Stuck in Love

Chapter 16

“Uy! Sorry I couldn’t answer your call earlier. Anyway, the audition went well and I was considered on one of the major parts!” Sent.

 

It took 20 minutes before I got a reply. “Good. Congratulations!”

 

I collected all my courage to ask him if he wanted to have dinner. My treat.

 

“I can't,” he replied. He’s saying no to me when all I ever responded to him was yes (except for the get-together that I declined but nevertheless, we were still together that day). And all that excitement...gone in a snap.

 

I was disappointed. It’s like I was being denied to feel comfort and be happy. Maybe it’s wrong to make the move. But I wanted to talk to him or just be with him to share how grateful I was that night. I supposed he’s not in the mood to be with me so I didn’t insist. Sino ba naman ako...

I realized I was not that hungry anymore. I bought a tub of Double Dutch ice cream instead and ate it alone near the Manila Bay harbor. Indulging in ice cream in a cold February night. Weird. The thing with me being alone is I feel crazy in sentimentality while restraining myself to talk to myself. So I just keep all the thoughts in my mind, hoping it will not explode. And then I feel sober.

 

***

 

I went straight to CCP right after my work. I didn’t text SJ the whole day. I didn’t get any from him either. So it ends here. Just like that.

“Agad-agad, te? ‘Di pwedeng subukan ulit?” My inner self talking silently to me. I shook my head in strong disagreement. I tried once and it would seem desperate to try twice. Besides, if he wanted me, as a friend or just as a person, he would make a way, like what he did in the past few days.

 

I cleared my mind so I could focus on bringing the character of Isabella into life. I wanted the role and there’s no stopping me from getting it...not even the disturbing thought of Sandro’s image.

 

After the line reading, the director gave us a scene to portray—one of the most romantic scenes in the play—to see who among the four Isabella contenders could perfectly fit her shoes and execute the best chemistry with her leading man.

 

So, moment of truth. Ganoon pala ang feeling. It was as if we were facing Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell, the original American Idol judges. Who among us would be saved?

 

The first one called was out of the competition. And the second was in. I was third to be called.I closed my eyes and prayed.

“Congratulations, Elizabeth. You’re in,” the director said. I clenched my fist and said yes to myself.

 

I got the main Isabella and Lyn, the first one to get in, became my understudy.

 

“Congratulations, Sulyap ng Dapithapon cast! Jean here will coordinate with you for rehearsal schedule. We shall see each other next week for our first day. Curtain call!” The director explained.

 

I spent a few more minutes to know some of the cast. Lyn congratulated me and I did so to her, too. She’s a sweet chinita girl, three years younger than me.