Grow with the Flow (Published under Bliss Books)

Kabanata 22

Love team

My whole journey of becoming a celebrity was CRAZY. It was really one heck of a roller-coaster ride. It wasn't all rainbows and butterflies. No, it was far from that.

I literally struggled so much. There were nights when I'd be crying real hard because I know I sucked in the workshop.  Days when I was so frustrated because I was so hungry but I couldn't eat a lot nor eat what I wanted because I have to stick with veggies and fruits.

Moments when I'd be cursed by my mentor because my stance as I walked on the modeling ramp wasn't perfect.

"Sshh, Nari. Magiging worth it din ang lahat," Rafa had always been there to cheer me up.

I used everything I've been through as my source of strength, inspiration, and motivation to keep going. All those sleepless nights and tiring days, everything was, indeed, worth it. I had a successful debut as a model and was warmly welcomed as a celebrity.

It wasn't really a flash victory in my case. It was a working process. I could say that I was already on my second year in the industry when my career really bloomed.

I had slowly made a name for myself as the Nayeli Reese. I've become one of the most in-demand stars and professional models of my generation. On my third year, I've worked on a TV commercial with Kaiden Corpuz, one of the most popular male celebrities in town.

The producers and staff behind the camera were showering us with compliments, saying how we look so much good together.

"Napaka-shippable naman kasi ni Nayeli! Parang kahit sino'ng i-partner, bagay!" I heard the assistant director saying.

What's even more crazy was that after that TVC aired, everything else went extra big for us! The reactions of the viewers and audience were so sick! They've started giving names to our tandem.

"Naiden #1!"

"Aaah! Ang lakas ng chemistry!"

"MY SHIP IS SAILING!"

"PLEASE GET MARRIED ALREADY AND MAKE CUTE BABIES!"

Those were just some of the comments I read online and I still couldn't believe it. Kaiden and I were under the same management which made it easier for them to pair us up and launch us as an official loveteam.

Wala naming kaso sa akin iyon. I was willing to explore my horizon as a rising star and try different things that could happen inside the industry.

Binaha kami ng iba't ibang proyekto. We even instantly had a teleserye offer. Things also went so much better for my own as I received many more working opportunities, both in modeling and acting.

Kaiden is such a nice guy. Madali siyang pakisamahan at makatrabaho. I remember that time when we were currently shooting a kissing scene and I realized how lucky I am that I was doing it with someone I'm already comfortable with.

"This is bad...nade-develop na yata ako..." he said as we pulled away from each other after the kiss.

He's always like that. He loves to joke around kaya minsan, hindi mo na alam kung alin 'yong totoo sa mga sinasabi niya. Kaya madalas ay sinasakyan ko na lang ang mga trip at biro niya.

"Bawal ma-fall. Trabaho lang," I jokingly rebutted.

"Ouch." He sported a pained expression and even placed his hand on top of his chest.

It was a year after we started working together when I noticed Kaiden starting to seriously hit on me. I didn't even realize it myself. Rafa was the one who pointed it out.

I began to be conscious with his little gestures, like when he tucks my hair behind my ear during shooting, how he always texts me in the morning and at night, how he always brings food in the set for me, and how he gives me sweet gifts and stuff.

"Kaiden...you're not trying to court me, are you?" I asked to make sure.

He scratched the back of his neck. "Obvious na ba?" he shyly said.

I sighed.

"I'm sorry, Kaiden, but I don't think I'm up for a relationship... We seem better off as friends. Isa pa, my heart's...still healing from something. Sa guwapo mong 'yan, alam kong marami sa mga nagkakandarapa sa 'yo ang mas deserving kaysa sa 'kin."

He made a face. "Tsk, oo na. What a way to turn me down. Just so you know, you sounded like an expert heartbreaker, Nayeli Reese. Alam ko namang guwapo ako, no need to mention."

I laughed. That's what I like about working with Kaiden. He take things lightly and positively. Plus, he has always been good to me.

Things were never awkward after that. Aside from he stopped his advances, nothing else changed. If anything, we just grew closer to each other and became more comfortable.

Who would have thought that a rejection can turn into such a great friendship?