*11*
Hitch a ride
"Introducing Crush's new member, Serene Lopez!" Chase announced formally in front of all media.
He's the manager and also the spokesperson ng banda. But then I saw some gossip sa internet na he's become a member daw before on their college years.
Nasilaw ako sa sunod-sunod na flash ng mga camera habang papunta ako sa stage.
Bawat galaw ko, nakasunod ang mga mata nila. I can't be the clumsy old me back in high school na nawala for a while when I'm with Anthony 'cause he's always keeping me in check or else, I'll taint the image of the band.
But the universe had other plans for me, sa last remaining step ko sa hagdan before my feet lands on the rough edge of the stage, I slipped.
The press gasped at the sight.
Napapikit ako. Damn this pair of heels. I was asked to wear semi-formal kasi.
And yet, the universe isn't all that bad—still finding me pitiful enough to suffer more undeserved damages.
Nakaramdam ako ng dalawang kamay na humila sa magkabilang kamay ko bago ako tuluyang mahulog sa baba ng stage.
Chester Ace Lim
Ang gentle ng mga mata nya. I felt safe and secure. Likewise with Anthony—I felt at ease.
Riley Skye Forbes
Those deep eyes with burning intensity. Something about it screams danger. He's living up to his stage name.
Nagkatinginan sila. Tinulungan nila ako to get back on my feet sa stage.
"Thanks," I mumbled. I bit my lip hard—cursing myself sa isip ko.
Why now? Nakakahiya! Even if I didn't fall down, no one can save my face from this humiliation! Mamaya nyan front page na sa tabloids 'yung nangyari!
Hindi rin nakatakas sa mga mata ko ang mga mapanuring tingin ni Pria sa harap ng stage na katabi ng iilang press.
Agad akong binitawan ni Risk habang in-escort naman ako ni Chase sa tabi nya sa may microphone. Nasa likod namin ang ibang members. Mas lalo tuloy akong na-conscious. Sana naman wala nang ibang mangyari sa'kin dito.
Unconsciously, I clutched my necklace.
Yes, 'yung necklace na binigay ni Anthony three years ago ay suot ko pa rin hanggang ngayon—my remaining lucky charm.
I'd throw it away when I really feel that I'm over him someday.
Pinilit kong ngumiti sa harap ng press.
It's been a few days after he first made an official announcement sa university. Afterwards, it's all over news. Now he just made a confirmation in all masses.
Pero hindi lang naman 'yon ang purpose ng press conference na 'to.
"She will be joining the band as they sing for another movie soundtrack this year," pagpapatuloy nya.
May nagtaas ng kamay at nagtanong galing sa press.
"And what movie would it be? Can you give us more details?"
"I'm sorry but I can't tell you the specifics as of the moment," sagot naman ni Chase. "I'd let the staff and crew of the movie handle it because the movie poster and trailer haven't been released yet."
Totoo naman. Like them, they'd been keeping us in the dark. Wala rin kaming masyadong alam pa about sa movie. Hindi pa rin kasi ata sila tapos mag-shooting. And it's not our place to tell anyway.
