Helveryst Series #2 : The Cassanova and The Hater

Chapter 17 - Mixed Emotions

ZEKIAH XYRIEL'S POV

"Ang sama mo, couz. Nanalo ang team mo kahapon sa contest pero hindi ka man lang sumama sa celebration party. You're even out of reach last night."

It's still early in the morning but Alina is already here in my room, asking so many questions and telling me some other things I don't understand. I slept past in the midnight because of that freaking endorsement in Helveryst Company. Kaya ko naman talagang mag-refuse eh o 'di kaya'y magdahilan na pagod ako at marami akong projects na naghihintay. I can make any alibis but I don't know what stops me from doing it.

It's either Mrs. Helveryst approached me or everything is settled when we get there last night. Ako nga pala ang nagpahanda sa manager ko na ayusin ang studio namin dahil do'n isasagawa ang endorsement.

"Please, not today. I still have to attend my photo---Oh my god! Alina, anong oras na?! Gosh! No! I can't be late!"

Hindi ko alam kung anong uunahin ko. If I'm going to fix my bed first or I will take a shower. I can't think properly knowing that I just realize what day is it and I'm late. That Caroline will going to scold me over and over again.

"Chill, Zeriel. I know that you're going attend your photoshoots and endorsements today that's why I came here early enough to wake you up. Your mother told me that you arrived super late last night and I'm not mistaken when I saw you still sleeping on your bed. You have one hour to prepare yourself my dearest cousin." I heard her shouted outside the bathroom.

Nakahinga ako ng maluwag habang nasa ilalim ako ng shower at nire-relax ang sarili ko. Actually, I'm not afraid to get late or to be scolded by Carol. It's just that, one hour isn't enough for me to fix myself and face our clients and investors.

"I can't accompany you today, Ali. I have some works to do and I need to finish this before noontime so that I can rest earlier. Masyado nang full ang schedule ko at halos hindi na ako makahinga." I started applying a light makeup to my face.

Narinig ko ang mga yabag ng paa niya papalapit sa kinaroonan ko."What if lang ah. Magpahinga ka kaya muna sa model industry at focus muna sa college life mo. I mean, I know that you can handle it without a problem but you're always stressed even if you don't look like one. Masyado ka nang pagod at napapabayaan mo na ang health mo."

I stopped brushing my eyebrows and stared at her reflection in the mirror."You know I can't and I don't want to. Matagal ko na 'tong pinaghirapan kaya ayokong bumitaw. This career lift me up to be known whole over the world and I earn a lot for my needs. Hindi ako magpapahinga at mas lalong hindi ako aalis sa pagiging model. No one could let me, not my mother or even you."

I experienced a lot through this career. I learned being independent, to fight back, to have confidence with myself, and most of all to be strong enough. This made me who I am today. And there's no reason to back out. Kaya ko ang lahat kahit pa na ako lang mag-isa.

"Are you really doing this because you love your career...or you want to get revenge on them?"

Tumayo agad ako at inayos ang sarili ko."Well, let's say both. I gotta go, Ali. Bantayan mo muna si Mommy at paki-bisita saglit si Lolo do'n sa bahay niya. Tell him that I'll visit this afternoon."

Hindi ko na hinintay pa ang sagot niya at lumabas na ng kwarto ko dala ang sling bag ko. I went to the kitchen first to get a slice of bread and I encountered Mom who's busy frying a bacon.

"Good morning, sweetie. C'mon, call Alina and we'll eat." She kissed my cheeks and went back to her work.

"Nah. Just the two of you. I'm in a hurry and I'll just eat this bread as my breakfast."