Beautiful Madness (Aravella Serene) UNDER REVISION

PROLOGUE

The blinding lights, defeaning gasps and amused eyes feels nostalgic. I thought I would never get to experience this again after everything what happened, but here I am, heart is in questioning state. My mind's in full doubt, seeking for genuine emotion in the eyes of the sea of roaring people.

My smile's in default, giving the media a glimpse of my deep dimples. No one would ever know that I'm a mess inside. Behind my glamorous entrance, everyone is obviously fooled with the Beauty dressed in a provocative spaghetti-strap silky red gown and Christian Louboutin pumps.

I heard praises which is so normal to me before but right now, it feels strange. It sound strange to hear sweet compliments when it should be a rock of criticism after everything.

"Miss Aravella! Miss Aravella! Kailan po kayo dumating?"

"Miss Aravella, you're so stunning! Dito naman po!"

Kanina paglabas ko sa aking sedan ay halos gusto ko agad kumaripas palayo. The sudden exposure, even if prepared, still intimidates me.

I thought I already forgot the drill but I think it's already program on my floating mind. Paano ko nga ba makakalimutan? I grew up with this kind of lifestyle. Hindi dahil minsan naligaw ay makakalimutan ko na agad.

Pagkatapos sa kabilang side, lumipat na naman ako sa kabila para sa panibagong anggulo. Sinabayan ko ng matamis na ngiti ang pagkaway sa mga daliri.

"One more, Miss!"

Pinagbigyan ko ang pagkuha ng litrato pero noong may nagpaunlak ng interview, isang marahan iling ang ginawa ko at tuluyan ng umakyat sa barko kung saan idadaos ang kasiyahan sadya ko.

The moment I was out from the lens of the media people, my fake smile faded and replaced by a sorrowful half smile. Sa gitna ng boardwalk kung saan nalalatagan ng eleganteng red carpet, sumabog ang aking natural na kulot at mahabang buhok. Hindi ako magkamayaw sa pagsikop habang sinusuyod ng tingin ang buong pantalan.

Light posts shone like stars in the sky in the middle of a windy night. Tumingala ako at nakitang maaliwalas ang langit, dulot na rin sa mga naglalakihang pailaw na ginamit, nagawang tunawin ang bumibagat na ulap kanina na may balak pa atang sirain ang gabi.

Sa kabilang dako ng pantalan, hilera ng mga higanteng barko na kahit sa dilim ng gabi, sa laki ba naman ay kitang-kita pa rin ang pangalan ng bawat isa. Napailing ako saka binalingan ang pangalan ng barkong inaakyat. Contrast with the ship's black and white exterior, ARAVELLA, in a thick bold golden letters, appeared to be glowing in the dark. She's one of the most largest cruise ship our family owns. Named after me, with sixteen decks, the ship could cater four thousands cruisers, excluding the crew and staff. Reason for her to be the most luxurious and most-sought cruise ship all over the world. Even Hollywood stars board for a hell of a fun week in the sea. With various activities, you will never get bored. It's a paradise dressed in engines and propellers.

A series of deep sighed was released out from my lungs as I recalled thousand of memories. I remember fancy nights, just like this. I remember silk and tuxedos. I remember glitters, an image of a glamorous life. But a passing memories suddenly haunts me, too. Leather, ball caps, cigarettes and smokes filled my mind. Kaakibat ng makulay na memorya, isang madilim na nakaraan ang nakakabit. Sa tuwing nababalikan ko ang maliwanag na buhay, hindi pupwedeng kaligtaan ang dilim. They always go in pairs. One couldn't appear without the other.

They said that I'm the fortunate one. Being a favored granddaughter of a controversial ruthless and proud general of the Philippines, people are so envious. Branded as the face of a prestigious and wealthiest old-rich clan, I was conform to follow the norm of the society and my family as well. They said life is so good to me, things everyone wished for just fall on my knees without even asking for it. I can have everything I want in single flick of my candle-like fingers. But someone who's looking inside the picture knows that behind the red curtains, the princess or the queen they look up to, have strings on her back like she's on a puppet show.