Thing is, while Rafayel doesn’t hold any value to me, what he did is a reminder, somewhat a waking-up call that I need to stop trying too hard. To stop yearning. To stopromanticisingand meddling.
All my life I’ve been a mastermind, but no one can mastermind love.
So I’ll let the right one come to me naturally. The script can write itself, but I’m done tampering with its words. I can put down the pen, and let it unfold.
Afterall, the romance I want most is not that which is written on page.
What I want is one that’sreal.
Twenty Seven
Twenty Eight
Two words, eight letters.
They orbit my mind like Saturns’ rings, consuming my thoughts when I fall asleep, and they’re still on their axis when I awake the next morning. My heart buzzes with excitement, just as I remember the text Marlon sent me.
Real date.
Yet, as consciousness reaches me, I remind myself that this isn’t really an actual date. Itcouldn’tbe. It’s just another part of the ruse, the act.
My mind and my heart don’t seem to agree with each other, though. During breakfast, I tell my parents that Marlon is taking me out for our anniversary.
“Iknewhe was going to surprise you for your anniversary,” Mum squeals at the dining table, squeezing my hand.
The whole morning, I spend scrutinising myself over what to wear. He told me to pick my favourite dress, but I’ve got aboutthreedresses I can choose from. My eyes skirt over my gingham options. Ria was right, I really do need some diversity.
“You’re going to pick your favourite pink gingham dress aren’t you?”
Her voice emerges from outside my wardrobe, surprising me. I glance over my shoulder at her, brows drawn together tensely.
“Is it good?” I ask.
“You always look good in it Ate, it’s why you overwear it,” Ria teases, “Because you know you look the best in it.”
I breathe out, the nerves in my chest making it a little shaky. I pull out the dress from the rack, glancing at it.
“You seem nervous,” Ria observes, and she’s right. I’m feeling a little more nervous than usual. Somehow, this feels different from our faux outings.
I shoo Ria out so I can change, but I just don’t want to answer her. I strip my pyjamas and pull the dress over my head, letting the material skirt over my skin. It hugs at my waistline, creating a defined curve that I hadn’t known existed.
The effect is instant, confidence blooming at my stomach, consuming me in a little bubble. I hurry over to my vanity mirror, and am greeted by someone who looks beautiful. Gorgeous.
Someone who could be the star of a romance. The dress transforms all the insecurities I’d been feeling over the last week, turning it on its head.
I’mbeautiful.
When it’s almost time for Marlon to arrive, I descend the stairs. My family all wait at the bottom of the stairs, and the entire scene is reminiscent of every movie-prom segment. Their eyes fall upon me once I come into view, their faces morphing into one of surprise. Once I reach the last step, Mum steps forward.
“Susmaryosep[10]!” Mum exclaims, her eyes a sparkle of adoration, “Ang sobrang ganda mo[11], Jaslene!”
Dad gazes at me too with a fatherly proudness, mirroring Mum’s.
“Mum, Dad, please. I’m just going on a date. I’ve already gone on dates with Marlon,” I chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood.
Mum’s hand caresses my cheek, “I know, but you look beautiful either way. As alwaysanak.”
A knock sounds through the house, and it reverberates through my bones, awakening every nerve. I’m now on high alert, my fingers pinching against the dress material. I breathe in deeply, hoping to calm my dangerously pounding heart.
