Finally, I already found the drawing I sketched for this story! It should've been posted at the beginning! Anyway, here's the next chapter. Thank you for reading!
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CHAPTER XII
Jen and I went to office early that Monday so we could go home early to practice for my performance on Friday. We also asked our boss if all the four of us could take a day off on Friday because it was the last day of the engineering week and he was fine with it as long as we finish everything by Thursday. Jen, who is part of the engineering college government, suggested to the project heads of the singing battle that it would be better if they kept the engineering students wondering who would be representing each course which they gladly accepted. Kenny was still disappointed with me regarding the contest; he really wanted me to sing. It gives me pain to see him sad about that matter but it would be so much better if I’ll surprise him with my performance. Every day, before I go back to the condo unit, I would practice in Jen’s condo unit, with Iris, Louis and Pete as the judges and Jen as my coach. The night before the contest, my friends and I went to the mall to buy myself clothes to wear at the competition.
“I think it would be better if you wear polo, then a cardigan, black jeans, then a boat shoes.” Iris suggested. The girls are so better at this, I mean, I dress myself well, but they’re just like black belters in shopping. Only that, they take hours before they finally decide what to buy. After several hours of mix and match, finally, we’re off to dinner. I treated them for helping me out through the week. I didn’t know what to do without them. After dinner, we all went back to Taft. I dropped by KFC to buy Kenny something before I go back to the unit. I asked Jen to keep the things I bought with her so Kenny wouldn’t see.
“Hey babe, how’s your night out?”
“It was fine. Iris and Jen went shopping and it took them centuries to decide. And oh, I bought you a double down.”
“Gee, thanks babe.”
“How’s school today?”
“Average, we had a quiz in engineering economics, I didn’t know how to answer some of the questions.”
“You’ll do better next time, I’m sure.”
“Thank you. I missed you so much this week babe.”
“I’m sorry, workloads are too much together with our thesis.” He pulled me to his chest and kissed me on the head.
“It’s okay babe. I understand. Just don’t push yourself too much. Okay?”
“Yes sir.” And I kissed him on the lips.
“You should go and sleep now, you look pretty drained and you still have work tomorrow. I’ll follow once I’m done with all of this. Our organization asked me to make banners for the representative to tomorrow at the singing competition. I hate it. It would be much better if it was you, you know. I’d be making you not just banners but streamers, videos, and balloons.”
“Sorry to disappoint you babe. Next time, I promise.” And I went to bed to rest before the big day. The next day, before Iris went to school, Jen, Louis, Pete, and I had a meeting at Starbucks to talk about the plan.
“Okay, Iris, could you take Kenny somewhere before the competition starts. He shouldn’t see me, Louis, Jen, and Pete preparing. Pete, please take in charge of the music and other stuff. Jen, stay with me. I need my coach. Louis, just help Pete.”
“So are we all set?” Iris asked.
“Yes! Thank you guys.” I exclaimed before Jen and I headed back to her condo unit while Iris went to class and Louis and Pete went to Louis’ place to set up everything. Time passed by so fast and I realized that I’m sweating too much in the back stage.
“Jen, I think I wanna quit.”
“Migs! You can’t quit right now. You’ve done everything to make this perfect for Kenny. You can’t just waste the effort that we all put together.” Jen said convincingly in her high pitched voice.
“And if you quit, I’m gonna kick your ass off this stage.” Pete exclaimed. Iris called to inform us that Kenny is already in the audience and the four of us must not come out before our performance. I would be performing last, and I was trembling as I hear all the other contestants hit the notes. The civil engineering student performed a splendid number singing I don’t wanna miss a thing. I bet he would bag the gold medal while the industrial engineering student would take home the silver medal as she belted The Prayer. Until, I realized that it was my turn to sing.
“The electronics and communications engineering!” the host said for the nth time and Jen dragged me to the stage. It was still dark, and I couldn’t see anything. I had my back on the audience. And the spotlight flashed to me, and the music began to play. I breathed deep before I hit the first line.
It’s been a long and winding journey
But I’m finally here tonight
Picking up the pieces
Walking back into the light
Into the sunset of your glory
Where my heart and future lies
I could see Kenny standing up smiling and teary eyed. My heartbeat went faster. He’s the only person I can see amongst the crowd. Everybody was a blur, and it was like, I’m just singing on a stage and Kenny is the only audience I have. But it didn’t matter; it’s a lot better than performing in front of a mammoth crowd.
There’s nothing like that feeling
When I look into your eyes
My dreams came true when I found you,
I found you, my miracle
If you could see what I see
That you’re the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel the tenderness I feel
You would know, it would be clear, the angels brought me here
The crowd started to clap while Kenny was yelling and cheering for me. I even heard him shout, “That’s my boyfriend singing there.”
Standing here before you
Feels like I’ve been born again
Every breath is your love
Every heartbeat speaks your name
My dreams came true right here in front of you
My miracle
If you could see what I see
That you’re the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel the tenderness I feel
You would know, it would be clear, the angels brought me here
Brought me here, to be with you
I’ll be forever grateful, oooh forever thankful
My dreams came true when I found you
My miracle
If you could see what I see
That you’re the answer to my prayers
And if you could feel the tenderness I feel
You would know, it would be clear, the angels brought me here
You know I love you baby “Kenny”
I thought of changing the word baby to Kenny to let him know that this song is solely dedicated to him. I love him so much.
And if you could feel the tenderness I feel
You would know, it would be clear, the angels brought me here.
As the music faded, some people in the crowd stood up to clap and cheer for me especially my friend. And Kenny was yelling at the top of his lungs. I was happy to see him like that, and no medal or trophy could equalize the love and support that my boyfriend has given me. It was the best award that I could ever receive. All the contestants were called to the stage as the hosts open each envelop.
“Now, taking home the bronze. We have the………….. Chemical Engineering!” The chemical engineering students in the crowd stood up and clapped for their representative. I was not expecting anything but I’d still like to win for my fellow ECE students and for Kenny
“Next envelop please.” The host slowly opened it and unfolded the piece of paper then smiled.
“And for silver. We have the………………… Civil Engineering! Congratulations.” Crap! My chances are getting low. I was losing my hopes until Kenny shouted, “ECE for the gold!”
I’ve never seen him act like that in the engineering weeks in the past few years and I was glad that he was there to uplift my spirit. Then the judge, who is the Dean of the college of engineering, took over and unfolded a piece of paper from the last envelop. She called on the five remaining contestants to take a step forward.
“And finally the gold award.” The crowd remained silent as the judge prolonged the revelation of the winner.
“Let’s us all congratulate the Industrial Engineering.” The industrial engineering students went wild as their representative cried with tears of joy. I was a bit disappointed but I know that they really did sing better than me. I was clapping for the winners until the judge interrupted.