Through the Light and Dark (Saudade Series #1)

Kabanata 22

Kabanata 22

Perseverance

They say, don't let any opportunity pass because you might regret it if you did. But as I took pictures from these celebrities and models, I was asking myself if should be really here. Is this really my purpose? I know my worth as a professional photographer but it seems that I'm using them.

Hindi ko pa rin talagang maiwasan mag-isip-sip ng mga bagay-bagay na wala namang mapapala kung hindi ang higupin ang enerhiya ko.

"'Wag mo nang isipin 'yon, Ja. Isantabi mo muna."

I glanced at Chance, the brother of Chester. Our eyes met and I could see the worry in them. His words didn't make any effect because of the thoughts playing in my mind.

"Chance... I might ruin your career, please..." I had to move away when a waiter passed by beside us. "You have an upcoming movie."

He quickly shook his head which painted immediate frustration on my face. "No, Ja, I'll stay."

Mariin akong napapikit sa hindi malamang dahilan. Hindi niya man lang inaalala ang magiging epekto ko sa kaniyang career dahil lang sa simpleng paglapit niya sa akin!

Nanatiling nakaawang ang aking labi at ilang segundo pa ang lumipas bago ako nakaahon sa pagkatulala sa kaniyang kinikilos.

"You're just my client, Chance. Why are you acting like this, huh?" I whispered through my shaking voice. Hindi ko alam ang aking gagawin para mapatigil siya sa kaniyang mga ginagawa. He's not harassing me or what, but I am uncomfortable with the stares of people around us.

Instead of focusing on him, I just simply diverted my attention with the people ramping and posing on the red carpet. There are a lot of cameras flashing on them.

The party must go on and I won't drink too much because Arianne and Aya is my responsibility. Ako ang nagdala sa kanila rito at ako rin ang mag-uuwi. Simple as that.

Akala ko ay lalampasan ako ni Chester nang papalapit siya sa aming pwesto at tumigil sa aking harapan. Tipid akong ngumiti at mabilisan siyang kinuhaan ng litrato para sa aking posts mamaya. Ball ng kanilang management at inimbita niya ako pati na rin ng mga dati kong kliyente. Last week, he said that I should have two people with me if I'll attend the ball.

"Thank you again for inviting me here!" I shouted because the music was too loud, and I couldn't hear what he was saying if I won't go near him.

As usual, his face has no expression. "No, you really are invited even without me because you're good at taking photos, and you're famous! Halos lahat dito ay na-handle mo na yata."

I feel overwhelmed by his words. For me, I was already contented with my skills but I knew that there were still more fuels that will keep my passion burning. Before I stepped upon where I am now, I fell on the ground and some lent their hands to me, but I chose not to take them. At least I knew someone were willing to help me. But I didn't want to depend on anyone.

I experienced climbing on the wall but still didn't make it on top... But that didn't cause any hindrance for me. Instead of giving up, I took that as an inspiration to pursue the things I wanted to reach.

The hardest decision was to choose between your happiness and what was right. I was so torn in my decisions before... And I didn't regret the things I did even the cutting ties with the Ledreses because it was for the peace of both families. Alam ko na kung saan ako nagkamali at nagkulang. Sapat na iyon para sa akin. Pero kahit kailan, hindi ko ija-justify ang ginawa ni Mommy at ng Tito Jalen ni Von.

At dahil hindi ko makapa ang dapat na salitang ihayag sa kaniya, malawak na ngiti na lang ang iginawad ko. I roamed my eyes around to look for my friends. Kaagad ko naman itong ibinalik kay Chester na nakasuot ng formal attire na bagay sa matipuno niyang katawan.