CROSSING THE WILD WAVES (Familiá Altamirano #2)

CHAPTER 28

The Best Man 

   A FAMILIAR flight attendant opened the entry door of the private jet. I smiled and gave her a peck on the cheeks as we chitchatted and embarked on the jet.

Today, I'm going back to the Philippines and I can't hide the nervousness and excitement I feel. It's been three years simula noong tumapak ako sa Pilipinas. Paniguradong marami na ang nagbago.

Lucy helped me with my carry-on baggage to place it above the compartment area. Kaunti lang naman ang dinala kong gamit dahil marami naman akong naiwan na damit sa mansion namin. Halos ang laman nga lang ng luggage ko ay mga pasalubong.

"Good evening, Miss Altamirano. Welcome on board. This is Captain Archie Echavez speaking, and I have some information about our flight. . ." I heard the Pilot's voice.

The 17-hour flight was like a rest day for me. I just watched movies, ate, and slept the whole flight. Kapag gising ako at hindi lumalamon ay nakikipagchikahan lang ako kay Lucy.

The private jet was safely, and successfully landed by Captain Echavez. I put on my black leather jacket and shades before walking out of Areno airport. The security team are behind me, securing me.

When I went outside the airport, numerous cameras flashed in my direction. There were a lot of reporter that wanted to interview me. I held the temple of my shades and looked down so it wouldn't hurt my eyes as the security team tried to keep them away from me.

I don't even know how those reporters got a hint that I'll be flying back to the Philippines. I told Denver not to spill it on anyone except for our team. I also didn't post any information on my story. But still, I entertained them. I answer them as long as their questions have boundaries in my private life.

"Khrizanta Altamirano, how's the Victoria's Secret fashion show?"

"It's great! We all had fun walking on the runway wearing an extravagant outfit," I answered precisely.

"Khrizanta Altamirano, is it true that the CEO of Ferrari gifted you an Akhal-Teke horse?"

"Miss Altamirano, how do you feel knowing that many boys are lining up over you?"

There were so many questions! Nalilito na ako kung paano sasagutin ang mga tanong nila so I keep smiling at them instead.

Nang nagsisimula pa  lang ako sa runway ay halos araw-araw akong trending sa twitter. Napagawa tuloy ako ng account to communicate with my fans. Dahil ako ang face of our airlines, mas sumikat ang airlines namin. Maraming fans ang mas nagbook sa Areno midways.

"Miss Altamirano, how do you feel you were still the highest-paid supermodel for two years?" asked another reporter.

"All of it still felt surreal. I am very grateful to all the people who helped me on my journey. And also to the fans who continue in supporting me from the start. Thank you, everyone!" I answered before finally embarking on the black car that stopped in front of me.

Damn! Hindi pa rin pala ang nagbabago ang traffic sa Pilipinas! Gabi na pero grabe pa rin ang traffic. The number of people who own cars seems to be increasing.

Unfortunately, I don't have a car anymore. My parents grounded me to have a car. Natatakot kasi silang maulit ang nangyari noon. . .

Kaya naman sa nakalipas na tatlong taon, may driver akong sumusundo at naghahatid sa kung saan man ako pumunta.

Finally, we reach our mansion in Forbes. I still have a unit in Silvermoon tower kaya hindi pa ako bumibili ng bahay. Pero matagal na simula nang umuwi ako doon. Ilang taon na rin, almost 3 years na. Moreover, I will not stay here in the Philippines that long.