As the heightened part of the sonata reaches its end, my body moved to respond to the clash of enigmatic melodies, jiving to the music until it reached its final note.
I slowly open my eyes, hitting the last musical key and giving my final emotion.
I was beyond satisfied. I didn't know there was a wet streak trying to escape from my eyes.
Then, I caught my Dad drying his tears which brought a sad smile to my face.
Every time he hears this piece, it makes him tear up. It was as if this song reminded him of his unfinished love for my Mom.
And I never met my mother physically, but this musical piece felt as if she is with me... us. Maybe this is the reason why this melody had an important place in Dad's heart. Because it connects us as a family.
"What a wonderful performance you did here ladies. Am I right folks?"
The host went beside me and gestured for Belle to join us in front of the stage. I quickly dried my tears and smiled as the crowd slowly clapped, reacting positively to the host's question.
I shrug the melancholic thought off and focused on the crowd. If my Mom would be here, she'd be prouder.
"I know I am gay but I am undergoing gender confusion once again because of these two. I fell in love with both of them," he commented and we both laughed. The audience was also laughing at his remark while clapping their hands at us.
Belle on the other hand took off her eyeglasses and carelessly put his arms around the host, sharing the microphone with him.
The poor host was taken aback which was obvious in his reaction but he maintained his composure... more of trying to maintain a professional look.
But I was more worried about my cousin who suddenly flash her wicked smile which made the poor host sweat.
Here I thought she was too uncomfortable with the crowd yet Belle is causing a scene at the same time.
"Well I'm glad all of you loved our performance, that was what we intend to do. As for you, I think I did fall for you too," she exclaimed and smiled naughtily to the host who have no idea of what is happening to my cousin.
The crowd was just equally rascals. They indulge my cousin and laughed at her cute stance and I was shaking my head the whole time. Belle was too much. Too comfortable that she is flirting in front of a big crowd.
This is absurd, I need to quiet her down, or else she'll eat the host alive.
"Oh, that was quick. Anyways, thank you, ladies... you were very talented" the host said awkwardly, partially dismissing my cousin. And that was my cue to get my cousin off of the poor emcee, who was obviously trying to civilize himself.
I grabbed Belle's arm and exited the stage as the host continued to entertain the crowd.
"Have you seen the look on his face?" She asked when we were finally alone.
I put on a bored face.
"You are so naughty Belle, you scared him" Then she laughed wholeheartedly.
"He started it. But, honestly, who would turn down that great built of his, considering he claims to be gay... I can see that he had a massive boner from staring at me backstage"
I raised my brows.
"Faith Yzabelle, was that the reason why you played the piano weirdly a while back?" I asked, scrutinizing her performance a while ago.
She giggled at my question, her eyes were becoming a shape of a heart.
"It was not my fault Elle. I was so nervous to even play the first key, but he went near me, flashing that killer smile. It instantly eases my anxiety away. It was like magic Elle, " she said dreamily as if she remembered every single detail.
"Oh Belle, I am not really sure where this conversation is leading to but I am not fascinated," I said disappointingly.
"Maybe the only thing I was glad of was you were finally comfortable back there"
She looked at me excitedly, nodding her head at the same time.
"Of course, Elle, and that was all thanks to him. Ahhh, I love that you picked that piece to play" she exclaimed, her eyes still sparkling.
Speaking of that musical piece, a grin formed on my lips.
"Let us just say that I had some help from above for that music choice" I smiled proudly, remembering the reason why I had come up with Amy Beach's classical piece.
She then looked at me weirdly, rolling her eyes as if saying that "Here she goes again".
"Whatever you mean Elle, you are starting to get shady." she continued as we settled on the corner of the hall.
I laughed at her remark. Some people said that they can't get me sometimes since I become too shady with my answers and they would just give up clarifying it.
"But the main thing is, I need to know the name of that man Elle" she persisted, gawking her eyes at me. I moved back a little.
"What? Who's the man are you talking about?" I asked though I perfectly know who she is into.
Then he pointed the host secretly from our place. "That hot emcee of course"
I rolled my eyes at her answer.
"He is not into you Belle. And besides, I thought you liked Herschel?" I asked, referring to Cian's older brother.
"I changed my mind. I think I prefer soft ones rather than strong ones" she answered vividly as if she is just comparing a bottle of well-built champagne.
"I just love how he looked at my eyes as I was playing the piano. I could drown in those gray eyes of his" she said dreamily.
I was shaking my head, thinking that Cupid struck my cousin's heart big time. But she would surely have a hard time with this one.
Then suddenly, Flora and Sam appeared at our side. They both pulled us back to Cian's table.
My eyes searched for Cian but he wasn't there.
"I think Cian went with your Dad into the library", Flor whispered as if she knows who I was looking for.
"Hello handsome"
The tiny and sultry voice caught my attention. I immediately sat beside Flor and trace the owner of the voice.
"It is fancy meeting you here"
Pierre was seriously looking at his wine glass when Marga, the international model, suddenly sat beside him and kissed the side of his lips.
I have known Marga since she is popular with the tabloids and of course, she is rumored as a high-class gold digger... for which I don't exactly know what that means.
Pierre on the other hand wasn't bothered by the presence of the international model. However, the obvious wrinkle on his forehead says otherwise. He was uncomfortable.
"Hey Marga, don't do that if you still want Pierre to sponsor you," Claven said jokingly.
I was uncomfortable too. Pierre keeps on looking at my side and his gaze makes me nervous without a definite reason.
"Oh Claven, you are just jealous honey" and she wrapped her arms around Claven's neck like a snake. They all just did a good laugh at Marga's remark except for Pierre who took a sip of his wine, not minding his brothers' teasing.
Marga is sexy, a typical model. Maybe, he would pass as Pierre's type of girl since she looks liberated and hot.
"Anyways Elle that was a great performance. You don't look like someone who loves violin" Brandon complimented. I felt my cheeks heat up. Now that I am off stage, I kinda feel embarrassed.
"Thanks, I don't usually play in front of many people and I just played the violin occasionally...such as this" I answered softly.
"Yet you did it perfectly, makes me want to play my own instrument too. Ain't it right Pierre?" It was Claven.
I looked at the man he was pertaining to, waiting for the same positive comment.
"Hm" was all he said and stared at me. I gulped and immediately diverted my eyes.
"Pierre is so hard to please, but I agree that you really did well back there honey" Marga complimented but I can't feel the sincerity in her voice
It was as if she only said that because she wanted to look good for herself. Anyways, why am I even bothering about these things? I wanted to get out of this table quickly and look for Cian.