The One Who Stares Behind

KABANATA 23

After Lexus had been gone for a while, the dance wrapped up, and the band switched to a new song.

Up front, I noticed Lynne, Anne, and Debbie deep in conversation, smiling with their friends. Before they could notice me, I quickly turned on my heel and slipped out of the hall.

"Siann?" Tumigil muna ako sandali at nilingon ang boses na iyon. I wasn't mistaken. It really is Eli.

He just smiled at me, but strangely, I couldn't return that smile.

I tried to smile back. This can't be. It's El, Zafh. It's El, the one you've wanted until now. Isn't it?

"Eli,"

"I've been hearing the chatter for a while now. You're truly beautiful, and you look even more stunning now."

"Salamat, Eli. You look great as well." pinilit kong ngumiti dito.

I'm really disappointed that I can't be with you tonight, and that I didn't even get a chance to dance with you.

I can't tell you how badly I wanted to pull you away from the guy you're dancing with.

The way he looks at you, and the way you look at him—it can't mean anything, right? It has to mean nothing, Siann. I'm so jealous..." tila ba nahihirapang pag-amin nito bagay na dapat ay ikasaya ko.

I heard that correctly, didn't I? And I should be happy because finally, El didn't hesitate to say those words this time. I'm supposed to be thrilled, but what is this feeling?! Zafhyrna, feel something!

"Why are you jealous, El?" I asked him calmly, wanting to hear him out.

He suddenly touched my cheek, then pulled his hand back, gazing at me with those sincere eyes.

"It might sound possessive, but I don’t want anyone else touching you the way I have. The way I looked at you, the way I kissed you, Siann—I don’t want anyone to take my place because, after all these years, I’m still so damn in lo—"

"Michael!"

Agad kong nakita ang pinanggalingan ng boses na iyon. Maureen. Kasalukuyan na itong papalapit sa amin.

"Siann—"

"Maui's looking for you El," pagtutol ko pa sa ano mang sasabihin nito.

I was surprised when he took my hand, as if begging me to stay. "Please, stay, Siann. Stay with me tonight," he pleaded, and even I found it hard to look at him like this.

I can't bear to see him like this, pleading for me to stay. How I want to stay, but another part of me says it's time to leave.

I held his hand and slowly removed it from my grasp. Muli ko itong tiningan at ngumiti. "Eli, let go. Go back to Maui." Go back to someone where you truly belong.

"Hihintayin kita dito Siann. Please, come back. I want to tell something. I want to-"

"Michael!"

Before he could continue, Maui arrived beside him.

What are you trying to tell El? Why does Maui always interrupt?

"Zafhyrna! Oh, you're here. You look gorgeous tonight," Maui said with her favorite trashy smile.

I smiled back.

"You too, Maui. You look stunning."

"That's so sweet of you, Zafh." I glanced back at El, who was still looking at me intently.

"Need to freshen up. I'll go ahead."

Without looking back, I quickly left Estrella Hall.
. . .

I went straight to the poolside of Estrella Hall. Sometimes, I wonder why the school is named Estrella. Just some odd thoughts. At ang malaking parte na idinulot nito sa buhay ko..