Behind The Applause

The swimsuit segment would be after this performance, and I was even more nervous.

"Zehra, change into this! Here's a red swimsuit I picked out from the thrift shop," Lea handed it to me. I took the swimsuit and headed to the restroom. My hands felt cold because I wasn't used to showing so much skin. I rarely even wore shorts or tank tops.

But for five thousand, I'll do it.

After putting it on, I stepped out of the restroom and approached Lea and Letty. They looked at me with wide eyes. Their mouths are even opened.

"Oh my gosh! Why have you been hiding this kind of body, Zehra? I hate you! You're so sexy! Your skin is so smooth and fair!" Lea exclaimed, pinching my sides.

At first, nobody believed that I came from a poor family because of my complexion. It was also because I took care of myself; even when I was out all day under the scorching sun, I always wore long sleeves and pajamas to avoid getting sunburnt.

"Wow, you have no tummy! It's flat! And your butt is so big! You're so sexy, Zehra!" Lea continued.

"Geez, Zehra, I might turn into a guy because of you," Letty joked. I shook my head at them for praising me too much. I think they're just boosting my confidence.

When we heard the emcee announce our turn, I took a deep breath. Number 1 came out first. Our exposure in swimsuits would be longer this time.

"Number 8, get ready," the woman said to me. I nodded and put a smile even though I hadn't stepped out yet.

Alright, Zehra. Walk with grace and confidence.

"Please welcome, candidate number 8! Zehra Clarabelle Mineses! A very hardworking sister. At the age of fifteen, she had to raise her sibling alone. Industrious and kind, this is how her neighbors describe her," the emcee said.

"Go, Zehra! Ahh!"

"Go, sis!"

As I stepped out, the crowd cheered. Some even whistled. I walk to the center and looked around.

I felt embarrassed, but I had to smile. I walked to the other side of the stage. I looked at the judges, but I suddenly froze when my eyes met a sharp gaze. H-He's one of the judges.

What...

He looked serious and didn't take his eyes off me. My lips trembled, and I quickly looked away, forcing myself to focus on my steps as I continued to walk to the other side. But when I glanced back at the judges, I almost lost my smile upon realizing that the guy was still looking at me!

W-What is that look? It's not like he's admiring me! I felt like the way he looked at me was more intense. My heart raced, and I tried to maintain my composure.

Breathe, Zehra.

After my turn and I went to the backstage. Letty and Lea approached me and praised me for doing good. But I was still in awe beause of those dead eyes that followed me.

I-It's like I did something wrong, that's whow he looked at me.

"Zehra! Looks like you caught the eye of that handsome judge! Many noticed he couldn't take his eyes off you! Wow! He's the mayor's nephew!" Lea said.

I remembered the guy's face. Serious, sharp eyes. He seemed like he didn't know how to smile.

But...

His face seemed familiar.

Even the guy beside him. It felt like I've seen them before?

"It's time for the evening gown! Last part!"

Time passed by quickly. The question and answer part was over too. I was nervous, but I managed to answer well. While we were lined up earlier on stage, I noticed that guy didn't stop looking at me. I learned his name and the guy next to him when they were introduced by the emcee earlier.

Thauce Arzen... the guy with the serious, sharp eyes, and the one next to him was Errol...

Where did I see them? Where did I hear their names?

"Zehra, it's your turn, final look," Letty said.

"Kid, are you okay?"

"Let me help you."

"Errol, what took you so long? just give the kid money."

Shit!

I covered my mouth when I remembered where I saw them.

"Oh no, Errol! He's the one who gave me five thousand pesos before... and the one with him... Thauce... the grumpy one--"

"Number 8, it's your turn."

I quickly stood up when I was called again.

Oh, do they remember me? Is that why that guy looked at me like that?

I couldn't focus when the emcee called the top 5 candidates. But every time the emcee called, I heard my name. People cheered, Seya did too, and the folks from our neighborhood.

"Now we only have two candidates! Number 5 and number 8! Who will be crowned tonight?"

T-There are only two of us left...

Lost in thought, I hardly noticed.

"The winner of Miss Dapdap West is..."

Cheers erupted from the crowd, and excitement filled the air as everyone awaited the announcement. I could feel my heart racing, my palms sweaty against the fabric of my gown. It's okay if I don't win this. I did my best, and I'm sure I made everyone proud, especially my sister, Seya.

"Miss number 8! Zehra Clarabelle Mineses!"

T-That's my name, right?

"Zehra! You won! Zehra!" I heard my neighbors shouted in so much joy. They're just at my side near the stage!

I looked at them, especially at Lea and Letty, who really helped me backstage!

"Sis! You won!" Seya even jump because of too much happiness.

The judges then approached me, handing me the sash and the prize, which I thought was just five thousand pesos, but it turned out to be ten thousand!

Then Errol approached me with a smile, handing me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. My heart raced as I saw the guy with the cold gaze step forward next. I gulped when his intense eyes locked onto mine.

He was holding the trophy. Without saying a word, he handed it to me, his expression unreadable, yet somehow different.

"Congratulations, Miss Zehra Clarabelle Mineses! Thank you to everyone who attended tonight! Everyone, take care on your way home!" the emcee announced.

I stood there, feeling a so much joy as my neighbors surrounded me and showering me with congratulations. Seya then rushed in for a hug.

"Our efforts with Zehra paid off! Yay! Zehra, we're so happy for you! And that's ten thousand!" Letty exclaimed.

I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me for having such supportive people in our lives. My gaze shifted to my sister, who was smiling brightly, but then I noticed something troubling—she looked a bit pale. Before I could ask if she was alright, someone approached us.

"Hey."

I turned to the voice, surprised to see it was Errol. Oh no, does he remember me?

"Congratulations! I heard your story earlier. You deserve the prize," he said, his tone sincere. And while I was looking at him, it seemed like he really didn't remember me. Because that was 5 years ago, Zehra! Of course! And you're nothing special be to be remembered by someone like him!

Lea nudged me gently, teasing me. I shook my head at her, but she just pinched my side.

"He likes you!" she whispered.

"No, he's just congratulating me," I replied and my voice ws low enough for her to hear.

Errol was simply watching us, smiling. Just as I was about to speak to him, we were interrupted by someone.

"Errol, let's go. I want to go home now."

I swallowed hard when I saw who it was, taken aback to see Thauce—the man with the sharp, menacing eyes. His presence sent a chill down my spine. What is this feeling?

"Just a moment, Thauce. I'm just congratulating the winner," Errol replied, then turned back to me.

"If you need work, just message me. This is my calling card," he said, handing me a card. I took his card and I nodded.

"T-Thank you."

Then after that, he turned his back and bid goodbye.

Lea and Letty squealed at what Errol did.

"See? He really likes you! Gosh, Zehra. He's a catch!"

"Letty, I knew that man liked Zehra! He's been looking at her all night. He was smiling, and I'm sure he gave Zehra a hundred points!"

I was about to respond to them when I suddenly felt Seya slump heavily against me. Alarmed, I looked at my sister and realized she had fainted. W-What... that's why she looked so pale earlier—she doesn't feel good!

"O-Oh my, Seya!" Lea shouted.

"S-Seya? Seya!" I panicked, kneeling down with her in my arms. Intense fear surged through me as I tried to wake her up.

"S-Seya?"

My heart raced in my chest, dread gripping me as I desperately scanned the crowd for assistance.

"What happened to her?" Errol asked, immediately checking on Seya.

I wiped away my tears and slipped off my heels, feeling the urgency of the situation.

"P-Please, help us," I pleaded, looking up at Errol. Just then, I noticed Thauce approaching. He bent down and lifted Seya, catching me by surprise with his sudden action.

"We're going to the hospital now," Thauce said.

"In my car, now, Errol," he ordered, while I trailed behind, my gaze fixed on my unconscious sister.

"S-Seya..."