I met him when I was in college. We’re on the same class – Philosophy. I was an Art Major while he specializes in Music. We don’t really talk that much, just a couple of hi and hello from here and there, also a couple of nods seeing each other on the streets, but nothing more.
One faithful day, Mr. Eduardo Ventura had this coo-coo experiment that needs to be done in pairs. He wanted us to appreciate beauty. Beauty in any way, shape, form, colour. But he requires justification and proof of existence. He wanted the class to appreciate beauty looking in another beholder’s eyes.
“Ok gather up everybody, and grab a partner. We will do some fun experiment.” Mr. Ventura said. I was looking around, looking for someone or anyone to be my partner. Then you caught my eyes, or I think I caught yours but it didn’t matter because as you walk towards me, I don’t know, but all I can remember is everything stopped. I don’t know if it’s because of your manly aura, or if it’s because of those melancholic eyes, or maybe because of your antagonistic smile. But whatever or whichever the reason was, I couldn’t move. Then you came close – so close. I think that’s about an inch space, and I think on that moment I was able to breath in what you breathe out. Or I wasn’t able to breathe at all. Then I stepped back, I guess you frightened the holy shit out of me, so I stepped back. And you throw your head back laughing like a little kid. And you asked “hey sweet smile, will you be my partner?” And without hesitation, I said yes. I hoped I didn’t, but I did.
Mr. Ventura: Alright class. Got your partner?
Class: Yes Sir!!!
Mr. Ventura: Do you think I’m beautiful?
Class giggled but others laughed like hell. I laughed like hell too but he didn’t. He was the only one who answered. He said “I’m not fucking gay or anything but yes, I think you’re beautiful. Aren’t we all?”
Everybody stopped laughing and we’re all just looking at him with ‘what the heck’ stare. “Not being gay or anything too, but I think you’re also beautiful and yes, we’re all beautiful” Mr. Ventura said. “And with that, comes your experiment. You have to take this seriously guys because this is your final exam. You simply need to appreciate beauty - the beauty in the partner that you’ve chosen.” He added.
Everybody was excited for the project, everybody except for me. I mean, I wouldn’t that I am able to see any beauty in you. I apparently know you, well your kind that is.
