Epiphany (Un/Requited Series #1)

Chapter Six

"AYAW MO bang mauna ro'n? Para makauwi na tayo!"

Paulit-ulit kong inaalog si Yrishi na ayaw pang pumasok sa loob ng conference room kung saan magaganap ang auditions for the musical play.

"'Wag ka ngang bida-bida! Save the best for last!" she loud whispered while putting her hair behind her.

"'Wag daw mag-bida-bida pero ano 'yon? 'The best'? Ang kapal ng mukha mo!" bigla siyang binatukan ni Aki.

"Aray!" Yrishi scowled and got back at her. Nagbawian lang din sila.

While I, on the other hand, patiently waited for the other auditionees to finish. Tumigil lang sila noong masyado na silang nakakakuha ng atensyon. We witnessed various talented students showcase their gifts. There were three categories to be considered: singing, dancing, and acting.

I was good with singing. Suki ng videoke tuwing family gatherings check! In dancing, I was not quite sure. People do compliment me for dancing well, but I do not trust them wholly because I do not trust myself. Definitely not with acting either. 'Yun ang pinakamalalang kategorya sa 'kin.

Paunti nang paunti ang mga tao sa loob habang tumatagal. Talagang pinanindigan nila 'yung' save the best for last', except that the 'best' was not applicable.

Yrishi fluffed her hair as she walked to the stage with utmost confidence. Aki and I silently clapped as she performed. Truthfully rating Yrishi, her dance ranks first, comes in second is her acting, and singing in last. As for Aki, her singing comes first, next is dancing, and with acting in last.

Ako na... Ako na!

Tahimik kong inakyat ang stage. I could only hear my racing heartbeats. I was not very familiar of the judges; they were not my teachers. Hindi ko alam kung ano-anong tipo nila, kung anong gusto nilang makita para masabi na bagay ka sa play.

As I started singing 'Way Back Into Love', I didn't wanna get leaded by the smile of the judges. Instead, I tried my best to focusing on delivering the song with feelings despite of apprehensions entering my mind. I wanted to perform a song that is not that intense and shockingly impressive but is sensible.

Sobrang pasasalamat ko kay Lord na alam ko 'yung random kpop song na pinatugtog nila para sa sayaw. Bonus pang meron silang nakaprepare na piece for the auditionees to act. I could barely remember kung paano ko nai-deliver ang last two performances na 'yun dahil sa kaba.

Immediately after the performance, sinalubong ko sina Yrishi at Aki with a squeal. My other classmates who also joined the auditions laughed at us. We were so embarrassed for no reason. Natahimik nalang kami nang nagsimula na kumanta ang sumunod sa amin.

Lewis Clifford. Once again.

How talented could he be? Unang-una, tumakbo siya bilang presidente. Balita ko ay hindi siya nanalo sa eleksyon. Sa halip, kaibigan niya ang nanalo. Second, naka-champion sa essay writing contest. Ngayon, he also has a talent in arts? At magaling din siya rito! Does he have anything more to offer?

"Akala ko ba gusto mo na umuwi?" Nagising ako sa ulirat when Aki snapped her fingers at me. "Gusto mo pa bang manood?"

I chuckled awkwardly. Sana hindi nila napansing I was in deep thoughts. "Let's go home."

DURING LUNCH, we went to the balcony near the computer room to chill under the shades of the tall trees. I bought my usual lunch from the cafeteria--tocino lang naman 'yon. Buti nga't may natira pa sa ilalim ng counter nina ate dahil madalas na nagkakaubusan. There was only two bowls left. Marami namang iba pang choice, but I personally like the brand of the tocino they're cooking.

"Rayden has been chatting me ever since the foundation day," I trailed as I munched on the tocino. "Look at these chats." Inabot ko sa kanila ang cellphone kong nakabukas sa conversation namin ni Rayden.