A Close Second

Sixty First

Hola mga patola!
Hahahaha.

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"That was a great performance, Beatrice!"

I scoffed at Matt who gave me flowers while I chuckled. Some of the dancers who I became friends with by the three weeks we spent rehearsing together dropped by to say hi and to say thanks by my dressing room.

We just performed the long awaited dance number we had been practicing.

"May ganitong pa flowers?" nakakatawang tanong ko.

Natawa si Matt. "Para ka namang nag debut."

"KPOP ka girl?" natatawang tanong ni Ate Sasha.

"Hahaha. I'm pretty and I can dance, but singing is different." Tawa ko.

"She knows she's pretty." Pang aasar ni Matt.

"I get reminded every day by Keith Andrew. Baka magalit yun kapag nakalimutan ko. Thank you for the flowers."

"That's not from him." Sabi ni Via. "Read the card."

Congratulations for a successful performance, my love. I'm sorry we couldn't watch it live. I'll be cheering you on my phone though. To the moon and back. - KA

Keith Andrew had an important medical mission trip right now in Batangas. Gusto sana niyang hindi na pumunta but it was the only activity they'll be doing this term para sa NSTP so we agreed that it's okay for him not to go.

"Paano pala kung hindi successful yung performance." natatawa kong sabi before turning to Matt. "Thank you for bringing it to me."

"Hindi pa tapos yan." Via comments while on the sofa.

"And here's a care package from your friends." Baba ni Kuya Kenny ng isang box sa tapat ko. "Pinapasabi ni Greg na ang galing mo daw, idol. Nico and Aya will call you after the show. Si Jethro and Laiza had your lunch delivered too. Sayang daw hindi nila ikaw mapuntahan today. "

He handed me another paper bag with a restaurant logo, which contained burger and fries and lemonade. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko, looking at Via.

"It's a 'Shroom burger! Can I eat it?"

"Why not?" she says with a smile.

I excitedly took the burger and took a big bite, earning laughter from my team. Inabutan ako ni Ate Sasha ng tissue, wiping the sauce on my cheek.

"It's like seeing a little kid on Christmas day." Matt comments behind me.

"Let her." Narinig kong sabi ni Via. "She's been working hard lately. It's the least we could give her."

"It's just a burger, guys." I say, taking another bite before putting it down.

Natawa ako, accepting the package and opening it, seeing the card.

Legit nang artista yung kaibigan namin! Great job, Madam! - G
Love you, B. Congrats! - A
Congrats sa TV debut! Proud kami sayo - N
Paautograph, Madam! Congrats. - J
Proud na proud kami sayo. - L

I smiled as I saw their different handwriting. For sure, pinagpasapasahan pa nila ito. As far as I know, madalang nang magsama sama ang mga ito sa isang lugar.

We've all been busy after all.

The box was filled with my favorites: Strawberry and Cookies-and-cream Pocky, Banana Milk, Ruffles Potato Chips, a few packs of Fruit Snacks, a box of triscuits, some popcorn, choco dipped almonds.

'Calories calories.' says 'Courtney' beside me. 'Ano bang pwede mong kainin diyan?'

I took the fruit snacks and the fries before snapping a selfie and sending it to the group.