Ocean of Fears (Panacea Series #2)

Chapter 10

Ten.

Am I truly destined for the showbiz industry? Is this the path meant for me? Is this where I truly belong?

I am still overwhelmed of everything. Hindi ako makapaniwala. I can hardly believe that I am stepping out of my comfort zone.

Who would have thought that Paris Franz Allende, known for being serious and academically focused, would now grace the television screen?

"So the higher-ups decided," Ate Cherish started speaking. "You won't do the sexy photoshoot themed anymore. Aria is responsible for that. Nilipat ka nila sa ibang project. They will give you a major role in a show and I heard Eliezer wants to collaborate with you?"

"Yes po."

"I'm sorry about the sexy photoshoot. They were just too desperate. Iniisip nila na puwede mong tapatan si Aria. Naghahanap sila ng taong makakapasok sa standard nila... at ikaw 'yon, kaya gano'n na lamang ang proyektong ibinigay nila sa inyo. Nate-threaten sila sa hatak ni Aria sa mga tao dahil nga ibang agency siya. Ayaw nila na nalalamangan sila," she explained. "I know you have the potential but knowing you, hindi ka dapat binibigla sa gano'ng paraan."

A sudden sense of relief washed over me, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my heart. For the past few days, there was something weighing heavily on my mind, and I couldn't stop thinking about how I would handle the project. Showing my skin makes me feel self-conscious; I'm still not used to it.

Mahirap din iyon dahil alam kong kailangan kong i-maintain ang katawan ko. Hindi ako mahilig na tipirin ang sarili ko sa pagkain.

I couldn't quite understand why they considered of competing me with Aria. She has been in this industry for a long time, and there's no way I could catch up to her. She has already established her name and reputation. Ako ay pasimula pa lang at walang alam sa aking ginagawa.

"Eliezer informed me about his new song. Ayon 'yong hindi niya sinabi sa akin noon. Sinabihan niya ako tungkol sa napag-usapan n'yong dalawa," she continued. "Maganda ang naisip n'yo. Puwede 'tong maging exposure mo, Paris."

I listened attentively to what she was saying. She led me here before entering the school, mentioning that we had something important to discuss.

She seemed preoccupied, engrossed in reading through a stack of papers.

"Mamaya pa po niya sasabihin sa akin ang details. Nasa klase po ata siya ngayon," sagot ko.

Umangat ang tingin niya sa akin. Matagal niya akong tinitigan.

"May klase ka pa pala. Baka ma-late ka."

I couldn't help but wonder what was troubling her. It was evident from her demeanor that something was weighing heavily on her.

I stood up from my seat, offering her a reassuring smile before bidding her farewell.

"Aalis na po ako."

She simply nodded in response to what I said.

I left her office and headed straight to school. Mabilis lang akong nakarating. Dahil nga umaga pa lang, wala pang mga sasakyan masiyado. Tuwing tanghali lang talaga nagkakaroon ng traffic at kapag uwian ay mahirap makasakay.

As soon as I entered the classroom, many of my classmates were already there. I had estimated the travel time from Ate Cherish's office to the school, so I wasn't late because I know how to manipulate my time.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Izzy's arrival. I really didn't want to attract attention from others as it only added more chaos to my life. Alam ko naman kahit maayos ang pakikitungo ko sa kanila, may nasasabi pa rin sila sa akin dahil tahimik ako at may pagkapalaban sa school.