It's Not All Roses

Prologue

Growing up, I already planned everything I want to do and what I want to achieve for myself. I don't have Plan B nor exit door.

"How about college, Kal?" Mom asked.

I look at her. Then, look at my two younger sisters who secretly gave me a thumbs up. Both of them are rooting for me and wants me to do the only thing that makes me happy— singing.

"I'll continue my studies, Mom. I promise," sagot ko para mawala ang pangamba niya sa desisyon ko.

Napuno ng katahimikan ang lamesa namin. Onti-onting sinerve ang pagkain namin so we started eating. Mom didn't utter a word— she didn't agree nor disagree with my plan.

Napatigil lang kaming magkapatid sa pagkain nang ibaba niya ang kaniyang kutsara at tinidor. She sighed heavily and looked at us, her eyes stayed at me longer than my sisters.

"What do you think about it, Dad?"

Agad na napunta ang atensiyon ng lahat kay Daddy. Tahimik lang siya buong pagpapaliwanag ko kanina. His silence scares me, I'm not going to lie.

"I want you to take care of our business, Kalinda."

Napayuko ako. Tinitigan ko ang natitirang pagkain sa plato ko. I already know that. I know he'll say. He wants me to take his position in our business because I'm the eldest. But atleast I tried, right?

"But," automatic na napa-anggat ang ulo ko.

"I also want you to be happy, anak."

The corner of my eyes became watery. They never really pressure us, especially me, about our business but they always reminded us of our duties and responsibilities.

"So follow your dreams. We will always be here to support you in any way you need."

My eyes started to be blurry but I managed to stand up and walk towards my dad. I hugged him tightly.

"Thank you. I'll do my best to make you proud, dad." I whispered.

"Everything you do makes me proud, anak,"

It was one of the best dinner we ever had. We talked about the record label's plan for me and my schedule for college.

I took Business Management because I know it'll make them happy and I think I'll be needing it in the future. Just in case fate have other plans reserved for me.

Agad kong cinontact ang record label na nag-offer sakin ng immediate debut. I participated in some singing contest in our school at paminsan-minsan ay kumakanta ako sa mga events ng school. I also record and post some song cover in the internet. Umattend din ako dati ng vocal lesson gamit ang inipong allowance ko.

"You can go to the company tomorrow to schedule your contract signing, Ms. Torres."

I couldn't help but to smile ears to ears. I want to scream my lungs out but I want to sound professional.

"This is duly noted, Sir. I'll see you tomorrow,"

"See you tomorrow, Ms. Torres."

Hindi ko na napigilan ang tili nang matapos ang tawag. Halos magmamatay ako kakasigaw sa tuwa. My dreams are all coming true.

Kaya naman maaga akong nagising at nag-ayos kinabukasan. It'll be my second time visiting the record label. I first set my foot there when I was asked to go and check the schedule of my contract signing. Just like the first one, sasamahan ako ni Mommy but this time she'll check the contract for me. She's a very hands-on mom which I appreciate, not all moms can be like her.

We're an hour early so we waited inside the building. Sa lounge area kami nag-antay ni Mom. She's on a call with someone so I've decided to stroll around my future workplace.

Madaming kilalang singer at actresses ang nakadisplay sa wall of artists ng company. Halos lahat ng taong napapanood sa TV at nakikita sa mga billboard ay under ng Label O, subsidiary company ng Oswald Corporation.

Looking at them makes my heart so happy and hopeful. Someday, I want my photos to be hanged in there, too. I know I'll give my best in this once in a lifetime opportunity so I hope my best will be enough. And if not, I will try to surpass my best.

"What's your business here?"

Agad na nakuha ng nagsalita ang atensyon ko. Hindi ako pamilyar sa mukha niya pero guwapo siya. Matangkad din at may pagkamoreno ang kulay ng balat. Maganda ang hubog ng katawan and he have this artista aura. It's like when he walks past to you, you'll definitely give him a second glance to check if your eyes isn't deceiving you.

Our gaze met. He didn't look away so I did the same. It looks like a staring competition between the two of us, and I don't intend to lose.

I lose my focus when he suddenly faked a cough. Namula ako dahil naalala ko na tinatanong niya pala ako.

"I-l have a, uhm, c-contract signing today," na-uutal kong sabi.

Natauhan ako sa ginawa nang lagpasan lang ako ng lalaki. I watched him walk away which I, kind of, regret dahil hindi ko man lang natanong ang pangalan niya. Natulala at nautal lang ako sa harap niya.

"Kalinda! Kanina ka pa namin hinahanap!"

Napalingon ako sa gawi ng sumigaw. It was mom. I forgot to tell her that I'll look around because I'm planning to do the tour quickly; without her noticing my disappearance.

"What happened here?"

Magsasalita pa lang ako to explain why I'm standing in a hallway alone and staring at the empty hallway that that guy walk to but she started fixing my dress. I'm wearing sleeveless black fitted dress. It has some star button at the front. I paired it with my black high boots.

I bunned my hair before going here. My mom seems to dislike it so she released some strands of my hair from the bun.

"Perfect. Now let's go and sign that contract," she said and smiling at me.

Napapaligiran kami ng madaming camera. They were all busy taking pictures of us. Almost everyone in this place are used to this but I'm still new so I just smile the whole time para takpan ang kaba ko.

Ginala ko ang mata ko sa buong lugar. Nagbabaka sakaling makita ko ulit ang lalaking naka-usap ko kanina. I know he works here, maybe a trainee o baka idedebut na din siya tulad ko. Pwede ding staff siya but it doesn't matter, I just really want to ask his name.

But his face never showed up. Not even his presence.