Foreword: Upon reading this story, coordination of our vision and intellect is a must. Read with your eyes, read with your mind
This afternoon we will have our family day in school, it’s somewhat like a gathering and I’m requested to have an opening message, I didn’t accept it but my parents insisted , so here I am in my room writing my ‘speech’.
As I lay my head against the pillow that I had for seven years already, imagination played with my mind once more . . .
* * * * *
Down in a long dark alley was me, walking. Every time I take a step forward, coldness crept through my body. I prayed, hoping it was just a nightmare, but no it wasn’t! I saw a faint glow from somewhere and I followed it. . . I ran as I lunged to the door where the light behind grew brighter. As I opened it, flashes of light blinded me. For an instant everything went blur. I tried to recover my vision for almost five seconds.
Focusing my eyes from where the flashes came from, I saw men and women with their cameras and DSLR’s. I looked around and spotted very elegant people wearing GUCCI, CHANEL and DOLCE & GABBANA dress and stilettos. I was in great awe that I didn’t notice someone tapping on my shoulder. It was a grown-up man and he was talking in French accent, “Zmile my dear, you’re ze most beautiful woman in ze red carpet.”
I stared at him and he smirked and repeated those encouraging words. Hearing such compliments made me smile. “You’re loved by ze paparazzi’z, you’re amazingly ztunnning in ze dress, and I admire ze poise. You’re brilliante!” I never knew that I have good poise, I’m always scolded by my grandmother who was once a beauty queen.
* * * * *
We were standing and smiling for 13 minutes, and finally we walked away entering a luxurious hall with 20 big chandeliers. Monsieur DeLacci as what I’ve heard directed me to the finest table with three other ladies namely Adele, Barbara and Stephana.
“Ladiez diz izz Apauleen!” says Monsieur DeLacci. “Mademoiselle DeLacci!? Dear Lord, you’ve brought a stunning lady! Oh! Apauleen!” answers Adele while embracing me “Adele my dear, I love to be ze Mademoiselle but I’m well-known az Monsieur DeLacci!” mumbled Monsieur, and both laughed.
I kept silent when we ate when surprisingly Stephana whispered, “I’ve heard that a famous Aussie actor is courting you? Is it true Apauleen?” I stuttered as I answered. No one ever courted me, but I do have a crush though. “Ahh, Aussie a- actor, who - who is he, if I may ask Stephana?” Stephana giggled as she replied “Oh my, do I have to say his name? You are silly Apauleen! I’ll just show you his picture.” Out from her HERMES bag, she took her Blackberry phone. “Ah here it is. Oh my goodness, he is indeed charming and look, look at his eyes! I love men with gorgeous eyes.” Stephana exclaimed. She gave me her phone and when I looked at the image . . . was the man of my dreams! I’ve admired him since 8th of April. “Oh my God! It’s true isn’t it? You are blushing Apauleen!” chuckles Stephana.
I’ve never been on cloud nine ever. This moment was the best. I’ve always been an underdog, never noticed and never famous. But now, I wouldn’t want anyone or anything to spoil the time of my life.
* * * * *
“Let uz welcome Apauleen! Zupermodel of ze World!” a familiar voice yelled. People applauded as I walked and before I took the microphone, I felt nauseated. I’ve never talked in front of a crowd, even at school I never had an opportunity to get out of my shell. But, I took the chance.
“Hello, ladies and gentlemen. What a pleasant day, isn’t it? Uh. .Well the reason why we’re here is ah---*silence*” A hand shoots in the air. When she raised her hand, people went aghast, I wondered, “Oh! I appreciate you for your ah - participation, yes?”
“Well the raison d'être, is to celebrate a remarkable year of our fashion industry, good lady.” Everybody went silent, taken aback. And the firm middle-aged woman marched toward the stage and took the microphone. The hall rumbled with rounds of applause.
“Let uz welcome Madame Rozmerta Feraverto”.
* * * * *
“Thank you! Ladies and gentlemen we are gathered once more to rejoice another splendid year. I am in high spirits for the reason that we will welcome more members in our big yet happy family. But before that, I am to deliver an inspirational message to certain people who are all surprisingly present today.
Life is not lived with dreaming or imagining alone. It is lived with determination and faith to achieve anything we’ve always hoped for.
Back in my youth years, no one ever appreciated me. They would always make fun of how I dress and how I talk. My parents worked abroad so no one was there for comfort. Then I lost my gusto, I lost my confidence and I lost the will to live my life, but that changed when I turned 12. I had an inspiration, and it was that person who motivated me.
During those crucial times of adjustment he reminded me to be stronger, to prove that I am not an underdog. I was so glad that I finally found a best friend, but a tragic accident took his life. I was miserable, I blamed God for everything.
A night after his four months of death he appeared in my dreams, I woke up and said to myself, I am not alone, and I know he’s still somewhere, guiding me. I started to believe again.
But it wasn’t over yet, I just don’t want to dream anymore, I want to achieve the thing I’ve always hoped for. . Acceptance and Respect. And I did.
After all, I still have the goodness in my heart.”
MAMAA-- I was back in my bed again. And I heard screams outside, “Dexter look at our son! He knows how to talk now!” “He just said the word mama, you see! Don’t exaggerate.” “But Dexter!” “Therese, you better wake your daughter. Go upstairs now, we would be late for the gathering.”
This is it.
