Sing!

Perfect Evening

'Aren't your feet tired yet?' Ben asked me while we walked in silence.
'No. You see, I'm wearing Chucks underneath.' I replied while I raise my gown a little for him to see what I was wearing on my feet.
'Oh, cool. Reminds me of Bella Swan when she wore the same shoes when she went to the ball with Edward Cullen.' Ben shared, pertaining to the Twilight movie.
'Well, it was her kind of style. As for me, I used these shoes because I can't walk in heels for an hour.' I said. Every now and then I feel Mark's eyes land on me. I have kinda strong radar sometimes, mostly when I am vulnerable. I look back at him, yes, but only when he sets his sight away from me. It still hurts like hell, not being with him when I've totally fallen for him in just three days. Well, he had some secrets which I was subjective on upon finding them out. Will he ever forgive me for being judgmental? Yes, he might be different from other men, but I've learned that if you've loved someone, you love him for his uniqueness. How I wish I could talk to him right at this moment, but I'm worried about Ben, too. He'd been so gentlemanly to me since when we started walking earlie, that turning him down would make me feel guilty.

Forty five minutes later we were back at the church. Then after the mass, it was announced that there will be a Santacruzan ball at the cultural center. I sighed excitedly. The last time I ever experienced being in one was back in junior and senior prom. It's not as exciting as when I attend a ball in adulthood.

Lacey, Geneva, Courntey, and I, together with our escorts, which obviously includes Mark, walked together to the cultural center. Ben was once again a gentleman to me and making sure that I was comfortable in his company. I see his smiles that shine bright when I reply to what he was saying. But every smile makes me feel upset about him. How could I possibly hurt a guy this friendly?

As we walk into the venue of the ball, there were usherettes who guided us toward our seats. Coincidentally, our labeled seats were next to each other. It wouldn't be as awkward as I imagine it to be. But not with Mark being around. Well, in just a few seconds I realized it would be so awkward now as I found my seat located beside Lacey's escort's, which belonged to Mark. I sighed out the heaviness I felt in my heart. I saw Lacey nudge Mark as she sat by herself. He pulled out my seat a little backwards, and as I sat, he moved it back toward me. I softly said 'thank you' while I glance at him. His eyes look shiny as if tears were about to fall. He smiled, but his face still showed sadness and pain. I heard Ben snort in annoyance beside me. 'I AM the escort, dude.' He said.
'I know.' Mark said snobbingly as he took his seat.

A few minutes later, the master of ceremonies walked to the stage. He welcomed all of us who attended the ball and gave special attention to those who became part of the Santacruzan. There were a few dance numbers before dinner was served. When everybody were finished with their meal, lively music started to play. The first song that played was Ariana Grande's Breakfree. Lacey pulled the three of us-- myself, Courtney, and Geneva onto the dancefloor where we danced along to the music. Our escorts started picking their phones from their pockets and as I assume, they tapped onto Facebook and finally have worlds of their own. Well, except for Mark. I was dancing across him and I felt his eyes land on me from the moment we stood up. Well, I did not want to be in this position. I started to think of a way to turn my direction away from him.

We had finished the first upbeat song, but people on the dancefloor, including Lacey, Courtney, and Geneva, started to go back to their seats when Fra Lippo Lippi's Beauty And Madness played. I saw Ben stood up in an instant and walked towards me. He asked me to dance with him. Being the polite lady I always am, I said yes to his invitation with a smile. Lacey, meanwhile, was invited by Vio. I saw her look at me, and I gave her a gesture that said 'you should say yes.' I felt that she did not want to let me down so she placed her hand on Vio's awaiting palm. Right at that moment I felt warmth between them, and I notice them smile at each other genuinely. I see a look on Lacey's eyes that expressed trust toward Vio. And then I saw Mark lean toward Geneva's direction. He said something that made her smile. Then they both stood up and walked to the dancefloor. I notice her eyes lit up in happiness. Our eyes met, and I gave her a smile, while she had a cheerful one. Then when she looked away, I look up at Ben, who suddenly said something while he frowned. 'Why are you still loving a man who had already hurt your feelings?' He asked in a hurtful tone.
'I'm sorry Ben. I just love him. I've had restless days. I can't contain myself when I don't see him. It was only days when I fell for him, but I feel it's strong. There was a point I asked whether it matters whether he is.... Wait, you do know?' I asked as I slightly squinted.
'He's gay.' Ben said.
'Yeah.' I said, looking away.
'And that he had a boyfriend. I'm sorry, Lyka. I persisted on asking Geneva. It wasn't her fault. And besides, I think she's just helping. You know, I could make you forget about your pain. Just trust me.' He said, putting my hand over his beating chest. I was silent for a moment. Maybe he could be right. But instantly, I said to myself, no. I took my hand away and stopped swaying with him in the music.
'I was judgmental to him at first, I know, but I can't forget him just like that. I don't think he still loves that William. I see the pain and hatred in his eyes when he saw him.' I said with shaky voice and teary eyes. I looked down as I sighed out to keep myself from crying. I saw his foot walk away from me, and noticed that a new pair of shoes walk in front of me. I know this scent, I thought. My eyes dilated in surprise upon realizing it's his. Slowly I felt a big warm hand touch my arm gently, and as I look up, I found out it was him. The first mellow song had just finished, and Ed Sheeran's music now played. He pulled me closer and got entwined with an embrace as we started swaying to the music.

'I found a love for me,
Oh darling just dive right in and follow my lead.
Well, I found a girl, beautoful and sweet.
Oh, I never knew you were someone waiting for me.'

'I'm sorry, love....' He whispered softly. 'I didn't mean to keep it a secret. Because I thought I've changed and that it won't matter.' He said while he gently caressed the back of my neck. 'And about William, I'd dumped him a long time ago. He was a bastard, not appreciating the music I expressed myself in, threw all my compositions just because of the bitterness he felt from his ex.' He carried on. I still did not speak. I held my breath. 'Music is my life. I couldn't live without it.' I sighed lightly. 'So do I,' I said softly.
'But meeting you was the best. And losing you made my music lifeless again. I need you back. I'm sorry.' He pulled away and got down on one knee.
'Mark what are you doing?' I asked as I wiped my tears away from my cheeks with my fingers.
'Forgive me. I promise to tell you everything. Will you love me as I am?' He begged with tearful eyes.
'Stand up!' I pulled him up so he would.
'I need an answer, please.' He said. People started to fuss about him, but he did not care.
'If you stand up then I--'
He did. I hugged him.
'You did not need to embarass yourself, love! I don't care anymore. I love you. No matter what you are, okay?' I pulled away and caressed his face with my soft hands.
'You do?' He asked as he touched the back of my hand.
'Yes. I love you, Markus Feehily. I will never let you go.' I smiled with tears in my eyes. He smiled victoriously, hugged me tight, then kissed me slowly and passionately.

'Baby I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms.
Barefoot on the grass.
Listening to our favorite song.
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath,
But you heard it, darling you look perfect tonight.

'Life without music is not good. Without you it would even be worse.' Mark said.