She's the Real Challenge

7: Pageant

Hindi niya naman in-expect na conservative 'yong napiling gown ni Sage pero 'di naman 'yong kita na pati kaluluwa. The gown had its charm, masasabing may taste ang pumili nito. Hindi lang talaga sila pareho ng taste ni Ken. 

Her face paled while thinking how exposed her back, legs, and nonexistent cleavage are going to be when she wears this crimson silk dress. Walang tag or kahit anong indication ang damit kung sino ang designer. Where the hell did he get this from?

"Wow, 'yan susuotin mo? Pwede ka nang high class escort."

Napatingin si Ken sa pinanggalingan ng boses. It was Heidi Cruz, a jack of all trades and career nomad who was the third member of the Special Resolutions Unit. Her social skills and connections come in handy in their line of work.

"Damn, I was going for affordable hooker," sarkastikong sagot ni Ken na tinawanan ni Heidi. "'Pero 'di nga? Masyado bang revealing?"

"It's revealing pero in a classy way. Sure akong bagay 'yan sa'yo, Girl," sagot ni Heidi, sabay ngiti kay Ken.

"Wait, since you're here, ikaw na lang ang pumalit sa 'kin! Please, huwag 'nyo na akong pasalihin. Ililibre kita ng samgyup!"

"Sorry, Ken, pero binilin ni Lily na 'wag magpapauto sa 'yo," Heidi said, giggling. "At naunahan ka na niyang mag-offer na ilibre ako ng samgyup, siya pa magluluto."

Ken sighed. Wala na talaga siyang kawala. The dressing room door suddenly opened and Matt walked in holding wooden boards. He paused when he saw Heidi who looked back at him but didn't say anything. 

Napansin ni Ken ang extended eye contact ng dalawa at magko-comment na sana siya pero nagsalita na si Heidi. "Nandito na pala ang tagapalakpak at assistant mo sa talent portion. Una na ako, Ken. Good luck!" Heidi smiled before leaving the two.

* * *

"Our first judge is the Junior CEO of Zafiro Malls, Miss Lily Andrea Zafiro!" Sage joined the applause as Lily stood and smiled at the audience.

Ipinakilala ng emcee ang tatlo pang judge, pero hindi na naalala ni Sage kung sino sila dahil pilit niyang inilalayo ang braso niyang pilit namang hinahawakan ng katabi niya sa kanan na si Claire.

"Our next judge is someone close to the hearts of many of you as she is one of the country's most talented actresses, the one and only Claire Angela Monterro!" Syempre, sa introduction ni Claire ang may pinakamalakas na hiyawan galing sa audience. Tumayo ang aktress at kumaway sa audience. Sage can't help but roll his eyes. Naaawa na lang siya sa mga taong naniniwalang anghel si Claire.

"Last but not the least, our guest judge, one of the country's most eligible bachelors, Cedric Alexander Sage Hermoso!" Malakas na tilian ng mga babae ang narinig nang tumayo si Sage at nagpakita ng malalalim niyang dimples.

"And now let's welcome the young ladies vying for the position of Zafiro Inc. Ambassadress," the emcee announced. Nagsimula nang maglabasan ang contestants. They walked down the ramp wearing identical blue dresses and one by one, they introduced themselves. Gusto ni Sage na mag-focus sa panonood at pag-e-evaluate ng contestants pero parang tuko pa rin si Claire sa pagkakakapit nito sa kanya.

"Masyado ka namang titig na titig diyan sa mga contestant, eh nasa tabi mo lang naman ang pinakamaganda," bulong ni Claire sa kanya. The actress looked around to see if the others heard them. She had a reputation to keep.

"Yeah, you're right. Ang ganda talaga ni Lily," sabi ni Sage, sabay tingin sa kaliwa niya kung nasaan ang Junior CEO na busy sa pagsusulat sa rubric. Umirap si Claire pero hindi pa rin nito binitiwan ang braso ni Sage.