When Venus Was A Young Boy (Ongoing)

o v e r t u r e

Nikolai Peltrov

The room was filled with glittering lights. Nakakabulag at nakakasulasok sa eyeballs. But my feelings were beyond irony as I roamed my eyes around. The view was so beautiful and wonder-striking. Wala na akong sagot pa kung bakit napakadaming tao ngayon.

I just knew that there would be a performance today. According to my friend, it would be a rendition to introduce the Queen Bitch as an official member for the ballroom culture. My hands were starting to get clammy. The wetness on it was the sign of anxiety dancing inside my chest.

I tried to wipe it off on the high-waisted jeans I decided to pair with my lacy bralette top and oversized denim coat but before I could do that, a condescending tut stopped me.

“You shouldn’t be wiping your wet hand on that outfit of yours.” He patted the wig that draped on his protruding collarbones. “Masisira lang iyan. Maganda pa naman.” He pouted and flicked his hand with nails painted neon pink.

I nodded, feeling the redness travelling on my cheeks from the comment I received.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako nahihiya sa sinabi niya pero parang pinaalala lang niya sa akin na first-timer palang ako rito. . . that I shouldn’t be waking up to full-expectations because this was the ‘first time’ I had set my foot into the place.

I disposed the thoughts away as the overwhelming feeling nipped inside my chest again.

“Honey, I could smell your embarrassment from here. I didn’t mean to offend you or what.” A giggle followed after what he said.

Despite all the golden locks of a wig on the top of his head and the dress that hugged his physique with allure and sultriness, the physical features of a man were still visible behind the makeup. I noted how she was able to kill her outfit with a pair of slasher heels.

Hindi ko alam na nakatingin na pala ako sa kaniyang sapatos nang ilang segundo kaya mabuti nalang na iniwas ko ito bago niya mapansin.

“I like your heels. It makes you look taller.” Despite my plan that I should stay silent for the night, my tongue couldn’t resist from talking.

He laughed like what I just said was ludicrous. Napatingin ulit ako sa kaniya. “I know. Kanina mo pa tinitingnan. I assume you probably want it, don’t you?” The makeup that highlighted her face into that image of a fierce woman made me envy her.

I like the way her contours created a depth effect on those cheekbones lifting off her eyes into that fox-lift effect. Iyong eye shadow, it was the perfect amount of avant-garde style with the swirling line of neon colors that painted her hooded lids. 

Her lips were a sign on how she handles herself: red, bold, and powerful.

“Well, I won’t deny that because those slasher heels you are wearing are to die for.” I looked away from her and started to study the area.

Napansin kong mas dumami na ang mga tao rito sa underground bar. I could smell the stench of sweat, makeup, latex, suede, fur coats, new leather shoes and many more.

People with the same shade of my rainbow started to swarm in with their haute couture dresses and signature bags.

There were so many color of wigs that I admired with fascination from where I was standing in the corner. Shining faces with different brand of beauty products caking it attacked my sight with fabulous-ity.

I internally clapped from the excitement and joy I was feeling. The clicking of heels erupted from many corners and I travelled my eyes on the ongoing buzz of fashion and sophisticated shouts of excitement surrounding me.