In this chapter, we’ll be looking at things from both Cleo and Lorraine's perspectives. Each of them has faced their own struggles growing up, and their stories offer a glimpse into their lives. It’s a chance to understand their experiences and the challenges they’ve had to overcome.
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"Arman, Melda this is Lorraine." The man said holding the hand of a girl, I guess we're the same age.
"Oh si Lorraine nato?"My Mom said while smiling.
"Yes Mel ambilis ng panahon." The woman said while flashing a bright smile.
"Come here, Cleo." Mom called me.
"That's your Tito Fred and Tita Lovely and that's Lorraine. Go greet them."
"Hello po good day..." Ngumiti lang sila sakin at bumati rin. Habang tinitingnan ko ang batang kaedad ko ay ngumiti rin sya sakin na ikinakunot ng noon ko. Hindi ko alam ang erereact nang bigla syang lumapit sakin.
"Lorraine and Cleo, sabay kayong mag-aaral ng ballet." Masayang sabi ng Mommy ni Lorraine.
I hate ballet
I don't like to dance
"Yes Mom" napansin ko sa boses ni Lorraine ang lungkot. Does it mean na ayaw nya rin sa ballet?
Suot ang leotard, tights, at ballet shoes namin. Habang hinihintay ang private coach namin sa ballet ay nakaupo kami ngayon ni Lorraine dito sa ballet studio at nakatapat sa sobrang laking salamin na may handrail.
"Saan ka nag aral?" I asked her. Pero umiling sya. Huh? Di sya nag-aaral?
"May tutor ako" nakayuko nyang sabi
"Tutor? Di ka nag-attend sa school? Ako, Grade 6 na ako sa sunod." Tumayo ako at nilahad ko ang kamay ko para alalayan syang tumayo at inabot nya naman ito. "Thank you".
"Sila mom and dad ayaw nila na sa school ako."
"Why?"
"I don't know why."
“Again! Both of you, straighten your backs—no slouching. Ballet is not just about movement, it’s about control, about discipline. Do you think perfection happens by chance? No! You must 'earn' it. Every plié, every pirouette—precision is a key! Now, from the top. And remember, if you cannot give me your best, then don’t bother at all.”
I was crying because of the pain I'm feeling right now. It feels like it's ripping my entire body. I looked at Lorraine, she's also crying...but Miss Vivian doesn't care at all. She taught us steps that were so hard to follow. I don't like ballet! This is not what I want!
She clapped her hands sharply, signaling us to start again. “Feet in first position, arms up. I won’t tolerate laziness or complaints. Ballet is sacrifice, and if you’re not willing to make that sacrifice, then you’ll never succeed in this world.”
Lorraine and I exchanged a quick, weary glance, but before either we could say a word, Miss Vivian steely gaze fell upon us. “Eyes front, ladies! You don’t have the luxury of distractions. Ballet demands every ounce of your attention. I expect absolute focus.” grrr I hate her accent.
We fell back into our position, feeling the tension tightening in our limbs. "You think this is difficult? One day, you’ll understand discipline is the only path to perfection. Now…hold your arms higher, and begin.”
