#BWB17

Everytime I see the billboards in EDSA, or anywhere in the streets. In malls, in the television, I always tell myself that someday, I'll get to see my face in one of those. I'll be in New York times square, in billboards, in a cover of a magazine, in a newspaper, in radios, and in any social media platforms. 

One day I'm gonna be one of the most highest paid model in the world.

I'll launch my own clothing line.

I'll start my own make-up brand.

I'll be rich and famous. I'll be swimming in my bath tub filled with my own money.

I'll no longer look at the price tag of clothes whenever I go shopping. I'll earn one of those black master card.

"Anong ginagawa mo?"

I slowly opened my eyes and to my surprise, I saw Ross standing beside me.

I sighed. This man again.

"Bakit ka diyan natutulog?"

"You ruined my moment again, this is the second time around, tsk."

He chuckled. "Last time, nakahiga ka sa gym, ngayon naman sa damo. Saan naman kaya sa susunod?"

"Sa Mars. Ewan ko nalang kung pati do'n ay masundan mo ko.. Just leave me alone. Depart from my sight," sabi ko at pumikit ulit

"What are you dreaming about?"

I opened my eyes again and saw him sitting on the grass beside me.

"Nag-iisip ako," sagot ko

"Anong iniisip mo?"

"My goals in life. My dreams. I'm listing each of them," I smiled

I have big dreams. Siguro sa ibang tao ay para sa kanila ay masyadong mataas ang pangarap ko at malabong maabot ko iyon. I believe all things are possible. I believe in myself. I know I can make it. I just have to work for it. 

I turned to face him. "How about you? What's your dream?"

Tipid siyang ngumiti at yumuko. "It's better not to talk about it."

"Arte mo naman. Everyone has dreams. Don't tell me, wala kang plano sa buhay mo?" biro ko

"Syempre meron," depensa niya

I arched my brow. I'm just provoking him so he can tell me his dreams too. This guy is really mysterious. And I'm curious. 

He sighed. "It sounds ridiculous. Nahihiya akong sabihin."

I rolled my eyes. "Ano bang kinuha mong course?"

"Business management," he replied

"O? Anong nakakahiya do'n? You want to start a business?"

He shook his head.

"Maging CEO? Manager? Secretary? Gusto mong magtrabaho sa company?"

Umiling siya ulit.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "E ano? Yun lang naman yung pwede mong maging career sa course mo? Did I forget to mention something?"

Hindi siya sumagot.

Napailing nalang ako. "Ewan ko sa'yo. Ang labo mo, siguradong malabo ding 'yang pangarap mo," sabi ko at humiga ulit sa damo. "Bata ako, malinaw na malinaw sa'kin ang gusto ko sa buhay."

"I'm sure matutupad din yung pangarap mo," sambit niya

I smiled. "I know. I'm sure of it."

There was a long moment of silence. The wind blew in our direction. I'm really enjoying laying here on the grass, under the bright sun. It feels refreshing. A healing from a stressful week.

"Kailan pala yung fashion show mo?"

I stiffened when he asked that question. I already accepted the fact that I wasn't the chosen one's and now he brought that up again? He really knows how to ruin my good mood that comes once in a blue moon.

I groaned. "Bakit mo pa pinaalala, ano ba 'yan!"

"What? Why?"

I glared at him. He only looked at me with those innocent eyes. He blinked twice while waiting for my response.

"Wala! Kalimutan mo na yun," sabi ko at tinalikuran siya

Until now, my friends haven't replied nor seen my message. I was pissed at first, pero buti nalang ay hindi na nila ako tinanong tungkol doon dahil hindi ko alam ang isasagot. I can't believe Ross remembered it.

"Bakit? Hindi natuloy?" tanong niya

Nakatalikod aiko sa kanya at hindi ko alam ang reaksiyon niya.

Bumangon na ako sa pagkakahiga at hinarap siya."Hindi ko alam! Don't ask me about it anymore, understand?"

He only stared at me for a few seconds before nodding. He then started to remove the grass on my hair. Hinawi ko ang kamay niya at tumayo na. Pinagpagan ko ang palda ko at mabilis na naglakad palayo. 

Pagkarating ko pabalik sa campus namin ay naglakad ako papuntang CR. I stopped when my phone vibrated from my pocket. Kinuha ko iyon sa bulsa ko at nakita ang isang mensahe galing kay Patrick.

Patrick:

Tori! I have good news for you! So, nabalitaan ko na hindi raw makaka-attend ang isa sa mga rarampa sa fashion show dahil nagkaroon daw siya ng emergency. And guess what? Ikaw ang gustong ipalit ni Miss Marga! You're in Victoria! Makakarampa ka na girl! Rampapampapampapam!

My eyes widened upon reading his message. Napatakip ako sa bibig ko. I want to scream right now but I remembered I'm in school. Tumalon nalang ako sa tuwa at sumayaw. I don't care if my classmates are staring at me right now. Tumigil ako at binasa ulit ang mensahe niya. My hands are shaking as I type my reply.

Ako:

Seryoso ba 'yan bakla?! Ako ba talaga? Shit! I can't! Ugh! Kapag ako talaga niloloko mo lang ah!

Nagsimula ulit akong maglakad habang hinihintay ang reply niya. Hindi maalis ang ngiti sa labi ko habang binabasa ng paulit-ulit ang text niya. I bit my lip and typed another text. I was surprised when someone grabbed my phone from my hands.

"Hey-"

Nakita kong si Jared ang humablot ng cellphone ko. His brows are furrowed while scrolling through my phone.

"What the hell? Give my phone back," sinubukan kong agawin ang phone ko sa kanya pero nilayo niya iyon sa'kin

"Who's Patrick huh? May iba ka bang lalaki ha?" mariin niyang sabi

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What?! Are you crazy? He's my friend. Bakla siya!"

He turned his back against me, still holding my phone. Pumunta ako sa harapan niya at inagaw ang phone pabalik. "I can't believe you. Stop invading my personal privacy!"

He clenched his jaw in anger. "I saw you smiling on your phone while texting someone. Bakit abot tainga ang ngiti mo ah? May iba kang tinetext na lalaki."

I scoffed. "That's none of your fucking business," sabi ko at tinalikuran na siya

I walked on my way to my classroom. Habang wala pa ang prof namin ay palihim kong binasa ang text ni Patrick sa'kin.

Patrick:

Oo girl. Bakit naman kita lolokohin? Ako lang unang nag-inform sa'yo. Hintayin mo baka mag-text din si Miss Marga sa'yo.

I smiled.

Ako:

Kailan ba ulit yung show? Suta, tanggap ko na e. Nag-drama pa ng ako kagabi, char lang! Hindi ko lang talaga ineexpect na may milagrong mangyayari.

Patrick:

Next week. Be prepared Tori. Goodluck and slay girl!

Agad kong binalik ang phone sa bulsa ko noong biglang pumasok ang prof namin. Kinabahan ako dahil nahuli ko siyang nakatingin sa'kin. I sighed in relief when she walked towards the desk in front. Akala ko nahuli niya ako, buti nalang hindi.

During her whole discussion, I couldn't understand a thing or two because my mind is already in the fashion show next week. I'm smiling like an idiot right now. I couldn't contain my excitement. Nakahalumbaba ako sa upuan ko habang nagdaday-dream sa mangyayari next week. 

"Miss Andrada!" nagulat ako dahil bigla akong tinawag ng prof namin

Natauhan ako at tumingin sa kanya. "Yes ma'am?" I smiled

"Answer the problem on the board," utos niya at tumabi sa gilid

I looked at the white board and it was a math problem.

Oh, fuck.

Matapos ang klase ay dumiretso ako sa cafeteria para mag-lunch. I smiled when I saw my friends gathered in a table. Umupo ako sa tabi nila at sinabi sa kanila ang magandang balita.

"Hey guys," I smiled

"Hey Tori. What's up?" Aubrey greeted

"So, nabasa niyo ba yung message ko noong isang araw?" I asked

Nagkatinginan sila sa isa't isa. "What message?" they asked, clueless

It's okay Victoria. No need to be bitter. It's a good thing that they still haven't read it.

"Good. I'm inviting you guys on my fashion show next week."

"Fashion show?" Nicole asked

"Yeah. Sa SM Aura gaganpin yung fashion show," sagot ko

Ilang sandali ay dumating naman ang boys at umupo din sa lamesa namin. I thought Jared was gonna sit beside me but he sat beside Aubrey instead. Tumabi naman si Clyde kay Nicole at si Ross ay sa'kin.

"Fashion show? I thought you said earlier that-"

I took the apple on Ross' tray and put it inside his mouth. "Shut up," I said to him

Binalik ko ang tingin sa mga kaibigan ko at nginitian sila. "So, are you coming or not? You can't say no."

They sighed and stared down at their food. Meanwhile, the boys are not even paying attention to me aside from Ross, who's still confused.

"Gee Tori. I wish I can. Busy kasi ako e-" Tiffany said

"Hindi ko pa nga sinasabi sa inyo kung kailan, nireject niyo na agad ako," I cut her off

"Kailan ba?"

Binaling ko ang atensiyon kay Nicole. "Next week. Free your sched next week."

"Susubukan ko. Baka kasi aalis din kami nun eh," sagot niya

"Yeah me too," Aubrey said

"I'll come," napatingin ako kay Karina. She's the least person I'm expecting to come. She smiled sweetly and looked at Jude. "We'll come. Right baby?"

Tumingin si Jude sa kanya. "Ha? Ano bang pinag-uusapan niyo?"

Karina chuckled. "Don't worry Tori. We'll come to support you."

I smiled back. "Aw, thanks Karina."

After a while, we went back to eat our lunch. Habang kumakain ay napansin kong dumaan si Andi sa harapan ng lamesa namin. My friends didn't notice it since they're busy chatting random things. Sinundan ko si Andi ng tingin. She's holding her tray with food while finding a table. Tumingin ako sa paligid. There were no vacant tables anymore. I saw her looking at one table from afar. I looked at it too. I realized that maybe that's her friends on that table, but why can't she approach them?

I looked back at her again. She was hesitant to approach them. Aalis na sana siya pero tinawag ko siya. "Andi!"

She stopped and slowly turned around. I smiled and waved at her. I gestured her to come sit on our table instead. Tumingin siya sa paligid bago unti-unting naglakad palapit sa lamesa namin.

"Move aside please," sabi ko kay Ross na nasa tabi ko

"Ha? Bakit?" 

"I'll let Andi sit next to me so move your ass aside please," mariin kong sabi

Napakamot nalang siya sa ulo at umusog ng konti. I looked at Andi who's already standing next to me. "Upo ka dito," tinapik ko ang upuan sa tabi ko

She smiled weakly and nodded. Ilang sandali ay umupo na din siya sa tabi ko.

"Why is she on our table?" Karina asked

"Because she's my friend. Don't act like you don't know her," I chuckled

"Yeah we know her, but we're not close," Nicole said

"So from now on, she's part of us," sabi ko at inakbayan si Andi. Tumingin ako sa kanya at tahimik lang siya habang kumakain

"Whatever," Karina sighed

"Don't worry Andi. My friends are nice," I smiled at her

Tipid lamang siyang ngumiti. I can still see the hint of sadness in her eyes. I guess she's still hurt after everything that happened. I admire her strength. She still managed to go to school despite what happened. Alam kong lilipas din ang issue tungkol sa kanya.

"Hey Andi. Kalat ngayon yung chismis na may nabuntis daw sa inyo ah," Aubrey said

Her lips parted while staring at my friend.

"Kilala mo ba? You're a second year student right?"

Bumagsak ang mata niya sa pagkain niya at umiling. "Hindi e."

Aubrey looked at her skeptically. Pati si Nicole at Tiffany ay nakisama sa usapan nila.

"Baka hindi naman kasi talaga totoo yung rumors. Baka wala talagang nabuntis. Kayo kasi, naniniwala agad, wala namang pruweba," sabi ko

They sighed and nodded. "Sabagay..." sumandal ulit sila. "Pero nakakacurious din kasi. First time kasi na may issue na ganito."

"Tsaka kung totoo man, e 'di sana hindi na pumasok yung babae. I mean, of course she has to stop and take care of her child," I added

"What if she aborted the child?"

Napatingin kaming lahat kay Karina sa sinabi niya. I saw her looking at Andi. 

"Possibly," Aubrey said

The mood suddenly turned awkward and uncomfortable. Tumingin ako kay Andi at nakayuko lamang siya habang nakatitig sa pagkain niya.

I was about to speak but Ross suddenly jumped in our conversation.

"Guys. Alam niyo na ba?"

Lahat kami ay napatingin sa kanya.

"What?" Karina asked

He swallowed hard while looking at us. "Na.."

"Na-move daw thesis defense natin," sambit niya

Can he come up with a better excuse? Seriously Ross?

They gasped. "Talaga daw ba? Omg buti nalang! Wala pa akong nasisimulan," sabi ni Tiffany

"Same girl."

"Yes! May karamay ako."

"Ikaw ba Karina?" tanong ni Nicole sa kaibigan

Hindi siya sumagot at pinagpatuloy nalang ang pag kain.

I looked at Ross and he gave me a small smile. I rolled my eyes and shook my head ny his lame excuse. Well. at least that lame excuse diverted their topic to our thesis. Narinig kong iyon na nag pinag-uusapan nila. I looked at Andi who's until now, silent. I caressed her back and gave her a small smile. Tipid lamang siyang ngumiti.

"Ah! Kinakabahan ako," sabi ko sa sarili

Today is the day. I'm now in the backstage together with the girls that I'm gonna be with in the fashion show. I'm pacing back and forth while waiting for the show to begin. May lumapit sa'king make-up artist at inayos ang make-up ko. I bent a little while she apply the lipstick on my lips. 

I checked my phone and saw a message from Jared.

Jared:

I'm sorry about what happened yesterday.

I ignored it and checked to see if my friends texted me but my inbox are empty. Ang sabi ni Karina at Jude ay pupunta sila pero hanggang ngayon ay wala pa din silang reply sa text ko. I even sent a message on our group chat pero ni seen ay wala.

"Three minutes left girls! Get ready!" sabi ng isang crew

We nodded and started to form our lines. Pang walo ako sa pila. Some make-up artists also went to the girls for final retouches. Sinukalayan din ako ng make-up artist ko pagkatapos akong iretouch. May lumapit din sa'king isa pang babae at inayos ang suot ko.I'm wearing a black tube crop top and a long skirt with an abstract design. I'm also wearing a coat with studs and glitters on it. I have pieces of jewelries on my neck as well.

I honestly feel like I'm in a Victoria Secret Fashion show, Philippines version. Habang tumatagal ay maslalo akong kinakabahan at the same time ay excited. 

I took a deep breath to calm myself down. I fixed the rings on my fingers and shake my hands.

"Okay ladies! The show is about to start! Get ready."

Umayos na ako sa pila. Pasimple akong tumingin sa harap at nakitang unti-unting nang binubuksan ang makapal at itim na kurtina. There was a man standing behind the first girl who will walk and open the show. I really wished I was the girl. It was Quinn, as expected. Hindi na ako nagrekalmo pa dahil maswerte ako na nandito ako ngayon, kabilang sa kanila.

The curtains opened and she started to walk on the runway. Sinubukang kong sumilip pero wala ako masyadong makita maliban sa mga ilaw na iba't iba ang kulay. I can also hear the loud beat of the music. It was an upbeat song that made me feel more excited to walk. Umandar na ang pila. Habang papalapit ay unti-unti ko nang nakikita ang audience. I was overwhelmed by the amount of people. I can hear their loud cheers and applauses from here. What more if I'm actually on the runway?

Only two girls remaining in front of me before it's my turn to walk on the runway. I didn't look at the audience anymore. Yumuko ako at pumikit ng mariin. I took a deep breath at each passing minute came. My heart is beating wildly inside my chest. There were many thoughts going inside my head but I shut them all down. 

"Victoria. Stand by," the man behind the curtain said

I nodded and smiled. Tumingin ako sa harap at tinignan ang kulay itim na kurtina sa harapan ko. After a few seconds, the curtain opened and I was greeted by the colorful lights and roars of the audience. i smiled and began to walk on the runway with confidence and elegance. 

I made sure to remember Miss Marga's words. I feel so excited right now, and my adrenaline is all over the place but I made sure to keep myself calm and not to overpower my walk. I have to put the right balance of confidence and power. Diretso lamang ang tingin ko habang naglalakad. All eyes were on me. I smiled when I saw my family in the audience. They cheered on me too. 

When I reached the end of the stage. I stopped and struck a pose with a fierce look. I also put a subtle smile on my face when the camera pointed at me. After a few seconds, I turned around and walked my way back with the same energy. I made sure not to bump the  next girl who's now walking towards me.

I've never felt so alive. This is my very first runway show. It's not as big or extravagant as it looks but I'm still grateful to be a part of it. I smiled when tears were starting to form in the cornder of my eyes. My heart is happy. 

Pagkarating ko ulit sa backstage ay agad akong nagbihis para sa panibagong outfit. We were all over the place. The girls are running while changing clothes. The stylist and costume designers helped us put the rest of our outfits too, including the jewelries. Tumayo ako ng maayos at inayos ang buhok ko. The make-up artist did another retouch on my face. She even wiped the sweat off my forehead. I thanked her afterwards.

"Two minutes ladies! Double time!" sigaw ng crew

We all went back to our lines. Inayos ko ang heels na suot ko. I saw an earing dropped on the ground. It came from the girl in front of me. Dadamputin niya na sana iyon pero inunahan ko na siya.

"Here. Let me," hingal na hingal kong sabi at mabilis na kinabit ang hikaw sa tainga niya

"Thanks," she smiled nervously

And that exact moment, the curtain opened again and she was the next girl to walk on the runway.

"Break a leg!" I cheered as I watch her walk confidently on stage

"Victoria. Stand by please," the man said again

I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. Hindi na ako ganoong kinakabahan hindi tulad noong umpisa. I think I'm now composed and ready to slay this second time around. 

Bumukas ulit ang kurtina at nagsimula akong maglakad sa stage. This time, I put a wide smile on my face to express how happy I am today. I even blew a kiss to the audience. My body moved naturally at the beat of the music as I walk. I put my hands on my hips and struck another pose. I heard a few clicks from the cameras. Isa isa ko silang tinignan.

I looked at the audience to search for my friends but to my surprise, my eyes landed on the man behind the barricades. He smiled at me and waved his hand in a cute and innocent way. Wearing a black champion hoodie and gray sweat pants, watching me from afar. I didn't expect he'd actually show up. Tumingin ako sa katabi niya. He wasn't alone. He was with a...girl.

Binalik ko ang tingin sa harap. Ngayon ko lang napansin na masyado na akong matagal sa stage. I turned around and I almost tripped when I saw my fellow-model in front of me. I immediately moved swiftly to the side. I sighed in relief. Luckily, we didn't bumped to each other. We were able to handle it professionally. 

When I returned backstage, the stylist immediately assisted me. They gave me a bottle of water. Agad akong uminom. Umupo ako para magpahinga at pagkatapos ay inayos nila ang buhok ko.

The main finale began afterwards and all of us ladies walked together on stage. We formed in one line and walked until we reach the end of the stage. Umakyat din sa stage si Miss Marga. The crowd cheered and gave us a round of applause. Nagdikit-dikit kami lalo sa isa't isa. I held the waist of the girls beside me. We all smiled to the cameras. I also waved to my family on the audience. They gave me a thumbs up.

After the show ended, we all thanked the crew who helped us through out the show. I personally thanked my stylist and make-up artist.

"Thank you po. Maraming maraming salamat po sa tulong," I said and bowed a little

They smiled and nodded.

We all clapped our hands to celebrate the success of today's special event. Everyone did an amazing job. Without the help of these people, we wouldn't be able to perform a great show.

"Thank you girls! Well done! Congratulations. I'm so proud of you," Miss Marga said

We all snuggled close to each other and did a group hug.

"Congrats girls! We did it!" I said

Kumalas kami sa yakap at nilapitan ko naman si Miss Marga. I smiled at her. "Thank you fro having me po. It's such an honor."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you came if not, baka kinulang kami," she chuckled and hugged me

Nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko. Niyakap ko nalang siya pabalik.

Afterwards, I went to the girls and congratulated them one by one. We also took pictures of each other. Nag-selfie din ako kasama sila.

"Why is she here? Di ba hindi siya yung napili?"

"Si Kayla dapat yung nandito kaso nagkaron daw kasi ng emergency kaya hindi siya nakadalo."

"Oh, so she just filled in her spot."

"Yeah, she was one of the options. She's lucky that Miss Marga chose her."

"E sa limang hindi pinili ay si Victoria na ang pinakamatino ano. The rest of them looks average."

"In my opinion, she didn't deserve to be here. It's better if we're only fourteen."

Lumingon ako dahil narinig ko ang bulungan ng iba kong kasama tungkol sa'kin. Tumingin sila sa'kin at agad na naglakad palayo. 

"Ignore them Victoria," tumingin ako sa katabi ko

"Yeah. Inggit lang sila sa'yo," sabi ng isa

I smiled weakly and nodded. Lumapit sila sa'kin at nag-selfie nalang ulit kami sa phone ko.

After the show, I changed into my comfortable clothes. I was too lazy to come up with an outfit so I chose to wear a white floral dress instead and a pair of sandals. I still have my make-up on. My hair is curly as well. I tried to find my family in the audience. Napangiti ako nang mahanap sila. Agad nila akong nilapitan.

"Tori, anak! Congrats. Ang galing mo kanina," sabi ni mama

"Thanks mom."

"Congratulations Victoria," my step-father said and hugged me. I hugged him back

"Salamat po."

"Ang ganda ganda mo anak. Manang mana ka talaga sa'kin," dagdag ni mama habang titig na titig sa'kin. Tinignan niya pa ako mula ulo hanggang paa.

I flipped my hair. "Well. Alam ko naman."

"Ang pangit mo ate!" rinig kong sabi ng kapatid ko

I glared at him. "Anong sabi mo?"

"Wala, sabi ko ang ganda mo," sabi niya at umarteng nasusuka

"Pasmado bibig mo nanaman."

Sinuway siya ni mama. I stuck my tongue out to tease him. He did the same.

"I guess this calls for a celebration," my step-father said

"Kaya lang talaga ako sumama dito para makakain tayo sa labas," pang-aasar ni Adam

"Ewan ko sa'yo!"

Tumingin ako kay mama at nakita siyang pinagmamasdan pa din ang mukha ko.

"Ma naman! Alam kong maganda ako kaya tama na kakatitig sa'kin," suway ko

"Naninibago lang ako sa itsura mo dahil sa makapal mong make-up. Itali mo nga 'yang buhok mo, mukha kang bruha diyan."

Kumunot ang noo ko. Kinuha ko ang phone ko at tinignan ang itsura ko. "Hindi naman e."

In the end, I followed her order. I tied my hair into a high ponytail. I let the curls of my hair fall loosely on my back.

Narinig kong pinag-uusapan nila kung saan kami kakain ngayon. I was about to suggest something but then I saw behind them the person that I got surprised to show up.

"Wait lang ma ah," paalam ko sa kanila

I walked my way towards them.

"Hi!" I greeted

Nakatitig lang sa'kin si Ross habang ang kasama niya ay binati ako pabalik.

"Kaya pala pinagmamadali mo pa akong mag-drive papunta dito para sa kanya ah," nagulat ako nung piningot ng babae si Ross

Ross winced in pain. "Ouch! Ate naman!"

I chuckled. "So this is your sister," I said and pointed at the woman beside him

She smiled at me and offered a handshake."Roxanne. Nice to meet you future sister in law- este," she paused and looked at his brother's reaction

I laughed. "Victoria. Nice to meet you ate," I shook her hands

God she looks beautiful! She's tall, sexy, has big eyes, small heart-shaped face, curly lashes, pinkish lips, and a long hazel brown hair. She's only wearing light make-up but she already looks gorgeous. Napansin kong naka-braces din siya. She's wearing a pink coat and a white shirt underneath. Pink pants and high heels. My eyes sparkled when I saw she's weating a Saint Laurent bag. I'm assuming she's working in a company. Looks like we'll get along pretty well.

"Yeah. She's uhm...my sister," Ross said and avoided my gaze

"We already introduced each other you dummy," sita ng kapatid niya

I smiled. "Thank you for coming ate and Ross," I couldn't take my eyes off her sister. God damn it! What is up with their genes?! Well, I don't know what happened to Ross.

"You're welcome Victoria. Congratulations pala. I know this is only the first time that we've met but still, I can't help but to praise you. Ang galing mo kanina," she smiled

I gulped. My heart fluttered every time I receive compliments from a female, maslalo na kapag maganda din siya. Kinikilig ako ng wala sa oras.

I blushed. "Thank you ate."

She nodded and looked at her brother. "Ano? Bakit hindi ka makapagsalita diyan? Kami lang dito ni Victoria ang nag-uusap," she teased

"Pagpasensiyahan mo na yung kapatid ko. Na star struck sa ganda mo. Alam mo, crush na-"

Ross cleared his throat. "Congratulations Tori. Sorry kung medyo nalate ako," he still couldn't look at me in the eye. I saw how his ears turned red

"Hindi ka naman na-late. Naabutan mo naman ako e. Thank you for coming. At first I thought you were with the rest of our friends. I was surprised to see you here."

I was sad that my friends weren't able to watch my show. They didn't even told me their excuse or reason. Karina and Jude bailed on me. Hindi sila sumulpot. But I'm happy that my family and Ross were able to come. 

"Of course, I'd come," he smiled

"Naku. Ang layo ng din kaya ng dinayo namin para dito," singit ni Ate Roxanne

"You don't have to tell her-"

"Shut up. I'll tell her because I want to."

"Nakakahiya."

"I don't care."

I chuckled. I can't believe Ate Roxanne is so savage to Ross. I think I'm liking her more.

"Saan ba kayo ate nanggaling?"

"Well, first of all, hindi niya sinabi sa'kin na may lakad pala siya ngayon e, dapat sasamahan ko siya sa acting workshop niya na naka-schedule din ngayon so in short, after ng workshop niya ay pinagmadali niya ako papunta dito para makaabot sa show mo. Iba din galawan mo Ross ano?" sabi ng kapatid niya

I've never laughed this hard in my life. The way she told me the story is hilarious. What's funny is that she looks like a sophisticated and elegant woman but the moment she opened her mouth, she turned into a savage. Her physical appearance is far from her personality. I definitely like her.

Ross sighed. "Everytime I'm with you, you keep on embarrassing me. Please sis, not in front of my friends."

"Luh. Anong ginagawa ko? I'm just being honest. Baka natatandaan mo, ako din lagi nagtatanggol sa'yo kapag binubully ka."

Ross covered his ears. "Huwag mo nang paalala please!"

I laughed. "Ang cute niyong magkapatid."

Ross looked at his sister in disgust. Ate Roxanne tried to kiss his cheek to tease him but he immediately moved away.

"By the way, did you say acting workshop? Si Ross, gustong maging-" sabi ko sabay tingin sa kanya

"Yeah, that's right. My baby brother here-"

Nanlaki ang mata ni Ross at tinakpan ang bibig ng kapatid niya. "You're talking to much ate."

Mahina niyang siniko ang kapatid niya sa dibdib. Agad na bumitaw si Ross.

"Yung make-up ko naman. May trabaho pa ako mamaya!" she scolded. "Ang arte mo. Stop acting like a kid. You're already a twenty year old man. Ano naman kung malaman ni Victoria-"

"No!" he blurted

I crossed my arms over my flat chest. "Oo nga. Why are you so pressed Ross? There's nothing to be embarrassed about," I chuckled

"He just doesn't want people to know about his," lumapit sa tainga ko si ate. "Secret."

"Hoy. Anong sinasabi mo kay Tori?" 

Lumayo si ate sa'kin at ngumiti. "Wala. Sabi ko sa kanya na halos tumulo na ang laway mo kanina habang pinapanood-"

He groaned. "Ate!"

Parang mababaliw na si Ross sa bawat salitang lumalabas sa bibig ng kapatid niya. I can tell she likes bullying her brother just like what I do to my younger brother.

She only laughed in response. Ilang sandali ay nagpaalam na din sila.

"Sige, mauuna na kami. May trabaho pa kasi ako e. Congrats ulit Victoria. Hope to see you again," Ate Roxanne said

I smiled and nodded. "Sige ate. Salamat ulit sa pagpunta!"

"Bye Tori. Congrats ulit. See you in school," Ross said awkwardly

"Thanks. See you," I waved my hands at him

He only gave me a small smile. Tumalikod na sila sa'kin at nagsimulang maglakad palayo. I watch them from afar. Nakita kong lumingon ulit sa'kin si Ross. I chuckled. Inakbayan siya ng kapatid niya at mukhang inaasar ulit siya.

The next day I saw Ross walking in the hallway of our school. I smiled and chased after him.

"Acting pala ah!" I teased and nudged his arm. Sabay kaming naglalakad ngayon papuntang classroom.

Umawang ang labi niya sa biglaang pagsulpot ko sa tabi niya. He looked away and smiled shyly. "H'wag kang maniwala sa sinasabi ng ate ko."

"Sus. Ayaw mo lang aminin e. Kahapon lang kami nagkakilala pero mas naniniwala ako sa sinabi niya," I chuckled

Napakamot siya sa ulo niya. "She's always like that. Sorry for my sister yesterday."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "What do you mean? She's great! I mean she's amazing and beautiful I feel like we can get along together. What do you think?" I wiggled my brows

He stopped and looked at me in shock. "Don't tell me you like my sister?"

"I like her."

His lips parted. "Like as in-"

I burst in laughter. "No silly! What? You think I'm a lesbian now? What I mean is that I like her personality. I admire her. Pakiramdam ko magciclick kami kapag naging close kami lol."

He sighed in relief. We continued to walk again. "May boyfriend na yun."

I pouted. "Ay ganun? Sayang..." I sighed

Nahuli ko siyang tumingin sa'kin ulit. I chuckled. "I'm kidding!"

I don't know if his innocence is either making him look charming or stupid. There's no in between. Funny how his bad boy aura is far from his personality. He's not a nerd anymore. He's finally blending in with the rest of us.

"Ilan taon age gap niyo ng ate mo?" I asked

"6 years."

My forehead creased. "Talaga? Hala, six years din age gap ko sa kapatid ko. Oh my, mukhang nakikita ko na ang future ko," I can imagine myself just like Ate Roxanne but I know we're different in terms of career

He smiled weakly. "She's the exact opposite of me. She's more mature, more independent, stronger, wiser, and an extrovert. She get along well with people. One of her charms."

I nodded. "I can see that. Ang friendly niya din e, tsaka parang masaya siya kasama kapag naging close kayo, kami," ngiti kong sabi na parang kinikilig

"Yeah.."

"By the way."

"Nga pala."

Sabay pa kaming nagsalita kaya ngumiti kami pareho pero pinauna niya muna ako.

"I was surprised when I found out that you want to be an...actor? Seryoso ba Ross? Walang halong joke? Hindi sa inaasar kita ah. Nagulat lang ako kasi hindi ko ineexpect na yun pala yung gusto mo. I mean, it's just so not...you," I looked at him from head to foot

"That's why I didn't tell anyone, kasi alam kong aasarin lang ako. I just prefer to keep things private."

"Well, don't include me. I'm not gonna make fun of you. Why would someone make fun of someone else dreams?" I said

Hindi siya sumagot.

"Why acting tho?" I asked and looked at him

"I just want to try, see how it will go. Kapag hindi nag-work, mag-business nalang ako," ngumiti siya ng malapad

"Wow, sana all may Plan B. Trial and error lang gano'n? Buti ka pa may back up plan 'no? You must be privileged. Kung gusto mo pala mag-artista e 'di sana sumali ka na sa PBB. Jusko, kahit hindi ikaw ang grand winner, may possibility na kunin ka ng ABS-CBN," I chuckled

"Hindi naman ako pwedeng tumigil sa pag-aaral. My parents won't allow me to do that."

Tumango tango ako. "What was your question?"

He licked his lips. "Kamusta yung experience mo kahapon sa fashion show? Did you enjoy it?"

I smiled widely. Siya lang yung tao na nangumusta sa'kin pagkatapos ng fashion show ko. I just feel so happy when I get to talk about my passion and what I truly love to do. I get so talktative when it comes to that topic.

"Masaya syempre! It was such an incredible experience! I want to relive that moment again. Gusto ko sa future, marami pa akong masalihan na fashion show. My next goal is to walk on a fashion show with much bigger brands like Celine, Louis Vuittion, Dior and many more! Basta marami pa akong gustong gawin. Hay, ngayon palang naeexcite na ako! I can't wait to grow up!"

Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakangiti lang siya habang nakatitig sa'kin. I can tell that he's paying attention to what I was saying. Tumingin ulit ako sa harap at natanaw ko sa malayo ang isang malaking billboard.

"Ayun! Nakikita mo ba yun?"

"What? Where?"

 I grabbed his arm and pulled him closer to me. "Ayun oh! Yung billboard na yun!" inakbayan ko siya at pinababa siya ng kaunti

He slightly bent down. "I can see it. What about it," he glanced at me

I smiled widely. "Soon, makikita mo mukha ko diyan. Magkakaroon din ako ng sarili kong billboard sa EDSA."

Nakita ko sa gilid ng mata ko na nakatitig lang siya sa'kin. I looked at him and smiled. Inalis ko na ang pagkakaakbay sa kanya at siya naman ay umayos na ng tayo.

We stopped when we've arrived in front of our room. I turned to face him. I sighed and smiled at him.

"Well, Goodluck Ross on your acting-thingy. Alam kong wala pa akong sapat na experience at wala pa talaga akong naaabot pero ako na nagsasabi sa'yo na mahirap. It's hard to make a name on the entertainment industry. I'm not saying this to discourage you or anything, like who am I to say this to you right? It's a mean world out there. But yeah, if you ever want to pursue this type career then better get out of your comfort zone and be strong, mentally and emotionally," I said and fixed the collar of his uniform

"Noted," he replied and gave me a small smile