Chasing Unknown (Completed)

Forty-third

"To my ZeiCob family, it's been an honor to meet you all. I didn't mean to disappoint you with this decision. This doesn't mean I was ungrateful. Truth is, I owe the success that I enjoyed to you. Your love made me shine. Your support made me strong. Thank you so much po. I hope in time you'd understand that this decision is where I found inner peace and true happiness. I would be leaving the show business for good..."

I heard the reporters and some cameramen murmured things to each other with my announcement. I smiled kindly at them to assure them that I'm firm with this.

It's my press conference. Tita Calila was beside me as I spoke. Nagsalita na sya kanina at ang sabi ay hindi ako kailangang tanungin ng mga reporters. I had prepared my speech and after that, I will leave the room. Questions will be entertained by her after.

Kaya tingin ko, kahit gustong magkomento o magtanong ng mga tao ay talagang pinipigilan nila ang sarili.

"I would try my luck again on modeling and brand endorsements so you would still see me randomly but not as much. Your support in this transition would be highly appreciated. To all the people unintentionally got involved in this issue, I sincerely apologize. I promise to make it all up to you. Tita Calila, thank you so much for taking good care of me. You'll forever be dear to me. To everyone, thank you and I hope to meet you in a more favorable circumstance."

I smiled one last time before I stood up. Tita Calila hugged me tight. The warmth of his embrace made me teary eyed.

This is it. I have verbalized my plans. I'll leave this dream even despite the order to leave Wilson, too. If Tita Charlene just wanted to get even, then I'll let her.

Walang matitira sa akin katulad ng nangyari kay Wilson noong pinili nya ako. I know no amount of repentance from me could ever make her feel better but it's okay. I'll still do it.

The guards escorted me securedly until I reached my car. Akala ko ay maiiyak ako pagkapasok sa kotse. Hindi pala. Payapa kahit ang pagtibok ng puso ko.

Truly, you have to choose what's worth losing everything to find real happiness. In my case, this is it.

My phone rang and I immediately answered it when I saw that it was Wilson.

"Babe..." I said in a soft voice.

He did not speak immediately. I heard him expelled a deep breath, like he's hurt or something.

We were constantly communicating the past days. Like nothing happened at all. Like his mom didn't throw hurtful words at my way. I don't have plans to tell him that, of course. At tutuparin ko pa rin ang napag-usapan namin ni Tita Charlene.

Inabala ko ang sarili sa paglipat ng condo nitong mga nakaraang araw. Ibinenta ko ang lumang unit at lumipat nang hindi sinasabi kay Wilson. Bukas ang balik nya rito sa Manila at bukas din, lilipad kami ni Mommy papunta sa US para magbakasyon. Walang ideya si Wilson sa planong ito.

Magpapalit ako ng number at ide-deactivate ang lahat ng social media accounts para hindi nya ma-trace kung nasaan ako. Sigurado rin naman akong may plano na ang mga Francisco kung paano mailalayo sa akin ang anak nila. Kung ano man ang mangyari, bahala na.

At least I followed what his parents want me to do.

"Wilson? Are you there?" Tanong ko muli dahil sa mahabang katahimikan.

"I've watched the press conference. Are you...okay?" He asked in a hoarse voice.

I laughed softly to let him hear that I'm fine.

"Of course! Okay lang ako. Okay na okay, Wilson."

"Open the camera." Utos nya.

Tumaas ang kilay ko.