Behind the Curtains

Part 2

A year ago, I have had asked my parents about my plan of going back to school. And they actually opposed. They said that it would be just a waste of time and besides, I'm already successful in my chosen career. So they just said; "What for?". I said, its for my self fulfillment.

And so, here I am, running on the corridors of this school cause I'm already 5minutes late on my first subject for today. And oh, by the way, my classmates seems to just ignore me. They already have said they were no longer my fans! Urgh.

Well, it's really up to them. I really don't care.

"Hey you, stop!" I stopped and turned to face who's that b*tch.

I saw her walking towards.... Her. There's someone else on my side. Not me? I shrugged and continued walking towards my classroom.

****

"She's just too assuming! Always thinking that everything we talk is all about her! Yuck!" I heard one of my girl classmates talk as I entered the room. Fortunately, the Prof seems to be late. I'm lucky.

I hurriedly walked towards my seat. It's actually alone. No one wants to sit beside me. And I'm actually glad about it.

"Look, she thinks she's some kind of royalty. She just entered the room without greeting us! Sooo snob!" Another girl exclaimed. Again, I just shrugged.

This is going to be my everyday life here on this University. And I still don't give a damn. Afterall, I am just here to study. Not to perform on stage.

"Class, please get your pens and papers. We will have a short quizz today." Miss G. said as she entered the room. All the chatting girls become silent. I laughed secretly.

After a long day, I finally get the chance to eat here on the cafeteria. Many students were scattered around and to my astonishment, no one bothered to look my way. Weird. But I felt uneasy somehow. Maybe, I just used to be surrounded by my fans.

"Hi. Are you alone?" Came a voice from behind. I turned to face him.

"Yeah, why?" I asked trying not to stutter. He's too cute and I felt my intimidated. It's my first time to feel this way!

"Oh, can I join you then?" he smiled. It's only by then that I noticed him carrying a tray of food. Well, I thought he somehow recognized me or something...

"Sure. Take a seat." I said somewhat disappointed.

"I heard you're from Hollywood." That was a statement. Not a question at all. I just nodded.

"Wow. I never thought you'd be this so humble!" Now this man is exagerating. Hmmn...

"Oh, have I offended you or something?" he continued referring to my frowning face.

"No. Nothing. It's just that I'm also human, you know." I said in a tired voice.

"Yeah. I understand." He seems apologetic now.

"It wasn't anybody's fault. I just sometimes felt like I never have done almost anything that people wasn't able to know. It feels like I'm always been a fish inside an aquarium being scrutinized by the people around. I ain't perfect, I still do have flaws. And that seems to be a reason why people keeps on stabbing me behind my back." Now, where the hell did I get that? I mean, why do I have to spill it all out to a complete stranger?!

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." This man seems dumb though. Urgh.

"Is there anything that I can do to at least make you feel better?" He said in a mild voice.

"Nothing. Nothing at all." I said hurrying myself to finish my food. I almost choked. He just watched, never a word came out again from his mouth. He just sat in front of me, eating his own sandwich while watching me.

I don't understand myself but I felt at ease eating with this man. Have I become desperate for attention now?

"I guess I have to go. Bye." I said after drinking the last drop of my tea.

"Oh, OK. By the way, I'm Mark. In case we'd bump into each other again, I hope you'd call me by my name." He winked at me. I just smiled, a loopsided smile.

"Yeah, sure. I'd remember that, Mark. Bye." I waved at him and left for home.

***

"So, how's your school?" asked Mom while her eyes were still fixed on the tv.

"It's awesome." I answered. I stepped towards my room.

"June, I know you're still having trouble on dealing with other people. Being a celebrity doesn't mean they'd love you all the way. I hope you'll be doing fine by that." She said, still not looking at me. I shrugged my shoulders and closed my door behind me.

Sometimes I think I must haven't entered show business before. I should have stayed private. I must have pursued studying instead of holding my guitar at the age of 15. I should have been contented. No issues in life. No worries of all my actions. I wish I really could turn back time.

"One of the hottest female rock singer was seen entering a prestigious School of Arts and Sciences. According to our source, she was able to get herself enrolled while bluffing to the media that she's having a health issue and that she has to take some time to rest..." I turned off the TV after hearing those black propagandas about me. It's a blimd item but still, it's obviously about me.

I heard a soft knock on my door just as I turned my lights off. I sighed. I know what they are about to say. That I should stop fooling myself and go back to business.

"June, are you still awake, honey?" It's Pop. And I know I should open the door now or else he'd be so damned worried about me.

"Come on in, Pop." I said as I opened the door.

"Have you seen the news?" he said trying to sound cool.

"Yeah." I answered on my usual tired tone.

"Just don't mind them, ok, honey?" He said and just gave me a soft tap on my shoulder. I sobbed. I couldn't just pretend any longer specially when my Dad is this near. He gave me a hug.

"Whatever happens, you are still the most wonderful baby to me." he said. That made me cry all the more. It just feels so good to release all the tensions that I have inside. After all, I am still human.