Bay of Strangers (Manila Girls #2)

Simula

Simula

"This is a big joke, Fitcher!"

My eyes darted at his face as he shifted on his seat. He gave me a frail smile and an unapologetic eyes, followed by his mocking laugh. His overly confident demeanor that I hated so much toppled my already shattered faith. I'm desperately grasping to a tiny string of hope, and now—they cut it short.

He chuckled and licked his lower lip. His eyebrows complimented his dark eyes. He's always too cunning and it's irritating.

I hated the feeling that my misery is an entertainment for him.

"Pinagalitan nila ako." Namamaos ang boses niya.

"You could have stood for me!"

"Chill,"

"Chill? Paano ako kakalma? They rejected my project again."

"Gumawa ka ng bago. Maybe...a bit less political?"

Pinagsiklop niya ang mga kamay niya at mataman akong tinignan.

I know that my project is too much, too political—they say. But that's the beauty in it. That is the sole reason why I want to put it in the big screens. The subject may be a bit too hard and uncomfortable to tackle but it is what it is! We cannot just sit still and watch the so-called leaders of our country to ruin us, in trying to save their asses. No.

"Ah, so that's all is it about?"

"Kamalei," He stood up from his seat and I watched him with contempt and anger.

I don't remember being so angry at anyone or anything before. This is the first time I have ever known rage, and all its sequel. I didn't know what to do with it, or should I even do something. But I know if I just let it sit through, it'll destroy me.

Because rage—comes with a great power.

I have to make a decision if I'll let it consume me or I'll use it to my advantage.

"Don't say my name like that. Para kang demonyo,"

"I'm the devil, baby..." He chuckled.

Umirap ako. Bumagsak ang tingin ko sa aking kuko.

I have known the devil years ago, and believe me—he is nothing like him.

I lifted my head. I shot Fitcher a deadly glare—the one that won't go unnoticed.

"I'm sorry, Lei... There's nothing I can do. The executives already warned you about your topic. It's too sensitive..." Ngumiwi siya.

"Too political, you say?"

"You'll get in trouble because of it. Your family—especially your father will suffer from it too-"

"Wala akong pakialam."

"Tsk, you're such a cold-hearted daughter."

"He did something wrong. He has to face the consequences."

Fitcher shook his head and smirked. "The MTRCB will probably turn down your project too. Mas maigi nang nireject ng maaga para hindi masayang ang efforts at pagod mo."

"I already formed a team."

"How about sponsors? Producers?"

"Kinakausap ko na sina Tammara-"

"Tammara?" He said her name with disgust and filth.

"Tammara Samaniego."

"She can't help you." Nag-iwas siya ng tingin at umiling.