Sparks of Destiny

XV ~ A

Ashley

I waited for that day to come. I readied my gown and shoes to wear. I didn't know whether to be excited for that day or dread it.

"Where are you?" Trish called my phone.

"I am here in the lobby already." I said going up to the said venue.

"Ashley." I turned and saw my date. He offered his hand.

"Good evening." I told him. I spoke over my phone to Tris, "Bye. I'm coming."

"My date looks stunning tonight." My partner said.

"Thanks." I smiled. We had our entrance picture and went directly to our table.

The venue was breath-taking. There were dazzling lights everywhere. Girls in gowns, guys in suits. Truly, a fairytale.

"Where's Elly?" I asked Rhonna. "You all look beautiful."

"Thanks. I guess Martha will be late, as usual, and Elly, I didn't see him yet."

"Maybe he was just around." Trish said.

"I hope so." I sat by our table. We took pictures with my other friends. On the stage, there was a huge banner Etincelles de Destin which meant "Sparks of Destiny" in English, the theme of the event. Several sang and played different types of instruments.

The school principal gave a short speech. "Ladies and gentlemen..." She started. She gave praises to us for being so pretty and handsome that night. The speech went on.

"The theme for this promenade is etincelles de destin that means Sparks of Destiny. Destiny might be the reason why we are here. Destiny is also the reason why we are meant to know each other." She explained, but in the end, she justified, "But destiny is from God. I remind you. He planned what will happen to us and it will always be in the knowledge of our free-will why we did everything we have done. Once again, enjoy the night and have amazing memories!" She gave a wonderful smile and left the stage with people applauding.

"You look more beautiful tonight." Elly's table was just behind ours. I heard his voice but disappointed it wasn't for me. He was talking to his date.

"Cheer up." Martha said. "Gavie is so freaking handsome. I mean, he looks different tonight. Gahd." She said, happy in the mention of her crush. She was in love with him.

"Tell me if you danced."

"I wanted to record it, though. I will hack that CCTV over there." She pointed to the ceiling with a camera hooked below it. "What about you?" She asked. "Tell us if he—" She pointed to Elly's direction. I defensively waved her point away. "Will dance with you." And whispered, "Or more."

We laughed. "Okay... what do you mean more?"

"Oh you know..." She sneered at me. Then changed the mood to a serious tone. "I know I annoy you guys sometimes because of my weirdness and all, but thank you for not giving up on me."

"Stop that drama!" Rhonna said.

"Forever friends. For better and for worse, til death do us apart, and even after that?" I concluded.

"Gross!" Tris said. We laughed in the party not caring if it was proper with our gowns and make ups.

We had dinner. Then the second part of the program. Different types of speeches from students and teachers. I looked at him. He was just here yet I have no chance to complement him or even say hi.

After, we had free time. We could dance with anyone we like on the dance floor in the center of the room. I couldn't dance with him. I couldn't ask him to a dance because it was improper. I was a girl. I should be the one being asked, not the one to ask.

Some boys danced with me, instead.

I couldn't count how many, maybe around ten to fifteen. It was him who took over my ability to count even the first five numbers. Just one dance from him could weigh higher than all those past dances I had, but nothing came.

 The party would end around midnight. I felt like Cinderella dreading for the clock stroke twelve.

Thirty minutes left.

I sighed. I should accept it. I should accept that we weren't for each other.

I saw a glimpse of him. He was talking with a girl. They were smiling and... Happy.

They turned and I saw that girl wasn't just any ordinary girl. It was Jane. I could feel my heart shattering in pieces. I could feel my legs tremble and I knew I couldn't stand longer.

He saw me looking at them. I immediately diverted my attention. I turned and started to walk away the huge room.

Away from people.

Away from my friends.

Away from him.