Choices and Consequences

PROLOGUE

When we are about to enter the stage, I can feel the excitement all over my body. "Yssabel Audrey this is it. This is what you have been waiting for." I told myself. "Audrey, Niana, Astrid, and Iris get ready. We'll start in five." We nodded and focused on our positions.

"Let's go girls. We can do this right? one, two,  ANAIS!" The moment I was blinded by the spotlight, that is the time where I realized that all of this was real. We are now performing our debut song, 'Dreams Without You'.

All of us had a huge amount of participation in our debut album along with our producer. That song, specifically, have a special place in my heart. I can't help but to feel emotional at the end of our performance. I just can't believe that all of this is happening.

Tinitignan ko ang bawa't isa na nakatingila para mapanood kami.  As much as possible, I want to look at them straight in the eyes to give the emotion I wanted them to feel while singing. Gusto kong maramdaman at tumatak sa puso nila yung emosyon na gusto ko'ng iparating mula sa kantang ako mismo ang nagsulat.

"I hope all of you support us in reaching for our dreams. I'm so grateful for all the love and support you've given. Thank you so much and I love you all." I was sobbing while saying those words to our fans so Niana hugged me to keep me calm. I don't know how to tell them how much I appreciate them but their love motivates me to do better in our future performances.

Pagka alis namin sa stage ay sunod sunod na kaming nagpahinga sa sofa na nasa backstage. I'm so tired. Scratch that, I'm exhausted! "Congratulations, girls! You did it. Oh my god I can't wait for you to conquer the world, the universe rather!" Tyron said in-front of everyone. He is the mastermind behind our group,  ANAIS, and the one who made us who we are today.

Ilang minuto rin kaming nag pa-salamat sa lahat ng tumulong sa'min para sa comeback stage na matagal namin na pinaghandaan.

Sumakay na kami sa van na naghihintay sa amin para makauwi na sa dorm.  All four of us live together since it will be easier when we have an urgent schedule and to keep us focused in our dreams. "I'll come with you, girls." Tyron said coldly. I sigh, we clearly know what that tone means.

Tahimik lang ang byahe namin pauwi, humihiling na sana'y tumagal pa ang oras. At this point, we all know what will happen in our dorm. Sigurado'y bubulyawan kami ni Tyron dahil hindi naging maganda ang naging performance namin kanina.

"Hintayin mo na lang ako dito sa parking at mabilis lang ako. 'Wag ka na rin bumaba. These girls can manage to bring their stuff, right?" Sabi niya sa driver at matalim na tumingin sa'min. Tumango na lang kami dahil wala namang kaso 'yon dahil hindi naman karamihan ang bibitbitin.

As expected, once we're alone, Tyron's true colors showed. "Ayon na ba yung best na sinasabi niyo? Nakita niyo ba kung gaano kayo nagkalat sa stage kanina?" Nakayuko lang kaming apat habang sinesermunan niya. As the leader, I'm the one saying sorry even though we know that we did our best. Yes, we did some mistakes but I think it is not noticeable at all, at least for me.

"What's the point of your name if you cannot show elegance and grace through your moves! I'm so disappointed. Additional practice hours for all of you. Fix your shits or else you will not rise in this industry. Trust me, I know better."

We did our best but why can't he just appreciate it? Sobrang nanliliit kami sa mga sinabi niya pero ano pa bang magagawa namin kung hindi ang sumunod? We can't do anything without him so I guess he's right after all. "Can we talk about this some other time? Can't you see that we're tired as hell?" Astrid yell and rolled her eyes.

Pinatuloy na niya sa kanya kanyang kwarto ang mga kasama ko maliban sa akin dahil ako ang 'leader' at kausapin. He pulled me inside my room and locked the door. "Audrey akala ko ba pangarap mo 'to? Hindi ako nag invest sainyo, sayo, para lang ganito!"

Panibagong sermon na naman pero ano pa bang magagawa ko? "Tyron, we did our best! Have you heard their screams? All of them are amazed because of our performances. I just can't understand why are you so mad about it. Even the GP's reaction are all positive!" I snapped. I can't take his bullshits. I'm so fucking tired right now.

He smirked and grabbed my chin "slow down there, Audrey. Watch your dirty mouth because we both know what I can do just to ruin your friends, family, and you. Who knows? Maybe your previous lover too?"

I want to cry right now because I know I have nothing else to do but to follow every commands he give. I feel so powerless in front of him. I feel like a dog who follows him around. "You know what? I think I need to remind you your fucking place." with that, he pushed me on my knees to do my job.

It's been always like this since the beginning. No one knows about our secret beside the two of us. However, I cannot blame him or anyone. I brought myself in this situation. I wanted this to reach my dreams in the fastest way I can. I left everything for this dreams, including my lover.

Terrence loved me for who I am. He showered me with love and nothing else even though we're barely living. Our life that time is not easy but we survived because both of us are trying to earn and make our relationship work but all of that shattered into pieces when I decided to leave him to have a successful career as an idol.

I asked Tyron to help me reach my dreams so here I am. I became his mistress, his dog, his submissive.

But can you blame me though? I just want to have a luxurious life to provide for my family. I became greedy so I must face the consequences of my actions.

He left me in my bed after he's done using my body. "I hope you leaned your lessons, Yssabel. Just follow me and we're good. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. I understand." I really do understand. I don't want to be on his bad side ever again or else all the sacrifices I've done will never be paid off. "I guess we're good now. See you at the office tomorrow. Oh by the way, tell your friend to fix her attitude if you don't want me to ruin her nonexistent fame like yours."

Maybe all of this won't happen if I stayed by Terrence's side, right? But I also wouldn't debut in the first place if I stayed, or maybe yes. Damn, I miss you so much but I couldn't do anything. I did this to myself, I did this to our relationship, I did this to you even though you fucking own my heart.

———