Taming Red

Chapter 21

Back to business again, after a few day rest I was called by the management. Kinakabahan akong pumasok sa function room, all of them are here already, including the band.

Sinundan nila ako ng tingin hanggang sa umupo ako malapit sa upuan ng Director.

"You do know the trouble you caused, right?" he asked. Pormal ang kanyang suot at kahit na may katandaan ay bihasa siya pagdating sa business and entertainment. He likes the boys because of their artistry, and I appreciate his eagerness to always bring out the best of them.

I smiled, "Yes and I sincerely apologize." Kumalat kase ito around social media, good thing they were able to twist the media at pinalabas na aksidente lang akong nadulas sa unit. Still, some assumes na nakunan daw ako at kaya rin nakita si Dino that time sa garden is because I was there, and that he is the father.

Sumakit ang ulo ko sa mga chismis na 'yon, pero ano bang magagawa ko? people will always have something to say, but that's what makes us popular. Kaya lang, bad publicity.

The Director sighed, "I understand that you maybe are going through a tough time," panimula niya. I already know where this is going.

Nilingon ko ang banda at prenteng naka-upo lang sila, siguro ay alam na nila ang pag-uusapan, hindi man lang nila ako binigyan ng warning?

"However, when it comes to the boys' security, you know that our priority is them and not you, right?"

"Hell no."

Gulat akong napalingon kay Ron, ganon din ang Director.

"Ron," I warned because that wasn't a nice thing to say. What the Director said is understandable.

Tumikhim ang Director, "I understand your long-term friendship, but I'm hiring a new manager for the band."

"This meeting is nonsense, we are nothing without Paige. Siya ang pundasyon ng grupo na 'to, kung tatanggaling siya edi mag disband na lang kami!" gigil na sabi ni Yohan. Napatayo pa siya habang kinakalma ni Ahyin.

I feel touched. I wasn't the foundation though, but I guess I influenced them way more that I thought I did.

Binalingan ko ng tingin si Dino, nag-tama ang tingin namin. Sinenyasan ko siya na pakalmahin si Yohan at Ron bilang lider ng grupo.

"Calm down," baling niya sa dalawa.

Alam kong mali ang ginawa ko, nalalapit na ang concert nila. To think na ang mismong manager nila ang magiging balakid para sa success nito ay talaga namang nakaka-bahala. I made a decision, before this gets out of hand. "I understand---"

"She's not leaving us," Dino suddenly cut me off. Seryoso ang mukha niya at walang takot na diretsong nakatingin sa Director.

"Dino."

"No, Paige." Bumaling siya sa'kin. Nilingon ko ang Director na ngayon ay mukhang stress na stress na. "I apologize for their behavior, but I agree with them," he said and even bowed.

I bit my lower lip, sila na naman ang sumasaklolo sa'kin. Parang noon lang, hanggang ngayon ay ganoon pa rin. Am I really that worthy of love? Pero bakit siya, hindi nagawang manatili...

"Dino, as a leader, I don't think you should be saying that. You have a contract!" Tumaas na rin ng kaunti ang boses ng Director. Nataranta ako at muling pinandilatan si Dino na sumang-ayon na lang, but he ignored me at nagpatuloy sa sinasabi.

"We're a pack, not just us who performs, it includes her who supports," dagdag pa ni Dino.

Muntik na akong maluha sa sinabi niya, tumango-tango naman ang tatlo kasama si Ahyin sa sinabing 'yon ni Dino.