Chapter 2- Don't you like it?

We started to make plans as time flies fast. We were only given a limit of 1 hour to come up with an idea and enact it in front of the spectators. I wrote a short dialogue for us to memorize. We only have 30 minutes left. It was short, so I immediately memorized it. When we tried to practice it, I gasped in surprise to learn that the 3 kids were not good readers at all! They felt ashamed and bowed their heads. I could feel the helplessness in them and I feel bad for them. 

"I'm sorry. I want to help but I'm not a good reader. I know it is not an excuse but I hope you can help us." The girl named Rhea said downheartedly. The others told us that they were sorry too. I was beyond bewildered to learn that these kids are from the outskirts of the city. They studied at the public school, but they didn't attend school regularly because it was too far. They have to travel by foot and has to cross a river from home to school. There were also times when they didn't have money to buy food for their breakfast and lunch. 

"What do you think we should do?" I asked worriedly as I looked at the mysterious, beautiful girl named Aria, asking for help. She looked back at me and said,

"Maybe we could minimize their role and read it to them and let them memorize it by hearing it from us," she suggested brilliantly.

I was pleased with the suggestion and thanked her, The girls positively agreed and said that they could memorize it that way. I immediately revised the dialogues, and we patiently read them to them. Thank goodness, it seemed that the girls were good at memorizing just by hearing so when our group was called, even though nervous, we somehow pulled it off on a bit above average performance.

We inhaled deeply and smiled at our best as we finished it with a bow. They all gave us resounding applause. When everyone was done, we all gathered at the center as they announced the best performers and the best group.

Everybody waited silently as the thrill of being called. I, too, waited in suspense when I suddenly felt a hand secretly reach and hold my hand. I looked at the person in surprise. Her face was looking forward as if she did nothing to my frantically beating heart.

She finally looked at me, but questioningly. I was surprised by her brazen, but nonchalant attitude. She was making me speechless, but at the same time, pleased with how she was making me feel special.

"Look forward." She ordered me with her flat voice as she kept holding my hand comfortably. I knitted my brows but eventually followed. Somehow, I didn't feel uncomfortable. My heart was even delighted.

"Don't you like it?" She seemed to refer to how she held me tightly. I smiled at her question. I find it silly and cute.

"No. I don't dislike it." I answered honestly and stole a glance on her way. Again, I was taken by surprise when I saw the corner of her lips lifted with a smile. It was beautiful making my heart throbbed more than expected.

"And now, the long-awaited part, the announcement of the best group performance and best performer." The Emcee announced and all of us shouted with yet!

"For the best performance, everybody, drum roll, please give a hand to Group 18! Yuna's group!" I was surprised when our group was called. We are all frozen for unexpected recognition.

"Yuna's group, come to the front claim your reward, and take a bow." We reluctantly walked in front but when we arrived, they all gave us a round of applause that boosted our confidence to receive the award as the best group performer. We all smiled proudly at the prestigious award.

"As you all know, this performance activity is not just an on-grade activity. It aims at how you interact with one another despite being strangers on which all of you can stand as one despite being new. The cooperation you show means that all of you are capable of interacting in various situations you are in. It also means that you have courage, leadership, and faith." The President of the School said as he personally gave us the award.

The President personally gave us the Scholarship certificate of the institution as an award which gathered multiple gasps from the crowd. We are all surprised by the magnanimous prize bestowed upon us.

We bowed again as we give our thanks. As we walked on our way back, but the President held my shoulder indicating me to stay. I looked puzzled.

"As for the Best Performer award, I give this award to this outstanding lady beside me, Miss Yuna Cefero. She did not just showcase her abilities as an actor of the play, but also her leadership to adjust everybody fitting for the role. When she got aware of the problem that lies, she immediately asked assistance to her group mates. Therefore, she brings the group into 1 influenced one another to cooperate." The President announced that seared my heart high with nervousness and excitement.

I bowed my head once again and everybody clapped their hands. I looked at my group mates, and they gave more resounding applause. As I walked back to them after I was given the award, my soared-high feeling sank immediately when I found no traces of Aria anymore that day.

I wonder why she left. It seemed like my heart was being stabbed not being able to see her more.