If Only (Rainbow Series #1)

Chapter 16

Warning: language

Chapter 16

"Congratulations!"

The pageant just ended. The winners were asked to stay for pictorials. While on it, Haley and my friends joined me on the stage.

"Wow, Bei! You are so lucky for a first timer!" Cy commented.

I laughed. I can't believe it either. I eyed Haley beside her. She's smiling so mine grew wider. This is for you, mahal.

"Ediwow! Balato naman diyan!" sabi ni Iris.

"Next year, ikaw naman!" biro ko.

Pabiro itong umirap. I motioned them to come closer so we could take pictures together. Pasimpleng itinabi ni Iris sa akin si Haley. Without minding the people around, I gave Haley my bouquet of  flowers to hold.

"Mahal.." she hesitated.

"That's for you, mahal," I mumbled.

Students from our college also took pictures with me. After all that, we proceeded to the dressing room so I could change my clothes.

"See? I told you, title agad," masayang sabi ng makeup artist ko.

I just smiled. I looked around to find Nika so I could thanked her but she's nowhere to be found.

"Laban ka ulit. Hakot awards, bongga!" patuloy ng makeup artist ko habang inaalis ang pins sa buhok ko.

Hinubad ko naman ang mga sash na nakasuot sa akin. Ang crown ay nakalapag na sa table na nasa harapan ko.

Best in production number

Best in denim wear

Miss Popular

Miss Photogenic

Best in long gown

Ms. University '15

Winning the title, alone, is so impossible. What more these awards? Maybe, I'm really lucky and blessed. This moment should be treasured!

Cyril and Iris were busy talking with other people inside the room while Haley excused herself to go to the comfort room. I wanted to join her so we could, at least, have our alone time for a couple of minutes but I'm still in my long gown so I dismissed the idea.

"Saan ka galing?" tanong ko kay Nika nang bigla na lang siyang sumulpot sa gilid ko.

"S-Sa CR lang," kinakabahan niyang sagot.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang mapansin ang paghabol niya ng hininga ngunit hindi ko na lang isinatinig. Dahil nakasuot pa rin naman ng gown, inaya ko siyang magpicture kasama na rin ang makeup artist. After all, they're one of the people behind my win.

Nakapag-palit na ako ng damit nang lumapit sa akin si Leah.

"Congrats, Bea!"

I congratulated her back, feeling a bit awkward. A while ago, my makeup artist informed me that I won by a point to Leah. She's the first runner up. She should've won the title if not for my special awards. I also learned that the judges favored her answer than mine.

Tapos na ako at lahat hindi pa din bumabalik si Haley. Nasaan na iyon? Hindi naman ganoon kalayo ang CR mula rito. Tinext ko na lang, tinatanong kung nasaan siya. Ang tagal niyang mag-reply.

Susundan ko na sana si Haley kaya lang ay nalibang na ako sa pakikipag-usap kila Cy. I also introduced Nika to them, who was surprisingly quiet.

"Oo nga. Sa iyo ko ipapasa ang korona, next year," biro ko lalo kay Iris na naiinis na.