Sing!

Complicated

The following day, we went to the mall at the capital city of Bohol, which is Tagbilaran, to buy some gowns to wear for the Santacruzan. Mom would normally sew me a gown for it, but since there are four of us who will be participating and since they've only been informed recently, we opted to buy at the mall. I was also told that I will be Reina Elena, the main character in the Santacruzan, and it stressed me a little since I have to appear much more appealing than the rest, as how my mom would expect it. We both agreed that I wear a white grandiose gown, and asked her and my aunt that I be as 'attractive' as my girl friends. Lacey, who will be Reina de las Estrellas (Queen of Stars), had already requested that we buy a light pink gown for her, since she thinks it will look good on her, which I actually agree on. Geneva will be Rosa Mystica, and will be carrying a boquet of roses. She preferred a blue gown for herself, and Courtney, who will be Reina Paz (Queen of Peace) preferred golden yellow, since it's her favorite color. Normally, mom would be dominant about what color of dresses we should wear for a particular occasion, but this time she let us decide for ourselves.

After a long day of fitting and deciding, we all got home feeling a little tired. Geneva, Courtney, and Lacey had proceeded to their room, while I stayed with mom in the guest room. She had quite kept on asking me in private what happened to the guy I spoke about. I did not intend to talk about it because it's over (or at least I think) but she's my mom, she should know everything. I had told her about how I came to meet and know him, and how our two-day relationship lasted. I can tell she saw the enchantment, as well as the hurt in my eyes, because her eyes tell that she understands everything. I also told her that I wish the days back, that I should have listened to him and not judge him. To be honest, like I always think, he doesn't want me anymore after that incident. But I still hope for something opposite.
I sat on the chair in front of her dresser and I sighed. I could feel the tears wanting to get out of my eyes. When mom saw my face, she apologized for insisting that I tell the story between myself and Mark.
'No, mom. It's okay. I just, you know, I'm just hurt that all this had to happen. I was supposed to relax but here I am, carrying another burden.' I told her in between of my sniffles.
She took the hair brush from the mirror dresser and brushed my long, brown, wavy locks. 'You know sweety, yous should move on and move forward. I am here. Your aunts and your cousins and friends are here to help you. But if you wish to cry, then do so. Just make sure after you've let all your grief out, you finally forget everything and move on.' Mom told me. 'You don't deserve to be unhappy. You are a nice girl.' She added.
'I know, mom. Thank you. Sometimes it's just hard. It's not as easy as everyone thinks. I fell hard for him. Like, real hard my face fell flat on the ground.'
'It's alright, honey. Things happen for a reason. Charge to experience. But I know you can do it-- move on.'
'I'll try. Thank you mom.'
Suddenly, my phone rang my text notification tone. I picked it from my pocket to check. It was an unknown number, but I open it anyway. It said: 'Hey, Lyka. It's me, Ben. Geneva's colleague. She gave me your number because she suggested that I be your escort for tomorrow's Santacruzan. Can I be your escort?'
I hit my hand against my forehead. Oh Gen, and her tactics. I feel that she wants me to forget Mark but I can't just replace him just like that. I can see that Ben is a good guy, but..... Well, maybe it's a nice idea that I make friends with other people while I try to move on. I hit the reply button. 'Sure!' I went silent for a moment, pondering whether what I just did was just okay. It's as if mom had sensed my little dilemma so she asked me.
'Someone is volunteering as my escort for tomorrow, mom.' I answered. 'He's Geneva's workmate. I'm just not sure about his intentions, but I could feel something is up. Is it not okay to be friends with someone else when you are still in love with someone?' I twirled the tip of my hair with my index fingers.
'It's alright, darling. Maybe this one's better for you. But hey, please take it slowly. Okay?' She said, asking for an assurance.
'Yes mom. I promise. If what I felt about Ben's intention was right, then I'd let myself heal first before I get into another relationship.' I told her.
'Okay. Alright, so it's time to sleep! Let's tuck us in under the duvet?' Mom asked cheerfully.
'I like it when you're happy mom.' I smiled.
'I feel the same when I see you smile.' She said, hugging me.

Lacey's POV.

It's a long day at the mall today and it's undeniable that all of us got tired from shopping. But I know all of us were satisfied with the gowns that we had picked. I lay myself on the soft queen-size bed of Lyka's aunt Athena. Gosh, how grueling this day was!

I had been texting with Marky boy all day, with him kept on asking me what she was doing and if she is happy. I think he just wanted to make sure that Lyka is not being wholly affected with yesterday morning's drama. I feel that he wants her to stay happy despite everything that happened. But with Lyka, it's not the case. Sometimes I see her spacing out, but sometimes she tries to be happy. How I wish I could totally take all her grief away. I don't want to see one of my bestfriends in that way, most especially when Santacruzan is just around the corner-- tomorrow to be exact.
I had mentioned to Mark about it, and the fact that Geneva had actually given Ben Lyka's number so he could ask to be her escort. After Geneva had read aloud a message from Ben saying that Lyka had actually agreed, her face frowned a little. I could feel love triangles building up.
I tapped away on my iPhone, letting Mark know that Lyka had agreed about Ben being her escort. I think he got frustrated about seeing Lyka, because he suddenly asked whether he could attend and that he could be my escort. The guy is actually good-looking, but I would never take him for myself. He's for my best friend. The thought of the three of them-- Ben, Lyka, and Mark-- seeing each other wringed my intestines. Not that I am a sadist to want them to meet at a very awkward situation, I just want someone to speak up and tell what one feels about someone, particularly Lyka and Mark. I sighed. I hope what I'm doing is right. Plus, I see that Geneva is as pissed as heck; she needs to learn how to speak up since she is so introverted. Oh dear. I hope this would all be sorted out. I sighed again.