For His Entertainment

Chapter Twenty-two

I was surprised at the sight of the crowd. Sold-out ang tickets so it's no wonder kung bakit punong puno ng tao. This is making me nervous, and this is good, right? This means that this is really something I wanted. I don't want to fail these people. And this is for a good cause.

Yes, there's nothing to be worried about.

"You ready?" Tanong ni Ate Inah sa likod. Tumango ako. Kami ni Theo ang intro kaya kaming dalawa ang mauuna.

The MC's then proceeded in introductions. The president was also here, thanking everyone. Kuya Steven made a speech since he was the principal sponsor. Each second that passes by makes my heart beat even faster. Theo was on the other side of the stage kasi doon siya lalabas. He smiled at me reassuringly, and honestly, I appreciated him at times like this. He somehow calms me.

After introducing our org and the dance troupe, the crowd went wild. And the moment the song started playing, all eyes were on the stage. I heaved a deep breath and entered on Ate Inah's cue.

I probably looked awful, especially when I saw a pair of eyes staring at me from the backstage. It was Spencer's, nakasandal siya sa pader and looking at me, watching my move. Dinala ni Theo ang performance namin, thank goodness, but I know I still ruined it.

"I'm awful," Sabi ko kay Theo when our stunt was done.

"You were great,"

He's lying. He always makes me want to be confident on my own skin. Ngumiti ako sa kanya ng tipid.

Muli kaming lumabas sa stage for the finale, and we received a standing ovation from the crowd. Ako ang unang bumalik sa stage. All I wanted was for this to end.

The event was a success. Maraming intermission numbers from different organizations after our performance and also performances from the invited indie bands, but ours was still the highlight. I saw Kuya Steven congratulate everyone and invited them for an after-party. Mabilis akong nagpack-up because all I wanted was to stay at home and evaluate my decisions in life.

Theo was standing outside the women's dressing room. He approached upon seeing me, and I immediately saw the pain in his eyes.

"Can we talk?" Tanong niya.

Tumango ako. We went outside, sa may soccer field, kung saan walang tao dahil gabi na.

"Congratulations," Paninimula niya. He has this smile on his lips that tells me he's not okay. "You were great."

"I was awful, but thanks." I sighed. I know he wanted to say something else, but I wanted him to say it once he's ready.

So we waited in silence, just watching the stars above us.

"I'm sorry, I told you I'll stop once the program is over," He turned to look at me. "Pero mahal talaga kita, Ally. Ilang taon na."

Parang may kung anong sumaksak sa dibdib ko. Dahil alam kong hindi ko 'yon mabalik sa kan'ya.

"I never had a girlfriend. I mean, I did, once, pero hindi 'yung ganito." He sighed.

I smiled nervously, I think it turned to be a grimace.

"I was raised by my single mom and she really trained me to respect a woman more than my own ego. Nung high school ako, a girl has mistaken my actions to be something else. I didn't know what to do, I just felt like I needed to take responsibility."

Ngumuso ako. I never heard his story, and I feel really bad for that. Parang hindi ko talaga kilala si Theo.

"So we dated, although I never really liked her romantically, I still appreciated her. It didn't work out for us, I felt trapped, like I was there out of obligation." Dahan dahan niyang hinawakan 'yung kamay ko, and I didn't protest. "I know you were disappointed with me before, with Shiela and with Chelssy. I know I shouldn't have done that because if I make every girl feel special, then how will you know how special you are to me?"