Summer camp was amazing! It was the first time she felt somewhat independent as she was far away from home. Travel does broaden your view of life.
She met a lot of very talented teens like her.
Nakakapanliit, she thought to herself. I’m just a small fish in a big pond here.
But I’m immensely enjoying myself because I realize how much more I needed to learn to be reach my potential. I joined dance and singing classes mostly.
I couldn’t help but look out once in a while for Gerald. He seems like a nice guy and it’s comforting to talk to someone you have a kinship with, kahit half lang pagka-Pinoy niya. Pero it seems, we wanted to pursue different things.
There were acting for film and theatre classes din kase or if you want to hone your instrument playing abilities. Ah, maybe he’s an actor or a musician....
On the 3rd day, I was talking to Amber in the cafeteria (as we were comparing how it is joining competitions in the US and in the Philippines), biglang may nag-tap sa shoulder ko.
“Sasa! Man, where you’ve been? I keep looking for you!” It was Gerald.
“ Hi Ge! Talaga? Ahm, ako din actually. What classes are you in? “
“Acting mostly but I’m getting bored and want to try my hand with dance. May space pa ba sa class mo?”
“You guys don’t make sense here!” sambit ni Amber na biglang sumingit sa usapan.
“Oh, sorry, I forgot, Amber, this is Gerald. Met him on my first day. We’re speaking in Filipino, sorry!”
“Good to meet you amber” Sabi ni Gerald while shaking Amber’s hand. “Same here, i’ll leave you two alone okay? I’m starved!”
“You sure you don’t mind Amber?” sambit ni Gerald, “ I just wanted to talk to Sasa here for a moment”
“Go ahead, You two are cute. See you later Sars!” Amber said as she winked and sauntered off.
“Teka, teka, have you asked me if it’s okay to hang out with you?” banggit ni Sarah na may halong kilig pero pigil ang pagngiti.
“Man, am I being too forward? Sorry ha! Pwede?”
“Pag-isipan ko ha?” habang kunwaring tumalikod at nag-iisip. After a few steps, Sarah turned and faced Gerald while saying, “Game!”
At napailing na lang si Gerald.
Naupo sila sa labas ng cafeteria under a large tree. It was very peaceful outside as there was a lake not too far and they sat facing it. At first, they were comfortably eating in silence. Until, Gerald spoke. “Are you okay with this?”
“Bakit naman hindi? I’m always happy to meet new friends.”
“Good. Because I intend to be a very close one.” Gerald said while staring intensely at her.
Nailang si Sarah and tried to avoid his gaze.
“Ang ganda ng clouds! And the lake! Times like this, I just want to shout, Thank You Lord!” Gerald chuckled beside her.
Sarah was trying hard not to be obvious but her mind (and heart) was working overdrive.
What is going on? Do I have a smudge on my face? Did I trim my brows? Check! Naka-drugs ba ang lalaking ito?! In short, Bakit ako Lord? O, baka naman gine-game time ako ng lalaking ito? Kung tutuusin, I don’t know him! Baka serial killer siya?!! Tenenenen tenenen (parang nag play ang soundtrack ng Psycho sa utak ko!) Pero, pero, pero....Ang cute nyaaa! Promise! Walang anggulo itong lalaking ito! Inhale, exhale...inhale, exhale...Kalma ka lang Sarah...ang puso mo...nakamamatay ba ang kilig?
All the while, Sarah was smiling...or forcibly smiling.
She snapped out of her revelry when she heard Gerald start to talk about why he was here.
Apparently, he initially wanted to be a basketball player but dabbled in theatre in school. One of his drama teachers saw potential in him and got him a fully paid ticket to get in SOCAPA. He’s at the stage where he still loves basketball but admits he was enjoying being in theatre. His mother, who was a frustrated actress, encouraged him. Gerald figured, maybe he should just try things out. Being an adventurer, he was always open to new possibilities.
“How about you Sasa? What brings you here?”
“You don’t want to hear it. It’s a very looong sad story...” Sarah said with a heavy heart.
“Try me” Gerald quickly replied.
“Sure ka? Oh well....” and so...
Sarah told him about how this was her last chance to be herself. In her heart, she truly wanted to perform and dance and show people a different side to her shy self. How she wanted to believe what other people were telling her about her God given talent. But it seems like it will never be.
She told him about her father and expectations in the family. Surprisingly, she was not afraid to bare her soul to his stranger who quietly listened to her thoughts and feelings.
As she felt a knot on her throat, she realized she was fighting back tears. She wasn’t one to display her feelings but a sob broke and it was like a dam of tears just ran down.
She was crying for herself and her lost dreams.
She was crying for the part of herself that she may never meet.
She was crying for her father who wasn’t able to have the daughter she wished her to be.
It was some time when her tears subsided and she found herself wrapped up in Gerald’s embrace. She looked up at her new found friend. Their eyes met for brief moment and she felt warm lips kiss her forehead.
Sarah never believed in love at first sight. But this was definitely close.
