After Everything (UP Series #1)

AE 48

Chapter 48

Modeling is not easy. People say na kapag model ka you are perfect. You have a flawless skin, perfect body, beautiful face and all. And for me, it took a lot of courage and hard work to be a model and for the past years, modeling helps me to be confident. Natututo akong humarap sa maraming tao. Natuto akong ipakita ang sariling fashion style ko. At higit sa lahat, natuto akong mas mahalin ang sarili at i-embrace ang flaws and imperfections ko.

For the past years, I realized that modeling is not about how to be perfect in front of the camera, in front of many people but it’s about how I show myself. Paano ko dadalhin ang sarili at ipapakilala sa mga tao. Paano ko ipapakita ang sariling ako. 

“Congrats!” Adam greeted me with open arms.

“Thank you!” I said and planted a kiss on his lips before I hugged him.

Mas naramdaman ko ang higpit ng yakap niya sa mga sumunod na minuto. Ngumiti ako at mas dinama iyon, komportableng komportale sa gitna ng mga bisig niya. It’s been eight months the last time we saw each other. At kung hindi pa ako nagkaroon ng schedule at Fashion show rito sa LA, baka mas tumagal pa ang pagkikita namin.

Sa gitna ng yakap niya, his phone rang for a call. I immediately withdraw on his hug so he can answer the call clearly but he didn’t let me. Isang hakbang ko pa lang palikod, agad niyang hinapit ang baywang ko para mas mayakap. I looked at him and he just stared at me while talking to other line.

“Yeah!” he answered in a baritone voice. “I will go now!” 

My forehead creased as his deep eyes immediately darted at me after the call. Nanatili lang akong nakatingala sa kanya, naghihintay ng sasabihin n'ya.

“I need to go,” he said in a low voice.

I flashed a small smile on my lips and slowly nod my head. He sighed before kissing the top of my head. Tipid ulit akong ngumiti sa sarili, nanghihinayang na aalis siya dahil hindi pa kami nakakapag-usap ng maayos pero naiintindihan ko naman lalo pa at narinig ko ang dahilan.

“Bakit ka tumakas?” I asked him after a while.

Hindi man naka loudspeaker subalit narinig ko kanina na pinapagalitan siya. Hindi ko inaasahan na may pala practice sila ngayon at tumakas siya para lang mapuntahan ako.

“I have no choice…” he said guiltily.

Huminga ako nang malalim at napasapo na lang sa noo, hindi malaman kung ano ang dapat na sabihin at gawin.

“Adam, hindi ka dapat tumakas!” I started. Ayaw tanggapin ang ginawa niya dahil mali iyon.

“What do you want me to do?” he shot back. “You want me na palagpasin ang araw na ‘to without seeing each other?” his eyes darkened.

I shook my head. “But what you did was really wrong! Hindi ka dapat tumakas.”

“I know but I don’t have any other choice.” He reasoned out. “Faith, we didn’t see each other for more than eight months and you expect me na papalagpasin ko ‘tong pagkakataon na ‘to?” he looked at me in disbelief.

Bumuntong hininga ako. “Adam…”

“Ayaw mo ba akong makita?” may bahid ng sakit ang tono niya na para bang may napagtanto.

I immediately shook my head again. Natatakot sa maari niyang maisip. Ayaw kong ma-misunderstood niya ang gusto kong iparating. Nagulat akong may schedule pala siya ngayon dahil ang sabi niya noong nag-usap kami, pupunta siya dahil wala siyang schedule. Pagkatapos ay malalaman kong tumakas pala siya.