The One With The Hate [QUARREL CITY SERIES #2]

Kabanata 15

"You can do it," my Dad said.

Ngumiti ako sa kaniya. It's my first photoshoot and also audition. I finally agreed to my father's whims. Actually, may kasalanan talaga ako. I broke into their wine pantry and stole one to gift from a friend. Kaya heto, nagcocomply ako.

"Quinnzel, right?" a woman with my father's age greeted me, I was guessing she's a director or something.

Ngumiti si Dad, "Our youngest."

"Isn't she a treat?" nagbeso sa akin ang babae. "Napakaganda, Vince. That face is going to slay the runway!"

"Oh, don't let that get in her head. Baka ma-pressure pa 'yan."

Tumawa siya. "No, seriously, bakit ngayon mo lang siya isinalang? How old are you, hija? 20?"

"I'm 21."

"Just perfect for debut." ngumiti siya sa Daddy ko. "Manang mana!"

"Right?" nagtawanan sila. Iginiya ako ng Daddy ko sa glam team niya. "Rina, she's ready!" he called.

And then, he went back to chika with his friend. I sighed and just went straight to do my make-up.

My dad decided to hire me as one of his cover page models for their summer magazine. For me, it was okay. I'm not actually nervous or anything. It's my first time on an actual ramp and pose for a shoot. Though, I've always been watching in my father's shoots when I was younger.

I saw some of my father's models at the corner, waiting for their turn. They looked at me like I was a no-one, stealing their spot. Nakaramdam ako ng hindi maganda sa tingin nila sa akin.

I almost felt like they were calling me a nepo baby or something. They worked hard for this shoot—auditioned and all. But here I am, a lazy morning where my father, who is the owner decided to wake me up to shoot.

"Fantastic, Quinnzel!" the camera director said. "She's a natural, Vince! Is this really her first time?"

Ngumiti ako nang matapos na ang shoot. Marami pa akong energy pero tapos na pala. Lumapit ako kay Daddy nang matapos. He smiled and looked proud.

"Is it done? Can I go now?"

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "School?"

"Yeah..." ngumuso ako.

"Fine," he said. "Be home for dinner."

Lumingon ako kaagad. "You're gonna be home?"

"No but I'll let Manang know to cook you dinner."

"How about Papa?"

"He's still in Japan. Next week pa makakauwi ang Papa mo."

"Kuya?"

He sighed. "I think he's in Manila, honey. You'll be with Manang naman, don't worry. Tell me if you need anything, alright?"

Tumango lamang ako.

I'm usually alone during dinner. Tsaka lamang nagkakaroon ng ingay sa dining table tuwing umuuwi ang parents ko or si kuya. My life is so lonely.

I typed a message on our groupchat.

Quinn : Labas tau, guys,,, jajajajaja

Allen : Si Quinn ba 'yan?

Allen : 'Wag niyo kausapin.

Quinn : Tangina mo.

Quinn : Night market sana. Hehehe. Baka lang naman, 'diba?

Riley : Himala hindi inom. 'Yan ang gusto ko.