#NewClassicRTMC

Chapter 12
Stranger

If there's one thing Cloe and I have in common, it's doing less talk and more work when we do something which requires our focus. Mabilis kaming nakausad sa pagluluto ng aming makakain. Napansin ko rin na gaya ko ay sanay na sanay rin siya sa mga gawaing bahay.

"Ayan! Tapos na tayo!" Nakangiti siyang lumingon sa akin pagkatapos takpan ang kaldero. "Hintayin na lang nating kumulo ito at maluto iyong sinaing."

While wearing a shy smile, I nodded at her.

Medyo napanguso siya habang nakatitig sa akin. "Alam mo, hindi naman talaga ako ganito sa ibang tao. I consider myself as an introvert. I don't really like the crowd or being with strangers," sabi niya sa akin. "I don't know but I feel very comfortable around you even if we just met."

My lips slightly parted when I found another common personality that we have. I had a feeling that we could be very close to each other.

"Ganoon din ako," sabi ko sa kanya.

Napangiti siyang muli. "Ganoon din si Zendaya," sabi niya bigla. "Sayang nga at hindi siya nakapunta ngayon. We met yesterday, though. May interview kasi siya kaya wala sila rito ni Isaiah. But she also wants to meet you."

A confused look flashed on my face. "Zendaya?" I repeated the name since I had no idea who was she talking about.

"Ay! You must not know her yet," she said. "She is Isaiah's girlfriend."

Nanlaki bahagya ang aking mga mata. Ang alam ko ay kabanda rin ni Ike si Isaiah. Siya ang lead vocalist ng kanilang banda. He has a very great voice. Ang sabi rin ni Ike ay magaling siyang magsulat ng kanta.

But I was once again surprised to learn that another member of the band is in a relationship. I wasn't really expecting it. I thought it'd be like a taboo for a very popular boy band like them to be engaged or committed in a romantic relationship. Pero siguro ay wala silang pakialam doon.

I was glad to know that aside from just pursuing their dreams, they also went to chase after their happiness. However, that was just for a moment. When I thought of Ike doing the same thing, there was a bitter feeling spreading inside me.

Hindi ko nagustuhan ang aking nararamdaman sa naiisip. Mabuti na lang at kumulo na ang aming niluluto ni Cloe kaya naging abala na kami sa paghahanda. Siya na ang tumawag kina Ike at Jirro upang makakain na.

Nag-aalangan akong naupo sa tabi ni Ike nang naupo si Cloe sa tabi ni Jirro. They were playfully bickering while trying to take care of each other's plate. I couldn't help but smile while watching them in their own world. Parang hindi na nila pansin ang presensya namin ni Ike nang magkasama sila.

Natigil na lamang ako sa panonood sa kanila nang mahagip ng tingin ko ang paglalagay ni Ike ng pagkain sa aking plato. He put enough rice on my plate without saying a word. Naglagay rin siya sa nakahandang mangkok ng ulam na nilaga at saka itinabi iyon sa aking plato.

"Eat now," Ike told me with a very soft voice. "Don't mind them."

I bit my lower lip and nodded. "Thank you."

Tipid siyang ngumiti sa akin at saka naglagay na rin ng pagkain sa kanyang plato. Nagsimula na akong kumain gaya ng sabi niya. Hindi nagtagal ay nag-umpisa na rin sina Cloe at Jirro. The engaged couple tried to ask a few things about me. Sometimes Ike would even answer them for me.

"Gustong umuwi ni Sic," biglang sabi ni Jirro sa gitna nang usapan habang kumakain. "When he learned that we'll meet Aleena, gusto niya rin daw sumama. Kaya masaya siya nang malamang hindi makakarating ngayon sina Isaiah at Zendaya."

Tiningnan ko si Jirro bago sinulyapan si Ike na umiiling-iling.

"He should just stay there," Ike simply said.

Jirro chuckled. "I bet kung wala siyang projects at schedule doon ay uuwi talaga 'yon dito."

Napangiti naman si Ike. "I should be thankful, then."

Kita kong natawa na rin si Cloe at lalo naman si Jirro. "You really should," sabi niya. "I bet we wouldn't have this peaceful lunch if he's around."

My forehead creased a bit. Why do I feel like they're lowkey bad-mouthing their own member? They weren't just being direct with the use of their words.

"Sic will drain your energy if he's here," Cloe tried to explain things to me when she saw me confused. "He's not the type of person who holds himself back from talking and being all over the place."

Tumango-tango si Jirro bilang pagsang-ayon sa sinabi ni Cloe patungkol kay Sic. "He's the epitome of the word crazy."

Natawa silang lahat habang ako ay hindi pa rin gaanong naiintindihan. Naisip ko na lang na siguro ay tama ako sa first impression ko sa kanya nang ipinakilala sila sa akin ni Ike. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung gusto ko pa siyang makilala sa personal.

Jirro and Cloe stayed with us until the night fell. Ayaw pa sanang umuwi ni Cloe at gusto pang makipagkuwentuhan sa akin ngunit maaga silang aalis bukas. Ike also told them that we would have a very busy day. Pinaalala niya rin sa akin na maaga rin akong dapat magising.

After eating dinner and washing dishes with me, Ike also left the unit to go home. I never thought that I was tired until I was all alone. Pagkatapos kong magshower at magpalit ng pantulog ay agad akong nakatulog sa sobrang pagod na hindi ko na inalala pang nasa hindi akong pamilyar na lugar. Ni hindi ko na rin naayos pa ang aking mga gamit.

The next day, I slept well and woke up at around six in the morning. I went straight to the bathroom and took a bath. Since Ike told me that we would go to Top Star Records to meet his manager, I wore a decent and semi-formal attire. Mabuti na lang at madami akong ganoong klaseng damit at dresses na binili ko noong naging practice teacher ako. I brought it all with me in Manila.

Saktong pagkatapos kong mag-ayos ay tumunog ang doorbell ng unit. Wearing a short sleeve dress up to my knees, I half-jogged out of the bedroom to open the door. Ike greeted me with a smile and showed me the takeout breakfast he brought with him.

"We should eat breakfast before we head to the company," he told me while walking inside the unit and went straight to the breakfast nook. "This is only a light breakfast though. Mamayang lunch na tayo kumain ng heavy meal."

Ike quickly prepared the food for me―a breakfast pancake with scrambled egg and fried strips of bacon. Upang tulungan siya ay ako na ang kumuha ng inumin sa ref.

"This is going to be your schedule for today," he said once we began to eat.

Tinulak niya palapit sa akin ang iPad na kanyang dala. Nilunok ko ang aking kinakain at saka uminom ng tubig bago kinuha iyon upang matingnan nang mabuti.

Muntik nang lumuwa ang aking mga mata nang makita kung gaano karami ang aking gagawin. I was used into having a very leisure time after graduating from college. Our schedule would start at eight in the morning and end at eight in the evening. We needed to work for twelve hours with only a lunch break in between.

"I know you must be feeling overwhelmed but this is just the start," he told me, and I looked up to him. "But don't worry because I promise you that I'll be with you in every step. I won't go back on my word. I'll help you adapt and get used to it."

I smiled and nodded at Ike. I believed him. I knew that I didn't have to worry because I'd be in his care. With just as simple as that, I already felt very energized and motivated to do my best.

We set off to Top Star Records as soon as we were done eating breakfast. The same van which fetched us from the airport was also waiting at the basement parking to drive us around. Gaya nga ng sabi ni Ike ay malapit lang ang Top Star. Wala pang limang minuto ay nakarating na kami. Galing sa parking lot ay sumakay kami agad sa elevator.

Ang iilang staffs na nakasalubong namin paakyat at patungo sa opisina ng kanilang manager ay binibigyan ako ng mga kuryosong tingin. They were all wondering why I was with a superstar.

I was very bothered by their stares but Ike seemed oblivious to it, unlike when we went out the last time in Roxas. Maybe he felt safe inside the company. Maybe he knew there was nothing to worry about. And even though I wasn't feeling the same, I was just glad to see him comfortable.

"Ike!" His manager immediately stood up from the swivel chair once we arrived inside the office. Ako ang unang pinapasok ni Ike kaya agad na lumapat sa akin ang tingin nito. "You are Aleena, right?"

Feeling shy, I nodded with a timid smile.

Ike casually held my hand to take me to the couch. Mayroong simpleng maliit na tanggapan sa loob ng opisina. Pagkaupo ko roon ay agad na tumabi sa akin si Ike. His manager attended to us right away and sat on the single chair right in front.

Instead of looking at Ike, the manager smiled at me as he held his hand out. "I'm Joel, and the people around here usually calls me Sir or Mr. Joel. Ako ang manager ng New Classic," pakilala niya sa kanyang sarili.

I slightly leaned forward to take his hand for a handshake. "Aleena Caringal po, uhm..." Sinulyapan ko nang mabilis si Ike, hindi ko na alam ang aking dapat idagdag pang sabihin.

Tumango-tango si Mr. Joel sa akin at saka binitiwan ang aking kamay. "It's alright. I know what you're here for," he said when he saw me slightly panicking after my brief introduction. "Nasabi na sa akin ni Ike na ikaw iyong isa niya pang imementor para sa Road to Record. I have to admit. Just by judging your physical look, you really have the potential. I'm sure you also have an exceptional talent kaya pinuntahan ka pa mismo ng alaga ko sa inyo at hindi umalis doon hangga't hindi ka napapapayag."

Ike cleared his throat that interrupted Mr. Joel and placed his iPad on the coffee table. "We have no time, Mr. Joel. Madami pa pong kailangang gawin si Aleena ngayon," he said, pertaining to my schedule shown on the iPad. "That's her schedule for today. As much as I want to manage her on my own, I can't do that. Kaya gaya po ng sabi ko sa inyo sa tawag, I know she's not a talent of Top Star but I hope you can be her temporary manager until I find someone capable and suitable for her."

Napabuntonghininga si Mr. Joel at inayos ang kanyang salamin. "Sa totoo lang, if this request isn't made by you, I would decline it. Even if the band's on hiatus, I still have to monitor your individual projects, especially Sic's," pag-amin ni Mr. Joel. "But since you asked for it, I'm glad to be her temporary manager."

A smile automatically touched my lips. I was glad and relieved that he was willing to manage me even if I was just a seedling in the industry. Moreover, I was also feeling honored to be handled by the same manager of New Classic.

"By the way, did she already meet Willow?" Mr. Joel suddenly shifted the topic by asking a question.

My heart pounded hard against my chest when a stranger's name of a girl was brought up. I snapped my head to Ike, silently asking for explanation whoever that woman named Willow is.

"Not yet," Ike simply answered before looking at me. "She's a talent of Top Star who is set to debut next year. They asked me to be her mentor for the survival show that you're going to be in. They want her to be more exposed to the public before her debut so they let her join the show."

Napatango ako. Nasabi sa akin ni Ike na bawat mentor sa Road to Record ay kailangan ng dalawang talent na kanilang imementor. Kaya siguro binuhos niya ang lahat ng oras niya upang mapasali ako ay dahil hindi na niya kailangang maghanap ng iba pa.

"You should let the two of them meet," Mr. Joel suggested. "Magandang kilala nila ang isa't isa. I can talk with her manager to set up their meeting."

"I don't really think that it's necessary but..." Nilingon akong muli ni Ike. "Do you want to meet Willow?"

Medyo nabigla ako na ipinasa sa akin ni Ike ang desisyon.

"If you want to meet her, I can accompany you," he added.

"Uhm, ayos lang naman sa akin..." sabi ko na lang kahit na hindi ko alam kung ano talaga ang dapat kong isagot.

But if we're both going to be mentored by Ike, I thought it's best for us to meet and be acquainted with each other.

"Great! Ako na ang bahalang mag-ayos. Puwedeng dito na rin kayo sa Top Star magkita," nakangiting sabi ni Mr. Joel at natutuwang pumayag ako.

Nodding his head, Ike sat up straight. "Anyway, we should go to her shoot now. You should come with us, Mr. Joel."

Tumango na rin si Mr. Joel at tumayo. Agad din akong sumunod sa kanilang dalawa. May ilang gamit na kinuha lang si Mr. Joel mula sa kanyang lamesa bago naunang lumabas ng kanyang opisina.

We went to a photo studio inside Top Star. I didn't know when Ike had time to prepare everything for me when we were together all the time in Roxas. All the staffs inside the studio worked to assist me.

A stylist and a makeup artist were introduced to me. They were both hired by Ike for me. Ang sabi ay sila ang makakasama ko sa lahat ng mga magiging events ko at pati na rin sa buong survival show. I didn't know if it was necessary but I just went along with the flow. I knew nothing about the industry so I let Ike and Mr. Joel take care of everything for me. Sila ang mas nakakaalam kaysa sa akin.

"Okay. We're going to take the profile photos so just stand there and smile," the photographer instructed me, after the stylist and makeup artist finished dolling me up.

His instruction was pretty simple. I just needed to smile. However, I could see most of the staffs looking at me. It seemed like they were all wondering how good I was to be with Ike and Mr. Joel. I bet they were expecting that I'd be like a model, confident in front of the camera. However, I was completely the opposite.

Sa kaba ay hilaw akong ngumiti at hindi pa ako makatingin nang maayos sa lens ng camera. Mahigpit ang aking kapit sa laylayan ng pinasuot na designer dress ng aking stylist.

"Aleena, look straight into the camera," the photographer told me. "Just relax and smile."

Napakagat ako sa aking ibabang labi. Sinulyapan ko si Ike na nasa gilid lamang ng set at nakatingin sa monitor. I didn't want to disappoint him. Ayoko ring maging pahirap sa mga staffs, but my body wasn't listening to me. Hirap na hirap akong pasunurin ang aking sarili dahil sa kaba na maging katatawanan.

Bumagsak ang tingin ko sa lapag at mariing pumikit upang mag-ipon ng lakas ng loob.

"Let's take a break for one minute," I heard Mr. Joel announced that made me snap my head up to look at everyone.

Ike blocked my view when I saw him walking on his way to me. I was feeling guilty because I wasn't performing well that I couldn't look at him straight.

"Are you nervous?" Ike asked me as soon as he got closer, his voice sounded gentle.

He quickly found my eyes to look at me, even when I was trying hard to avoid his stare.

Tipid akong tumango. "Pero, promise, gagalingan ko na!" determinado kong sabi at saka bumitiw sa pagkakahawak sa laylayan ng bistida.

He chuckled a bit, and then his eyes focused on me more. "You don't need to pressure yourself," he told me. "You're already very beautiful. You don't have to worry about trying to look good. Just smile at the camera like how you always do, okay?"

A rush of heat went to my cheeks. I had no idea if Ike was aware that he could drive me wild with those simple blunt praises. I struggled to come up with a coherent thought that I couldn't reply right away. He just gave me one last smile and an encouragement before he went to the side again.

I didn't know how I managed to do better in front of the camera while I was enduring an intense feeling inside me. The shoot progressed smoothly after Ike talked to me. We did five concepts in total. The photographer even praised me for being photogenic while I was struggling hard to keep my composure.

After the shoot, we ate lunch at New Classic's private lounge inside the company. Naayos na rin agad ni Mr. Joel ang application kasama ng iilang napiling pictures galing sa shoot. Sinamahan niya ako sa broadcasting company kung saan ipapalabas ang survival show upang ipasa ang mga requirements. Naiwan si Ike sa van dahil hindi siya dapat makita lalo na't hindi niya naman sinamahan si Willow nang magpasa siya ng requirements.

Because of Mr. Joel's connection, the process was sped up. I even met the head director of the show. The staffs were also pleased to know that I was going to be mentored by Ike. They were all looking forward to see my performances. I couldn't help but feel pressured to meet their expectations.

Pagkatapos ay sinamahan ako ni Ike sa isang high-end shopping mall na medyo may kalayuan sa aking tinutuluyan. He brought my stylist with us para may katulong ako sa pamimili ng mga damit. We bought so many things that I wasn't sure if it was all worth it. Pagkatapos ay kumain na rin kami ng dinner sa isang luxury hotel. I was embarrassed and guilty that Ike paid for everything.

"You can just pay me by doing your best in the survival show." That was what he told me after I expressed how much I wanted to repay him. It reminded me of our conversation back in Roxas.

Hearing those words, it seemed like he really has high hopes for me. He would do anything to motivate and push me hard to do my best in order to win the contest that I suddenly wondered if he was doing the same to Willow.

I realized that I shouldn't read too much into his words and actions. I didn't want to assume things and create problems that weren't there in the first place. It was best if the unidentified feelings I had for him should just remain as a stranger to me. That way, I could just focus on my goal and reach my dreams.