"I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. " - Barbara de Angelis.

Chapter 23 - Butterflies

There was a gathering at the open space. Isabelle grabbed a seat next to Maria. They waited patiently for the program to start. They we're joking and kidding around. Isabelle had a big smile on her face; she had forgotten the absence of Miguel. Her head turned around, still with that sparkling smile, then Juanito passed by. She wasn't sure; but Isabelle saw Juanito wink at her or nod at her direction. She was caught aback. She had butterflies in her stomach. Was Isabelle right? Did Juanito look at her? Did Juanito even know her? She was filled with questions. What was that about? The people around were squealing and poking Isabelle. All of which knew Isabelle's liking for Juanito. She bit her lip and still couldn't speak. Suddenly, the principal announced something on stage. Isabelle didn't hear a word, she was too messed up. So what is Isabelle more concentrated on? Miguel's Absence or Juanito's Identification?

The program started and Isabelle was sort of composed now. Her eyes set on stage. There were performers dancing for the 'annual culminating program'. The crowd went wild. This was a treat. Maybe this would take her mind off her worries. She looked at the side of the stage and saw the section of Juanito lined up. Her heart sped, "He couldn't be", she whispered. Her eyes searched and saw Juanito in-line with paint on his face. He was going to perform. He had a smile on his face and Isabelle looked at his cute dimple for awhile. She saw his section practicing their dance before and she laughed. Now, she can't believe Juanito was going to endure the humiliation.