Chasing Dreams

Twenty-First Dream

We've become busy on the following days. I can also feel the tight atmosphere as our debut is coming closer and closer. Mas dumoble ang perfectionism ng mentors namin sa kada practices na mayroon kami. Naiintindihan ko naman dahil ganoon din naman ako sa sarili ko at sa mga ka-grupo. There's no time left to slack off. We've been waiting for our coming debut to happen. We need to exert our very best. Many have been anticipating for this. We can't disappoint them. I can't disappoint myself.

Nalulungkot pa rin ako kada naalala ko si Ciara. I still feel bad whenever I remember her lost dream. And it is even worst that I can't do anything about it. But I guess this is life. We can't do anything but to move forward.

"Are you sure?"

Ciara gave off her huge bright smile. It may fool others but not me. Not when her eyes tell me otherwise.

"Miss ko na sila mama pati na rin ang mga kapatid ko. Hinihintay na rin nila ako."

"Hindi ka na ba talaga magtatagal? Kahit na hanggang makadebut lang kami. You are still part of us though. You will forever be."

"Alam ko naman 'yon pero dapat siguro ay kayo-kayo na lang."

I nodded for I might bring more harm to her and that's the last thing I wanted to happen. I know it deeply wounded her.

Nakakapanghinayang lang talaga.

"Advance congratulations. I know you'll be big just like how you dreamed it to be."

"It is much better if you are with us."

"Wala eh. Hindi ako pinaburan ng tadhana. Huwag kang mag-alala. I will still support you four even if I am not with you."

A tear escaped from my eye. Agad naman siyang tumawa.

"Talaga bang umiiyak ka?"

"Of course not. Napuwing lang ako."

"Hindi ko naisip na makikita kang tumulo ang luha. At dahil pa pala sa akin," she said proudly.

I forced to roll my eyes. "Don't flatter yourself too much."

"Pero ma-mi-miss mo ko, 'no?"

"At sinong nagsabi sa'yo?" tanong ko habang nakataas ang kilay.

"Ok rin na aminin mo paminsan-minsan. Ako rin naman. Siguradong ma-mi-miss ko kayo at ang naging buhay ko rito sa syudad. I might be deprived of a lot of things but I surely created memories worth to be cherished with all of you. Marami kaya akong baon na kwento para sa mga kapatid ko."

I smiled. "Take care. I hope you all the best in life."

"Ako rin. I hope you'll be the group you all wanted to be. I hope you'll become successful."

And that was the last conversation I had with her before she returned to her province for good. I don't know what her plans are, but I do hope she'll be happy with it. I wish her all the best in life for she deserves it after everything she sacrificed.

"Good job. It is a great experience of working with you," the producer said when I finished recording my parts.

"Thank you rin po for guiding me throughout the recording process."

She chuckled. "It's my job. Nakakatuwa nga ang enthusiasm at confidence mo kaya madali tayong natapos. Ipagpatuloy mo lang 'yan at siguradong maraming producers ang gugustuhing makatrabaho ka." Those are the last words she said before I stepped out of the studio. At inaamin ko na napakasarap sa pakiramdam ng mga papuri niya.

"Kumusta?" Lily stood up as she approaches me.

"Ok naman."

"Mabait ba si ma'am? Kinakabahan ako eh. Baka mainis siya sa akin kapag nagpaulit-ulit ako."