Palagi (The Art of Loving You) x JHOLET AU

Chapter 10: Encore

Jhoanna's POV

I glanced at my phone, my concern growing as we waited for Colet. Pangalawa kami sa huli na mag-pe-perform, and she still wasn't here.

"Jho, tawagan mo na kaya si Colet," Maloi suggested as we waited.

"Yeah, baka nalimutan na niya yung time or something happened?" Aiah said, worried evident on her face.

I looked at them, and everyone agreed.

I dialed her number. "Ringing," I mouthed to them.

I had tried calling her several times, but there was no answer. I could feel the tension in the air as the team waited for her. They were all visibly anxious. Tinawagan narin sya ng mga pinsan nya, pero hindi rin ito sumasagot sa kanila.

I decided to call her one last time. Finally, she answered.

"Colet, where are you? We're second to last to perform," I said gently into the phone, trying to mask my worry with a tone of calm urgency. "Hinihintay ka na ng grupo. Bakit hindi mo sinasagot yung mga tawag namin? Okay ka lang ba?"

The line was quiet, and I could hear her shallow breaths. I could sense something was wrong, but she didn't say anything.

"Hello...Colet?" I called out again, my patience wearing thin.

"I can't do this, Jho," her voice came through, trembling and weak. "I can't..." The crack in her voice made my heart ache.

I felt a pang of frustration and sadness. It was clear that the guilt was consuming her, but I couldn't afford for her to fall apart right now. The team needed her. I needed her.

I urged her to stay focused, trying to keep my voice firm despite the emotions swirling inside me. We exchanged a few words, but she was too overwhelmed.

Her sobs echoed through the line, making it harder for me to keep my own emotions in check.

With every word she said, I could hear the pain in her voice. I wanted to reach out and comfort her, but I also needed to stay focused. The team was depending on her, and I couldn't let my own emotions interfere with what needed to be done.

I urged her one more time, but she remained unfocused. I couldn't help but feel disappointed. She had promised me.

Leaving me with a cold, empty feeling, I ended the call.

I stared at the phone, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. I knew Colet was battling her own demons, but her absence could jeopardize everything we had worked for.

I texted her one last time, still hoping she would change her mind. If not, I wouldn't talk to her anymore.

I took a deep breath and looked at my teammates, who were anxiously awaiting my next move. I could see the confusion and concern on their faces.

"We're going on next, girls. Hindi na makakapunta si Colet, kaya ako na ulit ang papalit," I said, trying to sound reassuring even though my heart was heavy. "Let's give it our all. Kaya natin ito, okay?" I smiled at them, then excused myself to changed into our outfit.

I know everyone was curious but chose to set aside their questions and focus on the competition.

After I changed, we readied ourselves and took our positions, with me last in line. I felt a surge of determination. The team had practiced hard, and this was our moment. Taking a deep breath, I tried to push aside the lingering tension and focus on the performance.

°

When the MC called our group, the other members started to head towards the stage. Just as I was about to step forward, someone grabbed me and pulled me aside.