S H O R T S T O R Y

"Good morning myseeelf!" I heaved a brief yawn before I get up. It will be an important day for me, dahil ngayon ibibigay ang imbitasyon mula sa palasyo para sa gaganaping Grandball. That invitation will be led as stepping-stone para mapalapit sa Prinsipe. And it's about to happen.

I didn't go into the comfort room to wash my face. This lovely and neatly self, di na kailangan 'yun. This gorgeous lady has never been woke up with gound on face. Hindi ako gaya ng iba na baboy sa katawan.

Dumiretso na lang ako sa dining room to eat breakfast. I need more energy now, dahil mamaya mamimili ako ng susuotin ko sa Grandball right after this. Hindi ako magpapakabog. I'll make sure that I'll be the prettiest woman sa gabing 'yun.

"Wait, where's my meal?" I frown as I looked on the table.

Napalitan agad ng inis ang excitement na nararamdaman ko matapos kong makitang wala pang nakahain sa mesa. Ang mag-inang 'yun. I'll punish them for ruining my day.

Pinuntahan ko agad sila sa bodega. I think they want me to wake them up. Nakakahiya naman sa kanila. Ako na mag-aadjust.

When I got there, I forcedly opened the door. "Hoy! Magsigising nga kayo diyan!" I exclaimed with a severe anger.

Pasalamat sila tadyak lang ang inabot nila sakin. I don't wanna waste my strength at magpaka-stress sa kanila. Not now. Di 'yun makakatulong, I have to preserve my energy. Pabebe pa. Antatagal pa magsibangon. My God naman.

"Could you please hurry up! My God naman. Inilulugar ang kaartihan." They stood rapidly as I sneered them, but they seem still unconscious.

Paalis na sana ako nang biglang nagsalita ang stepsister ko. "Pasensiya na Julie. Na-late kasi kami ng tulog. Maghapon kasi naming nilinis ni Mama ang loob at labas ng bahay tulad ng pinag-utos mo."

I look straightly at her with a fake compassion. "Really? What a woeful experienced." That look is pretty convinced them na naaawa ako sa kanila. I can't stop myself to giggle. "Eh ano ngayon. Deserve niyo 'yan, ambabagal niyo kasing magsitrabaho! And besides, you're not even guests here. Remember, you're just my servants. So, kung ayaw niyong mapagod, bukas ang pinto para sa inyo."

Matapos ang sermon na 'yon, I went out quickly from that stockroom. Di ko na rin kasi makayanan ang amoy, as if my nose is suffering from the dust and foul odor. I guess, I need to bathe. Besides, my breakfast is not yet ready.

I took a shower. Afterwards, I dressed up a plain short red fitted dress and put on a make up. Tutal, mamimili na rin naman ako right after my meal 'ng ganito ka-glam'. Dahil gusto kong ipamukha sa lahat that I'm the only woman who possesses a fascinating, glamorous, and gorgeous personality. At walang sinuman ang makakapantay o makakahigit pa doon.

"Julie may sulat ka!"

That shout of my annoying stepsisiter was interrupted me from EATING. Pero pinalampas ko na lang 'yun, dahil dumating na ang invitation letter na pinakahihintay ko. She approached me immediately hawak-hawak ang letter. I noticed on her face the delight as if na kasama siya sa inimbita. Is she insane? I took it right away from her, baka kasi madumihan pa niya.

"Julie kung di ako nagkakamali imbitasyon 'yan mula sa palasyo," she added with a grin while staring at the letter.

"Ano ngayon?" pag-irap ko sa kanya.

"Pwede mo ba kaming isama ni Mama? Promise saglit lang kami doon. Gusto lang namin makita ang Prinsipe."

Ambisyosa ang gaga. Really? Ang kapal naman ng mukha nila para gawin 'yun. Did she look already at the mirror? She doesn't even possess a white and glow skin like her ugly mother. Even her nose is flat like her breasts. Really? These two grimy and disgusting women want to attend at the Grandball. Seryoso ba sila?

I nodded. Tumayo ako at nilapitan ko siya ng dahan-dahan. "Go ahead, if that's really what you want. Sino ba naman ako para pigilan 'yang ambisyon mo," sabi ko habang nasa likuran niya.

"Talaga Julie, papayagan mo ang anak ko na pumunta kami? Di mo alam kung gaano mo kami pina—"

"Oo! 'Yan ay kung isa kayo sa inimbita. Lyra, why don't you read the letter carefully para naman malaman natin kung kasama nga talaga kayo." I gave that letter to her. I quite feel her nervouseness. It seems she knows what I'm pointing out. Masyado kasing ilusyonada.

"Dear Villaflor... We would like to say that you are invited at the Grandball that will be held in the Wilford Palace at—"

Hindi ko na siya hinintay pang tapusing basahin ang nakasulat doon. Kinuha ko na agad sa kaniya, 'cause I already heard enough info. "So paano na 'yan mukhang di kayo invited. Sayang naman," I sneered. I see on their face the frustration, and it made me amuse.

"P-Pero apelyido lang naman ang nakasulat. W-Walang pangalan."

"Exactly! That's the point. Bakit Villaflor ba kayo? Yes you're both Villaflor, kaso fake nga lang. Pasensya na ah, bawal kasi ang mga kagaya niyong mapagpanggap sa Palasyo."

Her tears started to drop down onto her shoulders gradually. Who cares? It's her fault at all. Nawalan na tuloy ako ng ganang kumain. I think I gotta leave now. Pero bago ako umalis, there's one thing I remind them. "Maita, just make sure na sa pagbalik ko malinis na ang kitchen, dahil magbi-beauty rest ako doon mamaya. Clear?"

"Sige masusunod," she nodded.

Tumalikod na ko. I continued to walk away pero napahinto ako dahil may isang bagay akong nakalimutang ipaalala. "One more thing, don't you ever try to come at that party. Kilala niyo kong magalit, at siguradong hindi niyo 'yun gugustuhing mangyari."

Dumating na ang gabi, the night that I've been waiting for. The night where my dream will be fulfilled, and that is to be a fascinating princess. A princess who will never be forgotten.

I'm wearing a luxurious glimmering long bluish dress. The flickering tiny white and blue gems make this dress more glamorous. I'm also wearing a glossy silver tiara and glass high heels. My hair is quite relax on wavy look with thin braids in both side. I doubt na may makakahigit sa akin. This is my night. I'm pretty sure Prince Ethan will fall in love with me kapag nakita niya ko.

Before I leave there's one thing I made sure. I noticed a gown hanging up, kakulay ng sa akin. Sigurado akong kay Lyra 'yun. Halata naman, eh badoy taste ng babaeng 'yun. Ginupit-gupit at winarak ko nga. Tingnan ko lang kung masuot niya pa. I'm right, they were planning to escape. Pasensya na lang sa kanila, I won't let that happen. I'm not afraid na baka maagaw niya sa'kin ang Prinsipe, miracle doesn't exist in this reality. Natatakot lang ako na madamay sa kahihiyan. Pagkalabas ko, pinad-locked ko ang gate just to make sure na hinding-hindi sila makakalabas.

"Let's see kung makakapunta pa kayo," I laugh after the smirked.

I started to walk away when there's someone suddenly APPEARED at my front all of a sudden. My both eyes widen open from a shocked. I keep staring at her. "Who-are-you?"

"I am your Fairy Godmother."

Fairy Godmother? She doesn't look like one, though she's wearing long pale violet plain duster and triangle faint violet transparent hat and even she has a colorful transparent wings. This fat and old lady is referring herself as fairy. "My Fairy Godm-mother?" I chuckled. Nababaliw na yata itong Manang na 'to. At nagawa niya pang mag-costume ha.

"Infairness sa costume mo ah, makokotohanan. Apparently, wala akong candies. And besides, hindi pa naman Halloween nga—"

"I'm here to punish you," she drawled with a serious voice and calm face.

After I heard what she said, I became serious while I'm looking at her. I don't know, pero I feel na di siya nagbibiro sa mga sinabi niya. Paparusahan? Para saan? Isa lang ang ibig sabihin nito. Indeed, she's crazy.

"Manang, sorry but I've no time to talk to you. I have more important stuff to do. Maybe, maghanap ka na lang ng kagaya mong loka-loka." After those words, I decided to walk away. Fairy? Sino, siya? Ang manang na 'yun. Hay, ang dami na talagang pagala-galang loka-loka ngayon.

Palayo na sana ako, pero nung bigla na naman siyang nagsalita natigilan ako. "Oo, fairy ako at di ako baliw gaya ng iniisip mo. If you still don't believe, let me prove it to you." She remained calm and serious while saying that.

My skepticism was suddenly faded away after I saw a wand that appeared onto her right hand all of a sudden. Mayroong kulay violet na dyamante na kakulay ng suot ng Manang na 'to na panay kinang. It's so exquisite. Pero, How did she do that? Is she a magician? Pero hindi, I witnessed how did that thing appear. Imposible namang—

"Tell me, sino ka ba talaga? Paano mo 'yon nagawa?" I demanded with extreme eagerness. But she just gives me a smirk. "Just like what I've said earlier I am your Fairy Godmother," she insisted.

So totoo nga, isa siyang fairy. Paano?  She looks like a mere seller in the flea market. My God, ganyan pala ang itsura ng fairy. I keep looking her from top to bottom repeatedly habang iniisip ang mga bagay na 'yun. Pero kahit ganon, di pa rin ako makapaniwala sa nalaman ko.

"So tell me once and for all, bakit ka ba nandidito? To beautify me? Sorry, but I don't think gagana pa 'yang magic mo. Look at me now, my beauty is way better than the real princess," sabay umikot ako ng marahan to showcase that. But it seems she's not yet contented. Only chukcled I saw on her face, and it really insults me.

"Yes, you're right. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. That hair of yours is so shiny. Your glowing and white skin is really attractive. Even your sharp nose and brown eyes are captivating. You can allure any man you want because of your sexy body. But—"

"Anong BUT? Wala ng kulang sa'kin." I demanded.

"You're being too complacent. It changed you a lot into worst. Let me just remind you na di basehan ang panlabas na anyo para matawag kang maganda. The real beauty comes from with in," she pointed out her right chest.

So she means the HEART. Ang corny ah. Sa bagay manang na kasi siya, kaya maging kasabihan niya kapanahunan niya rin. "You know what, wala na kong pakielam kung fairy o Diyos ka pa. Insecure ka lang sa ganda ko, kaya bitter ka. Tiyaka pwede ba, get out of my way MANANG!" I continued to walk without hesitation.

Hindi pa ko nakakalayo, biglang nagliwanag ang buong katawan ko na naging dahilan sa paghinto ko at paglingon sa MANANG na 'yun. I'm pretty sure siya ang may gawa nito because that light surely came from her wand. "W-What the h-hell are you d-doing t-to me?" I asked with stammering, but she just gives me a bit of chuckle. I don't know, but this light around my body is creeping me out.

"You know what Julie, dahil sa pinapakita mo you're just proving me that you really need a RETRIBUTION."

After a while, the pester light was vanished. But a feeling of unease came over me as if na nagbago ang katawan ko. The fascinating, glamorous, and gorgeous I possess parang naglaho na lang ng bigla dahil sa liwanag na 'yun. I look at my both arms, and I couldn't believe to what I saw. Mayroon itong mga guhit-guhit na kulay berde na parang mga ugat ng puno sa sobrang dami, iiw.

Ganon din ang nakita ko sa mga paa't binti ko. I touched my neck and face, and they seem has those green root lines, too. I can't imagined that my glowing and smooth skin was turned into rough and pale easily as if na may skin disease ako. Tuloy-tuloy ang panginginig ng mga mata ko habang pinagmamasdan ko ang kutis ko. I-It c-coudn't b-be.

"Of course it can be. Remember, I'm Fairy Godmother. So I can do a lot of things; I can create, destroy, heal or even curse, like what I did to you," she smirked. But how did she hear what I'm thinking. I doubt she's fairy, she's even worse than a monster.

"—I can also be a Mind Reader, too," she added.

"How dare you! W-What have you done?!" My tears started streaming down onto my gown gradually as I realized my current condition. I tried to look at the mirror through the window, a-at di a-ako makapaniwala sa kung ano na ko ngayon. H-Higit p-pa sa inaakala ko ang i-itsura ko. I almost don't recognize myself. "A-Anong... ginawa m-mo... sa'kin?!" I demanded while I'm glaring her, but only a mirth she gave.

"Let's say, I'm just teaching you a lesson," she answered quietly after few seconds.

I exclaimed as I heard her statement. "L-Lesson! You're calling this CRAP a lesson. Are you insane? Ano ka teacher! Ang sabihin mo inggitera ka lang dahil palibhasa losyang ka na."

"Alam mo walang kahihinatnan 'tong diskusyon na 'to. Why don't you just come at the party, baka ma-late ka na. Sayang naman 'yang glamorous gown mo. I'm really sure that the Prince is now waiting for you," she sneered.

"Are you mocking me? Do you really think na a-attend pa ko sa Grandball na 'yun after what you've done to me!" I decided na umuwi na lang. Hindi ako papayag na makita ako ng kahit sino sa ganitong anyo. Never, lalo na ang prinsipe. I'd rather choose na magkulong na lang sa bahay. I almost get over her when there's something happened. I can't move my body as if there's someone is manipulating on it to keep me from going. And I'm sure na ang Antribidang Fairing 'to ang may gawa nito.

"Uuwi ka na agad? Sayang naman 'yang suot mo. You've been waiting and planning for this for so long. Gusto mong makita ang Prinsipe, hindi ba?"

I want to speak to defend myself, but I couldn't. Ni-hindi ko magawang ibuka ang bibig ko. Antribida kang Fairy ka, daig mo pa'ng stalker sa paghalukay sa buhay ko! Bigla niyang kinumpas ang wand niya paturo sa kalsada. I bet that she'll do again something disgustful and peculiar.

There's carriage suddenly appeared onto the road at our front after the disappearance of the purple light. It looks like a pumpkin because of its orange color and figure. There are also greenish vines and leaves arounding it. But it looks horrible and withered, iiw. Tama, parang Halloween pumpkin 'yun. Anong klaseng karwahe 'yan. Nakakadiri at nakakatakot. Even the two dim horses are terrifying.

"'Yan, siguro naman di ka na mali-late niyan sa Grandball. Binigyan na kita ng masasakyan mo. Baka naman kasi sabihin mo sakin napakalupit ko," then she grinned with the amusement.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa narinig ko. She wants me to get on that carriage. Is she out of her mind? Mas pipiliin ko na lang di-umattend no. Pero tinutok niya uli ang wand niya sa'kin. After seconds, kusang naglakad ang mga paa ko bigla papasok ng karwahe. I tried to resist, but I couldn't. Until nakarating na lang ako sa loob. I feel uncomfortable on sitting onto this yucky seat.

"Do you like it Julie? How does it feel? Are you enjoying it?"

I tried to speak again, at sa pagkakataong 'yun nagawa ko na. But I coudn't still move my body. Marahan ko lang 'yun napapagalaw. "Are you kidding! Wala dapat makakita sa'kin, lalo na si Prince Ethan. Not now. Pagkakaguluhan nila ako." I'm almost pleading her, but she ignored it as if na gustong-gusto niya ang nangyayari. CRAP!

I wanted to shout for a help, but I chose to be quiet. Siguro dahil ayoko rin masaksihan nila kung ano itsura ko ngayon, karamihan pa naman sa kanila tsismosa. At isa pa parang halos lahat sa kanila wala, siguro nasa Grandball sila nagpapakasaya.

"Bakit Julie, hindi ba 'yan naman talaga ang minimithi mo, ang maging CENTER OF ATTRACTION. Aren't you happy yet? In fact, I'm helping you to reach your dream. Ang ambisyon mong makita ang Prinsipe is about to happen. Sabi mo nga di ba THIS YOUR NIGHT. So I'll give it you." Ang mga sinabi niyang 'yun sa'kin made me wondering. As if na kilalang-kilala niya ko. Sino ba talaga 'tong Antribidang Fairing 'to?

Bigla na lang nagsigalawan 'tong mga pesteng mga kabayo. Don't tell me aandar na 'to. It can't be. "Paano na 'yan Julie mukhang kailangan mo ng umalis. Don't you worry because at 12 midnight mawawala na ang bisa ng sumpa."

"12 MIDNIGHT? No! Hindi ako makakatagal sa ganitong an—" Hindi ko na natapos ang sasabihin ko nang biglang umandar ng kusa 'tong pesteng karwaheng 'to. "Haaaa!"

The embarrassment came to me when I got here at the Palace. This is my first time na makapunta dito. Dati kasi sa picture at news ko lang ito nakikita. It's huge and everything is luxurious and precious. Its pillars are made of gold, and the rest is white in color such as the walls. May mga nakasabit ding mga flags na kulay pula sa mga dingding, and it has a symbol of Wilford printed in gold color. But there's special things attracted me very much, the two giant crystal fountains na nakapuwesto sa magkabilang gilid. So, i-to ang p-palasyong sinasabi nila.

Pinagtinginan nila ako lahat na parang daig ko pa ang isang pulubi. Excuse me, I'm way better on everything than them kung di lang umeksana ang Antribidang Fairing 'yun. She ruined my night. My feet were suddenly walked out from the carriage as if they are still under on manipulation. I tried to resist, pero nabigo lamang ako.

Whatever I do it won't stop. Nagmukha na nga kong tanga eh. In fact, they are thinking that I'm crazy. Bwiset sila, they are damn judgmental. Ni-hindi nila alam ang pinagdaanan ko. Ang Antribidang 'yun. If she really thinks na palalampasin ko 'to, she's utterly wrong. Lintik lang ang walang ganti.

My feet are continuing to walk into the Palace. I'm walking on the grand staircase with fluffy red carpet on its middle. Hindi ko na 'yun pinigilan, besides wala rin naman akong magagawa. Tinakpan ko na lang ang mukha ko through my hair and hands hoping na di nila ako makilala. Pero I doubt na makikilala nila ako. Sa itsura kong 'to. Sa patuloy na paglalakad ko, I notice na diring-diri sila sa'kin as if na may nakakahawa akong sakit. How dare them to do this to me. Bakit, sa tingin ba nila gwapo o maganda sila. Eh mukha nga silang mga losyang.

When I reached the two huge open doors, the first thing I thought pipigilan ako ng mga kawal na makapasok. But they weren't even approached me as if that I'm one of the invited here. Pero imposible rin namang nakilala nila ako. Pagkapasok ko sa loob para akong nasa spot light dahil lahat ng atensyon nila nasa sa akin. Those eyes quite break my heart. Higit pa sa pandidiri ang mga tingin nila sa'kin. Maraming panlalait din akong narinig. Wala silang karapatang gawin 'yun dahil di nila ako ka-level. I really hate them.

"Who's that girl? She looks really lousy and grimy."

"Right, ang sakit niya sa mata. For sure may nakakahawang sakit 'yan."

"Nakakadiri, iiw. I doubt she's invited here. This is not even a Halloween Party. Baka nagkamali lang siya ng punta."

After those sneering, they chuckled. I really want to kick, punch, slap or even curse them. I'm absolutely pissed off, but I shall control my anger. Hindi dapat ako makatawag pansin. He shoudn't see me. It's not the right time. I can't stay here.

But, here inside the Palace para na kong nanalo sa jackpot. It is more beautiful than the outside. It's my first time to be here. It's so quite picturesque. Bawat paligid punong-puno ng mga makikinang na ginto. It has a color combition of gold, glossy white and red. Its crystal chandeliers are three, they are so huge. Ang dalawang nasa magkabilang gilid have pale blue transparent color. Ang nasa gitna naman ang pinakamalaki. It's glimmering because of the white gems it possesses. Meron ding mga kaunting kandila sa gilid-dilid. On the staircase, it has a fluffy red carpet. Everything screams a royalty. You will be mine. Lahat ng 'to.

Maya-maya lang biglang may dalawang mga kawal na pumunta sa'kin. I think palalabasin nila ako gaya ng gusto ng mga losyang na mga bisitang 'to. Who cares? Akala ba nila gusto kong mag-stay dito.

Matapos lumapit ang mga kawal sa'kin, hinawakan nila ang mga braso ko. I'm right na papaalisin nila ako. But I removed it quickly. Those filthy hands I'll never allowed to touch my skin. "Don't you ever touch me! Kusa akong aalis!" I exclaimed. When I tried to move my feet, I was suprised na nagagawa ko ng pagalawin 'yun. But they insisted na palabasin ako forcedly.

"Ano ba, bitawan niyo ko!" I commanded.

"Let her go!"

That masculine voice stopped these batlers from holding me. They got away form me quickly. That voice made my body shivering as if na dumating ang NIGHT & SHINING ARMOR ko to save me. Do I know whose voice I heard? Ang boses na matagal ko ng gustong marinig. I-It c-cant b-be.

The surrounding became silent. Malakas ang kutob ko na siya na 'yun. Rinig-rinig ko ang bawat pagtapak ng mga paa niya. I'm quite sure na palapit na siya sa'kin. I took a look at the back. A-at... N-no, h-hindi p-pwede 'to. Not now.

Nagsigilid silang lahat habang naglalakad siya palapit sa'kin. The atmosphere remains silent as he's walking. His presence seemed stopped the party. He is wearing a combination of white and dark red court dress suit, and it suits to his black pants. He's so handsome, brawny and captivating na higit sa inaakala ko. Those bluish eyes of him and reddish lips are enchanting. The blackness of his hair is pure. His skin ain't too white, but it's glowing. Ang tangos din ng ilong niya sobra.

I've never been expecting na sa ganitong paraan ko siya mami-meet. I wanted to be glad but my cursed body hindering me. Nahihiya akong humarap sa kanya ng ganito. I know I'm deserving to be her princess, pero hangga't ganito ang itsura ko, I think I'm not.

I keep gazing at him throughout. Until he reached me. He's just standing and looking at me. Hindi ko maalis ang mga mata ko sa napaka-guwapo niyang mukha. Mas guwapo pa siya sa malapitan at napakabango niya pa. I really feel conscious, and my heart doesn't stop on throbbing. I really-really wanna hug or even kiss him. Pero di puwede. I'd rather choose na layuan niya na lang ako.

"Are you okay? I sincerely apologize to what happened. No worries, you'll be fine now," he inquired with a concern reaction.

He's so very kind. I couldn't speaked. My eyes just keep on gazing at his gentle face. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin o sasabihin ko. I'm wondering kung bakit di siya lumalayo sa'kin. Bakit? Is he blind? Hindi ba siya nandidiri sa'kin. I am worse than an ugly. Why? I don't understand.

"I think you're not. Is there anything wrong? Tell me," he asked with a bit of eagerness. But I coudn't answered because of shame and nervousness. "Wait, may dumi ba ko sa mukha ko?"

"A-Ah w-wala. P-Pasensya na P-Prince Ethan. Actually, I'm really o-okay. I just f-feel nervous. I-I think I'm not d-deserving to be here dahil sa i-itsura ko," I answered with stammering as I bowed.

"So, that's what you're thinking all along." He giggled after he said those words. Bakit? Pero infairness ang cute niya kapag tumatawa. "This event is exclusively for all citizens here in Wilford. So in other words, this event is for us no matter what kind of person you are. Kaya wala kang dapat ikahiya. Pumunta ka rito bilang tao, tatanggapin ka rin namin bilang tao."

That statement made change my mind na umalis dito sa palasyo. I'd choose to stay here. I want to be with him, kahit na sa gabi man lang 'to. I don't care kung ano pang sabihin ng iba against me. Those words entered into my heart, I feel it. It made me confident in spite of ugliness of mine. He treats me like a normal person. Mas lalo ko siyang nagugustuhan.

"Thanks P-Prince Ethan." I bowed after the sweet smile I gave.

"Don't mention it. Sabihin na lang natin it's just my job as your prince."

Napansin kong pinagtitingan kami. As if na pinag-tsismisan nila kami, pero dedma lang. Who cares. The important is nasa harapan ko ang pinakamahalagang tao. Mainggit lang sila, dahil 'yun lang ang kaya nilang gawin. Sino ngayon ang masakit sa mata.

Biglang may lumapit sa'min. Kinausap si Prince Ethan. I didn't hear kung ano ang sinabi. Pero sa tingin ko pinapatawag siya. Pabulong-bulong pa 'tong tagapagsilbing 'to. I ain't gossiper. Umalis tuloy siya dahil doon. Bwiset! Ngayon pa siya pinatawag. Naiwan na lang tuloy akong mag-isa, hoping na sana bumalik na siya pero parang malabo ng mangyari.

Maya-maya lang biglang dumating si Queen Henrieta, the gorgeous mother of Prince Ethan and Princess Dianna. She's so elegant and stunning as always. Her sexy self makes her more alluring and younger. I want to be her someday. She gave a message and speech regarding the event as well as the upcoming programs and projects of the Palace. Those all, sounds good and exciting. Pero wala ng mas sasaya pa kung lalapitan ako ng future husband ko uli.

The dance was started, at ako lang ang walang kasayaw. Nakatunganga na lang ako dito sa gitna, mukhang kawawa. I keep finding him pero di ko siya makita. "Nasaan na ba siya?" I mumbled.

"Am I the one are you looking for?"

That voice. Humarap ako a-at nabigla ako sa nakita ko. I-I didn't expect. "P-Prince Ethan, kayo pala. Kanina ka pa ba nandi-diyan?" I asked with a mix of delightful and nervousness.

"Hindi naman. Anyway, wala ka bang kasayaw? You look lonely here. Everybody must be delighted, it's special event."

I gulped "Actually, you're right," I replied with a sorrow. Nagpaawa ako. If that would be only way to get closer with him, I don't care. Besisdes, I've caught his attention through that, so lulubos-lubusin ko na. "Ganon ba," he paused a while. "If that's the case, there's only way para masolusyonan 'yan." He smiled broadly.

Hiningi niya ang kamay ko as if na yayayain niya kong sumayaw. This is not a dream, is it? Dahil kung panaginip 'to hindi ko na gugustuhing magising pa. Does he really want me to dance with him despite my cursed look?

"O-Of course I really want. It's my pleasure to dance with our captivating and beloved prince," I answered without hesitation as I gave my right hand to him. He giggles to what I've said. "Nakala-flatter naman."

Dahan-dahan niyang hinigpitan ang pagkakahawak sa kamay ko, then he puts his bare hand at the back of my tummy like what I did to him. We started to dance slowly. Walang segundong hindi kami tumitig sa isa't isa. He keeps smiling like me. Ethan 'wag mo naman akong titigan ng ganyan, marupok ako. Bakit ba kasi napaka-guwapo mo?

I hope this night won't end. I want to be with him. This would be my most unforgettable night ever. I was wrong on saying that I really admire him. Hindi ko lang basta siya gusto, I think I've already fallen in love with him.

"Honestly, first time I saw you I know that there's something special about you. Pero di ko alam kung ano 'yun. Can you please tell me?"

"Something SPECIAL? I guess it's because of my mysterious personality."

"I thinks so," matipid na sagot niya. Ang daming inggit na inggit sa'kin. I think they were never expecting na makakasayaw ko ang Prinsipe. Pasensya na lang sila because beneath of this ugliness nangingibabaw pa rin ang charm ko.

"If you don't mind. Bago ko makalimutan. May I know your name?"

My name? Would I tell him? Hindi, tama hindi, hindi niya dapat malaman kung sino ako. Not now. Ayokong mapahiya. Malaking kahihiyan 'to.

Bigla kong naalala ang oras as I looked at the huge wall clock. Oh my God! There are only TWO minutes remaining. Hindi dapat nila malaman kung sino ako, especially you Prince Ethan.

"Sorry Prince Ethan but I guess I have to go." Kahit labag sa kalooban ko, binitiwan ko pa rin siya. I walk away quicky from the Palace. Ethan sorry, but I need to do this for the sake of my reputation. Don't you worry magkikita pa tayo, I'll make sure of that.

Tumakbo ako ng mabilis pababa ng hagdan when I suddenly kicked off my right shoe. I didn't have a chance na pulutin 'yun because there's only ONE minute remaining before the curse will be vanish.

I woke up early because of the loud noise from the outside. "Sino ba 'yun? Ang aga-aga," I scowled. Bumangon ako agad at sumilip sa bintana. Pero bago ko makita ang mga tao sa labas, the first thing I've noticed is my fascinating face. So bumalik pala ang ganda ko. Antok-antok na kasi ako kagabi kaya di ko nagawa pang tumingin sa salamin.

"Mahal na Prinsipe, isusuot ko na po sa kanya ang sapatos."

That statement was caught my attention. I look out the window. OMG! I saw Prince Ethan with his batlers. Prince Ethan? What is he doing here? But there's another thing I'm wondering. Nandoon rin ang dalawang bwiset na mag-ina. And I saw sinusukatan ng sapatos si Lyra. Anong ginagawa nila doon? Bakit siya sinusukatan? That high heel really looks familiar with me.

Tama, that was the shoe I left at the Palace last night. Pero bakit nila pinapasukat 'yun? At kay Lyra pa ha.

"Kamahalan, mukhang siya na nga po ang babaeng hinahanap niyo."

Babaeng hinahanap? Di kaya...

I knew it! He's finding me, but what's the reason behind this. Bakit niya ko hinahanap? Is he wants me to meet again?

Nakita ko sa mukha ng mahaderang mag-ina ang sobrang pagkatuwa. Ayos ba sila, ang lakas ng loob niyang magpanggap bilang ako. Sorry, but I never ever let that happen.

Lumabas ako agad. Bago pa sila makasakay sa karwahe, hinablot ko ang buhok niya. Pinagsasabunot ko siya. I pushed her forcely in enraged. Hinila ko ang sapatos na suot niya na pagmamay-ari ko. Pinilit kong ihubad 'yun sa kanya pero nagmamatigas siya. "How dare you to act like me! Kahit kailan mapagpanggap kayo! Talent niyo na ba 'yan." She deserves this, actually kulang pa 'to. Mang-aagaw siya. Sino siya para magpanggap na ako!

"Malandi ka! Aagawin mo pa sakin si Ethan." I stopped when I finally took my high heel.

"Prince Ethan don't believe her. Ako talaga ang nakasayaw mo kagabi. Didn't you remember me?" I stated with a begging look. But, he looks very mad at me. Oo nga pala. Iba na ang itsura ko ngayon kaya di niya ko natatandaan. Bakit ba kasi kagabi pa ko nagbago ng anyo? Pero imposible naman na akalain niyang si Lyra ako. Excuse me mas mukhang halimaw pa kaya siya sakin no.

Nagawa pa niyang lapitan at itayo si Lyra. It really breaks my heart. Daig ko pa'ng binugbog. 'Yan pa talagang sinungaling na 'yan ang kakampihan niya.

"Ilayo niyo siya sa fiancee ko." Those lines he spoke really made me shocked. Ni-hindi kong magawang ibuka ang bibig ko dahil sa panginginig. To the highest level na ang kalandian ng babaeng 'to. That face defeated me ng ganon-ganon lang. How could she do this to me! After everything I've done with them. Ito lang ang igaganti nila.

"F-Fiancee? P-Prince Et-than, nagbibiro ka lang, hindi ba? Isang malaking kalokohan lang i—"

"Yes! You heard it right. She's now my fiancee." While saying that, he was gazing at her. Ang mga tingin na 'yun, ang eksantong tingin namin sa isa't isa kagabi. The anger I possess mas lalo pang tumindi. "Prince Ethan, it's supposed to be me. Do you really forget this mysterious girl standing here? Sige, para maniwala ka ipapakita ko 'yun sayo." Sinukat ko 'tong sapatos in order for him to believe na ako 'yun. Ewan ko na lang kung hindi niya pa ko paniwalaan. Humanda ka ngayon Lyra, tapos na ang pagpapanggap mo.

"Wait. Why it doesn't suit me?" Whatever I do di 'yun magkasiya sakin. As far as I know, saktong-sakto sa akin 'to kagabi. It's mine. Miliban na lang kung may kumontra. I knew it, ang Antribidang Fairing 'yun ang may gawa nito. Bwiset!

"Ethan promise, ako talaga 'yun. It's hard to explain pero maniwala ka hindi ako nagsisinungaling." I begged, but he doesn't still believe me. "Hoy kayo! tell him the truth. Lyra, Maita alam niyo kung paano ako magalit at di niyo gugustuhing mangyari 'yun." Pero di sila makatingin sakin. Kahit ano wala akong narinig sa kanila. They were planning this. Mga hayop sila!

Sa sobrang galit ko sinubukan ko silang lapitan pero pinigilan ako ni Ethan. "Please stop! Why are you doing this? Hindi ka ba nahihiya sa ginagawa mo? Look, I don't know what are you talking about, so please lang stop this nonsense. 'Wag mo kong piliting gawin ang isang bagay na di mo gugustuhin." I feel his enraged. Ibang-iba siya kompara kagabi. The sweet smile last night was turned into severe anger. At dahil 'yun sa ilusyonada at ambisyosang mag-ina.

Wala na kong nagawa kundi umiyak na lang. My tears are dropping down rapidly. Hindi niya na ko pinansin. Kinuha na nila ang sapatos. Dali-dali na silang sumakay sa karwahe. I tried to stop them pero hinarangan ako ng mga kawal.

"Wait! Prince Ethan. Let me explain! Please believe me!" Hinabol ko sila pero hindi ko na sila naabutan. Why it happens to me? Humanda talaga kayo sa'kin. Ang dami niyo ng atraso. Do you really think palalampasin ko lang 'to basta-basta? Pwes nagkakamali kayo! Mang-aagaw ka Lyra. I'll make sure na hindi ka magiging prinsesa, because I'm more deserving in that title.

"Bwiseeet! How dare you for taking him from me!" I exclaimed.

"Hi Julie. Did you miss me?"

Sino 'yun? That annoying voice is quite familliar to me. Tuminigin ako sa likuran ko at tama ako, sabi na nga ba ang Antribidang Fairing 'yun na naman.

"Ikaw na naman! Kailan mo ba ko titigilan?!" I demanded with shriek.

"Kailan? Kailan nga ba? Siguro kapag nagbago ka na. Anyways, how does it feel na matalo? Lalo na sa taong minamalait mo pa," she chuckled with amusement.

"Correction lang ah. I'm not yet lost, 'cause the battle for being Princess is not yet over. And I'll make sure on my next attack, I'll triumph through my SWEET REVENGE."

"Why don't you just accept the fact na mas pinili niya si Lyra over you. He chose your stepsister it's because she's kind enough to be trusted and loved." She added.

"Hindi si Lyra ang nagustuhan niya, kundi ako! And yes, you're utterly right, she's KIND. Kind of malandi at mang-aagaw! So ito pala ang basehan mo ng pagiging mabait. O sige edi siya na. Tingnan ko lang kung matatagalan ni Ethan ang mukha ng babaeng pinagmamalaki mo." I smiled evilly.

"That's the point. I'm pretty sure magagawa niya ring mahalin si Lyra, because the thing he really wants ang kagandahan ng puso. You should thank me dahil kung di ko 'yun ginawa sayo sa tingin mo ba mapapansin ka niya? Julie, alam mo kasi love is blind. Aanhin mo kung maganda ka kung panget naman ang ugali mo," she discussed as she's walking around me with glaring.

"Love is blind. 'Yan naman lagi palusot ng mga panget eh. Tiyaka puwede ba! Wala akong panahon diyan sa kasabihan mo na nonsense naman." I sneered.

"Alam mo kahit ano namang paliwanag ko hindi mo 'yun maiintindihan eh. Unless kung—"

She disappeared all of a sudden. Then my whole body started to lighten up. The same light na nakita ko tulad ng gabing 'yun. Ang pakiramdam na 'to. Don't tell me...

"Bwiset ka talagang fairy ka! Ano na namang ginawa mo sa'kin!" I shrieked, then my eyes start to cry.

Bigla akong may narinig na boses.

"Julie, don't you worry temporary lang 'yan— 'Yun kung matututuhan mong MAGMAHAL ng totoo. Hanggang di mo nagagawa 'yun mananatili kang ganyan."

"Nooo!"

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