Twisted Memories

Chapter Three

Lee Peter

If there is one thing that makes me look forward to every day, it's seeing the sky.

At ngayong umaga, before I even went to my studio, I glanced upon the sky and saw how beautiful the day was. It was both refreshing and serene to look at despite the noise and pollution of the city.

The sky reminds me of the vast opportunities one has if only he or she has decided to look for it and grab it. That there is a possibility that you can reach for your own star too.

I had my both hands inside my pockets as I crossed the street.

Today, I have no audition schedule and I am currently waiting for a callback from the TV Commercial I went into yesterday.

I shook my head and walked towards the entrance of the mall. I need to buy lens for my camera since it got broken about a month ago.

Ngayon lang ako nagka-oras para asikasuhin iyon.

I am a photographer and I made sure that I have three sets of camera with me. One is a professional camera for the studio I have, the other is for on-the-go bag made essentially for travel opportunities and the last is for my personal use.

And iyon ang agenda ko ngayon. To buy something for myself.

I had the shop closed for a while as I have some errands to take care of. I also wanted to surprise my bestfriend, Sandra Hamilton, by visiting her couture shop.

I smiled to myself as I thought of her. She has been my best friend since college days and I am grateful for her for putting up with my best and worst moods ever.

"Yes, Sir! Camera lens po?" A sales lady asked me and I just waved my hand dismissively at her. I scanned their stall for the lens and it didn't suit my taste as well as the size of the lens I have.

I treaded again to a couple of shops before I came across the gadgets store and I went inside to see their items. My eyes glistened when I saw what I have been looking for.

I asked for assistance and within a few minutes, bought it. Soon, I have a paper bag with me.

Suddenly, my stomach started complaining and I knew I have to give it the attention it asks from me. I happened to pass by the potato corner and I knew I have to get it.
I bought a mega sized barbecue and sour cream flavored fries and ate it as I walked.

Then, I began to get thirsty so I stopped by a zagu shop. With the hot  summer weather today, this thirst-quenching refreshment is just what I exactly need. So, I bought myself a regular sized chocolate with extra pearls.

I remembered Sandra and Kristine, her assistant, and her two co-workers, Hazel and Reese, so I bought also a pizza for them. I recalled how pitiful and awful Andra looked the other day as if she just had an attack or whatever you call it.

I shook my head and stormed out of the mall with the pizza and paper bag on my hand.

What I like about her couture shop is that it isn't that far from my studio. I can drop by whenever I can.

I went straight to their shop and a perky Reese greeted me as I pushed the door open.

"Hello, Sir!—" she began but I cut her off. I signalled for her to keep silent as I wanted to surprise Andra and she nodded at me. I gave her the two boxes of pizza and she placed it on the table beside their counter.

"Bili ka na lang ng Coke, wala na akong panghawak kanina." I winked at her and gave her some bills.

I tiptoed towards Andra's office and knocked although, Hazel, has told me this morning that she has no client meeting this afternoon.

"Come in." Andra called out in a  monotonous voice.

I entered immediately and shouted, "Annyeonghasaeyo, Andra-nim!"

Andra shrieked in surprise, "walangya ka talaga, Lee!" She exclaimed holding her chest. "Wag mo akong ginugulat! Jusko! Epal ka talaga!"

I roared and clapped my hands triumphantly, "grabe naman yan, best! Walangya na etong gwapo kong to? Asan ang hustisya!"

"Tse! Ginagawa mo dito? Sarado na naman ang shop mo?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Bawal ka ba makita, Madame S?" I pouted and gave her a puppy eyes. She rolled her eyes and scoffed at me.

"Wag mo akong paandaran diyan. Hindi. No way. Nada. No." She said and I groaned.

"One time lang, best! Just introduce me to one of your close talent scouts and I'll do the rest!" I pleaded and she waved her hand dismissively.

"Work for it, Lee. I cannot use connections for that." She said and I sighed.

There's no point pushing her for it. If ganyan na ang tono niya, might as well zip my mouth.

"Btw, I bought pizza!" I grinned and just like that, Reese brought the food in.

"Pasalamat ka, kaibigan kita. Nako!" Andra commented and I giggled.
"Pag-isipan ko."

Yes! I thought excitedly. This is it!