#DS3Unscripted #BelayaxPierce #LKCouple #DaggerSeries

CHAPTER 17: CAST

BELAYA'S POV

"This is why I told you to wake up early."

I tried not to roll my eyes because there's a huge chance that I'm going to poke an eye. Pinagpatuloy ko ang maingat na paglalagay ng mascara. Pierce is driving carefully but I know the roads of Cavite too well. Capital of malubak na daan ata ang lalawigan na ito.

"Sinabihan na rin kita kagabi na 'wag ka ng maglaro ng computer games pero hindi ka nakinig."

"I know, I know." Sinarado ko ang cap ng mascara at nilingon ko siya. "I know, Daddy."

Something flashed in his eyes but he hid it quickly. Naiiling na ibinalik niya ang mga mata sa harapan para itutok ang atensyon sa pagmamaneho. Sebastian's meeting us in Manila so that he won't need to go back and forth. Kasama ko rin naman si Pierce kaya hindi na niya ako kailangan sunduin.

"So do they have all the casts ready then? Parang ang bilis naman ata samantalang kaaalok lang sa'yo last week ng project."

"Not really. They have casting scheduled today. Hindi pa talaga script reading. They just need me so that I could act with those that are auditioning and to see who will match with me." I grab my favorite vibrant red Rouge Hermes Casaque lipstick and I applied it on my lips. "Joe and most casting directors I worked with are always like that. They don't just hire mainstream actors. They rather work with a new actor as long as that person will be a good fit to the character. Lalo na sa project na 'to. They need to build romance with three people."

"Three people?"

"Yep. My character Sariah has two love interest." I sprayed a setting spray on my face before I turned to him. "Sam's auditioning for the other one so hopefully I'll be working with someone I already know. Iyong para sa main hero talaga hindi ko pa alam."

Blangko ang mukha ni Pierce habang nakatingin pa rin sa dinadaanan namin. He didn't comment anymore and I just shrugged at that. Binalinangan ko na lang ang script na nasa kandungan ko at binuklat ko iyon para basahin.

I already finished reading the first book, The Chains of Ravine, a few days ago. Noong isang araw naman ay sinimulan ko na ang second book no'n. I can't say that I'm a bookworm but I do love reading books. Iyon nga lang kung gaano ako kapihikan sa pagkain ay ganoon din ako kapili pagdating sa libro. If the first three chapters doesn't capture my attention, I won't finish reading it. But J.V. Lindsay's The Chains of Ravine is really something. From start to finish talagang hindi ko mabitawan.

After what seems forever, the car slowed until it stopped in front of a huge building where a crowd is beginning to form. My phone buzzed and when I read it, I saw Sebastian's message telling me to go to the underground parking lot. Sinabi ko iyon kay Pierce at kaagad niya namang pinaandar ang sasakyan para dalin kami roon.

Inalis ko ang seatbelt ko nang makahanap na ng parking slot si Pierce. The door on my side opened and Sebastian was already standing outside.

"Some reporters got a hold of the information that you might be joining this project."

Napataas ang kilay ko sa naging bungad ni Sebastian. "Agad-agad? Paano?"

"J.V. Lindsay was interviewed. Nang tanungin siya kung sino ang nakikita at gusto niya na gumanap sa female lead ay ikaw ang sinabi niya. Then when you posted that mirror selfie promoting the Emerald's workout outfit, the book could be seen on the coffee table."

Kunot ang noo na nilabas ko ang cellphone ko at pumunta ako sa instagram para tignan ang pinost ko kahapon. I zoomed in and I saw that half of the book is visible on the photo.

"You can barely see the name of the book." Sebastian gave me a look as if telling me that I should know better. Pinaikot ko ang mga mata ko at napailing. "Whatever. Malalaman din naman nila."

"That's not how it works and you know that. Wala pa tayong written agreement with them. Until we don't have that, we can't claim that you're part of the movie."

Humalukipkip ako. I've known him for years. There's something he's not telling me. "Sebastian, what is it?"

"Bela-"

"Are they backing out?"

"No, they're not." Bumuntong-hininga ang lalaki. "One of the producers is hesitant towards casting you because of the recent issue. He said you're a bomb waiting to blow off. The others are persistent because you're perfect for the role and the author wanted you to play the part. I want to see the written agreement first before letting the media talk about this dahil kung bigla na lang nilang maisipan na bawiin ang proyekto na 'to sa iyo, I don't want this movie to be using you to gain noise."

"What's the name of the producer?"

Hindi ko alam kung paano pero bago pa niya banggitin ang pangalan ng taong tinutukoy niya ay para bang nararamdaman ko na iyon. A part of me is just hoping that he won't say the name that I'm thinking of.

"Jhonas Larson."

"Fuck!"

It's definitely an "f" moment. The kind where I'm craving to say multiples of it too.

"Kitten."

Nilingon ko si Pierce na kunot na kunot ang noo habang nakatingin sa akin. I gathered my hair up in frustration and I let it fall again on my back. I saw his eyes followed the movement.

"I rather not work with Jhonas again. We worked in two projects. The first one was okay because we only have a professional relationship back then but the second one was terrible because it was after we broke up. He was an assistant director for those two projects. Apparently he's producing now." I said to him to explain before I turned to Sebastian again. "I don't want to work with him but I like this movie. What I want to know is if I'm just going to waste my time here? Dahil kung mag pa-power trip lang ang taong 'yon then it's not worth it."

"I don't think Evans will let that happen."

Napataas ang kilay ko sa binanggit niyang pangalan. "Cedric is a producer too?"

"EP."

Sa pagkakataon na ito ay bumalik ang ngiti sa mga labi ko. I like Cedric Evans because I also worked with him in the past. I also like him because I know that he won't let Jhonas play with me. Cedric was the director to Jhonas' assistant director back then. Now apparently he's the Executive Producer.

"Let's go. Cedric hates tardy people."

Sebastian sighed loudly before he lead the way. Sumunod kami sa kaniya ni Pierce at pumasok kami sa elevator. Pero bago sumarado iyon ay tumunog ang cellphone ni Sebastian.

"It's the organizer for the annual charity ball. I need to take this, you two go up first."

Tinanguhan ko siya at pinindot ko ang buton ng elevator para sumarado iyon. I was currently looking at the LED panel when I felt something heavy on me. Nilingon ko si Pierce at nakita kong nakatingin siya sa akin.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Who's Jhonas?"

"I told you. An ex."

"Why did you two broke up?"

I shrugged my shoulders and gave him a smile. "The usual. He cheated on me. He was using me because I was an actress but he replaced me with someone that is more famous and fresh to the industry."

"What happened to the other actress?"

"She flamed out easily."

Isa iyon sa mahirap na parte ng popularidad. One moment you're above and the next your fire is out and you're no longer useful to the industry. But I built my image since I was young. I started as a child actress and I climbed my way to the top. If there's one thing that will beat fame that is credibility.

One successful project that will launch you to the world of stardom is not enough. You need to prove that you can have the same result again and again.

"So did you keyed his car too?"

"Now why would I do that?"

"Ganoon mo siya kagusto? You didn't give him hell like you did with that ass at that restaurant?"

Pierce sounded pissed. Inangatan ko siya ng kilay pero kunot na kunot pa rin ang noo na nakatingin lang siya sa akin.

"He was using my car, Lion, because his broke or that's what he told me. There's no way I would key my own car." Napangisi ako nang maalala ko ang ginawa ko noon. "He's so stupid that he used my car to take that actress to their dates. He also proved he's more stupid when he used it again to go on another date with another woman. So like the good citizen that I am, I sent those two women the copy from my dash cam kung saan hinahatid sundo niya ang dalawang babaeng iyon. He even made out with one on top of the hood of my car. Romantic right? So no. I didn't key my car but I did sell it afterwards."

"And?"

Sometimes it amazes me how Pierce always knew that there's more to my words. Na para bang kilalang-kilala niya ako.

Saktong bumukas ang elevator nang sagutin ko siya. With a smile on my face I stepped out and I looked back at him. "I also punched that jackass on the throat."

His eyes glinted at that and his lips twitched as if he's fighting not to smile. I didn't try to hide mine and I just smiled at him flat out.

"Belaya!"

Lalong lumawak ang pagkakangiti ko nang makita ko si Cedric na palapit. He's wearing his usual casual clothes; a hoodie and worn out jeans. He's older than me for about a couple of years but still he look as handsome like the first time I worked with him. His face is always warm and he has a great smile what with his adorable dimples.

"It's been a long time, Cedric," I told as him as I returned his hug. "Lalo tayong gumagwapo ah?"

"At lalo kang gumaganda."

Mahinang pagtikhim ang nagpahiwalay sa kaniya sa akin. Tumingin siya sa likod ko at kahit hindi ko pa tignan ang direksyon ng mga mata niya ay alam kong na kay Pierce ang atensyon niya.

"Please tell me he's an actor," Cedric pleaded.

"Unfortunately, he's not." Nginitian ko si Pierce na seryoso lang na nakatingin sa lalaki. I touched Pierce's arm and his eyes blinked before he looked down at me. "He's my bodyguard."

I was about to say more when a scent hit my nose. Something that seems familiar but I can't just remember why. Nagpalingon-lingon ako pero wala akong ibang nakita kundi tatlong tao na palapit sa amin. Ang dalawa ay pamilyar ako habang ang isa ay bago pa lang sa paningin ko.

"Belaya, you're finally here," Joe greeted me. The director went close to me to gave me a quick hug before he turned to the other two. "This is our casting director, Catherine Garde, and one of the producers, Jhon-"

"Magkakilala kami," putol ko sa sasabihin niya.

Hindi ko inabot ang kamay ko sa lalaki at sa halip ay nginitian ko lang ang dati ko na kasintahan. His eyes went sharp when I placed a hand on my throat in a subtle way but he looked away so that he could fix his blank eyes to Cedric. "Let's start the audition."

"That's actually my call," Catherine told him.

Pinigilan ko ang ngisi na gustong sumilay sa mga labi ko lalo pa at lalong sumama ang timpla ng mukha ni Jhonas.

"Just make sure that she will auditioned too. Everyone should be treated fairly," Jhonas said to the woman.

"I know how to do my job Mr. Larson." Tumingin sa akin ang babae at nagkibit-balikat lang ako na parang sinasabi kong hindi problema sa akin kung anong gusto niyang ipagawa. "It's seems silly to have an audition for Sariah when we didn't make a call out for that character, right? I don't think Samuel Lorenzo would enjoy auditioning for that role."

"I don't know. He might be pretty enough to pull it off," I said with a smile.

We shared a moment of camaraderie. One that bloomed from the knowledge of how hard it is to survive in an industry where chauvinistic men always propagates.

"We'll see."

PINIGILAN kong mapasipol nang makita ko ang sumunod na taong pumasok mula sa pintuan. Ang kaninang lugar na puno ng bulungan ay biglang natahimik dahil lahat ng atensyon ay napunta sa direksyon niya.

He has this commanding aura that felt like he's telling everyone to look at him. Not because he's flashy or anything but rather it's because it will be next to impossible not to see him.

He's huge. He's probably as tall as Pierce. He's ripped, he has a long hair that looks messy, and a ducktail beard that reminds me of Charlie Hunnam. Also, unlike the others who auditioned, he's wearing a plain black shirt and an old black jeans.

He's also staring directly at me.

"Your name please?" Catherine asked.

Hindi sumagot ang lalaki at sa halip ay nanatili lang siyang nakatingin sa akin. I absentmindedly ran my finger on top of my lips as I watch the man curiously. His stare is intense and his shoulders are tense. I can also feel anger laced with other emotions vibrating around his entirety.

"You want a prince."

I wanted to grab the paper in front of Catherine and give this man in front of us a "Hell yeah!" for approval but I didn't do that. Instead I stood up and rounded the table so that I could walk towards him. This is the first time that I stood up from the chair. When I interacted with the others when I'm needed on the scene, even with Sam, the directors haven't asked me to stand up.

I saw Pierce from the corner of my eyes took a step towards me but Sebastian stopped him. I can't blame Pierce. The anger around the huge unknown man is pretty clear. If he wants to hurt me I think he can do that efficiently in a snap.

"You don't know what I want, Cal." Tumigil ako sa harapan ng lalaki. "Did you even try to really see me? O nakikita mo lang kung anong gusto mong makita?"

"Alam ko ang nakita ko nang kasama mo siya."

"Pero hindi mo magawang makita kapag ikaw ang kasama ko?"

"You want a prince. You're not going to settle for a soldier."

Mapait na ngumiti ako. I can feel the tears blinding my eyes but I didn't let it fall. "You call yourself a soldier. You're willing to fight alongside me... but you don't want to fight for me."

"You're his, Sariah."

"I am not to be own. I am to be won." Umiiling na humakbang ako paatras. "But you're too much of a coward to do anything about it because you rather follow orders, right, soldier?"

I turned around to walk away but a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me back. Ang nagbabagang mga mata ng lalaki ang sumalubong sa akin. Pumiksi ako at lumayo sa kaniya pero muli lang niya akong napigilan.

"Stop!" My voice echoed around the room as I try to push him back. Malakas na itinulak ko siya pero hindi man lang siya gumalaw sa kinatatayuan. It's like pushing against a brick wall. "Pakawalan mo na lang ako kung hindi mo ako kayang panghawakan. I am done playing your games, Caliber."

His hand tightened on my arm while his right one reached for the other. Humakbang siya paabante dahilan para mapaatras ako hanggang sa maramdaman ko ang malamig na pader sa likod ko. Everyone gasped in shock when he pulled out a knife and pointed it at me.

I looked away from him and I saw Pierce moving towards us but I shook my head. He stopped on his tracks but I can see his anger that will probably beat the one surrounding the man in front of me.

I felt the said man gently turned my head in his direction. A contrast from the chaos in his eyes.

Binaligtad niya ang kutsilyo at kinuha niya ang kamay ko para ilagay iyon doon. He pointed my hand holding the dagger to his chest.

"I can't give you anything when he could give you all that you want. I can't offer anything when he can place the world on your feet. This is only what I have to give; my life."

"I just want your heart."

"I can't give you what you already have."

We stared at each other's eyes for a moment. Until the seconds became minutes. The chaos in his eyes mellowed down. Sumilay ang ngiti sa mga labi ko at ibinaba ko ang kamay ko. Lumayo siya sa akin at umangat ang sulok ng labi niya bago niya inangat ang isang kamay sa direksyon ko.

"Caleb Riley."

"Belaya Lawrence." I shook his hand before I turned the dagger around so that the handle is pointed to him. "That was a pretty intense scene."

"Sorry for grabbing you when I haven't introduced myself to you."

"It's okay. I think we'll get to know each other a lot soon." Tumingin ako sa gawi ng mga nanonood sa amin. Lumawak ang ngiti sa mga labi ko nang makita kong ganoon din ang nakapaskil sa mga labi ni Catherine. "Only a blind director won't cast you after that."

"You think?"

I looked back at Caleb. "I know so. You were pretty convincing. You even angered my bodyguard."

Bumuka ang mga labi niya pero nakangiting lumayo na ako sa kaniya para lumapit sa kinaroroonan ni Pierce. I placed a hand on Sebastian's shoulder that is still standing in front of him. Naiiling na lumayo si Sebastian nang malingunan niya ako.

"I'm fine, Pierce."

Sa pagkagulat ko ay inangat niya ang sleeve ng suot ko na dress. Tumalim ang mga mata niya nang makita niya roon ang braso ko na bahagyang namumula. His eyes are spitting acid when he looked at someone on my back and I turned my head around to see that he's looking at Caleb that is now talking to Catherine.

"I'm fine," I repeated.

"Is he the man you're going to have bed scenes with?"

Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko at hindi ko siya sinagot. His eyes zeroed on my lips and I saw how they darken while staring at them.

"I didn't know someone would pissed me off more than that Samuel did."

"Pierce?"

His answer was the grumble inside his chest. Nakangiting inabot ko ang kamay niya at pinorma ko iyon sa paraan na lagi niyang ginagawa sa akin; like a paw.

"Retract your claws, Lion, or I might think you're falling for me already."