The Queen & I (WLW)

Chapter 46 : Simplicity of a Dare

"Okay ka lang?"

Mama J touched my arm softly. The crease of his eyes lifted in a smize. I was in shock after reading through the pages of the paper that was in front of me.

"Mama J— I—", I covered my mouth with my hands. Still in disbelief that this was happening.

"A two-year artist contract sa GMA?", my eyes sparkled at my creative director and now career manager. This offer was such a pleasant surprise considering that I just signed on to be a Mercator artist a few days ago.

"Yes. Actually, the offer was on the table already even before we left for the States — this is more of a formality offer lang", Mama J smiled then pulled out another paper from a Manila folder.

"Ito pa ang isa—".

I almost cried when I saw an endorsement offer for five million pesos.

"Mama J, this is a lot — "

"I recommend you accept this offer, because this has the potential to be a long term endorsement. What's written there is only the standard contract. They'll be sending an updated one within the week — may idadagdag pa — ", he leaned in. "Don't undersell yourself or think you don't deserve that amount. You're far from the girl who juggled multiple jobs in Ilo-Ilo. Remember, you are a beauty queen now — and not just any ordinary beauty queen — You are and will forever be a Miss Universe Philippines. That title comes with prestige and you will not accept minimum endorsement fees".

I smiled at Mama J and hugged him. Hindi ko maexplain nor express ng maayos yung nararamdaman ko ngayon — it was a mix of emotions. I was genuinely happy, ecstatic, surprised and relieved. These proposals are going to change my life further. Months ago, I was worried what my fate would be after my reign, if there will be any significant offers especially after so many gossips floating around, akala ko masisira na yung pangalan ko — ang bilis lang din ng sagot sa mga tanong ko, and I wasn't just given a single answer, but it feels like I'll have multiple ones.

Mabibigyan ko na talaga ng maayos na buhay si mama. My eyes started to shed tears upon the realization of these things — more blessings.

"Thank you po sobra, mama J". I muffled on the sleeves of his black Balenciaga shirt—unintentionally leaving wet streaks from my tears on the expensive cotton fabric.

"Sorry", I wiped off my face as my lips crawled into a shy smile.

He looked at the stain and sighed, then shifted his gaze back at me with kindness. "You'll go far basta alagaan mo lang image mo. This is a good start for you sa entertainment industry — if you are serious about pursuing this, mas marami pa ang susunod dito——", mama J suddenly held my hand.

"I know masipag ka at mataas ang pangarap mo. Saka mabait ka na bata, that's why I want to help you reach your dreams. Pero alam mo, I don't want to lie to you because it's going to get cruel from here. This industry na papasukan mo will be a lot tougher than pageantry. Bawat kilos mo aabangan ng fans mo. Every word you say kikilatisin ng mga tao. Maraming magbabantay sa iyo especially how social media's environment is like right now, alam mo iyan, walang nakakatakas —— and as your manager, I would want to protect you. But for me to do just that, I need you to be honest".

I stared at mama J, slowly digesting and deciphering what he was trying to say between the lines.

"Mama J, wala naman po akong tinatago. Hindi rin naman po ako nagbibitaw ng salita na —", my head bowed as my eyes scanned my feet before finding courage to look back at him, "—ikakasira ko?"

He sighed heavily and reached for his phone to show me a thread of conversation that he had with MUPh's new communications director, sir Voltaire. My face sulked upon scanning the screenshots of several facebook comments.