Chapter 73

When the spotlight focused on Sophia, everyone erupted into cheers… The crowd was so loud with joy that Tanaga almost lost his hearing, which further soured his face.  Because he almost became deaf, he covered his ears with his fingers, so he looked funny in the eyes of Ashley. 

When the applause died down, Sophia spoke to the audience.  The club fell into silence as everyone was focused on what she was saying. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you so much that you are happy to listen to me sing.  My heart is overflowing because of your warm welcome. I hope that I will not disappoint you, and you will like my next song…"

The first song Sophia sang is her own song, which was popular with everyone.  Whether young or old, they knew how to sing the song. All of those watching sang and danced with her, so she was more energized and gave her best...

When Sophia was done singing, she paused first before speaking while taking, tears formed in her eyes because she was thinking about her daughter and mother that she left behind in America to try her luck in the Philippines.

"My next song in English, and this is the favorite song of a person who is close to my heart.  I hope you all like it also…" Before Sophia sang, she thought in her mind, 'My child, this is for you!" Then she started singing again.

[1] TO LOVE YOU MORE

Take me back in the arms I love

Need me as you did before

Touch me once again

And remember when

There was no one that you wanted more

''''

'''

'''

Some way…

When Sophia was done singing, she did not realize that her tears were falling...She quickly wiped them away and smiled beautifully before speaking.  The audience was still clapping while cheering...

"More! More! More!" Almost all of those who were watching from the other side of the bar from Ashley's family were shouting.

Tanaga was not able to do anything but to place his fingers again in his ears.

'If not only for you, Ashley, I will not tolerate the noise of these people.' He thought while looking at Ashley's reaction to his surprise.

He can clearly see how happy Ashley was, and her smile was so big while tapping her brothers non-stop like a child who went to Disney World for the first time… Tanaga just shook his head and continued to cover his ears with his fingers.

Sophia rested for a while for her last set, so another band continued first on stage.  At that time, Aling Fely and Mang Jessie arrived.

When Fely learned that her favorite singer was in the club, she hurriedly pulled Jessie towards the bar.

"Faster! If we don't hurry up, Sophia might be done the singing.  You know that she is my favorite. I hope we can meet her in person… Hahaha."

"I hope so too because I want to take a picture with her, and I would put in a frame.  Then, I will display it in my clinic so my patients can see. Hahaha!"Jessie happily boasted.

The couple took some time before they could find the club/bar.  Finally, they reached it, but the bouncer did not allow them to enter.

"Sorry, Ma'am, Sir! It's full capacity, so you could not go in anymore." The bouncer said although he looked nice.

When Fely and Jessie heard the bouncer, the couple was devastated and looked for a place to sit so they can call one of their children.  But, because of the loud music, Arman could barely hear them.

"Mom, please wait! I'll just step out so I could hear you." Arman said while signaling to Ashley that he will go out first.  Ashley was not paying attention, and she just waved his brother away.

When Arman was able to go out, he was able to hear his mom clearly.  "Mom, do you mean you are here near the club? Where?! I'm here by the door.  Please come here, and you'll be able to go in. One hundred percent!" Arman boasted while looking around for his parents.

When Jessie and Fely came back, the bouncer shook his head because he knew the couple would try to get in again.  If only he could let them in, he would, but they are already seniors, and they might get hurt. 

The bouncer met them as they arrived.  "Ma'am, Sir! I really can't allow you to go in because the place is jampacked.  I hope you understand." The bouncer pleaded with sadness in his eyes.

Fely was about to speak up to say that her kids are inside when Arman arrived and excitedly hugged his mom.  "Oh, my God! Mom, Dad! You would not believe it...Gosh, do you know that…"

Jessie did not let Arman finish speaking, "Arman, tell your story later.  You said we would be able to go in, but this nice man just said that we could not because the place is full.  So what?" Jessie asked excitedly with big, round eyes.

Arman let go of his mother and faced the bouncer.  "Man, they're ok. They are my parents, so there's no problem because we are the only ones in the other half of the club." Arman proudly said.  

The bouncer just nodded and smiled at the couple.  "Alright, you may go in and enjoy the show!"

Jessie smiled and tapped the bouncer on the shoulder.  "Alright, we will go in then." They were about to go in when Jessie looked back and shouted to the bouncer, "Son, continue your good attitude and work ethic.  I'm sure you'll go along way." 

The bouncer heard this and just smiled simply and nodded towards the older man...

===

Ashley was delighted to see her parents, and she quickly went to them.

"Mom, Dad, good thing you thought of watching.  Do you know who is the singer?" Ashley asked excitedly...Ashley accompanied her mother towards their seat while talking nonstop...

Tanaga saw this clearly, and a plan formed in his mind. 'Now I know how I'm going to keep you from leaving in the end..Hahaha!'

Note:

Source: [1] Google

Singer-Celine Dion

Title: To Love You More.