Chasing Unknown (Completed)

Beginning

"Put your right arm on her hips, Jacob and then look intently at her." The director said and Jacob followed.

I felt his hand snaking around my waist as I dramatically looked away. Flashes of camera began and I've heard gasps from somewhere. Maybe because Jacob moved his face close to mine.

"Where are you heading after this?" I heard him whispered against my cheek and my eyes moved to look at him.

He was smirking at me and if not for the cameras and the eyes directed at us, I would've had rolled my eyes at him.

"RW. For the pageant later." I answered.

"I'll drive you there, then."

"Hindi na. May driver ako." Malamig na sagot ko. Iniwas ko muli ang tingin sa kanya at nagpatuloy sa mga pose na gusto ng direktor.

"I want to show my support."

I almost rolled my eyes. Kulit!

"You can watch later at seven in the evening. Ask Tita Calila for a VIP ticket. Sagot ko na." I irritatedly said and he sighed.

"Look, Zei. I'm sorry. I was just drunk that night."

"Okay."

"Are you still mad?"

"I'm not mad, Jacob. I said it's okay."

"But why--"

"It's a wrap!" I heard the director say and I slightly pushed Jacob away from me.

I was relieved. Hindi ko na sya nilingon at nilakad na ang distansya mula kay Tita Calila, iyong handler ko. Ang laki ng ngiti nito nang salubungin ako.

"Mabuti at natapos mo itong photoshoot kahit alam kong kanina pa nangangati ang kamay mo na bugbugin ang salawahang lalaki na iyan." She said. I didn't comment and just proceeded to walk to the table to gather my bag.

Alam ko ang ibig sabihin nya. Noong isang linggo lang ay may lumabas na mga litrato ni Jacob at ng isang modelo, magkahalikan habang sumasayaw sa isang bar. Hindi ito kumalat nang tuluyan dahil naagapan ng management. Binayaran ang pananahimik ng media at ng ilang mga taong nakakita.

In all honesty, I didn't feel anything. We're not even together. Ang mga tao lang at mga fans ang nag-assume na may relasyon kami dahil nga naman isa kami sa sumisikat na love team. Madalas ay pinapakita namin sa publiko na sweet kami kahit hindi naman kami.

Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit in full bloom ang career namin ngayon. Iyon din ang dahilan kung bakit kami ni Jacob ang kinuha para maging cover ng magazine na ito.

"Sa byahe ka na lang matulog. Dumiretso na tayo sa hotel para hindi tayo nagmamadali. Alas siete ng umaga ang call time mamaya."

Tumango lang ako kay Tita Calila. I knew it was already two in the morning. I was also getting sleepy. Alam kong kailangan kong magpahinga para handa ako bukas. It was one of my dreams to join the Binibining Pilipinas. I wanted to prove myself to those people who underestimated me. Kaya kahit alam kong buong Pilipinas na ang nakakakilala sa akin bilang artista, sumali pa rin ako.

Lumapit sa akin si Farah, my personal assistant, at inabutan ng bote ng tubig pagkatapos ay ngumuso sa bandang likod ko. Awtomatiko ang pagbaling ko sa likod ko.

I sighed tiredly as I saw Jacob approaching us.

"Tita, ako na ang maghahatid sa inyo sa hotel." He cooly said.

Naiinis na tumingin sa akin si Tita Calila. I rolled my eyes.

"Jacob, please. I'm too tired to pull an argument. Magkita na lang tayo mamaya sa pageant." Bumaling ako kay Tita Calila. "Nagconfirm po ba sina Mommy at Daddy?"