Parallel Intersection

Chapter 1

"Candidates, be ready!"

Nagmamadali ang aking make-up artist sa pag-finalize ng aking mukha. Agad niya rin inutusan ang hairstylist na bilisan ang pag-ayos sa medyo kulot kong buhok.

"Jam, go for the crown." She reminded before fixing my clothes.

Lalabas kami ngayon para sa production. Gosh! Hindi talaga ako kagalingan sa pagsasayaw. Buti na lang dahil kailangang mag hip hop o ano pa man.

Pacute lang and go! I smiled at my co-candidates. We are wearing a fitted faded blue jeans paired with black crop top blouse and our killer heels.

I got my advantage with me. I am the tallest girl candidate here. Sis, sumisigaw ang height kong 5'11.

I tapped my partner's shoulder. I smiled at him.

"Nervous?" I cocked my head to see his full reaction.

He shook his head. "We'll get that crown."

I bit my cheeks inside and nodded. Sure! Hindi pa naman ako sanay na matalo.

There were two representatives per college department. Dalawa sa College of Education, ang pinakacompetitive sa aming lahat. Two for College of Trades and Technology na petiks lang naman na kalaban. Dalawa rin for College of Arts and Sciences na usually na nakakakuha ng korona for Mr. Intrams. Lastly, two for College of Engineering and Architecture - the department where I belong.

Kami ng aking kapares ang huling kandidata. For some, it may be a disadvantage but for me, oh well! Save the best for last!

When it's our time, I made sure to flashed my alluring smile. Ganoon din ang aking partner.

This one's my first pageant. Kadalasan kasi ay kinukuha lamang ako bilang modelo ng mga damit.

I can hear the loud noise from the crowd. Some even brought their banners with my name on it!

"Jammy Daisy Quin, twenty, College of Engineering and Architecture!"

"I can smell the crown!" My talent scout excitedly whispered on my ear.

Mabilis ko itong sinipat. Di pa nga sigurado e. Mahirap na at baka mapurnada pa ang korona.

Pinaliguan niya ng coke ang aking katawan para sa swimsuit competition. Gusto ko sanang magreklamo dahil ang lagkit nun sa katawan.

The outcome's nice. It highlighted my natural tanned skin. Dami rin alam ng talent scout kong 'to.

The edge of my co-candidates were there paper white skin color. Mukhang ako lang ang morena sa amin.

I shrugged the insecurities fueling inside me and went out to properly project myself.

Tingin sa kanan. Tingin sa kaliwa. Tingin sa gitna. Fierce. Smile. Awra!

I smirked upon hearing my name being shouted. Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay mukha akong celebrity dahil dito.

Mabilis ang mga pangyayari. Nagmamadali ang aking talent scout na bihisan ako for the long gown.

I am going to wear a white modern Filipiniana gown. She put my hair in a clean bun and highlighted my jawline.

I let out a deep breathe. Pagkatapos nito ay question and answer portion na. Sana lang ay hindi ako ma-mental block!

"Hi candidate number eight!" I smiled at the host.

Buti na lang dahil kakilala ko ang host na 'to. He's my orgmate. Perks of being school-oriented kuno.

We're both part of the school publication at BSU. Pareho rin kaming broadcasters.

"Hello." I calmly replied.