After the first half of the Carnet dances, Diana and Paul went to the guests to get their pick. When they had gathered the guests’ choices, they went to the podium.
“While waiting for the results of the night’s Prom king and queen, let us have this song for our guests and visitors for tonight. Music Maestro.” Paul said.
The band played the “Never seen anything quite like you” by The Script. When Arjay heard it, he immediately stood up and went to Diana and Paul who are both gazing down and busy checking something.
"Look there. someone's coming." Paul whispered to Diana. she ignored him.
“May I have this dance with you.” he said and offered his hand.
Paul and Diana both lifted their gazes. Diana looked at Arjay’s gestured hand but she didn’t answer. Paul looked at Diana and when she didn’t move, he looked at Arjay and smiled.
“Sure, sir. You may dance with her.” Paul said and pushed Diana off the chair.
“Ahh - !”
She fell off the chair awkwardly but Arjay caught her. Diana leered at Paul.
“I’m so sorry mi’lady. I know you will not stand if I didn’t push you.” he said and winked at her.
She glared at Paul as a warning. Paul only smiled sweetly at her.
“Are you okay?” Arjay asked her.
She looked and smiled awkwardly at him.
“Yes sir, I’m fine.” she answered and stood up.
“Shall we?” Arjay smiled at her. She nodded and they walked to the dance floor.
While they were dancing, Arjay didn’t take away his gaze from her, but Diana on the other hand was looking away. He cleared his throat.
“You’re not answering my text messages nor answering my calls.” He stated.
Diana looked at him briefly but as soon as their eyes met, she looked away again.
“I’m sorry… I was quite busy actually, I don’t have the luxury to check my phone.” She answered.
Arjay sighed.
“Were you avoiding me?” he asked again.
Diana looked at him and she shook her head. The song ended. Diana let go of him and was about to go back to her seat when he held her wrist and stopped her. She looked at him.
“Let me take you back to your seat.” He said and offered his arm. She didn’t say a word but she accepted his offer. They walked back to where Paul is. Arjay smiled at Paul and left.
‘I can’t even talk to her properly.’ He said to himself and took his seat.
Diana and Paul went to the stage again and resumed the program. After the last half of the Carnet dances, they announced the new Prom King and Queen and the passing of responsibilities. It was already 2 in the morning when the prom ended. One by one, after a few pictorials, the students left the venue. Only a few students and teachers left to fix the tables and chairs.
Arjay searched for Diana and when he saw her alone, he grabbed the chance and went to her. He really need to talk to her and this time, he will not let her walk away from him. Diana had her back on him and she didn’t notice his presence so he cleared his throat and Diana turned around, startled.
“Sir Arjay, you’re still here.” Diana stated.
“Diana, can I talk to you?” he said in a serious tone.
“S-sure. You sounded like it’s urgent, why don’t we take a seat.” She offered.
They both remained standing.
“No, it’s fine. I just really want to know if you’re avoiding me.”
“You asked me that a while ago. Should I answer it again, sir?” she asked innocently.
“Yes… because honestly, I don’t believe your answer.” He said in a firm voice.
Diana smirked and scoffed and she looked away.
“I just want to know the truth, Diana.”
She looked at Arjay with a void face.
“You’re just asking, right? Then you should believe anything I say.” She grabbed her pouch and turned to leave.
Arjay shook his head and brushed his hand on his hair.
“It should have been sent! If you never entered the scene.” He said, his voice elevated a bit.
Diana stopped and turned to face Arjay again. She raised an eyebrow at him.
“I tried not to be tempted, but you insisted.” He continued.
Diana laughed in disbelief. She closed the gap between them so no one could hear whatever it is they need to settle.
“Insisted?!? Can you hear yourself? Are you out of your mind? How could I insist and be a bother to you? I never chatted you and we never seen each other after you graduated! Don’t pin everything on me.” she scowled at him.
“You’re right! You never chatted me nor we’ve seen each other after I graduated. But after that day when I got to see you again, I can’t stop thinking about you and… and the feeling that I resisted for years came back without a warning.”
“Then, that’s not my fault anymore.”
“It is! Because if you never showed up, then I should still be in the seminary, undergoing my 4th year in Theology.”
“How is it MY fault that you chose to be tempted??? I don’t even know that DAY you were referring to!” She closed her eyes and pressed her temple. “What are you trying to imply?” she said and looked him in the eye.
“Diana, how can you be so clueless???” Arjay is starting to get frustrated.
“I am tired. I am sleepy. And I can’t process anything at this time of hour so please tell it to me now, straight to the point.” Her voice is pleading.
Arjay pulled her closer and kissed her. Diana was startled and pushed him hard. She looked at him warily.
“You’re the reason why I quitted the seminary. You made me think and fall in love with you so deep, it kept me restless. I don’t know when it started but I want you to know that I love you, Diana Pangan. Sorry, but I don’t feel sorry kissing you tonight. If you don’t like it, you’re free to return it anytime.”
She froze. Is this confession true or is she hallucinating right now?
“Oh, one more thing before I forgot. Stop making me think of you, it makes me cazy.” Arjay said and left.
Arjay stopped himself to look back and see Diana’s reaction. He subconsciously touched his lips and smiled a bit. Should he go back and send Diana home? He felt guilty leaving her there. Should he give his coat so she won’t feel cold?
“Sir Arjay?”
He was startled and looked to where the sound came from. It’s Janwill. He smiled.
“Are you going to pick Diana up?” He asked when he closed the distance between them.
“Yes sir. What are you doing here by the way, sir?” Janwill asked.
“I’m one of the guest speakers. Anyway, do you want me to send you and your sister home? You can ride with me in my car.” He offered.
“I actually hired the trike of our neighbor, sir. We will be fine.”
“Okay then. Your sister is still at the venue, you can just go and pick her up there.” He said.
“Thank you sir. Have a safe trip home.”
“Thank you. You as well.” He said and they went to their separate ways.
Arjay went to his car but he waited there until he saw Diana and Janwill walked past his car. He watched them as they went inside the trike and the trike drove off. He also started his engine and went on his way.
It was past four when he arrived home. He went out of the car smiling when he remembered kissing Diana. He is guilty but he is not sorry for what he did. He went straight to his room and throw himself on the bed. He will get a good night’s sleep, that’s for sure.