Marikit Cruz moved to another country to live her dreams become a singer. Suddenly she is pulled into a battle for the world along with her twin sister.
I must have slept longer than I thought, when I woke up feeling someone smoothing my hair. I opened my eyes to see my twin wrapping her arms around me, guarding me. "Morning Kambal..." I grouchily greeted her, "Morning...Tagal mong matulog( You slept far too long)" she said. She and I looked the same but she looks a lot older than me.
"gutom ka na ba?(Are you hungry?)" she asked me. And on cue my stomach growled loudly, I blushed and she laughed at me. "Wow, good timing" I mumbled. "Tara, dumating na pagkain mo (Come on, your food came in)" she said, letting me get up and led me to the small table near my bed.
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The smell of buttered toast, bacon and eggs benedict washed by. And I sat in front of my twin, watching me with a smile, I offered her some but she shook her head. "Ok lang ako, Kain ka na (I'm Ok, Eat)" she said. "Ok" I simply said to her. I ate my breakfast in comfortable silence, smiling at my twin.
"So Anong gagawin natin ngayon? ( What are doing today?)" I asked, "Sa ngayon, gawin mo ang nais mo habang ako nagmamantiyag (For now, you can do what you like while I observe)" she seriously answered, "Sure ka? (You sure?)" I wondered and she nodded. "Sabi ni lola magpakasaya ka muna tapos kapag oras na, sasabihan kita (Gramma said have fun first then when it's time, I'll tell you)" she said and I nodded.
I wasn't just sent here without any reason. I am a babaylan, a shaman or a priestess. My Grandma sent me here in New Orleans because she had a vision that I'm having a major role in something big here. That's the reason they're all worried about.
I frowned a bit and she saw it, my twin went beside me and hugged me. "Huwag kang mag alala, Hinding-hindi kita iiwanan (Don't worry, I'll never ever leave you)" she soothed me, giving me a kiss on my hair. "Syanga pala, may open mic sa isang bar, subukan mo doon (By the way, there's a open mic in a bar, you should try it)" and I looked at her and smiled at her. " Ok, mag-ingat ka(Ok, Be careful )" I said and she went out the door but not without a farewell hug and kiss.
I stayed put for a while, running my fingers on the tattoos on my arm. My twin always know what to do to cheer me up and distract me, I love her for that. Singing is one of my hobbies and the stereotypical talent in all Filipinos.
I washed and dried my plate, before changing into my. outside clothes, a printed skirt, long sleeve blouse and heels. My hair just loose and free, I like my hair as it is.
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Going out and locking my hotel room. I greeted the staff with a 'Good Morning' and a warm smile. Walking out the elevator, I nodded at the receptionist who happily nodded back at me.
New Orleans is busy, people minding their own businesses. Morning rush is always a hassle to all. I soon came across a signage saying, 'Open mic event, welcome all. Get your chance now'.
I smiled and went in, the bar is crowded even though it's only 9:30 in the morning. My coming brought some eyes fixed on me, I ignore those.
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"Excuse me, I'm here for the open mic event" I told the barman, who is flirting with me. "Sure, babe. But you have to wait in line" he said, winking at me. "Oh thanks" I said, and he offered me a cocktail, to that I accepted it.
I listened to each performer get an applause from the crowd. And it's finally my turn, I chose the song 'Rewrite the stars' and sang my heart out. The crowd went crazy for me, and I bowed in appreciation.
