You can easily distinguish who or those hired paparazzi's and those who are not. And since the moment we have landed I have spotted the latter.
Back when I was in third grade, noong sinabi sa akin ni daddy na baka mag-work siya sa Germany, masaya ako. It has been always a dream of mine to tour around Europe and dad being in Germany is a big chance for it. I'm glad it happened.
Germany is like a home. I find it peaceful even if others don't. Napatunayan ko iyon lalo na ngayong may sikat kaming kasama. James' comeback in the industry wowed us. Parang biglaang boom na lang. I'm very happy kasi he really deserve it.
Dalawang room lang ang kinuha namin sa hotel. One for me and my parents and the other one for the boys. Yup. You heard it right, a 24 year old lady staying together with her parents.
Dad brought us to an outlet shop. Wala lang. The usual. Namili lang ng kung ano ano. May isa kaming pinuntahan na store with ready made formal dresses and suits. Bumili kami, kasi sabi ni Daddy mayroon daw event na pupuntahan.
A limousine picked us up from the place where Dad is staying. Bongga. Inabot din kami ng apat na oras na byahe.
"I know this place. I've seen this before." Said my brother, Riley. It's a castle. Dito ba kami papasok?
"It's the castle that inspired the animators of Sleeping Beauty." I'm still stunned of what is in front of me.
"Shall we?" The driver ushered us in and sent us to a room. Inayusan kami dito, hair and make up and the clothes. Bongga talaga.
My hair is tied up in a beautiful bun with my bangs slightly falling off. The grey elegant dress that I'm wearing matches the attire of my mom. The boys are in their suits and looking very lovely as ever.
My brothers fell in line in front of me and my parents at the back, like they have practised what is going to happen. My mom held hands with dad and James offered his arm for me to cling on.
Bumukas ang pinto at nang napansin na bumababa ang mga kapatid ko, I thought, this is what you call a grand entrance. A grand staircase together with some people you love is too much. I'm beyond happy.
"What's this event for?" May mga iilang kinakamayan si Daddy at pinapakilala niya si Mommy sa mga ito. Bago pa makasagot si James ay mayroon ulit na bumaba sa grand staircase.
"Achi, is that the prince?" Hinawakan ni James si Gabriel and told him that, that is the king. Maniniwala na sana ako kaso may babaeng bumaba sa grand staircase that has the same gown as Aurora.
"When you're with me, you will forever feel as if you are the Queen." He held my hands as we watched the show. It's a pantomime of the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.
We had our dinner on a long table full of 'royal food'. Gabriel slipped off the lock in his tongue and told me that James asked Dad's help for this exclusive surprise.
"Can I have this dance?" James offered his hand to me like a prince. Kami ang naunang sumayaw sa gitna. Sumunod sila mom and ang ilang bisita.
"Thank you, James." I'm beyond thankful for having him. For the past years that I've been alone, siya lang ang kasama ko. Hindi niya ako iniwan and there's not a single day that I did not feel his love for me.
His grip on my waist was too tight kaya ang lapit lapit ko sa kanya. I asked him not to stare at me because it's kind of weird. "I'm sorry. I just can't stop staring at the most beautiful girl."
Medyo napahinto kami sa pagsasayaw dahil tinakpan niya ang mata ko. "What do you see?"
"Nothing."
"That's how my life will look like if it wasn't because of you."
The only photographer in the room took a picture of us in that state. Para may maganda din, we posed for the camera as well and continued dancing.
"The only 'yes' I have to earn is yours, Queen Beatrice."
My brothers danced with me after James and Dad came in last. Nang mga patapos na ang event ay tinawag ako ni Daddy.
"Beatrice, I would like you to meet Dr. Manuel Angtuaco."
I tried not to look surprised but I can't erase the fact that this guy in front of me, is Jay's father.
