After winning the beauty title in school, Aila is really not comfortable about the fact that she will be competing for the citywide pageant; it was too raw and live that she does not like the idea that someone might pry on her identity. Unlike modeling for print ads, no one ever asks her name even her agency is not allowed to talk about her private life.
She requested her staff to inform the principal that she is not interested in competing for the citywide pageant. The principal readily agreed and announce that Aila will not be able to join the pageant, instead, Zaira; the first runner up will be the one taking her place. Aila was happy that it was easily arranged; now she can focus on the few days remaining of her high school life.
Aila and Reese are staring at the school bulletin board, Graduation photoshoot, class pictures, closing parties, and of course the most awaited; graduation ball. Aila is looking forward to these final activities that will complete her high school experience.
Roy was speaking in front of the class, explaining the last two weeks of their class;
"This coming Friday, we will be spending our closing party at a private resort we rented. Those who are willing to stay overnight are welcome; the food will be provided for all of us."
The venue was chosen and sponsored by Aila's family, this way she will feel more comfortable and safe. Thursday night, Reese is already at Aila's home since they decided to go to the meeting place together for their closing party.
"Girl, what are you going to wear? I am super excited!"
Reese asked Aila, who was busy fixing her hygiene kit.
"I'm not sure, let's go to my closet and look for clothes."
Aila invited Reese so she can get the clothes she wants.
Reese's eyes popped out seeing Aila's closet,
"Oh my God! Just how many clothes do you have? This is like a department store, this is crazy!"
Aila chuckled, "These are personally picked and made by my stylist, so for sure there is something that you want somewhere there."
They ended up choosing matching outfits for the party; they arrived just on time at the meeting point where they will be riding a private bus going to the resort. Aila and Reese were both wearing denim shorts and white tank tops. Reese was wearing a purple pastel colored cover-up; while Aila stuck with her all-time favorite white lace cover. Both of them are wearing aviator shades, Reese's hair was down, while Aila's hair was tied in a messy bun, but it made her look more appealing.
Roy approached Aila and Reese,
"Good morning princess, I've reserved your seats these are your tickets, this is at the middle part of the bus, and security will be watching you closely so please be at ease, you don't need to worry about a thing."
Roy had good intentions but it made Aila feel a little uncomfortable since she knows a lot of eyes are on her, nevertheless she just appreciated it and thanked him.
Both Aila and Reese are only bringing one luggage since they packed their things together. Aila's simple getup still lured eyes on her, she's definitely an eye candy; Reese hugged her friend from behind while they were waiting to board the bus.
"How can you get used to this?"
"Huh?"
"All eyes on you wherever we go, hey, FYI security staff doesn't make it obvious that they are watching you, so no, these people are not our staff."
Aila sneered at Reese; "You have a very wild imagination."
"I'm certainly not imagining things, I'm just your background, but I sure feel uneasy with the stares."
"I try my best to ignore them, this is why I always appear indifferent to others; I'm not faking it, I really just don't care much."
"Yeah, I can imagine, how can you show care to all these people? you'll get tired."
Reese was slowly integrating into Aila's world and is understanding and appreciating her better now.
"Let's go, the bus has arrived." Aila pulled their luggage to the loading area, Vince was there assisting others with their luggage.
"Hey, you look good with your shirt." Aila commended Vince, who was wearing a floral polo shirt. Vince visibly blushed; he thanked Aila for the compliment.
"Oops, did I just make him hope again?" Aila was scolding herself, for not knowing when her newfound friendly attitude brings false hopes to others.
Arriving at the resort, Aila and Reese went straight to their assigned room, it was specifically chosen by their security team to make sure the princess is safe and comfy. Aila and Reese went back to the beach as soon as they organized their things in their room.
The two girls sat together with the others who were sitting at the sand while chatting. One of them was bringing an acoustic guitar, so they started singing and having fun while Aila was just looking at them and smiling.
"Aila, why are you not singing?" Lyn (one of her classmates) asked inviting her to sing with them.
"I suck at singing; I am enjoying this listening to you guys." Aila humbly turned them down.
"What an awful alibi." Reese exposed her friend to their classmates.
"Guys, I've heard her sing, come on give her the guitar." Reese glared at Aila while passing the guitar to her.
"Don't be such a killjoy, sing for us; if it turns out bad, don't worry we won't meet each other after graduation anyway." Reese was trying to calm Aila who's not used to singing with an audience.
Aila reluctantly grabbed the guitar… she was feeling the music as she plucked the strings, getting familiar with playing the guitar again since it's been a while since she last played one.
"♪ When I first saw you, I already knew
There was something inside of you
Something I thought that I would never find
Angel of mine ♪"
Aila finished this one song that she loves playing and singing just because it was simple and she was lazy to sing and play a harder song.
Her classmates were in awe, how can she be a human being? She is clearly a goddess that was sent from heaven, she's perfect!
"Is there anything you can't do well?" Lyn was still recovering from Aila's display of awesomeness.
"Haha, I'm not that good, a mediocre at best, but thank you for appreciating it."
"Girl, I'm telling you that you are not a mediocre at all, no bias here coming from your best friend, hahaha." Reese was the stage best friend like before.
"Okay, stop it I'm blushing already." Aila tried to give the guitar back to her classmates.
"Ah, not so fast! We want more!" Lyn started the chant.
"more! more! more!"
Aila happily obliged, and played another song that she knew by heart;
♪I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate... ♪
Aila was conscious of the flashes of light she noticed but can't figure out where it was coming from exactly. She continued singing and playing because she did not want to alarm her classmates. Her expression however alerted Reese and Roy.
"What is it?" Reese whispered to Aila.