It's You, Always You

The Ball

After the auction...

Oscar and Lily sat across each other. The table was covered in a white cloth and the utensils were neatly wrapped in a near-to-gold cloth. The chairs were wooden in a fancy way. The waiters served their dishes, matching it with their own choice of drinks. As for Lily, of course her favorite, wine!

Oscar: Do you really have to buy that painting?

Lily: Why not?

Oscar: Don't you think that it's too much at 300,000 dollars?

Lily: It will be given for donation 'diba? And besides, nakasalalay ang pride ko sa painting na yon.

Oscar: I don't understand.

Lily: Women, will understand. (she chuckled then turned to Sheryl's table)

Lily then looks at Oscar and catching him staring at her. She slowly reached for her wine glass and lifted it to her lips. She tilted her head back, revealing her fine and fair neck. She raised the wine glass and swallowed the liquor until it hit the back of her throat, bitterness hit first then soon overcome by the sweetness of the alcohol.

Lily: What are you looking at? (she said while looking at him as she put down the wine glass)

His eyes were on her. No, they were on her lips. He's staring keenly on her lightly parted lips as if he has his own world.

Oscar: So beautiful. (he whispered)

Lily: Hmm?

Oscar: Wala, wala. (clears his throat)

The lights went from bright to a little dim as a soft, romantic classical song played in the background, adding a certain aura to the ballroom. Everybody stood up and took over the dance floor. Oscar went to Lily's seat and offered her his hand.

Oscar: Can I have this dance?

Lily gave him a sweet smile as she held his hand and led her to the dance floor. He let her face him, his smile is big as he brings her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss there. He pulls her close as he gently holds her waist, her hands gently rests on his shoulders. The both of them slowly sways to the music while their eyes locked into each other as their feet smoothly taps against the floor. And so there they were, dancing underneath the chandelier.

Oscar: Ayaw mo ba ng gan'to?

Lily: (she chuckled) Ang alin? Pagsasayaw?

Oscar: (he chuckled back) Hindi.

Lily: So, ano?

Oscar: Tayong dalawa, as we enjoy this moment. Being able to hold each other and feel each other's warmth.

Lily cleared her throat and averted her eyes to the floor. Oscar brought her closer and rested his hand on Lily's lower back, not leaving any gap between them. There was a moment of silence, that was later broken by Oscar's voice.

Oscar: Thanks for giving me a chance Lily.

Lily: Chance? (she asked softly as she steps backward)

Oscar: Chance na maging tayo.

Lily: T-tayo? W-walang tayo Oscar. (she said stuttering)

His brows furrowed as he doesn't understand what she means.

Oscar: What do you mean?

Lily: I'm sorry Oscar. (then turned around)

Oscar stood there, watching Lily as she rush to the exit. Without having any second thoughts, Oscar followed her and also sprinted to the exit.

Oscar: Lily sandali!  (he grabbed her right arm)

Lily: Oscar...(tries to pull back her arm)

Oscar: Mag-usap muna tayo. (made her face him but refused to meet his eyes) Look, I understand na baka nabigla ka lang. (he was cut off)

Lily: Hindi pa ako handa....Oscar.

Oscar: Hindi ka handa? Okay fine. Pero hanggang kelan? Lily, I saw all of you! (he paused and tried to make contact with her eyes that's still avoiding him) Mahal kita Lily, at alam kong mahal mo din ako. I could tell by the way you kissed me back in the boardroom. And last night, last night was pure magic. (he sighed heavily) Please...just please.

With Oscar's last words, he slowly loosens his grip on Lily's arm as he lets her go. Without even sparing him a glance, Lily walked out on him and immediately went on the elevator.  Around the corner awaits Sheryl, hearing everything that Oscar said. She immediately went to Oscar as the elevator doors closes.

Sheryl: Oscar? (pretended as if she heard nothing)

Oscar looked at her, with deep sadness in his eyes.

Sheryl: Are you okay? Is something wrong? (sounded concern as he held Oscar's shoulder)

Oscar sighed as he averted his eyes on the floor.

Sheryl: Kelangan mo ba ng kausap? We can talk about it if you want.

Oscar looked at her, still having sadness in his eyes. She responded by giving him a sympathetic smile.

----------

Lily quickly barged in their suite and promptly shut the door behind her. Breathing heavily, she  face-palmed her face as she feels guilt over what happened earlier.  Tears form in her eyes, realizing that she hurt him.

Lily: Yun na yun eh! Ang duwag mo talaga! (referring to herself)

She fidgets her fingers as she walks back-and-forth the living room, thinking on what should she do.

I need to fix this.

I need to clear things up with him.

I need to talk to him.

I need him.

Lily rushed out of their suite, and ran to the elevator. She repeatedly pressed the elevator's call button rapidly, hoping there's still time to fix the things she has broken due to cowardness. After a few minutes that felt like an eternity, finally the elevator dings and opens its doors. She dashed inside the lift and bumped into someone.

Lily: I'm sorry!

Edwin: Ms. Lily? Sa'n po kayo pupunta? Nagsi-alisan na po silang lahat sa party.

Lily: Ha?! Uhm...si Oscar? Nasan si Oscar?

Edwin: Nasa suite po ni Ms. Sheryl.

She silenced. Her heart dropped knowing that Oscar is in Sheryl's suite which is the last thing she wants to happen throughout their stay in Singapore.

Edwin: Ms. Lily okay lang po ba kayo? (he said, noticing Lily's silence)

Lily: D-diba...d-dapat...kasama mo siya? (she stutters as she feels a chunk building-up her throat)

Edwin: Sabi po kasi ni Ms. Sheryl na pribado daw ang pag-uusapan nila at wag na daw akong sumama. Eh pumayag naman si Mr. President, sabi niya magpahinga nalang daw ako.

Lily: Ahh...s-sige.

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Lily's room....

She did everything she had to do that night. She took a shower, changed into her silk nightgown, drank wine and even tried to call Meilin, who is currently unavailable, just to distract herself from the fact that Oscar is currently with Sheryl. Her mind made scenarios on her head, imagining wild thoughts. After a few hours of feeling agitated, as she drained up her first bottle of wine, she checked the time on her phone and noticed that it has been three hours and Oscar has not yet returned.

Lily: He should be here by now. (she said worrying while tapping her wine glass in a fidgeting manner)