Paper Hearts

Verse 17

Alice

With our fingers intertwined, Chad and I walked in front of many people. We positioned ourselves in the center as the other performers went to their positions too.

"You're so beautiful."

I bitted my lip to hide the forming smile on my lips. Despite of my burning cheeks, I pretended to stay calm and looked up to him.

"Thank you. You're drop-dead gorgeous too."

Naramdaman ko ang paghigpit ng kapit niya sa aking mga kamay. Ang mga mata niya ay nanatiling nakatitig sa akin na para bang sinasaulo niya ang bawat detalye ng mukha ko. Nakaramdam ako ng ilang kaya umiwas ako ng tingin sa kaniya.

The music starts. He placed his one hand on my waist and I seriously felt some sparks there that made me tremble. My heart is pounding loudly and I'm fucking sure he's feeling it right now as his chest touched mine.

"Look at me." bulong niya sa akin.

That whisper doubled the pace of my heartbeat. Nahihiya man ay hinarap ko siya gaya ng sinabi niya. Nagtama ang mga mata namin na agad kong pinagsisihan. Dahil sa mga sandaling iyon ay hindi ko na naiiwas ang mga tingin ko sa kaniya.

The music filled our ears and our bodies are moving automatically. Hindi napatid kahit isang beses ang titig namin sa isa't isa. I am bewitched by the situation. I am captivated by him. We are like magnets attracted to each other.

The music stops in opposite of my rushing heart. Sa mga sandaling iyon ay siya lang ang nakita ko. Hindi ko alam kung tama ba ang ginawa naming dalawa o nagpadala na lang kami sa eksena. This feels very nostalgic.

"What a lovely performance! Let's give them a round of applause!" sabi ng Emcee.

Hinawakan ulit ni Chad ang kamay ko at naglakad kami papunta sa aming pwesto. Umupo ako sa aking upuan. My chair is like a big pinkish red sofa with a lot of pretty vines and red roses.

"Even though I don't want but I have to leave. I'll go to my place. Malapit lang ako."

Bumitaw siya sa akin at nginitan ako. Naglakad na siya paalis at pumunta sa isang round table di kalayuan sa akin. Nakita ko sina Wendy doon. I was surprised of how beautiful Wendy looked tonight. She's wearing a reddisy pink lacy dress exposing her creamy white legs. Her hair is curled like a mermaid. The boys are very handsome too with their stylish suit. Nang makita nilang nakatingin ako sa direksyon nila ay agad nila akong kinawayan. I waved back at them too.

I looked at the people in front of me. All of them are wearing expensive suits and gowns. There are lots of people I don't know which I think are Daddy's colleagues. Siguro ay nandito rin ang mga kamag anak ni Daddy. Sa buong buhay ko ay isang beses ko lang nakasalamuha ang mga kamag anak ni Daddy. Isang beses na nagbakasyon ako kasama si Alice.

I brushed that thoughts off. I shouldn't think of bad memories tonight. It's my birthday. It's a special day.

The Program continued. The Emcee is very lively. He's professional but he's also funny in a good way.

My Father gives welcome remarks. I don't know but I am so happy to see my Dad giving a speech in front of many people for my birthday. Kahit na seryoso at hindi mabahidan ng kahit anong affection ang speech niua ay natutuwa pa rin ako kasi nag effort siya. This is the first time I felt his attention.

Tita Alicia also gave a speech. Hindi gaya ng kay Daddy ay punong puno ng sweet words at papuri ang sinasabi niya tungkol sa akin. She's like a mom giving meaningful speech for her daughter. Habang patagal ng patagal ay gumagaan ang loob ko sa kaniya. Nakikita ko na totoo ang mga bagay na ipinapakita niya.