Chapter 33: Slow dance

When a video started playing, I attentively stared at the large LED screen. I found myself smiling when I noticed the bunches of baby pictures and videos of Laurice there.

Malamang! Alangang baby pictures ko 'yon?

Napunta lang sa iba 'yong atensyon ko nang bumalik na si Ate Felize sa mesa. She was biting her lower lip when she took her seat.

I was about to ask if she's feeling well when something grabbed my attention.

Grabeng short attention span 'to oh! Pero paanong hindi ako mapapatingin? There's a group of waitresses walking towards here from the house.

Masayang napapalakpak ako bigla dahil sa nakita.

Buti naman at kainan na! Ano kayang mga handa ni Laurice? Sana naman kind enough siya to include my favorites on the menu.

"Look, Elise," tawag pansin sa 'kin ni Eli. Nakangiti naman akong lumingon sa kaniya.

He simply moved his eyes in the direction behind me before he stared back at me. Na-get ko naman 'yon kaya kaagad akong bumaling sa LED screen.

I was fluttered upon seeing a couple of pictures of Laurice and me. Para akong maiiyak habang nakatingin d'on.

I looked up to stop those tears from falling down.

Natatawang naiiyak kong sambit, "Sabi ko na nga ba eh. Ako talaga ang favorite ate ni Laurice!"

Ate Felize chuckled before she uttered more so a question, "Sino bang nagsabing hindi?"

Napangisi na lang ako dahil sa narinig. Sobrang kinikilig ako na hindi ma-explain.

I silently stared back at the LED screen while feeling all the joy running through my veins.

I only shifted away my gaze when a variety of food has finally been served on our table. It was followed by the plates, utensils, glasses, and a pitcher of water.

"Thank you," I told the waitresses with my eyes sparkling happiness.

As soon as they left our table, I quickly grabbed the serving spoon for the seafood rice.

"Anong ulam gusto mo, Elise?" Eli sweetly asked me while carefully looking at the food in front of us.

Napangiti na lang ako dahil sa gesture niya na 'yon. He never fails to make me see and feel that I'm his priority.

"Garlic pepper beef," I smilingly said as I cheerfully added, "Favorite ko 'yan!"

He simply nodded at me bago niya ko sandukan n'on.

The moment he put the dish on my plate, automatic na kumulo 'yong tiyan ko. I thought it was only me who heard that but I was wrong. Sabay-sabay kaming napatawa na lang dahil d'on.

When I started eating, mommy and daddy arrived at our table.

The latter mumbled, "I'll accompany Laurice. Excuse me."

Tinanguan ko na lang si daddy bago siya umalis agad.

"Ito, masarap 'to. Kainin mo 'to," mommy offered a plate of garlic butter shrimp to Eli.

Parang tumigil 'yong mundo ko dahil d'on. I immediately cleared my throat to get her attention.

When mommy looked at me, I mumbled, "Bawal po. Allergy."

Napatingin ako sa gawi ni Eli nang mapansin kong pangiti-ngiti siya sa gilid ko.

What is he thinking about?

"Ito na lang," nakangiting sambit ulit ni mommy sabay alok ng tuna steak kay Eli.

Napatango-tango ako habang nakatitig d'on. I approvingly said, "Ayan, pwede."

Bumalik na ko sa pagkain ko at nagsimula na rin sila. Hindi ko maiwasang mapatingin sa gawi ni Laurice. She was talking to dad while they were eating together.

Napangiti na lang ako dahil sa nakita. Ganiyan naman talaga si daddy. He has always been a sweet and thoughtful dad to us.

"Wine, ma'am and sir?" someone offered.

Napatingin ako sa pinanggalingan ng boses na 'yon. A waiter is currently pouring wine on mommy's glass.

"Ma'am?" tanong niya kay Ate Felize nang matapos kay mommy.

She respectfully declined the offer by saying, "No, thanks."

Tumingin naman 'yong waiter kay Eli na ikinabigla ko. Agad akong nag-ubu-ubuhan. May kasama pang kaba 'yon!

When I saw their eyes darted at me, I immediately looked away.

Mahinang parinig ko, "Magda-drive."

I heard their laughs that made my cheeks burn. Ewan ko kung kasama si mommy r'on, basta nakarinig ako ng tawanan.

At ewan ko rin kung bakit ba ko nahihiya. Nag-aalala lang naman ako sa kaniya!

I defensively mumbled, "Concerned citizen lang."

Bumalik na lang ako sa pagkain para hindi nila masilip 'yong nag-iinit kong mga pisngi.

"How about you, ma'am?" alok naman sa 'kin n'ong waiter.

I didn't dare to look up. Nahihiya na lang akong umiling kaya umalis din siya agad.

"Thank you, concerned citizen," Eli teasingly whispered to my ears that gave me goosebumps.

Napakagat tuloy ako sa ibaba kong labi.

"Sa susunod, concerned girlfriend naman?" he seductively asked in a low tone of voice.

I instantly felt a tingling sensation.

Marahan akong napalingon sa kaniya. My breath was taken away with the little gap between us.

Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yong pag-iinit lalo ng mga pisngi ko kasabay ng malakas na kabog ng puso ko.

Parang nahihipnotismo ako nang ipaalala ko sa kaniya, "You agreed that we will take things slow."

He gave me an affiliative smile when he tilted his head to the left, "Certainly."

Naagaw lang 'yong atensyon namin nang magsalita na muli 'yong host. I took that opportunity to look away dahil kapag hindi pa ngayon, baka mamatay na ko mamaya dahil sa kakulangan ng hininga.

Siya na! Siya na ang magaling magpakilig.

"We wish that everyone is having a great dinner," masayang panimula ng host. "For the next activity, we will have a live karaoke! The debutante will select the winner herself."

The audience roared in excitement upon hearing that. It seemed like the host was pleased to see that reaction when she gave us a big smile.

Napaisip ako kung sasali ba ko. May prize eh! Pero napaatras na lang ako nang magtawag na 'yong host ng mga pangalan. Lahat sila, hindi pamilyar sa 'kin. Pero may isang taong nakakuha ng atensyon ko.

Nilunok ko 'yong kinakain ko at saka tumayo.

"S'an ka pupunta?" nagtatakang tanong ni Eli sa 'kin kaya napalingon ako sa kaniya.

I smiled as I simply answered, "Diyan lang."

Hindi ko na hinintay 'yong reaksyon niya. Agad-agad akong naglakad papunta sa unahan.

When I was already behind the man who got my attention, I immediately grabbed his arm.

Gulat siyang napalingon sa 'kin. Of course, he didn't expect my appearance.

"I'm Elise," seryoso kong pagpapakilala sa kaniya.

I took back my hand as I crossed my arms on my chest.

His shocked face was instantly replaced by a bright reaction as if he recognized me. He even nodded his head twice or thrice.

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kakaiba. I have a hunch...

"Jaxson," he introduced himself as he offered his left hand for a shake.

I was firmly looking at his face as I extended my right hand to shake hands with him.

Parang bigla siyang nawalan ng dugo sa mukha nang bawiin ko ang kamay ko at seryosong tumitig sa kaniya.

I suddenly remembered that name. Laurice once mentioned him to me when I asked for his escort's name.

Bakit nga ba nakalimutan ko 'yon? She even told me na magku-kwento siya kapag nagkita kami ulit. Which is... tonight.

Nagsimula ng kumanta 'yong unang sinalang sa live karaoke. Medyo malakas ang volume ng music at boses n'ong kumakanta kaya bumwelo ako sa pagsasalita.

Tinanong ko siya sa malakas na boses, "Ka-ano-ano mo si Laurice?"

Biglang kumunot 'yong noo niya. Kinunutan ko rin siya ng noo para quits kami. Then, I continued in the same volume of voice, "Boyfriend?"

Bigla siyang napangiwi sa tinanong ko kaya nanghula pa ko, "Ka-MU?"

His face suddenly lightened but he shook his head. Napa-pout tuloy ako.

Ang hirap naman manghula!

"Ka-fling?" Umiling siya ulit kaya napairap na ko. When I got back my eyes on him, I saw how amused he is for who knows what reason. "Eh ano pala? Sabihin mo na lang kaya. Wala naman tayo sa Pinoy Henyo!" naiinip na reklamo ko.

His face suddenly turned serious yet pain is visible on his eyes when he answered me. Ang kaso, hindi ko siya narinig.

Ano ba 'yan! Masyadong pa-thrill.

Napaangat 'yong kanan kong kilay. "I beg your pardon. What was it?"

Hindi niya na nasagot 'yong tanong ko nang tawagin na siya ng host. Kaagad akong napa-pout at saka naiinis na lumakad palayo.

Ano ba 'yon! Ang lakas kasi ng sound system nila. Hindi ko tuloy narinig! Si Laurice na nga lang ang tatanungin ko. 'Yon ay kung sasabihin niya!

When I came back to our table, I saw how bemused Ate Felize is.

Umupo muna ko sa tabi ni Eli bago ko siya tinabunan ng tingin.

Nagtataka kong tanong, "Why?" I also raised my right eyebrow showing how confused I am.

I noticed that both of them aren't done eating yet. Buti naman! May kasabay pa ko.

Gulat na parang nag-aalalang tanong ni Ate Felize, "What did you tell him?"

Bigla akong natawa dahil sa narinig.

Do I look like a weird woman who will scare somebody else out of the blue?

I assured her, "Nagtanong lang kung sino siya."

She was about to ask another question when we got disturbed by the sudden buzzing of the microphone.

Halos lahat ng bisita, napatingin sa harap. Some were trying to not laugh but there were those who weren't able to keep it.

Bumalik na lang ako sa pagkain habang pigil na pigil din ang tawa. Ayaw ko namang sumali sa mga walang modong tumawa. Who knows, baka ikababa 'yon ng confidence niya.

The person who's currently singing needs more practice. That's all I can say.

Ba't ba kasi siya sinali?

After the live karaoke, Laurice herself announced the winner. Hindi ko naiwasang mapairap nang malaman kung sino 'yong nanalo.

"'Yon na 'yon?" hindi makapaniwalang bulong ko sa sarili.

Hanggang sa debut ba naman, may dayaang nangyayari sa pagkuha ng winner? Dapat pala sumali ako kung gan'on! Sayang 'yong prize. Maganda naman boses ko kahit pap'ano!

Napa-pout na lang ako habang tinitignan 'yong pag-abot ni Laurice ng prize sa chosen winner.

Pera kaya laman n'ong envelope?

"Magkano kaya 'yon?" I curiously whispered that only myself can hear.

Nagitla lang ako sa pag-iisip nang marinig ko 'yong biglaang pagtawa ni Ate Felize. I turned my gaze at her but she's staring in front while enjoying herself with her laugh.

Hindi ko alam kung narinig niya 'yong sinabi ko o natawa lang din siya sa kung sino 'yong nanalo. Nevertheless, napangiti na lang ako habang tinitignan siya.

Seeing her act like this is seriously next to impossible, to be honest, but I'm getting used to it. I love hearing her laughs.

Napaigtad lang ako nang biglang hawakan ni Eli 'yong parehong kamay kong nakapatong sa lap ko. Wala sa sarili akong napatingin d'on. On cue, my heart started pacing.

Kinuha niya 'yong left hand ko at saka pinagsalikop 'yong mga daliri namin. He placed them on top of his lap while making circles on my hand with his thumb.

I unknowingly smiled from ears to ears because of that gesture. Kahit na ang ingay-ingay ng paligid, dinig na dinig ko 'yong malakas na pagkabog ng puso ko.

I wonder, can he also hear my heartbeat?

I lifted my eyes in his direction only to see him smiling so sweetly at me. It instantly widened my own smile as I felt a tingling sensation inside me.

As soon as our gazes locked, he sincerely mumbled, "I hope you're enjoying the night, Elise."

This man and his pure soul.

The way he holds my hand gives me an assurance that he's just here by my side. The way he makes sure that I remember how much he cares for me takes away all my worries.

Sigurado na ko ngayon... that I am more than ready to risk with him. Dahil sigurado na rin ako ngayon kung gaano siya ka-sincere at ka-seryoso sa 'kin.

I only need to fix some things and we will finally get there.

He squeezed our hands that tripled the shivers running through my veins.

Malambing kong sambit, "I am."

The program continued with its activities. It proceeded to '18 Skins'.

Oo, that's not a joke!

Tuwang-tuwa nga ko na hindi ako kasali. Imagine how pricey it could be.

Napangisi na lang ako not because of irritation but shock. Naglalaro pa rin pala siya n'on? Good thing! Dahil siguradong magagamit niya ang regalo ko.

While the chosen guests were busy piling up in front, the waiters began giving out desserts. I only took a banana split with me.

Yet, it didn't take long for me to finish the mouthwatering dessert. Nauna ko pa ngang maubos 'yon kaysa matapos ang 18 Blue Bills. Kaya naman nang magsimula na ang 18 Roses, nakahalukipkip na lang ako sa kinauupuan ko.

Busy kasi si Ate Felize sa cellphone niya tapos si Eli naman, nakapila siya sa harapan. Walang ayuda ah! Siyempre, isasayaw niya kasi si Laurice.

Napatingin ako sa clutch bag kong nasa katabing upuan ko nang tumunog 'yong phone ko mula r'on. Kinuha ko 'yon to get my phone from the inside.

When I saw that it was Steven, dali-dali akong nagpaalam kay Ate Felize. Her attention is now on me.

"Sagutin ko lang," pagpapaalam ko bago winagayway 'yong phone ko sa harap niya.

She simply nodded as an answer before I left the place. Habang naglalakad ako papasok sa bahay, sinagot ko na 'yong tawag.

"Bakit?" nagtatakang tanong ko kay Steven.

Para siyang sirang biglang tumawa. Napataas tuloy 'yong kilay ko. Kailan pa naging nakakatawa ang 'bakit'?

As if he can read my mind, he told me in between his laughs, "Parang napipilitan ka lang na sagutin 'yong tawag ko ah?"

Napangisi ako dahil sa narinig. I teasingly said, "Oo. Manghuhula ka ba?"

His laugh became louder because of that.

Nang makapasok na ko sa bahay, nakita kong sobrang busy pala ng mga tao sa loob. Umakyat na lang ako sa taas para hindi ko sila magulo.

"Pwede?" hindi siguradong tanong pabalik sa 'kin ni Steven. "Nakikita ko kasing mapapa-oo ko si Laurice."

Agad akong napatawa dahil sa sinabi niya.

Masyado siyang confident. 'Di niya sure! Knowing kung paano magbago-bago isip at mood ni Laurice? Hmm! Good luck na lang sa kaniya kung naniniwala siya sa luck.

"Basta huwag mong pilitin kapag ayaw," pagpapaalala ko sa kaniya na mas nagtunog banta pa ata.

I can imagine him smirking at me right now.

"Opo, opo," mabilis niyang sagot.

When I reached the second floor, patagilid lang akong sumandal sa pinto ng dati kong kwarto.

I wonder, did anyone occupy this when I left?

"Tumawag nga pala ko kasi may pinadala akong regalo kay Laurice," he mumbled.

Napangiti ako dahil sa narinig.

"Thank you," I smilingly told him.

"Bakit ka nagte-thank you? Hindi 'yan para sa 'yo," pagbibiro niya na ikinairap ko.

Bakit ba ganito na sagutan nito?

Ah. Palagi nga pala kaming magkausap in the past year.

"Just saying. Grabe ka sa 'kin ah!" natatawa kong saad.

"Joke lang naman," he apologetically uttered which I quickly rebutted, "I know," to make him feel worriless.

I heard his little chuckles that made me smile.

"'Yong pinsan ko nga, inoorasan ko ngayon. Mamaya pa raw kasi uuwi. Eh dito sa bahay matutulog," maawtoridad niyang kwento.

Napakunot naman ako ng noo. Itatanong ko pa sana kung 'yon din ba 'yong pinsan niyang magaling mag-Tagalog nang mapaigtad ako sa kinatatayuan ko.

I felt arms wrapping around my waist from behind. It instantly sent shivers down to my spine as it also caused my thoughts to rumble.

Hindi ko na maintindihan kung ano 'yong sinasabi ni Steven dahil sa matinding epekto sa 'kin ng lalaki mula sa likod ko.

Kahit hindi ko tignan, I know who it is.

He even placed his chin on my right shoulder that gave me goosebumps.

This man!

"Elise? Nandiyan ka pa ba?" tanong ni Steven sa kabilang linya.

I can't utter a word, so I simply gave him a 'hmm' sound.

Rinig na rinig ko 'yong mabilis na pagtibok ng puso ko kahit na ang lakas ng music mula sa labas. At ramdam na ramdam ko rin 'yong kung anong kumikiliti sa puson ko.

He locked his hands on my belly that made me bit my lip.

I'm getting out of my mind and my toes aren't helping me too. Nanginginig na 'yon dahil sa epekto ni Eli.

"Pabanguhin mo 'yong pangalan ko kay Laurice ah," Steven reminded me before bidding his goodbye. "Sige na. Ingat ka!"

"Okay, okay," hirap na hirap kong bigkas dahil sa mabagal kong paghinga. "Thank you."

As soon as I was done talking, pinatay ko kaagad 'yong tawag. Nilagay ko na rin 'yong phone ko sa loob ng clutch bag ko.

"Who's that?" he seductively asked me with his mouth beside my ear. It instantly gave me goosebumps the second time around.

"Steven," hirap na hirap kong sagot.

Mukhang natuwa siya sa nasaksihan nang marinig kong bahagya pa siyang napatawa.

Napairap naman ako but I was smiling from ears to ears. So, he likes seeing his huge effect on me, huh?

"All right," simpleng sagot niya; walang bakas ng tampo o selos.

I like that. I like him giving me all the trust and not getting jealous over a petty call.

"Mind having a dance with me?" tanong niya sa malalim ngunit malambing na boses nang kumalas na siya sa pagkakayakap niya sa 'kin. D'on pa lang ako nakahinga nang maluwag.

I turned around to face him almost getting out of balance. Siya kasi eh! Pinahina niya 'yong mga tuhod ko sa yakap niya kanina.

Nang makaharap ako sa kaniya, akala ko kakalma na 'yong puso ko pero hindi... it keeps on beating so fast. Faster, actually.

Medyo nakatingala ako nang tignan ko sa mga mata si Eli. He is obviously taller than me.

"Sure. Sino bang ayaw?" nangingiti kong sagot na ikinalapad ng ngiti niya.

I smiled from ear to ear when I heard that a new song started to play from outside.

https://youtu.be/Q6SznSfibbQ

"Sakto oh," nangingiting puna ko.

"Meant to be," nakangisi niyang kumento which I agreed with.

He offered me his hand that I accepted straight away. When we get closer to each other, I hanged my other hand on his shoulder. It was his cue to wrap his free arm on my lower back.

It was him who guided me with the sways— a simple back and forth slow dance.

Hindi ko alam kung ramdam niya pero sobrang nanlalamig 'yong mga kamay ko. His intense glances even made it harder for me to stop my heart from beating so fast.

Yet, in the end, I let it as is. I freely let myself feel the shivers running through my veins. I was amazed that after a while, my freezing hands became warm. Then, I noticed that it was because of his warmth.

The silence isn't awkward. The inch distance of our faces didn't bother me.

Humakbang pa ko papalapit sa kaniya na mas nagpalamlam ng mga mata niya. I smiled widely at the view.

"Thank you," I happily told him.

His forehead creased a little upon hearing that. He confusedly asked, "For what?"

I snatched back my hand that he's holding onto to hang it on his other shoulder. It allowed me to almost close the distance of our bodies.

I saw how shocked he was... how amused he is.

"For every good thing," I whispered in a low tone of voice while our bodies continued from swaying. It was now in the direction of left to right.

He smiled while wrapping his other hand on my lower back.

I softly recited the things I'm thankful for one by one, "For your efforts... truthful words... respect, sincerity, and genuine love." Marahan lang siyang tumango.

I continued, "For the heartfelt apologies... the accountability... and for not taking me for granted when I confessed my feelings before and..." Napahinto ako sa pagsasalita at napakagat sa ibaba kong labi; medyo nakaramdam ng hiya.

To end what I was saying, I whispered, "When I was chasing you non-stop."

Marahan siyang napakurap at saka huminto sa pagsasayaw. Huminto na rin ako at nagpadala na lang sa mga kamay niya nang tuluyan akong idikit ng mga ito sa kaniya.

Our noses were already touching and our gazes were burning fire. I can feel his flaming love that adds warmth to my body.

Hindi ko napigilan 'yong pagbaba ng mga titig ko sa labi niya nang magsalita siya. Amoy na amoy ko 'yong mabango niyang hininga.

He amusingly answered, "You're not supposed to thank me but you're welcome." He sincerely added, "That's the standard and I intend to do that until my last breath. To make you feel loved and be reminded of your worth."

If I was sure a while ago that I am more than ready to risk with him, at this very moment, I knew to myself that he is the one... I'm willing to spend the rest of my life.

I shifted my gaze at his eyes that sparkle love and care.

He is the man whom I know will be a great father to our future child and a great husband to me.

I know I will choose him but it is not just because of the assurance, love, effort, and everything he is doing. It is also because I believe in the saying that we should carefully select our partner in life as our children can't select their own parent. At naniniwala ako... he is the right one.

I tiptoed and was supposed to kiss him on his cheek nang unahan niya ko. I smiled upon receiving a forehead kiss from him.

Parang niyanig 'yong mundo ko dahil sa halik na 'yon. It's been a while and I don't know if it was just me but that forehead kiss was sweeter than all the kisses we shared before.

'Yong kilig? 'Yong kiliti? Ibang-iba. Mas nag-uumapaw, especially that it was him who kissed me first this time.

"I love you," he said with full of intensity, sweetness, and sincerity.

Nagtayuan lahat ng balahibo ko. Lalong bumilis 'yong kabog ng puso ko.

Wala na. May nanalo na talaga.

I quickly embraced him as I started sobbing out of happiness.

Mahal din kita, Eli.