C2 He's Watching

"Azhia Andrada. Sixteen, representing Grade 10!" The crowd cheered for me as I fiercely introduced myself in front of them and made some poses.

Instead of being irritated by the loud noise they make, I like it more. I secretly laughed in my mind because I heard my brother's voice. He was holding a megaphone, and everyone was cheering for me. He looked like he was on strike at a rally.

After introducing ourselves, we went back to the center to dance our production number again. I smiled as I faced the judges while dancing seductively. I am used to this. Participating in pageants is familiar to me because I have attended only school-based pageants. Because I'm not overexposed outside because they don't like mommy.

I was home-schooled way back in elementary. This High School I am in is an all-girls School, and because of that, I envy my brother for having his freedom.

"There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, our 20 lovely ladies from the Junior High School Department wearing their Casual Wear." The emcee started. People keep on cheering and shouting for their bets. My gaze suddenly diverted to my family. My eyes almost widened as I saw him beside my brother. He was looking at me intently. I immediately looked away and smiled at the judges again. Oh my gosh! He's here. He's watching me!

"Our best in casual wear is no other than," the emcee paused for a while because of the drum roll sound effects. "It is none other than, Candidate number 11. Ms. Azhia Andrada."

I walked modestly in the middle. I also got the Best in Production Number, but sadly I wasn't able to get my favorite award, Ms. Photogenic.

"Thank you, ladies. You may now proceed backstage."

I immediately got dressed, and my fellow candidates did the same. We were wearing the same color and design of the gown. My stylist tied my hair into a low bun to reveal my sexy back. I don't know why I suddenly got nervous. I'm used to this, but it's a different story when my crush is watching. This is the first time he can watch me, so I have to win. I need to impress him.

Relax, Azhia. It's just him.

I let out a deep sigh and calmed myself down. I smiled and enjoyed what I was doing. As expected, I entered the top 5 again. I was satisfied with the question and answer. I answered that quickly and adequately. I've got the brain and the beauty. Investment can't just be good. They say, what is beauty if your grade is 70?

In the end, they announced me as the winner. I am now the Ms. Foundation 2011. I was tired of smiling at the camera because we were being photographed. I want to visit them, mommy. I want to see him, too.

"Another solo shot for the grand winner, please."

I squinted secretly before going to the center for another shot of me. I smiled and tilted my head a bit for a good angle.

"One more, ma'am," the photographer requested again. Terrible! When will it end? Maybe he'll leave later; perhaps I will miss catching up with him!

I was very grateful when mommy came to me voluntarily. I roamed my eyes and panicked a bit when I didn't see him. It's the photographer's fault!

"Congratulations, baby! We are so proud of you," my mom said as she hugged me tightly. My brother did the same. Dad wasn't able to watch my pageant because of some errands.

"Mommy! I'm already sixteen years old." I jokingly rolled my eyes at her. I also emphasized the teen's words and quickly glanced at Chaos. He remained silent, wearing his dark aura. I thought he had left, but I didn't notice him behind my brother. Thank God, I still have a chance to finish.

Azhia? Can you drag him, even if you don't look him in the eye? You're already a coward; can you drag him any further?

Mommy and the photographer called, and they immediately came to us. My mom requested a family picture.

"Join us, Chaos," mommy invited him when she noticed his retreat earlier. Maybe he thinks that he doesn't belong in the picture.

"It's okay, aunt." He smiled and assured us that it was all fine. I secretly prayed that mommy would force him. Well, at least I can be in the picture with him.

"It's fine. Besides, it's your family picture."

My mother laughs because of that. He came over and pulled Chaos to my side. Wait, what? I blinked more than twice to ensure he was standing beside me.

"You're a family too." That's right, mommy. He's going to be part of our family soon. Thinking of him being my husband makes me smile even wider.

"Closer," the photographer requested. My eyes widened because of his gentle movement. Because of what he did, our skin touched, which caused me a strange sensation. I should thank the photographer for doing that.

Very heartbeats! Can't you guys calm down? The speed is too much and the power. Shameful, Chaos might hear.

I was disappointed because the pictorial ended quickly, unlike my solo shots earlier, which almost reached nine in duration. My snout grew even longer when Chaos rejected mommy's invitation to him. Mom invited him for dinner, but he immediately refused because of some reason.

We stopped a bit when we reached the parking lot. He said goodbye to mommy and brother. I was looking at him when he suddenly shifted his gaze toward mine. Our eyes met a little, but I immediately avoided it because I couldn't. I thought he would also say goodbye to me, but I was wrong.

"Congratulations."

I almost jumped in shock because of his sudden speech. It's just one word, but it immediately had a significant impact on me. I don't understand myself at this time. Damn you, Azhia! Where is your courage now?

"Uh, t-thank you."

Oh my gosh! Why did you stammer in front of him? It's just a simple thank you, Azhia, but you haven't done it right. And wait, did I say 'po' to him?

I heard my brother chuckle before speaking, "So rude of me. Sorry, I forgot to introduce my friend." He walked over to his friend and turned to look at me again. Not just a look but a mocking face.

"Azhia, this is Chaos Valderama, my friend."

I know, brother. I know.