BEHIND the SCENES (DarLentina version)

Chapter 31: The model and the boss

"Ready, Regina? How are you feeling?" Tanong kay Regina ng sumundo sa kanya sa airport... isa ito sa mga staffs ng company na naghire sa kanya bilang model/endorser ng lingerie and bikinis ng isang sikat na clothing brand sa Pilipinas at sa abroad.

"It's overwhelming. Feels nostalgic actually. I've been away for almost 3 years now."

"Glad you've thought about coming home for this project." She grinned at her.

She understand where she's coming from. Hindi lingid kay Regina na hindi magiging madali ang project na ito para sa kanya. Hindi mahirap ang pagmomodel ng damit at underwear dahil iyon ang nakasanayan n'yang trabaho kahit na nasa Australia pa s'ya. Ang mahirap ay ang makuha ang approval ng boss na sobra daw strict at perfectionist.

"I got challenged when I heard that 'the boss is strict and a perfectionist. Maybe I can use some of my best smiles for that one."

"Oh oh! I'm warning you, she doesn't fall for charm and innocence that fast."

Tumaas ang kilay ni Regina sa narinig. "She? Meaning 'the boss' is a woman? Oh!" Natutop n'ya ang sariling bibig sa narinig.

"Don't imagine her as one of your terror elementary school teacher 'coz they ain't similar in any instances. The boss is younger than you are. She's a chick magnate and I think she'll like you as a playmate in bed as she always do with the models."

Mas lalong tumikwas ang kilay ni Regina sa narinig. "I've only known one hot bisexual my whole life and..." hindi na n'ya itinuloy ang sasabihin. She reminded herself na umuwi s'ya ng Pilipinas dahil sa trabaho at hindi para balikan ang nakaraan.

"Trust me, I won't fall for another."

Nagkibit-balikat na lang ang kausap n'ya. "Well, that's the boss's not so good side but professionally, she's admirable. I haven't known anyone as dedicated and as hardworking as she is. And that explains why she's cold and stiff emotionally. She shows no mercy when it comes to business."

"Hope I won't regret coming back here."

                [Flashback]

"She's not  here.  Oh wait a sec,  I think I saw her..." binaba nito saglit sa mesa ang telepono at tinawag si Regina na papasok sa pinto ng opisina.

"Regina! A staff of your previous modelling agency from the Philippines wanted to have a few words with you. She's on the line right now." Bungad kay Regina ng secretary ng modelling agency na pinagtatrabahuan n'ya sa Australia. Nagdecide s'yang dumaan muna sa agency para kunin ang mga naiwan n'yang gamit kanina.

"Oh, really? What a pleasant surprise." Umupo s'ya sa silya sa harap ng mesa nito para sagutin ang tawag.

"Hello, Regina Vanguardia speaking."

"Uy, mars, kamusta?" She rolled her eyes as she heard that familiar voice again after a couple of years. Secretary ito ng modelling agency na pinagtrabahuan n'ya bago s'ya mag-artista.

"Xandra, hi! I'm fine. How are you?  What's up?" Nangingiting tanong n'ya rito. She heard her giggling on the other side of the line.

"Alam mo 'yong Bratty Manila, 'di ba?"

"Who wouldn't? Sikat na clothing brand 'yan sa Pinas, right? Actually I saw a store nearby. Pati dito sa Australia popular ang brand na 'yan. So pretty clothes and lingerie but so mahal."

"Kaya milyones din kung mag-offer ng tf para sa mga models nila."

"Oh... kay? Why are we talking about this on long distance calls, by the way? I don't see the connection."