Tales of Love and Lust

CHELSEA - NO TOMORROW

CHELSEA

NO TOMORROW

The place was packed with party-goers, all wild and hyped. There was an electrifying vibe in the air. It was as if it was going to be the end of the world tomorrow and everyone decided to party their last.

Everyone was beautiful, it seemed. Babae man o lalaki, lahat ay naghanda para sa gabing iyon. Their faces were bright and youthful, sparkling against the lights and with the help of glitters. The air was cool but people on the dance floor were sweaty. Malakas ang dance music. May usok na namumula sa kung saan. The place smelled of cigarettes, alcohol, youth, and lust. There were partners dry humping everywhere. That night would probably result in many regrets, the highlights mostly forgotten.

The party was aptly titled "No Tomorrow," sponsored by one of the biggest distributors of alcohol in the country, among other big sponsors. Walang inisinisilbi sa party kundi ang mga produkto mula sa distributor—mula beer, sparkling wine, hanggang hard liquor. There was an open bar, though the ticket to get into the party came with a hefty price tag. Mayroong mga libreng condom mula din sa isang sponsor. There were posters of a clothing line, radio stations, cigarette brands, magazines, and many others. It was organized by a company named Borealis Media.

"What the hell am I doing here?" tanong ni Chelsea sa sarili. Nakatingin siya sa mga taong nagsasayawan. Kahit siguro isigaw niya ang sinabi ay walang makakarinig. Parang sumasabay sa pagtibok ng kanyang puso ang tugtog.

Kailan nga ba siya huling sumayaw? Hindi na niya maalala. Probably four years ago, when she was still one of Manila's elite. Hindi na siya mahilig sa mga ganoong klaseng event. Noon siguro. But she has never really been into dancing although she had always loved singing. And this was no night for singing. Even if it were the case, she would not be able to sing. Paano niya magagawang kumanta sa panahong ang nag-iisang lalaking naging dahilan para sumaya siya at umawit ang puso ay iniwan siya at ipinagpalit sa ibang babae?

She was mad. She was hurt. She was a mess. Para siyang high na lasing na hindi niya maintindihan. Umiiyak siya kanina, bago niya nakita sa bag ang invitation sa party na ito. Bigay ng kanyang boss ang ticket. She worked for a clothing line. Sa America ang kanilang base pero sa Pilipinas, Cambodia, at Vietnam tinatahi ang ilang mga design nila. Hindi lahat ng design ay nakakarating sa Amerika, lalo na ang kanilang line for Asian customers. She was one of the designers. Suma-sideline din siya sa isang papasikat na couturier, si Dani Juego. Kasisimula pa lang niya doon may limang buwan na ang nakakaraan. Kahit paano, nagkakaroon na siya ng sariling brand, kahit pa nga sa loob ng limang buwan na iyon ay tatlo pa lang ang naging client niya at malaki ang cut ng designer. At least, ang nasa etiketa ng gown ay "Dani Juego by Chelsea."

It was not exactly her dream job but it was close. Ang talagang gusto niya ay maging isang designer ng sarili niyang line. Nagkaroon sana iyon ng katuparan kung hindi lang pumanaw ang kanyang mga magulang at walang iniwan sa kanya kundi utang. They passed away in a plane crash. Noong panahong iyon ay nakapagtapos na siya at naghahandang itayo ang sariling kompanya. She was an it girl. Pero hindi tulad ng iba, determinado siyang magpalago ng isang emperyo. Malayo iyon sa negosyo ng kanyang mga magulang na manufacturer ng ceramics para sa American at European brands. Pero walang problema sa mga ito. They encouraged her and made her feel like she can do anything she wanted.

And then they passed away. Saka lang niya nalaman na baon na pala sa utang, matagal na. In fact, before her parents died they went to see one of their friends. Gusto pala ng mga itong mangutang para sa kanyang pagsisimula. Nalaman lang niya iyon nang dumalo sa burol ang nasabing kaibigan. Tinulungan naman siya nito pero hindi raw puwedeng magpahiram ng malaking pera para sa naiisip niyang negosyo. Hindi niya ito masisi. She was then only twenty-two years old with limited experience. Ang tulong na ibinigay nito ay perang panimula para makapag-rent siya ng bahay sa loob ng isang taon. He said she can pay him back when she had the money.