Beautiful Madness (Aravella Serene) UNDER REVISION

Chapter 1: Beauty and Madness

City lights vanish before my eyes. Skyscrapers passed by and my eyes are glued to the nothingness of the busy streets of Manila.

Tahimik kong pinagmamasdan ang tanawin mula sa loob ng kotseng sinasakyan. I'm looking directly at the view but my thoughts are wandering.

Nasa labas ang mga mata ko pero ang aking isipan ay naglalakbay sa ibang dimension. Libo-libong katanungan na pakiramdam ko'y hinding-hindi mahahanapan ng kasagutan.

Nitong mga nakaraan ay panay may bumabagabag sa akin. Pilit ko man huwag pansinin, parang utang na ako'y binabalik-balikan. Pilit man kalimutan at magpatuloy sa nakasanayan ay hindi ko na magawa dahil sa mga alalahanin biglang sumalakay sa akin na dati-rati naman ay wala akong pakialam.

My intrusive thoughts always keep me awake. I have a lot in mind, I don't know which one to think first or I don't think I should even consider thinking about it.

"How's the interview?" a gentle voice pulled me from my reverie.

I turned to my side only to see the most beautiful woman I've ever seen my whole life. She caressed my face and I immediately closed my eyes to feel the warmth of her hand

At the age of eighteen, I still look up to her like a perfect role model. I always admire Mom's ethereal beauty. For me, she's the epitome of woman. Her shining golden skin, raven hair, slender body, high cheekbones and chinky eyes gave her a Latin look. A typical Damian beauty - Latina. It always reminds me of her reigning era as a beauty queen in her youthful days. Sa tuwing nagtatabi kami, para lang kaming magkapatid ni Mommy. Though we really don't share the same physical attributes. We're completely opposite.

"It went well. The staffs are grateful for the General's donations. It was a big help for their charity, indeed." I answered formally.

"How's school, then?"

"School's fine. I did great in our preliminary and I was praised in our music class. I may represent the university for the upcoming nationwide recital next month."

"That's great but don't you think it will conflict your schedule, hija? Next month rin ang ballet competition mo sa Korea."

Napaisip ako dahil tama si Mommy. I have a ballet competition in Seoul second week of next month. Though, hindi man magkapareho ang eksaktong petsa ng dalawang activities, I still have to attend practices with my coach.

"Maybe you should disregard the recital, then? Besides, you already have the experience unlike the ballet competition." Mom suggested, obviously with biased opinion.

She's a frustrated ballet dancer. Kaya ngayon anak niya ang gumagawa ng pinangarap niya noon, gusto niyang ito ang i-priority ko. But a big no for me. I love playing piano so much and I don't want to disregard anything between my two passion. Gagawa ako ng paraan para wala akong kailangan bitawan.

I have a lot of hobbies. Thanks to my late grandmother who introduced me to different work shops and enrolled me to different social class. Tea lesson, table etiquette, horseback riding, ballet - name it. I've been through a lot to pleased my grandmother. She always makes sure that I will grow up not just exactly look like her but also acts like her.

"I don't think so, Mom. The university already chosen me. Naka-oo na ako at nakakahiya naman kung babawiin ko." I reasoned out.

"Ikaw. I'm just worried that it will strain you."

"It won't. I love doing both-"

Isang humaharurot na puting van ang humarang sa aming daan, dahilan para mapatili ako at mabilis na niyakap si Mommy. Akala ko ay babangga kami. I was certain that we are doom that day because of the loud screech of our vehicle. Mabuti na lamang at mabilis na nakapagpreno ang driver bago pa tuluyan sumalpok sa van.