This Crazy Feeling

ThisCrazyFeeling.Part8

Cheng stops and talks to a man holding a microphone and they are facing a man with a big camera. Latoya leads me and Andres into the building and as we are walking through the door I find myself being eye-balled at by men and women dressed in glamour and dollar signs. There's round tables all around the room with candles in the center on white satin sheets and rose petals all around it. Andres guides me to a table while Latoya talks to a lady dressed in black glitter. Our table was up front and reserved, closest table to the stage. Andres pulls out my chair for me and I find a book titled "Mogjeogji". Picking it up I take my seat and open the book to the first page.

"No one seems to see unless they look..."

Suddenly the lights dimmed and a spotlight was on Cheng, center stage. He was holding a copy of the same book I held in my hands. Cheng begins to speak, but he couldn't seem to get any words out.

"I...I'm...I do not know how to explain my book better than the words I've used to write this book. Although I am not relative to the killer, I, my country and my people seem to represent him in an autopilot."

I had no idea what any of Cheng says means, but I do know this story is no joke. In fact, I don't even think this story is a story...It's probably a diary. I can see the pain in Cheng's face, the same face Andres made when I told him about Jay. Even though they weren't blood, they have lots of the same facial expressions. Another debate on nature vs. nurture I guess you can say.

While Cheng gives a speech about what an amazing experience it was to write this book, and how appreciated and blessed he felt after finding out he sold 2 bilion copies in his first 5 months after publishing. I could see that this book inspired people. I can't wait to go home and read the book for myself. Cheng leaves the stage and then a DJ comes on stage to set up. Waitors are moving around the tables and then a dance floor appears. I look around the room and I spotted someone that didn't seem to fit with the crowd. As I stared long and hard I felt a warmth at my fingertips and when I look down I find myself holding hands with Andres. He whispers into my ear that I'm beautiful and blush peachy.

He squeezed my hand tight when the DJ started the music. Loud bass reverberated the room, and then dancers dressed in all black came out of the crowd. They make their way to the dance floor and begin their beautiful choreography. It was a mixure of modern day contemporary movements and ballet. The choreography told a story, which was seemed like it was telling a short summary of Cheng's book. Each dancer moved in motions that expressed sadness and hurt, you could even see the red in their eyes. They acted out a scene of murder and sacrafice, and then all of them dropped to the floor and stayed so still I couldn't even tell if they were breathing. Now I'm really eager to read Cheng's book.

I felt my hand release from Andres's and we both clap for the dancers. Soon, music starts thumping loud on the floor and people are making their way to the center. I so badly wanted to dance too but I decided to stick by Andres' side.

"So what did you think?"

I turned my head to see Andres smiling at the people having fun.

"It was beautiful. Have you read the book?"

"No, but I'm going to now that I've got a copy of it."

We both smile at each other.

The rest of the party was filled with delicacies and luxurious foods. I even got to have a dance with Latoya and Andres. Cheng's not much of a dancer but I peeped him getting a little turned up by the purple velvet staircase.

The Mendoza's are incredible people. If this is me being here with them just for a week...I wonder what other big things will happen to me as the year goes by. What I thought would be a depressing dinner was really a small premiere party for this book I hold in my hands. Suddenly all the tears I've wept this morning really were a waste. My life is great, and it's better now that Jay's gone. Besides...I think I deserve someone better anyways. Someone like Andres.