Written On A Canvas

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

A minute passed yet he still said nothing.

I lightened up my face, trying to let him see how I'm anticipating his answer. He was displaying this apologetic expression which appears to be his answer itself. But I refuse to settle with it.

After roughly a minute, he finally spoke. "Aren't you going to hold an audition for the roles?"

"I'm allowed to anoint the cast since I'm going to be the director of the short film," I told him. His eyes shifted into a shock upon hearing me.

"You're also gonna direct it?"

I suppressed my smile into flat lips as I nodded. The thought of me finally being able to do what I really want is sending shivers down my spine. It's my kind of kilig. I can see myself behind cameras and I can't wait for that to happen!

"That's great," he said in a happy tone but still with a gloomy look. "But... I really have to say no for this, Ice. Maybe you should just... proceed with the audition. You might find the right one to play Rariel."

"Why find Rariel when we can have Zibon?"

He shook his head slowly. "Zibon might end up sabotaging your whole film for being the worst actor ever."

"You don't know that," sabi ko agad sa kaniya. "Why not give it a try?"

"Ice..."

"Please? I badly need your help."

He heaved a heavy sigh. "I can help in some other ways," he said in absolute resolve.

I was about to persuade him again when the door opened. Aly entered with a happy face but displayed a wondering expression when she saw us in the living room. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay nito at lumapit sa amin.

"You didn't tell me you'd be coming here," duda nitong wika sa akin. Hindi na ito umupo at nanatili nalang na nakatayo sa tabi ng single couch. She leaned on the headrest of the couche she eyed me.

Mabilis naman akong naka-bigay ng rason.

"Wala ka naman rito kaya hindi na ako nag-text."

Tumaas ang kilay nito. Kalaunan ay tumango rin na tila nakuha ang kabuluhan ng sinabi ko. "Sabagay," aniya. "Ano pinag-uusapan niyo pala?"

"I was asking for his help," sagot ko dito. Hindi makapagsalita si Zibon dahil ganoon pa rin ang mukha niya. Kung kanina ay masyado siyang seryoso, ngayon naman ay parang ayaw niya na. Hindi niya lang masabi.

"Sa?" pang-uusisa ni Alyanna.

"For... the film festival," nag-aalangan kong untag. I glanced at Zibon. Nakatingin ito sa baba at tila malalim ang iniisip. Ibinalik ko nalang ang atensyon kay Aly.