'I need you both to work on my friend's wedding. He was my classmate in college, before I went to the seminary. He is one of my best friends, so I trust you could be professional and work with him and his fiance,' Fray Christian, the priest, spoke up.
I do have my doubts about this, because honestly, I was not prepared.
Who would?
'Oppa,' Hannah said as she stood up.
'I insist,' came hyung's stern voice. At that moment, I wanted to back out instead and let her have the project.
'Hyung, I would agree,' I said, but then Hannah looked my way. The way she did made me think again about what I should say. I was too shy to look back at her.
She did what I was expecting. She walked away, slamming the door behind her. In a split second, my instinct told me that I should follow and stood up, only to find her stopping at her tracks by the entrance.
I walked slowly towards her, and as my eyes were fixed on her, I noticed her hand move up to her face. Presumably wiping a tear or two from her eyes, I felt all the guilt in the world shoot right into my heart.
Looking at her from a distance, I wondered : Will she ever forgive me if I tell her the truth?
*****
'Okay, let's call it a game. Sophies won, see you tomorrow guys,' I called out to the team as I took my backpack and began to walk a tad bit faster to the covered walkway. The pageant starts at two in the afternoon, and it was already five minutes before two. As I walked my way, someone tried to block me. Looking at the one who did, my blood boiled for quite a moment. In an instant.
'Hi Geoff,' Faith said. Dressed in a white midriff blouse with a denim jacket swung on her shoulders, she was likewise wearing heavy makeup. I wanted to walk away that very moment, but then I talked to her. Surprisingly and sternly.
'Will you please let me through?' I said.
'What's the hurry?' she said, trying to touch my shoulders, which made me step back almost instantly.
'Don't touch me,' I said. 'Let me through.'
She moved sideways, but as I passed she spoke of something that blew my mind up.
'What do you see in her, Geoff? Is she really worth it?'
I stopped walking and turned to face her.
'You know what, stop being so childish,' I said and realized that she was not worth my time. I turned around once more to get to the venue and hurried up. By then, I could almost hear everyone's roaring voices inside.
Just as I got in, her name was called. I was standing in the doorway, eyes fixed on the stage. My feet were glued from where I was, and as she approached my side I could attest she looked at me and gave out her smile. Her unpretentious smile. Eyes reshaped into two crescent moons and giving out her all, I wondered how in the world did I ever get so lucky that I have her in my life.
I stood in there like a fool, as I was conscious enough to know that I was smiling from ear to ear.
In this young life of ours, I began to envision us together when we grow old. It was a far-fetched idea but still, my young heart can only dream so much. I was lost in a trance until I heard her name being called, not by the emcee, but by the crowd. I looked at where they were and when I saw that most of the audience were of the male race, I began to feel something creep up in my heart. But then it didn't take away the pride I felt for Hannah, even when she had her doubts about this contest. I tried to remember their faces when I came across a friend and teammate. When he saw me he called for me to join him, and it was then when I saw that Hannah's friends were beside him. I smiled at them and went to where they were.
'What took you so long, dude?' Bernie said, who was seated beside Mae. If I had known better, this guy is likewise concocting something sweet for the lady beside him.
'Sorry, I just had to deal with something unimportant,' I replied and watched the show unfold in front of my eyes. The contestants came back for the talent portion and for the first three, I could only hear an applause from the crowd. When Hannah's turn came the crowd went wild once more, and I just knew that I couldn't stop it so I smiled since I know that she is already safe and secured. With me.
As she played the first notes of the song 'Moonlight Sonata' by Beethoven, I was mesmerized. Her concentration on playing the piano was something that would leave a mark on my mind for a very long time. I never knew she could play this well, and as she finished I saw the crowd stunned, either by her or what she played. As she stood up to take a bow, everyone gave her a standing ovation.
The Q and A was the most crucial part, and I was the one who felt really nervous. They were asked about social issues, and hers was about bullying.
'What can you tell students who are being bullied?' the male judge asked.
She smiled at first before speaking.
'Don't be afraid to speak up. It would only hurt you if you keep quiet. Bullies love to see you when you're down, so better stay up. Take the higher road and don't hurt them. The world would be a better place if we give out more love than hate.'
I knew it was an answer from her heart.