A Journey of Two Night Goers: The Other Moment (Journey Series)

Chapter 15

"LEX!" A loud laugh from a man turned our attention. It was the friend Lex talked about, who also happens to be the Barangay Captain of the place.

"Bai!!! (A/N: That's the Bisaya term for friend)" Lex shouted as they both exchanged hugs. The friend then did a mano po to Mama Nene, making her hug him. Lex then turned to me and Flo.

"Bai, Flo and Michael. Mga kaibigan ko (They're my friends)."

"Magkasintahan? (Are they in a relationship?)" The guy asked.

"Malapit na. (They're getting there)" Lex replied, causing the two to laugh and do a high five. Moments later, the guy then invited us to their home. We all went in with Flo being with Mama Nene, while Lex and I went together.

"Lex, what was the guy asking about me and Flo earlier?"

"Oh that?" Lex smiled, "He asked if you and Flo are in a relationship. And I said that you guys are getting there."

"Lex." I exclaimed, causing Lex to laugh, "What the hell?"

"Admit it." He teased, "You like it."

Afterwards, we had dinner at his house and then he took us to the Barangay gymnasium to witness some fun events and programs. It was pure fun for hours until...

"And now for the annual curatcha." The barangay captain announced, "There will be people that I'll choose for the curatcha, mostly visitors. But now, I have two people in mind that should do the honor of the first curatcha." All of us applaused. He continued.

"Now these two, they came all the way from other countries just to join us here tonight. I've just met them tonight but they are already lovely people. They deserve this honor since they are already Barangay Catayum's friends. Give it up for Lex and Mama Nene's friends, Michael Clifford and Florence Pugh."

"Wait what?" Flo and I both exclaimed as everyone applause while the barangay captain called us to be in middle of the gymnasium, surrounded by many people.

"Just go out there, you two." Lex said as he tried to drag us towards the middle. He then winked at me before he went back.

I then looked at the people around us. It's embarrassing to turn back now. We have to do this. Good thing I knew curatcha from Mama Nene.

"Lex, I don't dance-" She said but I cut her short.

"I think it's fine." I looked at her.

"Mike-"

"It's just a one-time thing." I smiled, reassuring her. I then took her gently to the middle of the gymnasium.

"Promise?" She whispered.

"I promise." I whispered back and smiled.

We were at the middle of the gym when someone placed a handkerchief on the floor near us. This is it. It's getting real. Mama Nene once told me that handkerchief is used to place money if one's impressed by the curatcha. It also means that curatcha's going to start and there's no turning back.

"What's the handkerchief for?" She asked.

"Money." I smiled, "People come near us and place money there. If we dance well together, more money comes. We can use these money to help the kids in Cabintan and even here."

"Really?"

I nodded.

"Then it is on."

We laughed as the loud music started.

"Mikey, I don't know curatcha." She shouted.

"Just follow my lead." I shouted back as I made sure that she dances with no worries since she's going to follow my lead. I kept reassuring her that I won't leave her side or won't even go far in the middle of it. However, Flo felt anxious minutes passed. I then held her hand and smiled.

"Hey." I shouted, "Just pretend."

"Pretend what?"

"That it's just us. Nobody else is around."

She then took a breath and smiled, "Ok." She said, "Just us." She started dancing again, twirling and holding my hand multiple times. She then started to laugh as everyone started dancing along with us. I then found it hard to breathe, not because of the crowd. But because her moves were captivating. She's captivating. In the past, I thought I can sweep someone's feet away. But not now. It was the exact opposite. Flo swept my feet away. She took my breath away. I can't believe how she could perform such a trance. If her talent was to make guys fall for her, I say she did a pretty good job.

Because I am falling in love to Florence Pugh.

When the music ended, we then looked down and saw a lot of money, which the captain took to be kept safe. Soon, the barangay captain announced something as everyone gathered with us. But Flo and I didn't listen to the announcement. We were shouting so we could hear each other.

"Where did you learn to dance curatcha?" I asked.

"Mama Nene taught me the first time I arrived at Cabintan."

"That was great. What we did earlier." She smiled.

"I told you to pretend that it's just us and enjoy."

"Just us huh? No one else in the gym?" She laughed.

I then went near her to the point that our faces were inches closer. I don't know what came to me, but I suddenly felt the urge to kiss her. I then whispered and smiled, "Yes Flo. Just us."

Our faces went even nearer to the point of closing the gap when the disco music started playing. I was then pulled out of my urge.

Not now Mikey. Not yet.

I then decided to hug her instead, making her giggle.

"What's the hug for Mikey?"

"Nothing." I whispered in her ear.

"Aww, look at you... All clingy." She laughed hard, "Let me go now so that we can dance?"

"Is it okay if I won't let you go for a while? Just teeny tiny bit more."

"Okay." She giggled, causing me to hug her even more.

"I'm in love with you Flo." I mumbled as softly as possible, hoping she won't hear it. We then let go of the hug and we danced again until it was Misa de Gallo time and we decided to leave.