Faith's POV
Today is the day we've been eagerly waiting for in our town. Finally, we can dance the long-prepared routine. Days filled with sweat and fatigue, but also with laughter and excitement. One of those days, I still remember, Charie went live while we were rehearsing, and yes, she showed me off as if I were a celebrity in my own story. This isn't a competition, but a display of unity among schools with a common goal: to celebrate as a joyful community.
It's also not mandatory. It's our response to the invitation of our respected mayor. He's still young, yes, but full of compassion and every decision he makes comes from a sincere heart. He has already shown and proven more than expected at his young age. But honestly, age isn't really the measure of a leader. It's the purpose. It's the genuine desire to serve the town not just as a duty, but as a vow.
"Are you ready, Faith?" Charie asked as everyone in front of the mirror was busy—some fixing their hair, others adjusting their floating skirts.
"We should look our best today, Faith, especially since we're in front. Haha!"
I smiled, but inwardly, I sighed. Charie is really the star. She still couldn't stop mentioning that I dance well. It's true. But I never wanted to be the center of attention.
I also couldn't do anything when Charie and I were placed at the front of the group. We were both recognized as excellent by the trainer—positions I didn't ask for, but I embraced for the sake of all the rehearsals.
"Yes, Charie," I replied, turning to her. "Wow... you look beautiful today."
Charie looks beautiful even without makeup. But today, she has a special glow—her eyes are lively, and her smile shines brighter.
"Really? Is that a compliment or an insult?" she joked, pretending to be offended. "So yesterday, I was ugly, huh?"
"Oh, come on... You're beautiful every day. Actually, even without the sun, you're still beautiful."
"Haha! I know, right? But you're more beautiful. I really love your natural curly hair."
"There's no one more beautiful than us, Charie. We're all beautiful in different ways. God didn't create ugly people."
"If that's the case, who created Nicole?" she chuckled.
"You always include her in your conversations. Where is Charls now?"
"I saw Nicole earlier, and it looked like she got slapped in the face with blush on! Hahaha!"
Just like us, her dance position is also at the front. It's undeniable, she's a great dancer, even if she has some difficult traits.
"Let's leave her be," I said, almost sighing.
"Yes, Faith. I just hope... I hope she doesn't do anything foolish later."
"Let's just hope. I'll also avoiding her; I don't want trouble."
"That's right, Faith. Let's go, sissy."
As we exited the room, Charls approached from another room. He was momentarily stunned, then smiled broadly.
"Wow! My little sisters are so beautiful."
"We know, right?" Charie and I answered together, and we laughed.
"Let's go, girls. Do your best later, okay? I'll record you. I'll position myself near to mayor so I can get a good angle," he said with a smile.
"Sure, sis! Do your best with the filming, okay? I'll show it to Jairee later when I get home."
"Me too! We're coming with you later. We miss our handsome godchild. Wow, it's been so long since we've all been complete. Maybe our godchild misses us too."
"He always asks about you," I said, slightly smiling. "I tell him you're just busy. So he'll definitely be happy to see you both later."
"Let's go out this Saturday," Charls suggested. "Let's take him to the mall. We'll eat at his favorite fast food place."
"Your treat, Charls?" Charie asked, with a mischievous grin.
"Yes, but you're not invited. Don't be jealous. Just Faith and Jairee," Charls joked, pretending to be serious.
"Oh really?" Charie replied, pretending to be upset. "If I have a child, I won't make you godfather."
"Is there anything in there?" Charls pinched Charie's stomach. "You should have a boyfriend first before dreaming. Haha!"
"This has two cups of rice, adobo sitaw, and—"
"That's enough, Charie! How many dishes are you going to mention?" I interrupted, laughing.
We continued joking until we reached the venue—the plaza. This is where the town's festival dance will be held. A day meant to be full of joy, but I felt a growing heaviness in my chest, I didn't know why.
Soon, we were called to take our places. We lined up, waiting for the music to start. In front of us sat our esteemed mayor. A long table was prepared for the guests, and there were still some empty seats noticeable.
"Ladies and gentlemen," announced the emcee, "before we begin the performance, we would like to introduce our distinguished guests—the donor of our new school building. Please welcome Mr. Austin Garcia, CEO of A.G. Company, along with his friends: Mr. Casniel Lapara, Mr. Greg Angeles, and Mr. Hero Bautista. Let's give them a warm round of applause."
As the applause grew, all the noise around me seemed to fade away. The guests approached slowly, each being garlanded around the neck. And amid the spotlight and the thrill of the celebration, my gaze fell on eyes I had long been avoiding.
It's him!
Austin.
"...Austin," I whispered, almost unable to speak.
Time seemed to stop. I wanted to turn around. Leave. Run. Disappear. I never thought that after more than seven years, we would meet again. And in this way—here, in front of the whole town, on a day I thought would be happy.
"Faith? Are you okay?" Charie called out, touching my arm. "It's about to start."
"Y-yeah," I replied, trying to calm my nervousness.
The music played. My body moved automatically. My feet followed every step we had practiced for so long. But my heart? It felt like it was about to bounce out. I didn't even look at him anymore. I knew he was just sitting there, watching, perhaps wondering.
When the dance ended, I almost felt relieved. It was like I could breathe again.
I quickly returned to our spot. My hands trembled, but I tried to stay strong.
"Faith..." Charie whispered softly, clearly worried. "Are you okay? You look anxious. Is there a problem?"
"Charie..." I almost cried. "We've seen each other again... He's here. I'm not ready for us to meet again."
Charie sighed and held my hand.
"So what if you saw each other? Don't let it affect you. You did nothing wrong to him, Faith. He's the one who's at fault. So chin up. Show him you're happy, that you're whole even without him in your life."
"I hope... I hope they don't stay here too long. I hope we don't see each other again."
But inside, a question kept repeating—could it really be that he's the donor of the classroom? Oh, heavens!