Chain of Memories

Chapter 13

"Ang ganda mo!" those are the words that I heard after akong ayusan ni mommy kasama ang make-up artist niya.

  I'm wearing the dress na and I don't even know na nagpagawa pa pala si mommy ng isa pang copy ng dress pero medyo different,  its a champagne color dress, halter ang design niya at may Swarovski beads sa bandang dibdib, may slit din ang gilid niya at backless at hanggang ibabaw lang ng binti ko ang taas niya.

The artist curled my hair and hinayaan niya lang na naka-down nilagyan niya lang ng isang rose clip ang gilid. Sinuot ko rin ang necklace na binigay ni mommy sa akin noon,  it was a heart shaped locket and inside is my name full of diamonds. I wore the white high heels that mom bought last week. 

"Good luck,  anak.  I know that you can do it" she tucked the few strands of my hair "I'll be watching at the audience area"

I nodded my head then she kissed my cheek "Break a leg, baby.  I love you."

"I love you too,  Mommy" I hugged her so tight.  Mom let go first then she went to the audience area while I sat on the steel chair dahil kinakabahan ako.

Nakita ko na lang na lumapit sa tabi ko si Ganymede.  He's wearing his black coat not the brown coat that he used for practice yesterday,  I can smell his perfume, a woody and mint one.

"Galingan natin mamaya." he said. I looked at him but he is not looking at me instead he is watching our co-dancers practicing their moves in front of the mirror.  "Nervous? "

I nodded my head "Its been two months since I studied here in the Philippines and this is my first time joining a competition" I sighed. 

I'm nervous and also I'm missing my father.  I don't know kung magiging maayos pa si mommy and daddy.  I wish dad is here and that he'll be watching me with mommy beside him.

"Don't worry.  Mananalo tayo" he tapped my shoulder "By the way,  your dress is too revealing" then he stood up from his seat I looked onto him. 

"What?" I asked him "Mas maiksi at revealing yung kahapon.  Mas better ang suot ko today" then I stood from my seat also.  I was about to argue him when the organizer of the event comes up. 

"Spartans you're next! " then he disappeared. Gan and I looked at each other,  he held my hand and clasped it on him.

We both went to our co-dancers and we all held hands and say a little prayer. 

"Let's go! " we all shouted.  Lumabas kami sa waiting area. The light was dimmed then we positioned ourselves in the designated area.

The music started. Humarap si Ganymede sa akin,  hinawakan niya ang kamay ko malamig ang kamay niya alam kong kinakabahan din siya katulad ko. 

Nang magsimula ang soft part ng kanta ay naramdaman kong nag-slide ang kanang kamay niya sa bewang ko habang nakatingin siya sa akin. He's wearing an eye glasses that made him looked even more handsome.  We both moved from the music,  we swayed our body,  held each others hand as if we're one body moving. When the music ended, he held my thigh and looked at me intently.  Everyone clapped and stand from their seats. I scanned the auditorium, satisfied about my performance. I saw my mom clapping her hands even my brother and on one corner near the exit area,  I saw a familiar figure clapping his hands as well.

"Daddy" I whispered.  Nag-bow kaming lahat at mag-e-exit sa tamang exit area nang sa may gilid ako ng stage bumaba at tumakbo papunta sa area na iyon.  As I ran unto him I can clearly say that it's my dad. 

Dad smiled and hugged me when I clung onto him,  I cried on his shoulder because I missed him so much.  I don't care if everyone is looking at me pero my father is here!