The Official English Publication of Sampaguita High School
Logo shown above is a copyright work of Mr. Eduardo Roque and Ms. Renalyn Maraya
FEATURE
Justin Jake Gicanal
Written: January 17, 2022
Published: April 28, 2022
One
LAST
Dance
How long has it been since our last dance? Do you still remember it? The experience you left is still limpid. Reminiscing that day makes my mind keener as I clearly remember all the things that we made. Tell me, do you still have it in you? The warmth sensation we shared through each other. Funny how we managed to steal the spotlight that day. Time does fly way faster than we thought. How I wish to be with you forever, but time doesn’t last long on how we would like it to, so we better not waste every second that passes
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The Junior-Senior Promenade, mostly known as JS Prom, is one of the most eagerly anticipated events that most students have been waiting to happen. This event seems to excite almost all students, considering that they will have the privilege to wear their fancy outfits or even dance with someone they admire. In its simplest terms, it’s a formal dance event that is being celebrated at the end of a school year.
To be blunt, I'm not interested in this kind of student gathering, deeming that I had no reason to pay attention to such an event that would not benefit me for good. Because for me, It's just an occasion that I would not be pleased to be a part of. Honestly, dancing isn't my thing. Not that I don't appreciate the elements of its existence, but because I'm having a not-so-flexible nor easy-to-sway body. I won't exert force on an activity that isn't meant for me, even though how fun it seems to be.
As time went by, my perspective towards this event remained consistent. I always thought that this event might only waste my time. But, my perception gradually changed when I met this girl. She was in the same batch as mine but from a different section. Her brilliant mind, lovely face, and heartwarming personality makes her character terribly unique. I remember the instance where my eyes were locked for a small portion of a second on the pair of her wide dazzling eyes, sharp jawline, perfectly carved nose, beige skin, and those pink soft lips just like rose petals.
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Little did I know that with only one glance, my heart started to throb in an unusual manner by
because of her vigorous appearance. I wonder what charm she used to captivate my heart. I don't actually understand why I discern this odd affection towards this girl, but one thing I know for sure is that among all the girls that I've met, she is the most peculiar. No wonder why I became a victim of "Love at First Sight"
Soon after, we became friends—like actual friends. I would say that she is not the type of person who’s hard to communicate with. In fact, we used to have conversations about our life experiences sometimes. That’s why I’ve always loved to talk to her because every moment I’ve dealt with her feels like I'm in heaven.
Then one day, an idea suddenly popped into my thoughts: Since the JS prom will soon be celebrated, what if I ask her out for a dance? Though I'm not trying to charm her heart the way she enchanted mine, I still think that it would be nice to create a memory with her that is worthwhile to carry forever.
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When the time came, the program finally took place. It was located inside the school's grand hall. The gleaming lights were visible from almost everywhere, which makes the event more distinctive. The students and teachers, with their seemingly magnificent dresses and suits, commenced gathering in the center to form a large crowd. All I’ve seen and heard from the people in my vicinity were hours of talking and minutes of complimenting.
Then a deafening silence ensued. In a matter of seconds, a girl walking from a distance stole the crowd’s attention. All of everyone’s eyes were fixated on this stunning creature. The temperature of the place instantly elevated as it was roamed by a warm breeze coming from the female’s aura. When the figure emerged and became visible, I realized the cause of the sudden metaphorical change in temperature. It’s her—the girl who I admire. My eyes were fixed on her for a second, the same as the other people besides me
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Photograbbedfrom: Nicole Alvarez
Afterwards, the light started to illuminate the grand hall. Signaling that the dancing session will be performed in just a matter of minutes. The song “Ang Huling El Bimbo” had commenced to be played by the band that our school officials’ rented. My soul tells me that I should make a move before my plan ends up in waste, but my body inappropriately screams otherwise.
I hate breaking promises and this dilemma is bothering my conscience. So I mustered all my remaining courage and took a deep breath even though I was in the middle of a hindrance. Then I rose to my feet and walked directly to her while preparing the words that I will tell. It might be an uncanny move to ask her to be my partner in this so-called promenade, but I have lived long enough to be this bold.
When I was already standing in front of her, she gave me a questioning look. "Uhmm... I know that this is a little weird to ask, but would you like to be my partner and dance with me?" I uttered with a quivering voice. Beads of sweat gradually formed across my forehead as seconds passed by. My body became vulnerable as my hands began to shake while my legs started to tremble. Did I sound so desperate? Was it really a good idea to ask? She doesn’t
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even know my real intent behind why I'm doing this.
"Sure," she concluded, as she showed a seductive and sweet smile. My heart has been brought to life with only one word that came from her mouth. Her breath was also warm. The way she talked to me was enough to sedate me. If only the latter knew how cute she was in that expression.
As the opportunity presented itself, I immediately motioned a requesting gesture by lending her my right hand as a sign to start our dance. When she realized what I was up to, she began to move her arm, signifying that she was willing to reach out and take my hand.
​
Both of our hands made a clasp and created a spark between the two of us. A spark that’s very soothing. We swayed our bodies, then moved our hands and legs as we followed every beat and tempo of the song. Once again, to be honest, I realized that dancing isn’t that bad. We literally nailed the dance, knowing that we succeeded in stealing the spotlight. Cliché as it may seem, unexpected like a dream.
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When I averted my gaze upfront and looked at her, I saw a person reflected in the wide mirror of her luminous eyes. It was me, the person who managed to make his dreams turn into reality. The way we exchanged glances was like a movie line. The two of us are trapped in the middle of our own reverie. No one can interfere, no one can overhear. I've never felt euphoria before, and I never imagined that she would entertain my strange approach.
“ I’m glad to be with you. I really do,” she enunciated slowly, forming a curve from her lips. I simply smiled in response. She melted my heart with those words. How can words melt the ice around my heart like that? It gave me an immense feeling that a mere human couldn't comprehend. Maybe love isn't just a word. It can be clear or vague, but that's what it is, you don't need words. You don't need reasons. You just need to know how to express it.
After the thrilling moment of excitement, the most exciting event of the day had finally ended. Indeed, the JS Promenade experience is one of the most splendid times in our high school lives. The night was marked with timeless and unforgettable memories where we wore our fancy ties and suits or princess-like gowns as if we were in a ceremony with a royal family. It was when we were at our best glam and glitz ever.
Whatever happens, however, everything will end; I am so glad that I'd made the best decision of taking my one shot of a lifetime. It was really worth it. I knew that there would come a time when everything would meet its own end. Maybe no one will remember that I brought you there, or no one will remember the day we dominated the event as the best partners of the promenade. Perhaps this story will fade in those yellowed pages. Hence, it will be forgotten until there is no trace of it. But, I hope that somehow, you could still remember the day that I asked you out for a dance. The day when the best day of my life happened. How it began and how it ended. I hope that you will find a place in your heart to keep that memory. Until the day that our paths will cross again; and until the day that I can have the chance to dance with you again.
