Living in the Shadows

17th Rose

I stepped forward, and the world turned gray.

 All I could see is Maria Cristina, Macky.

All I could see is Macky’s beautiful face.

She is so beautiful.

Like a goddess.

So much like a Greek goddess.

Dressed in white, with golden ornaments.

Her curly brown hair. Her long lashes. Her round eyes. Her plump lips. Her slender body.

 She is just perfect.

Perfect for me.

I could see her expression, so innocent, she looks like an angel who won’t do any harm. She looks like a woman who hasn’t experience much in this world. So fragile, so pure.  

I held her hand and pulled her closer to me, my nose almost touched his right ear. Our bodies were too close to each other that I could smell her sweet scent like a dessert, like a soft moist cake with pastry cream, the scent of creamy custard used as a filling for cakes with a hint of vanilla. My eyes and her eyes locked. We started dancing and it felt like everything was in slow motion. The music started playing but it sounded muffled.

Is there something in my ear?

My heart started beating fast. This is something I’ve never felt before. I have not experienced this in the past.

Who is this woman?

Why is she making my heart flutter?

What is this feeling?

Why am I feeling this way?

How can someone I just met make me feel such way?

I want to be with you longer Maria Cristina, I don’t want this dance to end.

“Have we met before?” she asked while staring at my eyes.

Her voice is just so soothing. Hearing her voice, calmed me down, made me feel like I am free and lost in her enchanted world. This goddess just captured my heart and soul. It took me a split second to respond, as I continue to look at her eyes.

“Not sure, but this might be the first time. Hi, I am Derek Arthur, you can call me Art. Galileo asked me to save him from this. Soooo...here I am.” I replied to Macky while we dance, ignoring the crowd cheering, not minding that we’re dancing in front of a lot of people.

I got lost in her beautiful eyes. Such a beaute, unique, as I’ve never seen someone with pair like hers. Majority of it looks green but there is touch of gold. Such lovely green-hazel eyes. Looking at the windows of her soul made me feel like I am staring at the afternoon skies, radiating brown sun-warmed with inner gold, and reminds me of the green ocean. I don’t think that any words can comprehend the emotions I have right now.

It feels like it’s not the first time we met. We danced like we’ve rehearsed a lot of times, we moved as one, it’s as if we’ve been dancing together for a long time.

In my 25 years of existence, I have never met a creature as enchanting as this woman in front of me. I could say that this is a blessing in disguise. I was just thinking of saving a friend and returning a favor as Gali has been a loyal friend since we were kids. But this experience doesn’t look like I am returning a favor for a friend.

I am one lucky guy!

“Another round of applause for the 17th rose, Mr. Derek Arthur Roberts. May we call on the last dance, the father of our debutante, Mr. William Johnson.” the emcee of the party announced.

It was like I was awakened from a dream by the emcee as he called my name, and called Macky’s father for the last dance.

“Thank you, and happy birthday.” I kissed her cheek; I did let go of her hand and hips. I saw her blush and looked dazed.

I’ll never forget how her eyes sparkled. I know in my heart that she must have felt the connection between us.

Or am I just imagining things? Am I just assuming?

I walked away from the dance floor and seated myself next to my best friend Galileo.

“This is the best day of my life. I finally found the one.” I whispered to Galileo. He gave me an animated expression not believing the words I just said.

“Is my friend, Derek Arthur finally in love?” Gali laughed and patted my back.

“Are you going to propose now? Are you going to marry her?” Gali continued laughing mocking me.

“Yes, I know that she is the one. I want her. I want to be with her.” I replied with a serious expression on my face.

“How many tequila shots did you take? Are you sick?” Gali put his hand on my forehead as if checking if I have a fever.

“Stop it! I’m serious bro. I never felt this way before.” I removed his hand on my forehead and gave him a big smile.

I am serious. This time, I will not let this woman out of my sight, will not let her get out of my life. I know that she is the one.

(Sea of Love version by Lily and Madeleine playing)

I can’t stop thinking of this girl I met, Macky. I don’t know why I could not get her out of my head.

I rolled over my bed, covering my face with my dark blue blanket. It says 3:14 AM on my large digital clock on my bedside table but I couldn’t sleep. I looked at my room thermostat and it shows 18 degrees Celsius, still, I could not find my sweet spot in bed.

What are you doing to me Macky?

“Hey Gali, you up?” I sent a text message to my best buddy, my ultimate partner in crime, my ride or die Galileo.

I just stared at my bedroom ceiling for minutes, reminiscing the time I met Macky. The moment we danced. The way she looks, the way she stared at me. I keep on recalling the time I kissed her cheek, how she blushed and looked dazed. I am lost in my thoughts; I was snapped back to reality when my cell phone rang.

“Hello?” I answered.

“What’s up?” I heard my best friend on the other line.

“Yo, Gali! You gotta give me Macky’s number!” I responded excitedly.

“What the hell? I thought it’s something urgent!” Gali shouted at me with his raspy voice. He sounded like he just woke up.

“Yes bro, this is an emergency. I can’t sleep! I just can’t stop thinking of her. It’s like I am under her spell or something. Is she a witch? No, a fairy, because her beauty is just enchanting! I can’t stop thinking of her beautiful set of eyes.” Before I could continue my next sentence, I heard Gali snoring on the other line.

I just shook my head in disbelief and hang up. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling again. I just can’t stop thinking of this woman.

I want to be with you Macky. I wonder if you are thinking of me too. I wonder if you could still remember me. I just want to see you so bad and be with you at this moment.

(I Want to Know What Love is by Foreigner playing)