The Antiquity of Us (La Fortuna Series #2)

Kabanata 26

Kabanata 26

Ms. LFU

I could feel it all. 

The loud hammering of my heart, the coldness of my palms, and the droplets of sweat from my forehead—I could feel it all. With knees going jellies, I stared at the two emcees who were now introducing the final Q&A portion to the expectant and loud crowd. Kung puwede lang akong umiyak sa kaba, kanina ko pa siguro ginawa. 

Pero kahit gano'n at kahit gusto ko nang lumisan na lamang, nanatili akong nakapirmi at nakatayo sa puwesto ko. Besides, what I was feeling was nothing compared to what Atlas made me feel earlier at the backstage. 

Malakas at matapang pa naman ako kanina, e... but one favor, one fucking unbelievable favor from him—the person I trusted the most—and there I was, helpless and injured.

"And now, for the most awaited event of all time, the final Q&A competition!"

"Tonight's question will be the same for all the three remaining candidates. Those who will not answer yet will wear headphones so that they will not hear the question being asked."

"Each candidate will be given thirty seconds to deliver her answer. When the time is up, you will hear this sound." A classic mellow ringtone rang. "Once again, the candidates in the Final 3 are..." 

"Ionna Sebella Linarez of Heathens!"

"Maeve Sandoval of Ravens!"

"And Diana Silva of Vikings!" 

A round of applause and a set of cheers rang in the air. Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko. My legs were already suffering from cramps but I had to act like I was okay and happy. Hinawi ko ang laylayan ng suot kong kulay pilak at kumikinang na evening gown na tulad pa rin kanina. It had long sleeves, a sheer vertical cut in the middle of my chest, and some luxury blings and feathers for details.

"Here we go."

Nilingon ako ni Peter, ang lalaking emcee. "Miss Ionna Linarez, please join us at the center stage."

Sa dahan-dahan at eleganteng paraan ay naglakad na ako patungong sentro at tumigil sa harap ng microphone stand. Ang dalawang emcee naman ay nasa gilid ko at ngiting-ngiti akong tinignan. Muling naghiyawan at nagpalakpakan ang mga tao kaya kahit hindi na maganda ang disposisyon ko ay ngumiti pa rin ako. 

It didn't take long before the throbbing of my heart intensified because yet again, I found Atlas' silvery eyes. They were piercing through mine in the most inflicting manner. The knot in my stomach tightened.

How could he look at me like that? And why am I so affected?

"Good evening, Miss Linarez. How is the pageant treating you so far?" Trina, the girl emcee, plastered an enthusiastic look.

Peke akong ngumisi. "This pageant is one of my best experiences, Trina. My journey up to this moment is full of realizations and learnings."

"How about your co-candidates? How are you with them?"

"We're good. They are all nice and lovely."

Halos patalikod na tumirik ang mga mata ko dahil sa mga kasinungalingang pinagsasabi ko sa harap. Literally nothing from what I said was true.

One of my best experiences? God, this was draining and soul-sucking! My co-candidates are nice and lovely? I didn't even make friends with any of them because they're all fake and cunning! Umaaligid pa silang lahat kay Atlas kada rehearsals na para bang wala ako roon at ang isa pa sa kanila'y hinalikan siya sa labi! The pageant was far from being my best experience at all!