"I Think I'm Falling For You"
I'm gone for Beaufort, North Carolina for one week just to see Nadine Arizona and tell her that it is over. Everything between us was now over. I don't know when or where, but everything just started too fast. After my first visit to Juliana's place, we always hang out together, until I realized that she's the one. Maybe, I don't really know how to love but my heart keeps on telling me that it is already her- the one my heart longs for a very time. I'm not sure why but she is really different.
"I'm sorry," I said, head down.
"Have you at least considered me?" she asks with tears on her eyes.
"Nadine, look. Memories with you are something to treasure. They are not even worth forgetting, but can you see? You deserve someone better. Pease . . . understand. Find someone that is worth your tears. I'm not even worth of it." I reach out for her hand. "Find someone better and somebody that can be someone that I can never be."
She bites her lower lip then she gives me a heavy kick on my right foot. "You deserve that, you fool," she said then she smiles as she wipes her tears. "You went here just to tell me that it's over? You don't know how much money you waste and how many tons of tears that fell on my eyes. You see? My eyes are already sore because of those sleepless nights. Huh! It's better if you only talks to me on phone calls. Anyway, your girl is very lucky. Go now before I change my mind."
I smile at her. "Can I hug you for the very last time?" She only smiles then nods. I hug her and kiss her forehead. "I guess, we can still be good friends?"
"Promise me, you will never regret it, right?"
"Of course."
She smiles again. "I will find someone that is much better than you are Nathaniel Villarta!"
"So, it's goodbye then?" I ask.
"Goodbye," then she kisses me on the cheeks.
That's it. She even sent me her best wishes. I'm not the man she truly deserves. I knew it, and she deserves to be happy too.
Now, I am still driving to Angeles City for my surprise to Juliana. Actually, I already planned it for the whole week. I even call our studio producer for this one, and I even organized this venue for the whole event. I also sell print out tickets and asked the help of Levi, Chris and Ethan for this. I also upload posters online and tell them that this all a charity works. Good grief, it became sold out and able to recruit ten thousand people, and because the worth of a single ticket is only for one hundred pesos, it surely gained a million. Not bad, after all.
"Hey," Juliana said by the time she see me on their front door.
"Well, uhmm, are you free?" I ask.
"Yes, why?" she answered.
"Can you accompany me somewhere?"
"So, it's a date then?" she asks with a teasing smile.
"Why not?" I answered.
I bring her to SM Pampanga. This time, I am the one who is driving. I even told her to wear blindfolds because it is a surprise.
"Come on, just hold my hand okay? We're now getting there," I said.
"Seriously, Nathan, I'm excited and nervous at the same time," she exclaimed.
"Well, calm down, okay. Just trust me."
By the time we reach the SM's mini amphitheater, I told her to stop.
"We're now here. Are you nervous?"
"Of course."
I take off her blindfold. "Open your eyes Juliana."
She slowly opens her eyes. "Oh my God!" she exclaimed when she see those posters endorsing the Kids' Praise Club concert. "Am I dreaming Lord?!" she even utters to nowhere.
"No, you're not, because your show will about to start in a few minutes,' I said.
"Oh, Nathan, I can't believe you! Thank you very much," she said as she embraces me.
"But how about the kids and my music guild? They are not ready?"
"Of course, we are," Suzy said behind our back. Juliana turned to face her. "How?"
"Well, let's just say, Nathan told me about his plan and I helped the kids in preparing their performance," she answer and I only smile at them.
Juliana is very happy. I can see it in her eyes. Of course, Nana Gregoria is also there beside me and watching her, performing before the audiences.
The grand opening is the whole Kids' Praise Club singing the choral version of the Jubilee song.
It's the time of joy, a time of peace
A time when hearts are then set free
A time to heal the wounds of division.
It's a time of love, a time of hope
A time of open wonder
A time to bring them back to God's embrace.
It's the time to give thanks to the Father, Son, and Spirit
And to Mary, our mother we sing this song . . .
Open your hearts to the Lord and begin to see the mystery
For we are altogether as one family
No more walls, no more chains,
No more selfishness and close doors
For we are in the fullness of God's time
It's the time of the great Jubilee. . . .
In their every production number, Juliana always takes a glimpse on me and when I smile at her, she only winks or waves her hand and smile back.
For God so love the world
That He gave His only son
Jesus Christ, the Savior, his most precious one
He has sent us His message of love, and sent those who hear
To bring the message to everyone
In a voice loud and clear
Let us tell the world of His love
The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked astray
And lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners
With His light from up above
Walk every step, every mile, every road
And tell the world . . .
Tell the world of His . . . love . . .
Their music guild's orchestral performance of "Tell the World of His Love" receives a standing ovation from the whole crowd. This was also followed by Juliana and Nicole's duet of "A Friend Like You" and the Kids' Praise choral of "A Friend Loves at All Times," "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," "Mighty to Save," and "The Lord is My Shepherd." The finale was the heartwarming solo of Suzy in the song "Indescribable" by Laura Story and Juliana's "Journey" by Angela Zhang. Of course, my band also had a special number- "You Raise Me Up" by Westlife.
Even though, I am really not fond of it, it doesn't matter for now, because Juliana is so happy. When the concert was finally over, everyone congratulates Juliana and Miss Corpuz, my manager, even offered Juliana an album contract. Of course, I told her to accept it. It might be the start of the fulfillment of her dreams.
"I told you, you're great," I said.
"Know what? This very moment is the most memorable thing that I ever had in my life. You see? Everyone appreciates the show and we earned a million! It will surely help the kids and the church," she exclaimed happily then giggled into laughter.
"Juliana, darling," Nana Gregoria approaches us. Juliana kisses her on the cheeks and they hug each other. "Child, you made it."
"Yes Nana, I made it through God who strengthens me and of course, with the help of Nathan, who made this event possible," she said as she turns to me. I only nod at them then I return to my band mates.
"Bro, thanks for all your help," I said.
"Man, no problem," Ethan answered as he taps my shoulder.
"Seems like your girlfriend made the show so lively and worth rememb'ring," Levi smiles.
"She isn't my girlfriend yet," I laugh.
"Not until later," Chris insists.
I only shook my head while laughing.
"Bro, is our show continue tonight?" Ethan utters again.
"'Course. I've been waiting for this very moment.
"That's what I like on you idol," Levi laugh.
"Just remember that we are always here to support you," Chris said.
That night, I asked her to go out on a date. We just go for a dinner on a fine dining Asian resto. Just like an ordinary random moments, we only talks about certain things.
"This place is very nice," she said with that sideways smile again. That time, we are now eating our meals.
"Juliana, just wait for me here? Okay?" I said.
She only nods so I head off towards the stage. I gave the signal to the crews and staffs there. I get the microphone and begin. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Nathaniel Chance Villarta, and I am here on this very moment for a special someone who truly captures my heart." I look at Juliana's direction and I can see the shock on her expression. I only wink at her.
"Ahhh . . . ," everyone exclaimed in chorus.
"I hope she will appreciate this."
The orchestra started to play Janno Gibb's "Fallen For You" and then I started to sing.
Our little conversation, are turning into little sweet sensations
And they're only getting sweeter every time
Our friendly get together, turning into visions of forever
If I just believe this foolish heart of mine
I can't pretend that I'm just a friend
'Cause I'm thinking maybe we were meant to be
I look at Juliana and she is smiling. This time, I will make a vow on this very moment that she is the one- my only one love, the one I truly deserves. She is the one who mends, heals, caress, and captures my heart. I loved her even before I realized and admitted to myself that I really do.
I think I'm fallin,' fallin' in love with you
And I don't, I don't know what to do
I'm afraid you'd turn away
But I'll say it anyway . . .
I get the bouquet of flowers from the staff of the resto then walk towards our table then I kneel in front of her.
I think I'm fallin' for you . . . I'm fallin' for you . . .
She gets the flowers from my hand then smiles while giving me this 'what-are-you-doing' look. I only wink at her then head back on stage again.
Whenever we're together
Wishing that goodbyes would turn to never
'Cause with you is where I always wanna be
Whenever I'm beside you
All I really wanna do is hold you
No one else but you has really meant this much to me
I can't pretend that I'm just a friend
'Cause I'm thinking maybe we were meant to be . . .
During the time that I am singing, I never left the sight of her.
I think I'm fallin' for you . . . I'm fallin' for you . . .
Everyone gives me a warm applause.
By the time that I walk towards her again, she is already crying with her right hand on her mouth. I kneel in front of her again. "Would you consider my effort because I think I'd already fallen for you? Can you be my girl from this day onwards, Juliana Antonette Escalante?" I ask.
"Yes!" she exclaimed as she hugs me. The whole crowd cheers us and they even request for a kiss. But we ignore all of them, and I kiss her on her forehead instead.