Since Nine Book 3: Shattered

Trials

“Congratulations!” Olivia said and drank her champagne straight after their glasses chinked for a toss.

Nakaupo silang dalawa sa gilid ng pool ng Victorian style house ng mga San Victores. Katatapos lang ng victory party ng teleseryeng ginawa ng team nina Ramcel. The TV series was over and it ended with a mind blowing rating. The network gave a dinner party but Olivia and Ramcel left early to have a private after party together. They just both love the quiet.

Their legs were dipping on the pool while sipping champagne. It was a beautiful night. The stars were twinkling above which made Ramcel remember the times she laid peacefully on the roof outside her room with Victoria. 

“She’s reacheable you know,” she heard Olivia said. Inalis ni Ramcel ang tingin sa mga bituin at bumaling sa kaibigan, na noo’y matamis na nakangiti. “Victoria, I mean.”

“Malabo yang sinasabi mo,” malungkot nyang sambit sabay ubos ng iniinom.

“It’s not impossible as you think. Nasa U.S lang sya, Rayanne. Kayang-kaya mo syang puntahan.”

“I know that, Liv.” Matagal na nyang iniisip na puntahan si Victoria. “But she might reject me.”

“Hindi mo malalaman yan hanggat hindi mo sinusubukan. Saan na napunta ang confidence mo pagdating sa mga babae?” Olivia gave her a teasing smile.

Inirapan ni Ramcel ang kaibigan. “Victoria is not like any other girls.”

“I know.” Olivia held her hand and squeezed it gently. “I want you to be happy, Rayanne. You are on your way to fulfilling your dreams. Career wise, you are on the right track. It’s time to go get one of your heart’s desire. And that’s Victoria,” she added seriously. “I have something for you.”

Kinuha nito ang isang long envelope na nasa tabi nito kanina pa saka inabot sa kanya. Curious na binuksan ito ni Ramcel at nagtatanong ang mga matang napatingin kay Olivia nang makita ang laman niyon. “Why?”

“Because you deserve it. Consider it as an incentive from Studio 11.” Olivia winked. “Hitting two birds with one stone. You get to enhance your writing skills and have Victoria too.”

Napailing na lang si Ramcel but her heart was beating fast. She was suddenly excited and nervous at the same time. Suntok sa buwan ang gagawin nya but it’s what she always wanted. Binigyan sya ng all expense paid na 1 Year Scriptwriting Program sa New York Film Academy at kapag tinanggap nya ito, may chance na syang makita si Victoria.

“Liv, why are you doing this? You not in love with me or something, are you?” Kunwari seryoso nyang tanong.

Sinamaan sya ng tingin ni Olivia. “You’re so full of yourself!” Sinabuyan sya nito ng tubig sa pool kaya natawa si Ramcel. “If I’m in love with you, wala nang makakalapit sayong babae.” Inakbayan sya ni Olivia saka pabirong sinakal. “Seriously, Rayanne. Take that opportunity. Go get Victoria.”

“Why are you so good to me?” Seryosong tanong ni Ramcel rito.

“Because you’re not just a friend, to me you are my sister.”  Olivia answered and planted a kiss on Ramcel’s forehead. “I can’t do much for Pris, but at least I could do something for you.”

“Thanks, Liv.”

Matagal na nyang pangarap na makapag-aral sa New York Film Academy so Ramcel accepted the Scirptwriting program. But her main goal was Victoria. All these years, ito pa rin ang mahal nya. She didn’t have any idea what to do once she get there. What she only wanted was Victoria to love her back.

Walang kasiguraduhan ang pagpunta nya sa New York. Ang pinanghahawakan lang nya ay ang unang halik na pinasaluhan nila noong huli silang magkita. Nakita nya sa mga mata nitong mahal din sya nito. Kahit hindi sila nagco-communicate, alam nyang tinatanong sya lagi ni Victoria kay Jenny.