Inexorable Encounter

Chapter 1

I was about to go back on my bed after checking my laptop and have a sleep again when Mom barged in my bedroom. My forehead furrowed and my head ached the moment I knew what was behind of this unexpected room visit.

“Mom, I did have a bad day yesterday. I already knew it and saw the news, pictures and the articles,” irita kong sabi. “So let me sleep, can’t you?”

“You had a bad day, Belle Ivory, yes! I very well know the fact that you are now trending for the nth time!” she thundered.

“That’s good!” I exclaimed. “I like being trending, anyway.” I slightly smiled and was about to go back on my bed when Mom pulled my sheets. “Mom, it was nothing!” I irritably stated. “Let me sleep, wala namang bago sa trending news, as if it will change me as an actress.”

“My gosh, Belle! It does!” she acknowledged. “It’s all over in the internet and it will make your career feels like a roller coaster!” she yelled at me. “I’m having an episode this afternoon in Every Day segment and for sure, we will talk about my irresponsible daughter who’s all over the news!”

“Just tell them, shut the hell up!” I shouted back and pulled my sheets to cover up myself from Mom.

Mom stayed and didn’t stop. I rather go deaf than to hear all of this. Mom knew that this is nothing and her words means nothing to me too. I didn’t need them to tell me what’s wrong over and over.

When my mom surrendered, she went out so I get up. I rolled my eyes before going to my toilet. I washed my face with soap at nagmumog ako ng mouthwash. I dried my face with my face towel and get my air pods. I put it on my ears and played a music before going out.

I saw our maids greet me but I didn’t hear any of them because of the loud music I set in my ears. Enough to keep people from being heard and enough to destroy my eardrums that’s why I surrendered and lower the volume with two times volume down.

I tried talking and I heard a little voice even though I said it with my normal voice.

I saw Dad and Leon sa kitchen and they were talking about politics as usual as I joined them. I happily greeted them before having sunny side up, and French toast on my plate and tasted it.

“Manang, please when you’re cooking this toast, patagalin mo ang babad sa eggs,” I instructed and stopped the music on my ears.

“Why don’t you eat instead of complaining?” asar na singit pa ni Leon.

“I’m just sharing a technique with Manang, don’t worry. I’m not complaining. It’s delicious nga eh, give it a try.” I smiled and continue eating.

“I saw your screen name again on the internet, Bel,” Dad spoke. “What did you do this time?” my Dad asked sternly.

“Why don’t you read it? I’m not faking my attitude on and off screen. I don’t want to be someone who’s good in on, but bad in off,” I said. “The guy bumped me and it’s just my initial reaction who responded.”

“Well, Dad, to make it short, your daughter doesn’t know how to handle her career well and can’t afford to think of your position, my position, and Mom’s name,” Leon fired back with his favorite condescending tone.

“If you care about the news, then linisin mo. As if I let myself have an issue to someone who’s not even worth of my attention.” I rolled my eyes as I drink my milk. “The citizens and reporters were just making small things as an issue and that’s not my problem anymore.”

“Your problem is letting your bitchy side be seen in the world. You don’t filter things you do in public, what a mess!” he exclaimed.

I chuckled and looked at him teasingly. “Everybody knows that I have a bitchy attitude,” I stated. “They’re just doing this little thing to a big one, and I don’t get it. For what? For money? For attention?” I chuckled. “Walang issue kung walang mang-iissue.”