand resting gently on hers. "Yanna, being here with you has made me realize something."

She looked at him, a question in her eyes.

Fox: "I don't want to just be a part of your life—I want to build a life with you. Wherever that takes us. This... us... it's everything I've been looking for, and I didn't even know it until now."

Yanna's eyes widened, her heart pounding in her chest. She had always known Fox was special, but hearing him say it out loud made her feel like everything was falling into place.

Yanna: "Fox, I—" she started, but he interrupted her with a soft kiss, sealing the moment with the warmth of his lips against hers.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were smiling, their hearts full.

Fox: "Let's make a promise, okay? No matter where we go, or how busy life gets, we'll always come back to this. To us."

Yanna nodded, her voice quiet but firm. "I promise."

With that, they stood up, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came next—together.