The junior and senior promenade officially started. The Mayor and the Vice Mayor were done giving their speeches. Arjay fixed his tux because he knew he will be next; that’s according to the invitation he received. He looked at the stage and he saw Diana went to the podium.
“Our last guest for tonight is a charming, young professional. A graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and the heir of Altamira Family Learning Center, ladies and gentlemen, let us give a round of applause to Mr. Ferdinand Altamira Jr.” Diana introduced him.
He stood up and went to the stage. Diana was waiting for him. When he reached the stage, Diana gave him the microphone. He intentionally held her hand. She looked at him and he smiled at her. She pulled her hand from his hand and went down the stage.
He went to the podium and smiled to ease his nervousness. He caught Diana looking at him from below the stage. He smiled at her and returned his gaze to the audience.
“Distinguished guests, teachers and administrators, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant evening to all of us. Junior and senior promenade is an event where we dress beautifully and elegantly. It is also the night where we could choose the people we want to enjoy the night with during the Carnet dances. Whether these people are your friends, your special someone, your crushes, or your unrequited loves, being able to share this night with someone is an experience, a memory you would want to treasure with for the rest of your lives.
But why do we celebrate this particular event? We celebrate this promenade for us to learn how to socialize in a formal way, to develop our social skills. You could say ‘We do socialize every day.’ But do we do it formally? Yes, we socialize every single day, but do we follow a certain etiquette?
This is like your stepping up to the real world, especially when you became professionals in the future or you just want to hold a formal party at your houses. You learn to socialize with different kinds of people, you learn how to dress, walk, talk, and act properly, or you just want to make memories… memories which you can hold until the end.
At this point in time you might already want to dance with the people on your list, or you might already want to enjoy the food, but this is my advice to you, be graceful in every dance, treasure every moment, and enjoy every chitchats you will share until the night lasts because you will never know if that particular scenario will happen again. Because this is an experience and in every experience there is a question, ‘What do you want to remember?’” he glanced at Diana. He returned his gaze in the crowd. “That’s all. Good evening and enjoy the night.” He ended his speech.
He went down from the stage. He fixed his gaze at Diana. He wanted to talk to her but she went up on the stage with her partner. He just went back to his seat.
“Let us now call on our Grade 10 and Grade 11 students to showcase their Cotillion dance.”
All the juniors and seniors stood up. Arjay stood up too, and went to the restroom.
Diana followed Arjay with her gaze. How will she face him? She wanted to talk to him but she can’t. She has got her emotions mixed up now. Should she make the first move and talk to him? Will it be okay? But she doesn’t have the guts to do that!
“Are you okay?”
She turned to her side and looked at her partner. She nodded.
“Yes sir, I’m fine.” she said and smiled.
“You don’t seem fine, mi’lady.” He said.
She nudged his arm. He laughed a bit.
“What? I’m just trying to remain in character, and I was just trying to ease you up, you seemed so bothered!” he whispered.
“I’m fine, really.” She said and smiled a bit.
“Are you cold? Here take my coat for now.” He said and removed his coat.
“It’s fine. I’m okay. I promise.” she said.
“Are you sure? You should grab the opportunity now, girl! Me being a gentleman is good for one night only!” he said. Diana laughed, knowing full well that Paul is a member of the LGBTQ community.
“Fine. Let me borrow it for a while, my Lord.” She said and rolled her eyes before smiling sweetly at him.
Paul put on the coat over Diana’s shoulder and as the Cotillion nearing its end, Diana accidentally took a glimpse on Arjay’s table and saw him looking at her intently. His face was dark. Wait, was he jealous? Diana slowly drifted her gaze so Arjay won’t notice her looking at him.
The cotillion song ended and the students took a bow and lined up to march back to their seats. Paul went back to the stage. Diana remained in her seat.
“That is a splendid cotillion dance coming from our young ladies and young gentlemen, don’t you agree? Let us all give them a round of applause, please.” Paul said when he was already standing in front of the podium. The audience as well as the students clapped their hands. “We may now have the first half of the Carnet dances. For the knowledge of everyone, the songs will be played consecutively, because the continuation of the search for the Prom King and Queen will be held during this time. Maestro, music please.” He said and the first song blurted out on the speakers. He went back to where Diana is.
“May I get my coat now, mi’lady?” he asked when he reached Diana.
“Here you go, my lord.” She said and handed him the coat. He put it on.
“Let’s go to the guests’ table. We need to tell them that they need to choose who they think are the best couple in the crowd.”
Diana frowned.
“Wait, what? They are going to choose from the crowd? How would they supposed to know who these young ladies and gentlemen are?” she asked, confused.
“That’s what madam principal said. She also told me a while ago that it’s one of our roles as the emcees for the night to identify whoever they chose.” He said and pressed his lips together to make it appear as thin as possible.
She also pressed her lips as she realized what she needs to do: to approach Arjay because it is needed. She stood up and Paul offered his arm to her. While they are walking towards the guests…
“You know what, I noticed something.” Paul whispered, but he didn’t even glanced at Diana.
“What is it?” she asked.
“One of our guests never took off his gaze from you. Somebody has a huge crush on you I supposed.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You might have mistaken.” She said nervously.
“I’m certain. Anyway, let’s go to him first.” He said and pulled her towards Arjay’s direction.
“What are you doing?” she asked, almost dragging her feet away.
“Don’t make a fuss. Besides, we’re really going to him whether you like it or not.” He whispered and smiled at Arjay. Arjay smiled back. “Good evening Mr. Altamira!” Paul greeted.
“Good evening sir.” Arjay replied, and glanced at Diana. “Good evening, ma’am.” He greeted her.
“Good evening sir.” She greeted back.
“So I suppose this is the part where we choose the prom king and queen?” Arjay asked.
“Yes sir. We’re glad that you are already informed.” Diana said.
“We’re not, actually. I just assumed it is. Just a quick question.”
“What is it, sir?” Paul asked.
“What if I can’t choose from the students, can I choose from the teachers?” Arjay asked and gazed at Diana.
Paul smiled knowingly. He cleared his throat.
“I’m afraid you can’t choose anywhere else aside from the students, sir. But you can ask whoever it is during the dance dedicated to the guests and visitors.” He smiled.
“Alright. Thanks for the information.” Arjay smiled at Paul.
“We’ll be back later for your pick, sir.” Diana said and she pulled Paul away from Arjay.
“See that? See that?” Paul asked excitedly.
“You’re just guessing, you know that? Let’s go to the other guests before you forgot to remain in character.” She said and they went to the Mayor and the Vice Mayor.