Avenues of the Diamond (University Series #4)

42

"Samantha Vera, a pose for us, please!" 

I stopped walking and displayed the Dior dress I was wearing after attending its fashion show. I wasn't the one walking on the runway, but I got invited by the designer. It was Paris Fashion Week, so it was again another busy week for me and for my stylists. There were so many cameras around me. I could even hear the shutters. 

"Sam, let's go! We're going to be late!" Arah yelled, so I waved at the reporters before entering the van to change into another outfit. 

Francine quickly retouched my makeup and changed my hairstyle. The fashion week was my favorite, but it was also unhealthy since wala na 'kong oras magpahinga. I was invited to a lot of shows, and I also supported my co-models. It has been what?  Three years since I left the Philippines, and focused more on modeling. Eventually, I got tired of it. 

I retired from runway modeling and just accepted offers from shoots and commercials. Audience na lang ako ngayon, but I still felt happier than ever because I was free. My schedule wasn't that hectic anymore except during fashion weeks. 

"Samantha Vera, gorgeous as ever!" Giselle went to me and gave me a hug after going inside the venue. Magkatabi kami para sa show. I kissed her cheek and also greeted other celebrities before taking my seat. Hindi pa nagsisimula 'yong show kaya may oras pa 'ko. "I heard you're dating the famous Hollywood actor, ah?!" 

"What?" My brows furrowed before laughing. "No, no. I don't have a boyfriend!" I denied it. 

For the past years, I was being paired up with my friends from Hollywood after being introduced by a model friend who landed herself with one of the famous actors. My circle just started to get bigger. I got invited to American shows. I had been traveling around the U.S.A., especially in Los Angeles. Ang dami kong nakakasama kaya ang dami ko ring dating rumors. 

I was once offered to star in a movie too but it just wasn't my thing. I wasn't that much of a great actress so I just stayed with modeling. Ang tunog na ng pangalan ko internationally lalo na tuwing nakakasama ko 'yong mga sikat na actors and actresses, like in the yacht party that happened the other day. Hindi ko alam kung masaya o galit 'yong fans nila sa 'kin. I couldn't care less. Wala naman akong special relationship with them. 

"You're more famous than ever now! Ang hirap mo nang hagilapin, ah! You were always in LA!" Giselle laughed gracefully. "Celebrity life, huh?" 

"Not really." I gave her a smile. "I don't really like the attention I'm getting. I might move back to the Philippines for good. I had enough of the spotlight." 

"Really?!" Giselle parted her lips. "For good? Are you planning to retire?" 

"I can still take offers, but I'm actually going to focus on business." 

Hindi na nadugtungan ang usapan namin dahil nagsimula na ang show. It was amusing to see new designs. It was refreshing to the eyes. After the show, Giselle and I went to the designer to have a small chat. The backstage models were staring at us, probably recognizing us.