Invisible Line in Between

Chapter 26

#NewClassicILIB

Chapter 26
Welcome Back

"I'm sorry for always asking, but are you really okay now?"

I couldn't keep count how many times Mr. Joel asked me that, but I really appreciated the concern he was showing me. Even though I was only a part of the fandom, I could tell that he really cared about me. Maybe it's because he already got close to my mother.

"I just wanted to make sure. We don't want to pressure you or add to your stress," he explained.

"Okay na po. Huwag po kayong mag-alala," sabi ko. "Kaya ko na po ulit bumalik."

Tumango-tango naman siya at napabuntonghininga. "But are you sure you won't take your previous position?"

Smiling, I replied, "I'm fine just being one of the admins."

After almost two months of taking a break, I finally decided to go back. As I was recovering well, I was confident enough to enter the world that I tried to shut down. I even consulted this decision to my father. It was unexpected that he fully supported me, unlike before when he was a bit unsure about his stand on my dedication to the band. I guessed he really just wanted me to start socializing again with other people.

However, I didn't want to take back the position I passed down to Dawn. Mr. Joel briefed me earlier that she was doing a great job. I already experienced it anyway. I wasn't greedy for it. And because my graduation's getting nearer, I wasn't confident enough if I could juggle both things while I was busy adapting to adult life. I was fine with minor roles. The important thing is I still could help around the fandom.

"By the way, I'm not sure if Dawn already told you about it, but Aya already stepped down as the admin," Mr. Joel informed me.

My eyes widened as I had no idea about Aya's withdrawal. I had not talked to Dawn yet. Ang balak ko sana ay pagkatapos kong kausapin si Mr. Joel ay saka ko lamang sasabihin kay Dawn na magbabalik na ako.

"Ang sabi raw ni Aya sa kanya ay sobrang naging busy na siya roon sa New Zealand. Pakiramdam niya rin ay wala siyang masyadong maitutulong lalo na't nasa ibang bansa siya kaya naisipan niyang bumitiw na sa posisyon," paliwanag sa akin ni Mr. Joel. "But she said she will still support New Classic and their music."

Pursing my lips, I felt a bit down. I wished I could've talked to Aya before she quit. Hopefully, I could still contact her through her fan account.

"So, to avoid such instances, the management decided to just get two New Classic staffs to help Dawn out. They are technically working as admins of First Class," pagpapatuloy ni Mr. Joel. "Buti na lang at babalik ka na. Kampante na ako dahil magkasama na kayo ulit ni Dawn."

I could tell how relieved Mr. Joel was. Siguro ay naging mahirap din talaga lalo na't kasabay ng pagpapahinga ko ay ang pag-alis ni Aya. I suddenly wanted to contact Dawn right away and apologize for causing trouble while I was gone.

While Mr. Joel and I were trying to catch up, his phone suddenly chimed. Sinulyapan niya iyon ng isang beses. It must be important because he picked up his phone right away.

I watched him as his brows furrowed while reading the message he received.

"Uh, Zendaya..." He was slightly hesitating when he called my name.

"Bakit po?" agap ko.

Ibinaba niya ang kanyang cellphone saka muling nag-angat ng tingin sa akin. "Puwede bang pumunta ka muna sa may visitor's lounge?" pakiusap niya sa akin. "Mayroon lang akong kailangang gawin. Hintayin mo ako roon."