Serendipity (Dauntless Series #3)

Chapter 33

I was told to come to Leo's office the same day we planned to visit Sheena at the hospital before her surgery. Hindi ko alam kung bakit dahil ayaw niyang sabihin sa akin kung tungkol saan ang pag-uusapan namin hangga't wala ako sa harapan niya. Kinabahan tuloy ako.

"Hello! Come in, Guia." masayang salubong sa akin ni Leo nang kumatok ako sa kaniyang pinto. I guess it's nothing serious because he's strangely cheerful today. I was able to breathe normally. 

"I have to be somewhere else so please tell me what is it that you want to say."

Hinintay niya muna akong makaupo sa sofa bago siya magsalita. I froze after hearing a very famous beauty camp somewhere between his words. 

"They told me they're interested on training you for the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. They believe you can get the crown."

I smiled bitterly. My life is already complicated, why would I get myself into another messy situation? I know some models who tried joining the national pageant and ended up regretting it. It's not as glamorous as they show it on TV and social media. I can only imagine the countless criticisms that I'll receive if I submit an application on the Miss Universe Philippines. They will say I don't deserve to join the pageant because I don't look like a Filipina, or the usual rant I get, that I only got in because of my family's connection. So, no. No national pageant for me. It's not my thing, anyways.

"As much as I appreciate their offer, I'm sorry but I have to decline it. I already have enough stuff on my plate. Besides, I'm content with my modeling career."

Bumagsak ang balikat ni Leo. Alam kong matagal niya nang pinapangarap na sumali ako sa mga pageant, hindi niya lang magawang kumbinsihin ako dahil alam niya na ang isasagot ko roon. At kailanman hindi nagbago iyon. There are more women who are vying for the title and they are much more deserving for it. 

"Wala na talagang chance?"

I shook my head. "None. And I hope this is the last time I'll receive an offer for it."

Tumango si Leo. Hindi na ako nagtagal doon at dumiretso na sa ospital. Kami lang ni Verona ang bibisita roon. Busy ang iba naming mga kaibigan kaya naman hindi na kami nagpumilit pang yayain ang mga ito. But I heard some of them called Saoirse to check in on her yesterday. 

I saw Manilka's brother, Marceu. He only nodded to us when he entered the room. I don't think he recognized me more than just Saoirse's best friend. Did Manilka ever mention me to their family?

I scoffed. Like there's something to mention.

Lumipas ang ilang araw at naging busy akong muli. Panibagong magazine photoshoot na naman kaya nawalan na ako ng panahon para makipagkita kay Manilka. Ayos lang naman iyon dahil pati siya ay busy din. Nagpokus na lamang ako sa trabaho dahil baka hindi ko pa ito magawa ng maayos kakaisip sa kaniya. 

Kinabukasan ay tumawag sa akin si Sheena, pinapapunta ako sa bahay nila. Nagdalawang-isip pa ako noong una dahil baka naroon si Seamus. How long has it been? Three months? The last time I saw him was when he went to my house and something happened to us. I tried my best to avoid him in any possible event from then on. But still, I told Sheena the truth. Madaling araw nang natapos iyong shoot namin kahapon kaya puyat pa ako pero um-oo pa rin ako sa imbitasyon ni Sheena. I can't just decline it. I missed her so much.

Tama nga ang hula ko, naroon si Seamus sa kanila. Nagpanggap na lamang akong normal ang lahat kahit hindi naman. Iniiwasan niya rin namang magtama ang mga mata namin kaya laking pasasalamat ko roon. However, when Manilka's family arrived, including them of course, I just wanted to make some excuses just to exit this awkward situation. Ako lang ata ang hindi mapakali, e. Parang wala lang kay Seamus ang lahat ng ito kaya dapat ganoon din ako. Pero hindi ko kaya!