La Puerto #1: Along with the Sun

Kabanata 38

Kabanata 38
Used

Shocked nearly stole my breath.

"Are you serious right now?" He clenched his jaw as he hugged me tightly and didn't say anything.

It frustrates me immensely, and I've thinking about it since then.

"Adi, you're spacing out again." Pumitik sa ere si Mommy kaya't napakurap-kurap ako.

"Yeah?" Napabuntong-hininga si Mommy at sinimsim ang kape. "I don't know yet. I'm still thinking if I'll renew my contract."

Natahimik lang si Mommy at siya naman ang mukhang malalim ang iniisip. Ilang linggo ng nakabalik kami sa New York habang ang nasa isip ko ay ang nangyari sa Maldives.

Rogan's words kept resonating in my head, constantly bothering me. I am aware that every word he says is something he really mean. Ilang beses na niyang naapapatunayan 'yon saakin.

"Maghahanap ka na ba ng bagong agency?" Napatingin ako kay Mommy na mukhang hindi na mapakali sa sinabi ko.

After what happened in Paris, naisip ko kaagad ang pagtatapos ng contract sa agency ko. After my experience in Paris, I initially contemplated quitting my contract with my agency. Beridze has had a significant impact on my career today, but it is too much. I understand that I need to be open to all possibilities, but they did treat me horribly as a model. They are upset about what happened and assume I am using my boyfriend's power to control circumstances. 

"But if you wanted to stop for a meantime, that's fine." Habol ni Mommy habang ako ay hindi makapaniwala sa narinig.

Siguro dahil kilala ko na si Mommy na pagsasabihan akong wag mag padalos-dalos dahil lang doon. Her words have helped me a lot in making my decision.

"Are you sure about this?" Isang malalim na buntong-hininga ang binigay ni Riva saakin ng tumango ako sakaniya.

Before all of this happened, I shared with her everything that had been on my mind. I was already thinking about this when I auditioned for Adore Me. I think the timing and the right moment are indeed essential.

After finishing all of my work in New York for several weeks, I went to the shop of Sen Kimpi, one of the biggest names in couture who has dressed some of the world's most prominent women for years. I'm also one of his models from last year's spring collection, and I adore his work.

"What's that?" Usisa ni Mommy ng makita akong may dala-dalang box na malaki pag-uwi.

"My dress for Olivia's wedding."

Mabuti na lang talaga at may RTW na sila nung pumunta ako dahil nawalan talaga ako ng time isipin 'yon sa nagdaan linggo dahil sa hectic na schedule. I want to ensure that all of my work is finished before going for a week.

Naiwan si Riva sa New York habang kami ni Mommy ay umuwi ng Pinas ilang araw na nagdaan. At dahil sinugurado namin tapos na ang lahat ng mga photoshoots at talagang pinilit namin tapusin ni Riva mas maaga ang uwi ko sa Pinas.

"Where will you stay?" Doon pa lang ako tinanong ni Mommy habang tinatanaw na namin ang papalapit na SUV saamin.

"I'll book a hotel. Olivia told me the reception will be held on Casa De Galves so maybe I could stay there..."

"Is that even high class hotel?" Kahit nakasuot ng shades si Mommy naiimagine ko pa rin ang pagkukutya ng itsura dahil nasa probinsya.

"Yes, it was owned by Rogan's friend."

"Oh, okay!" Aniya at mukhang nasatisfied sa narinig. Tila ba tinitingala na nya ang lahat ng tao basta ay konektado kay Rogan.

Tumigil na ang SUV samin harapan at lumabas agad ang driver at agad humingi ng pasensya. Doon na natuon ang atensyon ni Mommy at pinagalitan ang driver dahil pinaghintay kami.