Break Fresh Ground

8: AUDITION DAY

"Ikaw na lang kaya? Parang lahat naman kaya mong gawin." Tricia spoke, pouting.

We are practicing sa bahay nila Sam dahil bukas na ang audition day. Kahit na maraming gawain as an arki student, nakakapagpractice naman ako. We found ways, 'ika nga ni Felip. Dahil mabilis naman naming nakuha ang mga dapat gawin.

"Kakanta lang ako, ano ka ba." I laughed.

Mariing pinunasan ni Tricia ang mga pawis sa mukha. "Anong kakanta lang? Maggigitara ka pa nga eh!"

"Beh, inggit ka lang kasi complete package si Carvajal."

"Oo na, Sam. Sa totoo lang, inggit na inggit ako." She copied the way Toni Gonzaga's character in The Four Sisters and a Wedding, which made us laugh. "Paano ba naman kasi? Sobra na 'yung blessing sa ganda, sa talino, pati rin sa talent! May favoritism si Lord, hmp!"

"You're beautiful and talented din naman, Trish," I smiled, "Sa tingin mo ba makakapagperform 'yong mga actors sa past plays ng university kung hindi ka magaling magsulat at magdirect?"

The past plays that Trisha directed and wrote were now available on the university's website. Along with the profiles of the cast members, it was all there for the world to see. The website was a showcase of Trisha's talents and the hard work of the entire team. Everyone's efforts were now immortalized on the internet for all to admire and be inspired by.

The theater play, "Echoes of the Past" directed and written by Tricia was a huge success. The story revolved around a family who was haunted by the secrets and regrets of their ancestors. The audience was taken on an emotional journey as they witnessed the characters confront their past and reconcile with it. The play was a powerful commentary on the importance of understanding and accepting one's history. The performances of the actors were outstanding, and the set design was stunning.

Tricia's short films were also critically acclaimed, showcasing her versatility as a director and writer. "The Unseen" was a thriller about a woman who becomes paranoid about her own perception of reality. "Silent Voices" was a heart-wrenching drama about a deaf girl's struggle to be heard. Both films were praised for their bold storytelling, strong performances and technical excellence. Tricia's films were a testament to her skill as a filmmaker, and they were a source of pride for the university as it won some award locally.

She pouts and hugs me. "Hmmm, I love you na!" I laughed at her.

"Uy, may future." Sam teasingly spoke. I glared at her. "Na maging ego-booster ka, ano ka ba, Carvajal! Nakakatakot ka namang tumingin."

It's been said that my gaze can be intense and intimidating, my countenance stoic and unapproachable. Even my closest companions have remarked that there's a certain fear that permeates the air when I'm not smiling. But, it's not by choice that I exude such an aura, it's simply a part of who I am. My gaze is not a reflection of my character, but rather a natural inclination that I have no control over.

As the clock struck 8:00 PM, our practice came to a close. The respite of a weekend lay ahead, offering a small measure of relief from the rigors of our rehearsals. The burden of our instructors' expectations weighed heavily upon us, particularly for those of us in the minor programs. The demands placed upon us were greater even than those faced by our major counterparts. But amidst the challenges, our instructor, Miss Fuenteblanca, offered a glimmer of hope. She suggested that we hold our auditions on the morrow, allowing us to make the most of our time and minimizing any potential disruptions to the schedules of our instructors and classmates.

"Hey." Halos madulas ako sa gulat nang makita si Artemis sa katapat na apartment namin.

She sauntered down the street, her long legs encased in form-fitting pants, paired with a simple yet classic white sneakers. A white hoodie adorned her frame, her hands nestled in its pockets, and the hint of earphones suggested that she was lost in the melodies of her own personal soundtrack. The yellow streetlights seemed to spotlight her, casting her in a warm and ethereal glow, as if she were the star of her own photo shoot.