Hello, Ligaya (Sining Series #1)

Chapter 08

Joaquin

"Like the usual." I answered, Professor Marquez is one of the Professor who I'm close with, probably because he knows my mother. It's like an annual tradition, that's why he knew where the prize is going.

Every single time my piece will win, all the money will go to the charity for the young artists community here in Manila. Art is a luxury, that's why I don't get why people are so used to belittling this god-given gift. There are not much opportunity for some artists here so I tried my best, even though that's all I can do, huge difference once started from little things.

Even though I'm conversing with Professor Marquez, I can feel Saoirse listening. Funny how she's still standing there, staring at my piece. I'm not saying she's doing it on purpose. I can't help.

Nagsimula akong maglakad palapit sa kaniya, just so I can look closely to my piece, it's still missing some details, but it still won. I slightly sucked the inside of my cheeks and nodded at Professor Marquez, he's still talking. My attention diverted when I saw Saoirse walking away from our direction.

"So, um.. have you told your lolo about what I said?" He started. I looked away and slowly nodded at him while crossing my arms. I don't know why people still think that I'm that-that close to my grand father. In fact we're really not. Zera, of course yes. The young lady of the family. People pleaser. But not me.

Unfortunately the princess is studying in a different university, that's is why I'm the only pipe they can see to get to my grand father.

"Uhuh, I already mentioned it to him. He said he will think about sponsoring the school for that cause." I watched how the corner of his lips started to form a smile. It's genuine. Why? Because they badly needed this sponsorship.

"Thank you, Joaquin. I'm rooting for your future." I raised both of my eyebrows and nodded at him. He then tapped my left shoulder and walked his way out of the museum.

I clicked my tongue and glanced at my piece for the last time before I go out.

I'm rooting for me too.

My phone vibrated from my pocket, and so I get it. BJ.

From: BJ

Max's going to eat outside the campus with Diana and probably with her friend, Saoirse.
Zaijan is dropping by, how abt you?

To: BJ

On my way.

From: BJ

Okay.
Dala ka sisig.

To: Joaquin

Gago.

From: BJ

HAHAHAHAHA!
Language.

To: Joaquin

Language your face.
Sisig amp.

From: BJ

I'm serious??

To: Max

Si Zai utusan mo ungas.

I then turned off my phone and started walking under the scorching heat. Damn, this could get me heat stroke. Bumuntong hininga ako atsaka naglakad sa lilim ng main building. I forgot I have my umbrella inside my bag. I immediately pulled it out, just when I was about to open it, I saw her, Saoirse. She's walking under the sun.