The Immortal Blood [Taglish Version]

CHAPTER 20 - PROM

Jade Cardwell

FIRST time ko pupunta sa isang formal gathering sa school. Raphael picked me up in our house using his new black Mercedes-Benz hybrid car.

As expected, another freaking expensive car...

"You look captivating, love. Your dress suits you," sabi ni Raphael sabay halik sa kamay ko paglabas ko ng gate.

Raphael also looks dashing in his long black sleeves. Sigurado ako na marami na namang babae ang mababaliw sa lalaking ito.

"Salamat nga pala sa dress at sa shoes. Alam ko na ikaw ang bumili nito," I smiled at him as my cheeks flushed.

"Davidson really did a good job in revealing your true beauty. I will definitely have a hard time controlling myself now," he said as he gently grabbed my waist and imprisoned me in his arms.

Si Davidson ang aking hairstylist at make-up artist na nag transform sa akin sa pagiging Cinderella. My dentist removed my braces and my doctor also advised me to start wearing contact lenses. Kahit ako ay hindi makapaniwala sa naging hitsura ko nang maayusan ako ni Davidson. I bet malaki ang binayad ni Raphael sa kanya.

Pagdating namin sa school, puno na ang ballroom ng mga estudyante. Ilang minuto pa lang kami nakaupo sa aming designated table ay may tumatawag na agad sa phone ni Raphael.

"Excuse me, love. I really have to take this."

Umalis si Raphael dahil mukhang isang urgent call na naman ang natanggap niya. Pagbalik niya, wala na ang kanyang cheerful aura. His face is unreadable, but I know that there is definitely something going on. Matagal ko na din kasama si Raphael, I learn to discern every cryptic expression of his perfect face.

"I am sorry, love. Mukhang kailangan ko umalis muna. Babalik din ako kaagad."

"Another business related matter?"

"Family emergency. I promise to come back as soon as I can."

"Mag-ingat ka na lang. Dahan dahan sa pagda-drive, Mr. Car Racer," nakangiti kong biro sa kanya.

Gusto ko ma-disappoint, pero ayokong maging selfish. Gusto ko malaman ni Raphael na may tiwala ako sa kanya at naiintindihan ko siya.

Minutes became an hour and there are still no signs of Raphael. I decided to go out of the ball room to get some fresh air. Mas okay na siguro na nag-iisa ako kaysa naman kasama ko ang mga classmate ko dito sa isang suffocating party.

I am all alone when I am supposed to be enjoying the best time of my high school life. Somehow, the thought saddened me.

Nagsimula akong lumakad papunta sa gigantic football field ng school. Walang tao dito at mahangin. Dito ko na lang hihintayin si Raphael.

Humiga ako sa grass habang nakatingin sa langit. The stars can accompany me during my loneliness. Even the darkness of the skies can relate to my emptiness.

Hindi ko inaasahan na tutulo ang luha ko. Siguro dahil wala si Raphael sa mga oras na ito. Siguro dahil ramdam ko na nag-iisa talaga ako.

The techno party music subsided and changed to a soft romantic music. Perfect ang background song Need You Now by Lady Antebellum sa aking mala-music video na ka-dramahan sa kalagitnaan ng football field.

Guess I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all.

It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now.