NOT Your GUARDIAN

TALENTED

Being a lone Rose in the garden, I never thought I could get so worked up over a Daisy in bloom. All because of a single whisper.

***Sasi***

*********

When we arrived at the Plaza, it was swarming with people and spectators. I could see a number of tourists scattered around the place. There were Europeans, Asians, Americans, and a lot more. I could feel my anxiety starting to form in the pit of my stomach, but it was suddenly relinquished by a hand that lies on my shoulder.

“Relax. I am here.”

Mr. Raki whispered softly near my ear and closed my eyes for a while. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and when I opened them again, I felt a lot at ease.

Yes, I have Mr. Raki beside me, the boys, Lin, and her family. I am safe.

I chanted as we walked towards the function hall in the heart of the plaza that looks like a mini-park with flowering beds of Jungle Geranium around the place. The flowers were in different colors of red, yellow, and pink that were very pleasing to the eyes.

Outside the covered hall, the crowd was lined up along the sides and Lin ushered us to keep in line as well. 

“Please stay on the sides, the parade of floats will come soon.”

She said as her family stood among us.

“Aren’t we going in?”

I asked.

“We will later. But first, we will watch the arrival of the floats.”

“Floats? what are those?”

“You will see later, Miss.”

Daniels answered me with a wink.

We moved in line with the people who were there first.

The boys’ barricaded behind me to keep a good distance from other people. The hand that was on my shoulder stayed there and I must admit, I liked the feeling of his palm on me. It gives me enough courage to stay in my place and not panic. I crossed my arms in my chest protectively as he pulled me closer to his body. 

My fear began to melt as I stood there beside him. I became more aware of his presence than the bickering crowd around me. The surrounding suddenly looked like a blank canvas and nothing was there but the two of us standing side by side. I didn’t notice when I eagerly slid myself closer to his body, when I welcomed his warmth to surround me..but it was really comforting to be in his arms.

I really couldn’t get why I felt so secure when I was with him. It feels like I have known him for a long time already, that I could trust him with my life. I felt like wherever I go, no matter how many people crowded me, I will always be fine with him around. And the fact that I depended on him makes me so annoyed, but I cannot do anything about it either. As if I could protect myself on my own?

 He has proven himself twice by saving my ass so why the hell am I still irritated by the thought?

Suddenly, the crowd went frantic and that’s when I was awakened from my stupor. A gigantic and colorful parade of vehicles adorned with different decorations were starting to arrive. 

Loud booming music coming from the band at the front made the scene so alive. The drums, the cymbals, and the lyre were in tune in an upbeat rhythm. The flag dancers were so lively twirling the poles with flags in different colors. They wore magnificent-looking costumes in black, and neon colors of orange, yellow, red, and blue. They also wore headdresses made of assorted flowers and it adds up to the beauty of their attire. 

Over the huge floating vehicles were beautiful women dressed in traditional costumes. Their smile was contagious while they waved at the cheering crowd.

Happy Kulay Festival.

It was written in bold letters at every float that passed us by. I noticed the hanged bundles of onions, garlic, hay of rice stalks, bundles of corn, and dried fishes at the sides of them. 

“What are those foods for? Why are they being used as a decoration?”

I asked Lin who was standing on my left.

“Oh, today is the first day of The Kulay festival, it is to celebrate the good dried-food industry in Batanes. So they hanged those to introduce our local farmer’s products specially to the tourists.”

She explained.

Street dancers in a revealing costume out of hay stalks pass us by and the boys roared in cheer. I couldn’t help but laugh at their reaction. The dancers move fluidly with the music, and they were so good that I clapped so hard until my hands went red…

After the procession, we proceed to go inside the Covered Hall. Tables and chairs were arranged around the medium-sized stage and Lin’s father, Mr. Domingo, has already saved us a table near the stage for a great view of the performances. There was a large space at the center of the floor, and I have no idea what it was for.

The festival program has ended, and I thought we were going home, but the second part of the celebration just started. 

Loud music played and some natives began dancing in the center space and now I realized its purpose. Their bodies were swaying, twisting, jumping, twirling in a very funny way. I can't help but laugh. They seemed to enjoy the music so much that I also swayed to the beat.

"Aren't you tired?"

Mr. Raki, who was sitting on my right, whispered at me.

"No. I am enjoying myself."

I replied cheerfully as I glanced at the boys who were also enjoying themselves. I’m glad I decided to come.

Then suddenly the music stopped, and the host spoke.

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Ara ka mangu? (How are you). The night is still young, so we prepared a little surprise for all of you. We will be having an impromptu talent contest for our foreign guests! And it is with a cash prize of Ten thousand pesos courtesy of our mayor! Isn’t that amazing? But the catch is, our muse will be the one picking up the contestants."

He pointed at the cute lady wearing a red tank top and a white pleated skirt in pumps so high, I don’t dare to measure. She has a white sash across her chest indicating the word, MUSE.

"Is that fine with you ladies and gentlemen?"

A round of applause evoked in the night and so it was decided.

So, the MUSE started rounding tables and picking out contestant after contestant. All foreigners,but the moment she swung her head and caught a glance at our table, I already knew it.

“Ohoi, look at that, it seems like the lady noticed my male pheromones.”

Jose’ exclaimed, clapping his hands.

“Shut up, he saw my handsome face, that's why.”

Daniels brushed his chin with his fingers and smiled widely.

While Jiro and Mr. Raki kept their silence.

The lady started walking in the direction of our table, she had that seductive smile playing along her lips. I swear I knew what that flirty little smile meant.

As I take a good look at her, she's quite dashing. A Morena beauty in her mid-twenties maybe. Her brown skin shimmers in the lights. Her round eyes twinkling as if she just found her prey, her deep curls swinging as she walks sexily towards us, her red lips grinning widely.

And when she leaned forward to grab Mr. Raki’s hand, all of us were stunned and failed to react right away.

“Would you like to join us, pretty boy?”

She said flirtatiously at him, which I don't know why irritates me so much.

Mr. Raki looked at me for approval, but my eyes were on his wrist still being held by the woman. My brows automatically went up high in the ceiling, so he let go of her grasp on him as if he was burned by her touch.

“Hey, I wanted in too.”

Daniels whined.

“Me too! Take me!”

Jose’ raised his hand eagerly.

“Oopsie, sorry boys. But only one representative per table. And I take the most gorgeous.”

She smiled cunningly. 

“Ugh.. that’s unfair.”

Daniels and Jose’ dueted and Lin’s family laughed with the woman.

“So, shall we, pretty boy?”

She turned to Mr. Raki and he glanced at me again.

"Ugh!..do as you like. I don't own you or anything. Enjoy."

I said, nodding. But I couldn't seem to hold my temper, even when the lady smiled sweetly at me and guided him to the stage. I was left vexated on the table.

As the show proceeded, we watched the foreign aspirants try their best to stir the audience, Mr. Domingo brought some food on the table with three bottles of a local black-colored wine. He offered the boys to drink which they eagerly accepted aside from Jiro who were still seated silently.

“Miss, this is Palek. A wine made of fermented sugarcane juice. Try it.”

Lin handed me a glass which I drank eagerly. I felt thirsty.

Some girls danced, some did a karate chop show off. Then it was Mr. Raki's turn. I wonder what he will be doing. Maybe ask the martial artist for sparring?

I was surprised when he walked towards the center of the stage hugging a guitar against his chest. It is in the color of deep blue.

Really?

Does he even know how to play that thing?

Maybe just for props? Will he smash the guitar on his head?

I thought about some funny things while I drank the wine which I found sweet and delicious. I am not a wine expert, but I know what a fine wine tastes like and this is one of the most exquisite I have ever tasted.

I wasn't even finished with my thoughts when he started playing a tune so smooth, so calming, and gentle that all my doubts disappeared. He was good, even better than most. And though the tune was foreign, I think I have heard the song somewhere…

Lift your head, baby, don't be scared…

Of the things that could go wrong along the way,

You'll get by with a smile,

You can't win at everything, but you can try.

I was mesmerized.

His voice was soft yet cold…

Warm and angled.

I can't put in the right words.

I just felt the butterflies start to erupt in my belly..

hundreds-no…thousands of them..

Baby, you don't have to worry,

'Cause there ain't no need to hurry.

No one ever said that there's an easy way,

When they're closing all their doors,

They don't want you anymore,

This sounds funny, but I'll say it anyway.

I really wonder why I’m feeling so light-hearted.

I’m not even aware that Mr. Domingo kept giving me a glassful of Palek. I lost count of how many I had been drinking until now.

Girl, I'll stay through the bad times,

Even if I have to fetch you everyday.

We'll get by with a smile,

You can never be too happy in this life.

He sings as he was looking directly at me…as if conveying the feelings of the song..

As if he can save me from my own fears..

As if he owns my soul.

'Cause in a world where everybody,

Hates a happy ending story,

It's a wonder love can make the world go 'round.

But don't let it bring you down,

And turn your face into a frown,

You'll get along with a little prayer and a song,

Let me hear you sing it.

Tudu du..tu du du du du..tu du du..

I never noticed that the crowd started singing with him.

Of course, they know the song.

It’s original Filipino music I once heard on Spotify.

Good choice of song Ai sat*.

*(asshole)

As he finished the song, most of the audience, especially ladies, squirmed in unison, followed by a booming round of applause.

He ended up the winner of the little game. Upon receipt of the prize money, I saw the lady muse clung into his arms as they walked towards our table. 

What? Is she sending him over? The fucker won’t be lost! God!

But I must say, they do look good together.

And there came an unfamiliar sting in my chest as I watched them talk cheerfully while walking.

It's not a nice view. And I downed another glass of Palek.

Really, what the hell?

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*THE NEXT MORNING

I stirred in my sleep as I felt a heavy log-like object across my thigh. I tried to move both of my arms, but it was also stuck. So, I slightly opened my eyes to see what was pinning me down. And imagine my terror when I am greeted by Mr. Raki's sleeping face, his lips just a few inches away from mine. His sweet breath fanned my face.

My body was enveloped by his arms in a very tight hug, I can barely breath. And his leg was fixed across my thigh that's why I can't move. What happened? Why am I sleeping beside this bastard??

Shiaaaa!!!!!

…to be continued.