Are they serious? Oh c’mon! How come it came to this? And why in the world am I included in their stupid deal, what a ridiculous idea. This is not easy, definitely not. I have to choose one, but who? Oh my God this is driving me nuts! And they’re getting impatient. One is looking at me with narrowed eye and the other one is tapping the table with her forefinger, with a raised eyebrow. I can’t look at them straight in the eye, jeez give me a break. “can you give me more time to think? It’s not easy to decide in a whim.” I said, pleading.
“Fifteen more minutes, the program is almost over.” one of them said.
“Wow, we really are in a hurry here.” I replied, annoyed.
“You better use the time thinking honey, the clock’s ticking.” Laura said.
Damn, fifteen minutes? Too short to make the right decision. It’s easier to answer quizzes than this, totally mind racking. OK time to be serious. Who would I choose between these two? Wow, suddenly I feel like I am so good looking to have this privilege Am I lucky or not? I feel lucky because I can be with a drop dead gorgeous lady that every guy in here dreamed of, or a lady wearing simple dress but with a strikingly pretty face. And I also feel unlucky to be in this predicament. If my friends were here they’re probably laughing at me, because they know me to well. They can tell who I really want to pick right from the start. I guess I don’t have any other choice but to choose. Well, here goes nothing.
With careful steps I approached them, trying to avoid eye contact. When I’m finally in front of them I stopped, thanks to my jeans my shaking knees are hidden. I hope I know what I’m about to do next, but I’m here and there is no turning back. Facing the queen of the night gives me goosebumps, I hope there is a way to tell her this gently. She’s gonna hate me for sure, worst case is she might not talk to me anymore.
“Hi! To spend the night with you would be a dream come true, the feeling is guaranteed seventh heaven. But with those alone I also feel scared, because I’m not used to it. It’s not that I don’t like you, but I just can’t imagine myself to be with you. We are worlds apart, you’re an angel while I’m a devil. You’re a superstar while I’m just a fan, you’re what every guy wanted to be with and every lady to be like while I’m just a nobody. I’m sorry, but tonight I’ll not be with you.” I said, looking down.
“I’m actually kinda expecting this, knowing how she weighs more than me for you. And I know you don’t simply change your mind once you decided on something, that stubbornness is supposed to be annoying. But the way you display your headstrong attitude makes you cute. But I will never forget this night, you turned me down twice. But a deal is a deal. You have my word, I will not bother you for the rest of the night.” she replied, teary eyed.
“Thank you, and I’m sorry.” I said.
Then she stood up, called her friends and moved to a different table. They made sure that they are far away from us. I feel too bad about this, it is not my forte to make a lady sad, especially cry. But she did a good job to hold it back, or it was just an act? Thinking about her profession made me smile. It’s either the sadness she portrayed was real, or she’s just a good actress. What’s done is done. I’m over the easier part, the harder part comes next. To spend the rest of the night with Laura, I hope everything goes well. She welcomed me with her most charming smile, the smile she always have when we were in high school. The same smile that she have when we were practicing ‘Florante at Laura’, the very same smile that always left me speechless, perplexed, baffled with my mouth gaping.
“Hi! Ahmmm…” I started to say but she placed her forefinger on my lips to stop me from talking.
“I don’t want to hear an explanation, I’m satisfied enough with this. Knowing how you think and talk, you might ruin this moment. Just ask me for a dance.” she said, smiling.
“Would you like to dance?” I asked, obligingly.
“Yes, of course.” she answered, grinning like a kid.
So we went to the dance floor with her right hand on my left arm, for some reason I can feel her hands trembling. Is she excited or nervous? That I’m not sure of. When we got to the dance floor the music genre suddenly change to slow one. But I guess this is better, as I don’t know any dance step. Before I faced her I looked around consciously, fortunately everyone around us are too busy with each others partner. Then I saw Mark, our emcee/high school dj smiling at me and giving a thumbs up sign. So he is the one behind the sudden change of music, I don’t know if I should thank him or be mad at him. Now I’m facing my partner who’s smile seems to be etched on her face. She placed both of her hands behind my neck, and I’m supposed to hold her by her waist, right?
“Thank you, I never thought you would pick me over Max.” she said, smiling.
“Welcome. Yeah, me either. But I think I’ll be more comfortable being with you than with her.” I replied.
“Why you haven’t spoken my name? Don’t tell me you forgot my name like how you forget your girls names once you’re done with them?” she ask.
“My girls? Where did that come from? There is no truth and proof with that. And I haven’t forgotten your name, I have a sharp memory when it comes to that. Your name is...” I replied, trailing.
“My name is?” she ask, with narrowed eyes.
“Hmmm...” I replied, looking at the ceiling.
“Pam. Oh my God, you’re unbelievable.” she said, laughing.
“Your name is Pam, told you I’m not forgetful.” I replied, smiling.
“I love this song, you used to play this when we were in high school. Even when we have long breaks during the practices of our play. What’s the title of this song again? I wish I can listen to it without thinking of Anne.” she said.
“Could not ask for more. By Edwin McCain, if you would ask. And who’s Anne?” I said, confused.
“Thanks, doesn’t sound convincing if I don’t know the title huh? Anne, from gymnastics. Senior year, prom night?” she said.
“I’m not exactly sure what you’re talking about...” I replied, feeling lost.
“Kathy and Hazel played a prank at me, they kept on giving me lime juice which turned out to have vodka in it. I have a very low alcohol tolerance so I ended up throwing up every thirty minutes, and that’s when I saw the two of you ducking into the gym together.” she said, with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh, that Anne.” I replied, smiling.
“Yeah, that very Anne. And why are you smiling?” she asked, still with a raised eyebrow.
“Nothing, you saw that? Man, that was crazy. And she had a horrible hairstyle.” I replied, almost laughing.
“I copied it, hoping you would atleast notice me. I have that hairstyle until graduation.” She said.
“Oh boy, I noticed, it was terrible. But you know what? She was a good kisser.” I answered, still smiling.
“I bet I’m better, try me.” she said.
“Is that part of the deal?” I asked.
“Nope, it is a dare.” she said, looking at me intently.
“Are you serious?” I asked, trying to be aware of my surroundings.
“I’m not joking.” she said, teasing.
Then we stop moving, it’s evident that both of us are nervous. The volume of the music started to rise, like it’s telling us to go on. Her hands at the back of my head stopped it from moving as well, making my eyes focus only on her. I remove my right hand from her waist, and place it under her chin. I know she is pretty, but I never knew she’s this pretty. Her eyes are shining, like a pair of stars in the night sky. Her lips are so inviting, putting me in a trance. As we inch closer to each other, our worries seems to be washed away. Everyone in the hall vanished, like no one else is present. Even the music died, even a pin drop could be heard in this silence. She’s now on her toes to shorten the distance between us, but that doesn’t matter because I’m meeting her halfway. And then she closed her eyes, waiting for me. Without giving a damn about the rest of the world, I also closed my eyes. And our lips met.
