Arjay prepared himself for the Prom. He wanted to look distinct not for everybody, but for a particular person: Diana. He wanted Diana to see him, not only just a friend, but someone who is capable and willing to pursue her.
He looked up himself on the body mirror on the hallway. He was wearing a tuxedo that matches the dress he sent to Diana. He smiled as the image of Diana wearing the dress crossed his mind.
“Hmn… You are smiling. Are you excited to attend the prom? Or… are you excited to meet someone there?”
He looked at the reflection behind him on the mirror. He smiled at his mother on the mirror, she was smiling meaningfully.
“I’m excited to both, ma.” He said and turned around to face his mother.
His mother reached for his hand and enclosed it on her palms.
“I think I have a hint why you quit the seminary, son. But I am curious as to how?”
He smiled.
“She is an old acquaintance, ma. I knew her even before I decided to continue Theology.”
His mother frowned.
“I don’t get it. But you and Hanney – “
“I met her when I and Hanney were still together, ma, but I wasn’t aware I would fall for her after all those years. Don’t worry ma, I never cheated on Hanney.”
His mother smiled.
“At least that’s a relief. I hope you could share that part of the story to me soon because for now, you have a prom to attend. I wouldn’t want you to be there late, will I?”
“I will tell you soon, ma. I will just grab my invitation and speech and I will go then.” He said and smiled.
He kissed his mother on the cheeks and went back to his room. When he came out of his room, his mother wasn’t there anymore. He checked his wristwatch, he still has an hour before the prom starts. He went downstairs. His parents were on the living room.
“Here’s the car keys, son. Be safe on your travel.” His father said.
“I will, pa. Thank you.” he said and went to his father to get the keys. “Bye ma.” He said and continued his way outside.
He went to the car and started the engine. He closed the door and went on. After 15 minutes of driving, he arrived at the school. He drove inside the school compound and parked his car on the farthest left from the gate. There are already a lot of people scattered on the area. His eyes searched in the crowd. He walked towards the gymnasium. When he arrived at the entrance, he just stood there, his hands inside his pockets. A few who would walk past through him would glance, others would smile and he just smiled back even though he doesn’t know them. His eyes finally caught what he has been searching for. He walked towards the stage.
Diana wore the dress that was sent to him by A, not only because she loves the dress, but also, she has no other choice. Whoever gave the dress to her was an angel because she wasn’t able to rent for a dress, and the arrival of the gown spared her the time and money to rent for one. It’s a perfect fit. Seemed like the dress was really made for her, and she loved it. The only thing that’s left now is to find out who A is.
She arrived at the venue. A few students had already arrived. She went to the stage to check up on the decorations. After checking the decorations, she went to the sound and music committee.
“Are we good here, Sir Erwin?” she asked the head committee for the sound and music.
“Yes, ma’am. We’re just fixing the amplifier but we’re good.” he answered and smiled.
“Okay then. I will leave you for a while.” She said and turned around.
She saw Arjay walking towards her direction. She turned again and faced her co-teacher.
“On second thought, I might as well wait until you’re all set. Will that be fine, sir?” she asked.
“Sure. By the way, you’re dress looks good on you.” he complimented her. She smiled at him.
“Thank you. You look good on your tux, too.”
“I rent this at a funeral home.” He whispered.
Diana looked at him with wide eyes. Even the men who’s fixing the amplifier stopped what they were doing. He laughed.
“I was just kidding! Geez. I didn’t know you would all fall for that.” He said and shook his head while laughing.
Diana saw Arjay halt in the middle of the gymnasium. She laughed with Erwin.
“I didn’t know you had a dark sense of humor.” She said and scratched her temple lightly, careful not to mess her hair.
“That’s why I don’t joke often because of that.” He explained.
Diana looked at her peripheral again and Arjay was already walking away.
“Were you trying to avoid Sir Arjay?” Erwin whispered to her ears.
She looked at him.
“What?” she whispered back.
“Because you stayed when he was walking towards here. And when you saw him stop halfway here, you laughed with me. And now you’re looking at him through your peripheral.”
She laughed nervously.
“That’s quite a fast assessment…” she hang her sentence.
Erwin shrugged his shoulders.
“Why don’t you entertain him? He is a guest tonight, you should go to him and say hi.”
“I will just Sir Paul to do that. I still need to supervise the food and drinks committee.” She reasoned out.
“If you say so.”
“Sir, let’s test the music.” The mechanical team said.
“Sure. Let’s do that.”
They played a song. It was the same song played for the guests during the Vice Mayor and his late wife’s golden anniversary.
“What song was that?” she asked.
“Never seen anything quite like you by The Script. Why?” he asked.
“Nothing. It just reminded me of something.”
“That’s actually the song intended for the guests.” Erwin looked at her. “You seemed surprise.” He said.
“That obvious?” she asked.
“Yeah. Anyway, aren’t you going to check on the food committee yet? Only 10 minutes before the program starts.”
“Oh yeah right! It’s good that you reminded me. I will leave you here now.” She said and left.
She went to the food area. After making sure that the food are complete and all ready, she left and went to the stage. Sir Paul, her partner on emceeing, went to the stage with her.
“Good evening Lady Diana!” Paul greeted her.
“And good evening to you, too, Lord Paul!” she greeted back.
“You look rather dashing tonight, mi’lady.”
“You as well, my lord. Well, I have all the reason to dress up tonight because this is going to be a wonderful experience for all of us, don’t you think?”
“I agree with you mi’lady. And I am sure that all of us here went out of our ways to look as dazzling as possible for this very special occasion.”
“And for that, I am excited to see our stunning and ravishing Junior and senior students.”
“So shall we call them in, mi’lady?”
“Indeed we should!”
“Good evening ladies and gentleman! Welcome to this year’s Junior and Senior Promenade of Soliven National High School!” they both greeted.
“This JS Prom marks the revival of the most awaited special event, the highlight of every High school students’ high school life. And this evening, we are proud to present the young ladies and young lords of Grades 10 and Grade 11!” Paul said and a sweet, classical melody blurted out on the speakers, enveloping the whole gymnasium.
The young pairs were lined up on the entrance as they gracefully walked towards the center to take a photo before going to their designated seats. When everyone had already marched to their seats…
“Please remain standing for our invocation and the singing of the National Anthem.” Diana said and everyone in the room stood up.