Fariah went down the stairs wearing a long gown. Layered with rose-shaped underneath it. It is red in color with silvery glitters on it. She chose to wear that kind of dress herself. She came up with the design herself with a help from Carys. They’re also the ones who bought the fabrics from the boutique. She loves the feeling she got from it. Although she’s not really feeling that comfortable because she’s showing off some skin. But it’s fine. She likes what she’s wearing. You can never go wrong with choosing red as a color for your clothes. She feels empowered. Her chosen color gave her some type of booster for feeling confident in carrying herself well with the kind of dress she’s wearing.
As she reached the end of the staircase awaits her friends and her partner for the night, Rafael. They are all smiling at her with their eyes in gleam. She cannot contain herself to smile too. But she knows something is still missing. There’s a void inside her that’s been wanting to be filled up. And only one person can fill the void that she’s feeling. Mike. He’s maybe with Sasha during this time. Showering her with compliments. Of how she looks beautiful with the dress she has. Mike must be smiling too brightly in approval with Sasha’s gorgeous appearance. At the thought of it made her stomach churned in pain. She shook her head lightly. Trying to get it off her head…
A hand is being offered in front of her. And it is from Ray. She accepted his hand and placed her palms on top of his hand. Ray led her towards Rafael who’s smiling at her.
“Here. Take good care of her for us, Rafael.”
“I will. Thank you for placing your trust upon me.”
“Be subtle with your touch, Rafael. Okay? I don’t want you to hold her impulsively. Hold her close but be gentle.”
“Are you still sure you’re gay, bro?” Rafael chuckled.
Ray looked at him sternly with a smile on his face. “I know myself, Rafael. More than you know me. And yes, I am still gay. Why you’re asking me that question?” Ray gasped while placing his hand to cover his mouth. And he did it with a feminine touch to his action. “Don’t tell me you’re interested in dating a gay?”
“Alright. Times up. We need to hurry.” Carys intervenes with the two of them. And pulled Fariah gently towards the door. “C’mon. It’s time for us to go. I gotta see Warren at the event venue.”
“You’re too obvious, Carys.”
“Shut up, my RAY of sunshine.”
Ray pulled Carys outside the house towards the garage. Fariah and Rafael are the ones who are left inside.
“Well. I forgot to tell you that, you are stunning. You loke fiery, lady. Red is your color.” Rafael said it in a playful manner.
“Thank you, Rafael. You looked dashing with your tuxedo too.”
“Happy to have you as my partner, baby.”
“Likewise.”
“Let’s enjoy this night, shall we?”
“We will surely do enjoy this, Rafael.”
“Care to give your friend a hug?” He spread his arms for a hug.
Fariah laughs at the sight of Rafael gesturing for her to give him a hug. “You serious?”
“I am” Rafael nodded. “C’mon give a hug.”
Fariah went closely to Rafael and hugged him which he immediately responded. They were hugging each other when
“I’m thankful for the closure I got with you, Fari. You made me feel tranquil within me.”
“Why are you saying these things to me right now, Rafael. You’re really not usually like this. Is there something? You can tell me.” She said softly waiting for him to open up. Because Fariah can feel that there’s something weird with him right now.
Rafael pushed her gently. His hands are still on her shoulders. “I’m leaving the country after this.”
“What? Why?”
“For my own sake, Fariah.”
“When will you come back?”
“I-I am not totally sure if I’ll be back here.”
“I don’t know what to say, Rafael. But if it’s something that you heart truly wants then I am here to say that I support your decision.”
“As expected from you. Thank you, Fariah.”
“So-when are you leaving?”
“On Friday.”
“We’ll go with you at the airport. I want to give you my sincere support for your departure.”
Rafael moved his head in another nod before smiling at her lightly.
“But-what about her, Rafael. Did you tell her that you’re leaving?”
She is pertaining about Sasha. She knew a lot about her through Rafael. She knows what Rafael truly feels for his friend and somehow, she can relate with his situation of not being able to show your truest feelings for someone that you like.”
“I didn’t. I don’t want to see her before leaving. I’ll probably back out. My flight will get canceled.”
Fariah scoffed at Rafael. “You don’t want to tell her what you feel before leaving this place? She deserves to know your side too, Rafael.”
“I’ll be more comfortable with her not knowing anything, Fari. I don’t want her to expect something more from me that I cannot even fulfill. That’s why I am urging you to say your feelings for your best friend, Fariah. Both of you are in need of having a communication so you two can gain some type of clarity.’
“I will, Rafael. So- it’s the end of our collaboration?”
“I-am guessing it is indeed the end, Fariah.”
“You’re a great dance partner.”
“I can say the same thing for you too.”
“Partner, let’s give our full aptitude to this final moment. Okay?”
“We will, partner.”
They shook hands before giving each other a warm embrace… With a short span of time, she made another genuine connection with someone. Rafael proved her wrong with her prejudice. He’s a good person. It such a great thing to be able to connect with someone of the opposite sex with any intense romantic attachment but just pure friendship. She’s praying for Rafael’s safe departure with a happiness in her heart because it may the end for now but she will be seeing her friend again, someday…