I pursed my lips and grip tighter on my phone. I look around trying to come up with an answer to him. I can believe I forgot about him! How dumb am I to not even bother telling him or remembering to tell him?!

I should have told him!

But how did he found out? May nagsabi ba? Or may pinagtanungan siya?!

My eyes widened.

What if sa sobrang pag-aalaa niya pumunta siya ng bahay at nagtanong?! Oh God, please tell me I'm wrong.

I take another deep breath as I started typing a reply. I feel so nervous and guilty.

To Jiro:
I'm sorry Jiro, biglaan kasi. I was even with my friends nung tawagan ako ng manager ko.

I bit my lower and tap my fingers on the screen. How did he find out? I'm confused, he doesn't know anyone from my house.

Is it Ali?

But they are not close. Or they are? Jiro study at Munhigh, Ali's mom works at Munhigh as teacher. So there's a possibility they already know each other and didn't tell me.

From Jiro:
Dahil ba biglaan you cant tell me? You really forgot to?

I frown a little before pulling my phone closer to me. What should I say? Masasaktan ba siya kapag sinabi ko na nakalimutan ko talaga siya? But it's true, I did forget to tell him.

To Jiro:
I'm sorry, I did forget to tell you. Like what I said biglaan talaga lahat. I even rush to pack my things that's why.

I just wish he'll understand. I know he will, he is a different kind of guy. He's not like others na basta-basta nalang magagalit. He'll get mad yes, pero hindi siya magagalit ng matagal at ng malala.

He'll get mad but he'll understand.

From Jiro:
Kailan ko pa talaga marinig mula sa mga lalaki sa computer shop kung gaano ka kaganda. Kung gaano kaganda at kaputi yung legs mo. I want to badly talk to them. Usap lang talaga, it feels like they are sexually harassing you. And it making my blood boil.

My eyes widened and re-read his message. Narinig niya 'yon? But how- oh, guys from the computer shop probably have instagrams and there they saw my pictures.

Yeah it's a little creepy when they do that. But I have to get used to it. I know there will be more of that kind of issues in the future. I just have to hold myself and ignore those kind of people.

To Jiro:
I'm really sorry, I promise when I come back babawi ako. Promise!

From Jiro:
Okay okay, take care. But when is that?

I bite my lower lip and sigh. I don't know yet. But I wish soon. I'm already tired and it's just half of the day. I'm not yet sure if meron pa mamaya or bukas. I can't hope na wala cause kapag wala means no opportunities. So I'll just hope na meron but it won't be that tiring.

To Jiro:
Hindi ko pa alam. But I'll make sure na babawi ako, okay? I love you.

I am shy to say that. I barely type that but as long as for him. I do tell mom I love her. But that's just mom, and lola too. But of course it's different, when it's him, I always get flattered.

From Jiro;
Hmm.. okay, love you too. Take care.

A smile grew on my lips before I put down my phone on my lap. I miss him already. We were not able to meet  from the last days. There's a family gathering to us once. Then he also take extra shifts cause his lola got sick.

I actually offered him help financially but he said he can do it. So I let him work overnight which worry me a bit.

"Your order." I flinched as Ms. Ava suddenly pop up on my view.

I look at the table in front do me and there I saw the salad she got me.

"Do you drink coffee or milktea?" She ask while holding a bottle of black coffee and milktea.

I slightly scrunched up my nose and shake my head.

"No need po, I'm fine with this." I sigh before putting down my phone on the table beside the container of my salad.

I put on the dressing and started eating. I'm getting used on eating salads. But in our house I would always ask for meat or pork. Medyo weird pa rin sa akin ang lasa ng ibang gulay na walang kasamang kahit ano. Specially now na limited lang ang dressing. While sa bahay its always my choice whether to pour a lot on my leaves.

"Laura good news." My head snap at Ms. Ava's direction who's eating with the make up artists.

"Yes po?" I asked while giving her a wide eyes.

"A shoe brand wants to get you as their endorser. And now they are asking kung pwede ka bukas. Of course you are? Right?" She said and a smile grew on my face.

I nod once. "Of course Ms. Ava, I can stay here longer. I have a house here naman po. So no problem." I said and she clap her hands and smile.

"Great! Let's hope na more company or brands find you interesting. Kahit small company or brand, ang mahalaga may kumukuha sa'yo as their model." She said and I nod.

I actually get what she means. If one brand get me as their model, then other brands see my photos. They might get me as well. So it's like growing and growing.

"Eat now Laura, may second set pa ng photoshoot." My brows furrowed and look at Ms. Ava.

"Meron pa po?" I confusedly ask.

Heck I wasn't expecting that. I thought we are just going to a simple high school girl. I'm curious about the next theme.

"May theme na po ba?" I ask and Ms. Ava nod.

"You'll just be wearing dresses from the companies collection. The company is experimenting and trying to come up with a clothing brand. And they choose you as the first model since you'll match the dresses with your beautiful features." She said and I slightly nod. I face the mirror once again and get back on eating.

After minutes, Ms. Ava checked me if I'm already done eating. And when she saw the container empty she told me to brush my teeth and I'm having the make up and hair make over again.

This time I'm wearing a slightly heavy make up. Bright pink lipstick and mixed eyeshadow colors. They also put hair spray to my hair which made me a little uncomfortable. Specially the scent of it. It's just too strong for me.

"Okay na ba? Call time niya 12:45am." Ms. Ava said. The stylists nod their head and help me to stand up. I pick up my phone before we head out. I am just wearing a simple white dress right now so that I won't have hard time changing into the clothes later.

When we arrived on the set I saw the large pink cloth, looks like it's gonna be my background. Ms. Ava  brought me to the changing room. They first give me a red silk dress with a ribbon on the strap. I did not have any hard time putting it on since it's pretty simple. Then I go on some red shoes heels.

Okay Laura, you can do this!

"So Ms. Laura, what you have to do is give us walk and poses, okay? It's like you're in a runway." The photographer said. I gave them a smile and nod before going closer to the background.

Okay Laura, you've been practicing for this walk. You even have splinters all the time because of that damn heels.

"Okay.. lets go."

I smiled and give them my walk. I would pose every meter I take smile, fierce then smile again. I would do some shots that looks like I'm laughing. Shots I have cold eyes, and shot I have tiger look.

"Now work on your hair and give us beautiful poses." I put both of my hands on my hair and grip on some strands. I look on the side as I push my hair back.

We took a lot of pictures with that dress until the photographer pull away from his camera.

"Next dress." He said and Ms. Ava immediately run towards me.

"Keep going at sa susunod baka nasa Victoria Secret kana." She said and I look at her with squinty eyes.

"I did great naman diba?" I hesitantly ask.

I'm actually not feeling the poses I made in the middle. I feel like those or lame and lazy poses. I'm sure they won't get anything from they part.

I changed into a green dress then a blue background. I have some glitters on my temples which I find nice but a bit irritating. There's also glitters in my lips that's why I find this dress and look interesting.

And it's close up shots, so the glitters give highlights and reflect the the light.

The next one is black and gold, the look is like the green one but I have black lipstick and my hair pushed back. I'm not into the black lipstick but the gold dress is nice.

"Good job team! And of course.. Ms. Laura you did best today! You are so good at making faces and poses. I know you will still improve. And give us more." He said and I just nod. It's now around 6pm and I'm changed into my original clothes.

After the small meeting, Ms. Ava and I walk towards my van.

I feel so tired.

"May ATM card ka ba? Debit or Credit?" I lazily look at her and nod.

"I have a debit card." I said and she nod.

"We will arrange your card, banking and payments tomorrow." She said and I look at with squinty eyes.

I am desperate to lay down and sleep and I can't understand what she's talking about.

My brows furrowed. "Huh?" I confusedly asked. I guess I need sleep and rest before I understand what she's talking about.

"Laura you're getting paid of course. So we need to work on your bank accounts and payments. Come think of it, at the age of 16 you're already earning money on your own. When I was on your age I eat raw noodles with its seasoning as lunch. So you should be excited about it." She said and I jus keep walking and nodding.

When we arrived in front of my van, kuya Bert open the door for me. I bid goodbye to Ms. Ava before sitting down and my lids fall down on its own.

I wake up when I feel the engine stop. I look around and saw that we are already at the garage. I pick up my stuffs and luya Bert open the door for me.

When I entered the house a maid immediately get my bag for me.

"Padala nalang po sa kwarto ko." I said and she nod. I walk towards the dining but immediately lost appetite.

"You're here." I said while looking dad. He turn his head at my direction and nod.

"Bakit parang nagulat ka na andito ako. Bahay ko pa rin 'to." He said and I shake my head before turning my back at him.

"Wait.. how's your shoot?" He ask and I roll my eyes.

"It's fine, just like how I imagine it." I said and was about to take a step when he once again speak.

"Aren't you going to eat? Marami akong ipinaluto cause I know you're tired and hungry." He said and I take a deep breath and grit my teeth.

"I'm a model, I'm on a diet." I said before brushing my hair back and walking upstairs.

When I entered my room I immediately close the door. I walk towards my bed and throw myself to it. As much as I want to sleep already I can't. I stand up and take a shower. Did my night routine and the skin cares.

As much as I want to talk to mom I asked her if we can just not talk tonight. Cuz I'm tired and sleepy already. Mom told me it's fine and I can just tell her how my first photoshoot went next time. And I'm thankful she understand.

I wake up around 4am. I had a good and enough sleep since I slept for almost 10 hours. I take a bath early and went downstairs the moment I finish all of what I should do and prepared what I need for today.

When I went down I saw the maids prepared breakfast. And I saw only one plate on the table so I'm guessing dad is not here. That's great.

"Gising na po si kuya Bert?" I ask when I sit down on my chair. The maid who served the soup nod.

"Opo Maam, tatawagin ko po ba?" She ask and I shake my head.

"Pakisabi nalang na kumain na rin siya. Matagal pa bago kami umalis." I said and she nod. The maids leave me alone which made me feel free to do things. I put small amount of rice on my plate. But out every dish be available. Tocino, hotdog, half of a sunny side up egg, and sausage.

I did what Ali would always do, less rice but more on ulam. And I like that idea. I have my tea by my side and phone on my hand. I scroll through my social media and realized I've been gaining followers on Instagram and Twitter.

I decided to take a picture of my food and tweet it and put on my IG story.

I take a bite of my sausage before going back on scrolling. When suddenly a notification pop up on my screen. I immediately let go of my spoon and tap on it.

From Ali_25:
Takte natakam ako bigla. Tamang pandesal at gatas lang ako. Sanaol po.

It's Ali who reacted in my IG story, wait, 5:45am and she's already eating? Wow, guess she have something to do.

To Ali_25:
Sus, I know you eat delicious food too.

From Ali_25:
Sus ka rin. Puro pandesal at tinapay ang laman ng tiyan ko sa umaga. Bumibili na si papa otw niya pauwi galing bangko.

From Ali_25:
Bangka*

I chuckled a little as she corrected her typo. I remember Ali's dad own a fishing boat and he also manage that. That's why Ali's familiar with different kinds of fishes.

From Ali_25:
Okay bye na, pauwi na kami. Bye! Ingat!

My brows farrowed and before I could even message her, she's already offline. Pauwi? So she's not in their house? Oh wow.. maybe she's at her Lola's house and she's just using a mobile data.

When I finished eating I stand up and finish my tea. I stand up for around 15 minutes since I can't take longer cause I'll be late. So 15 minutes is enough for now. I'll just eat salad again for lunch.

I ride our van and travel once again to the company. And just like yesterday, hair and make up. But this time it's different, they made me wear shorts, and it's like the other day's theme. Simple and cute, so it's somehow easy for me to do the poses.

It's the show brand that Ms. Ava told me yesterday, when our shoot ends, they made me sign a contract for three years, wow that's too long. Does that mean I can't sign to other shoe brands?

"Saan mo gusto mag lunch?" Ms. Ava ask while we are just resting in the dressing room.

I purse my lips and shrug. "A vegetable salad please." I said and she nod before standing up.

"Drinks?" She ask..

"Uhm.. tea." I said and she nod once again,picking up her phone and wallet.

"Stay here and wait for me." She said and I just nod. I turn the swivel chair? I don't know how to call this chair but it turns so yeah. I face the mirror and stand up. I lean closer and look at my reflection examine my face. I still have make up on and a contact lenses.

Yes, for the first time I wore a pair. It's easy to put on, but I haven't try removing it yet. I know it'll be hard so I'll just remove it later.

"Ang ganda mong bata. May lahi ka ba?" My head snap at the direction of the gay stylist.

My eyes widened a bit and shake my head. She nods and stand up.

"Nung una kitang nakita akala ko meron. Para kang anak ng bumbay." She said while walking towards me. I just smiled and thanked her.

"Galingan mo pa, ha? Ang taas ng mga expectation ng tao sa'yo sa labas." She said that made my brows furrowed.

Labas? What does that mean? Public? I'm already known in the public?

"Labas po?" I confusedly ask.

She chuckled before stroking my hair. "Dito lang sa loob ng company. Pero ang dami na kasing na-iingit sa'yo." She said and my brows furrowed.

"Bakit po?" I ask while looking a her.

"Well.. alam mo naman. We are living in the Philippines. So ang mga tao ay mahilig mangialam ng buhay ng may buhay. Kaya ayun, ang dami ng nakaka-alam na ang dami na agad kumukuha sa'yo. And for a new model like you. Aba, ang swerte mo na ikaw ang napili na model ng kumpanya sa unang set ng designs." She said and I just nod.

"Pero hayaan mo na sila. Basta keep slaying, keep going. Hayaan mo silang mamatay sa inggit. Magpaganda ka pa, keep accepting offers. Masama ang tumanggi sa grasya- but know your limits okay? 'Wag papabayaan ang sarili." She said before giving me a smile.

I like her smile, and her voice and her advices. It makes me somehow feel more motivated.

"Always believe in yourself cause you can do more." She added and I nod.

She chuckle. "Hindi 'to nakalagay sa kontrata pero I suggest na 'wag muna papasok sa relationship. I know you're studying pa so relationship will only gonna be a distraction okay?" She said and I slowly nod.

"Sige na.. magpahinga kana ulit. Uuwi kana siguro mamaya." She said before leaving me there standing.

Oh.. relationships are gonna be a distraction?

Great. Now I'm having these thoughts again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•