The Art Of Love

PROLOGUE

Inayos ko ang suot kong blouse bago ako pumasok sa room kung saan magaganap ang interview ko. I just passed the bar exam last year but I really didn't put much attention in pursuing Law.

Those sleepless nights are over for me. I didn't give up. Tama na siguro yung ilang taon na paghihirap ko dahil lang sa gusto ni dad na maging lawyer din ako kagaya nya.

At first nagdadalawang isip ako kasi, why not? Why not just pursue being a lawyer, after all I passed the bar. Ready nakong maging lawyer. Pero ayoko talaga. I learned. A lot. The terminologies, digested a lot of cases. But for me they weren't all worth it.

I really wanted to pursue arts that's why when I heard about the upcoming National Arts Convention happening in April, I immedienly signed up the forms and sent my best artworks to them.

Luckily, tinawagan ako after a week and I really can't wait to show other people what Ada Monteverde can do.

As I entered the room, my eyes widened when I saw a familiar face inside.

I looked closely thinking I was mistaken. Habang naglalakad papunta sa gitna ng room, hindi maiwasang manikip ng dibdib ko.

I couldn't breathe. I inhaled then exhaled. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Hi, good afternoon everyone. I'm Cassandra Yvette Monteverde, a graduate from University of the Ph—

"No need for the introductions. Why would you want to be part of this art convention?"

I stopped when he cut me off. I didn't expect that.

"Because..." Nagstart akong magpanic. I have a stage fright and I don't do well in speaking infront of a lot of people. One of the reasons why I don't want to become a lawyer.

I looked into his eyes. Nothing changed. I still remember every inch of his face.

"Because what? You know we're a little bit choosy, I'll be honest with you. Maraming nakapila actually na baka mas magaling at mas deser—

"Because it's my dream. My passion."

It was our dream, before...

"Mahal na mahal ko po ang pagguhit at gusto kong maipakita ito sa mas malaking audience and I thought this convention would be a better way. I want to express my thoughts and emotions through arts. I finished college doing the things I didn't want to do. I never had a choice. Never wanted to become a lawyer. I want this. That's why I really really want to get in. I want the opportunity and I'll make sure not to waste it."

I looked down. Nahihiya sa sinabi ko, that was because of the panic. I have my rehearsed speech about that because I was expecting that question. But I guess it came out well.

"Okay... We'll call you Ma'am Cassandra" A woman wearing orange off-shoulder said.

I nodded in return. All these years, dito ko lang pala sya makikita. I don't understand the treatment but I guess he was just being professional.

"Thankyou po..." I smiled and walked towards the exit.

But the moment I closed the door, tears started streaming down my face.
I couldn't help but to remember everything that happened between the two of us. The memories suddenly came back.

Kung paano nya ako pinasaya,

At kung paano nya rin ako sinira.

END OF PROLOGUE