16 Her smile

"Get dressed your mother has been waiting for you for a while"

"Yes Mother Marta"

I took a shower and wear the dress that mom gave me. I was fixed and put on make up.

'I'm watching you

without you knowing

I dream of you being mine

Your red lips and bright smile reach up to the sky

Don't just look at me

And maybe my eager heart will melt'

Luke's POV

A singer sang as Rializ walked towards her parents with a smile.

And I am so proud of her with what she has right now and her achievement she's so mature.

"Ladies and gentleman, I thank you all for attending this party. My daughter is so happy today not only because she is with us but also because you are here. Please enjoy the night and cheerrsssssss!!!!"

"Hi handsome, lets cheers" a lady in red clinging to my arm

"Oh hi" I moved my body away from her

"Son come over here" mom called me

"Excuse me lady but I have to go"

I left the girl where I was standing and went to mom and dad. I was far away from them and I could see Rializ's face laughing at mom.

Just wait! Inhale exhale why Im feeling nervous right now?

"Yes it is you never change, you are still the Ria girl I know" and mom laughs

" Is that? I thought she has changed a lot." Mrs. Lopez said and then laughed

"Why are you talking about me?" a sweet voice caught my attention and I stopped

"Son you are here, come closer" mom called me

I just smiled at them.

"Son, remember Rializ?" mom asked me

I looked at Rializ eyes but she avoided it

"Yes po I remember her. Hi long time no see"  I give my hand to her for shakehand. I was not expecting that she will accept my hand.

"Yeah long time no see too. How's life?" she asked

"Boring" I answered and looked at her eyes

"Hmmm" and she bowed her head

"Good evening everyone!!!! The night is long so lets dance and get willlllldddd!!!!" dj's said

"Gooooooooo, Yeaaaahhhh!!! Party!! Party!!!! Ooohhhhhh!!!!

The music is so loud that Mrs. Lopez and my mom go inside the house to continue their chit chat.

I approached Rializ to talk to her

"So are you here in the Philippines for good?"

but she couldn't hear me.

"What??"

"Are you going to live here for good?"

"What? I can't hear you"

I came closer and whispered to her ear

"Let's go outside" and she nodded

I held her hand and we went to my car where it was parked outside their house.

When we arrived she let go of my hand.

A silence surrounded us, the music from their house was no longer audible.

"Whe-"

"Ku-"

"You"

"You go first"

We stared at each other and then we laughed.

Oh how I miss her laughter

"Alright, I'll go first" she said and her face became serious

She looked directly at me and said

"Are you happy?"

I couldn't answer immediately I was dumbfounded. Yes, I'm happy, but compared to before, my happiness is different.

"Yes, I'm happy how about you?" I smiled

"Me? Happy Im happy, very happy" then she looked at me.

Our breathed were heard from each other. So awkward

"How's the hacienda?" she ask

"Its fine. Same as before"

"Hmmm when can I go back there?" she asked herself

"Maybe tomorrow?" I responded

"What?"

"Why not?"

She stared at me

"Look, I'm serious Rializ. If you're free tomorrow"

"Nahh, Not tomorrow. My work at the company will start tomorrow. Maybe next time" she smiled and then she left me while waving her hand.