Painful Love (Love Series #1)

Kabanata 28

Saan ba ako lulugar? Nagpakilala lang naman ako, ah. I admit, sinadya kong isama ang Courez, my middle name, sa pagpapakilala dahil alam kong may magbabago pero hindi ko naman gustong mahusgahan nang ganito.

I blinked thrice to stop my tears from falling. "What are you trying to say? That I don't have a talent? That only because of Mom.. I got in as the model of Shanez?" matigas na wika ko.

That's really, really below the belt. Lahat ng meron ako ay pinaghirapan kong i-achieve. Yes, Mom is a big influence, too, but I did my part as a learner and because of my passion. Hearing them say those things to me breaks my heart. Kaya ayokong pasukin ang showbiz, one wrong move and people will judge you. I always prefer a life having my own private space, where no one can invade.

"Bakit, hindi ba?! You're only using your Mom's name! I bet you used it to Ishmael, too, right?" luhaan pero nakangising aniya.

"Sinabi ko bang gusto ko ang project na 'to?" I uttered that made her stop talking. "Kuya Ishmael asked me to do this because he won't be able to find a new model for Thursday! Kung sana inayos mo 'yang ugali mo, e'di walang problema? Hindi ka sana natanggal, 'di ba? But what did you do? You're acting as if you're that important just because you're a client and a model here? News flash, there's a lot of model out there who's way very better than you, maaring hindi ako.. pero maraming iba pa.." mahinahong wika ko but I'm already clenching my fist under the table.

"You want this project that much? Sa'yong sa'yo na! Kasi.. mas magaling ka naman sa'kin, 'di ba? Mas may experience? Mas sikat? Tsaka parang kailangang kailangan mo, eh. Pabagsak ka na ba? Kapit dito sa malaking project?" kunwaring concern na wika ko pero mayroon namang nanunuyang ngisi sa mga labi.

I hate this. I'm being very rude.

"Now I know why Ishmael chose her as the new model. Her attitude is way better than yours," said the guy on Kuya Ishmael's right side. "Natasha, being a model doesn't only include the beautiful physical appearance, it also needs a good heart, a'right? And hindi por que sikat ka ay ide-degrade mo na lahat ng model na baguhan. You should be a role model and not only a model." he commented that made us all reflect, I think.

Natasha, still mad, stood up and walked away. Agad na sumunod sa kaniya si Mrs. Santos. Nang madaan sa'min ay napailing na lang, halatang disappointed.

"We're so sorry for judging you, Miss Perez. And I'm not apologizing because I learned that you're a Courez-Perez, I'm really, really sorry. I was just so afraid that we will lose this project. This project is very important to us, specially to the Fernandez's. I hope you understand," said Mr. Domingo.

Marahan akong tumango. "I understand, Sir."

"So I guess.. this meeting is adjourned?" Ishmael announced.

Everyone stood up, said they're sorry then bid their goodbyes. Ako at si Kuya Ishmael na lang ang naiwan sa loob ng conference room. Nauna na si Riza na umalis dahil aasikasuhin niya pa raw 'yung tungkol sa agency ni Natasha.

Pagod akong sumandal sa upuan then recalled what happened.

Did I.. really say those things?

Isa-isang pumatak ang luha ko.

Tanggap na nila na ako 'yung model, nag-sorry na sila, bakit tumutulo pa rin ang luha ko?

I covered my face with my hands then sobbed like a kid.

Natasha's right, I'm such a crybaby.