Don't skip chapters!!
❀❀❀
"Now entering the red carpet are the two of the main casts of The End of February movie."
I held RJ's hand tighter as we finally stepped into the part of the red carpet where all of the cameras and journalists were focused on.
"Nominated for best supporting actor, River Guerrero, and also nominated for best actress, Paraluman Markel for their roles as RJ and PM."
Inayos ni Nadia ang train ng aking gold na dress para maayos tignan sa mga litrato. Kada galaw namin ay may flash na sumasabay. Isang tingin ko lang kay RJ o isang bulong niya lang sa'kin ay may kasama na agad na litrato.
"How long does this last?" bulong na tanong sa akin ni RJ habang umaayos kami ng pose para sa pictures.
Natawa naman ako sa itinanong niya. "Inip ka na bang umuwi?"
Inayos nito ang gold na necktie ng suot niyang suit na parang gusto niya pang luwagan ito. "I can't wait to get off these clothes."
Lumapit ako sa kanya at humarap sa mga camera. "Same."
Nagkatawanan kaming pareho habang ang mga photographer ay busy sa pagtawag sa amin para tumingin sa direksyon nila.
After taking photos together, nag-request naman ang mga photographer ng solo pictures namin kaya naman humiwalay muna sa akin si RJ.
Nakinig ako nang maayos sa mga photographer para masiyahan agad sila at makaalis na ako. Sumasakit na talaga ang paa ko sa heels ko pati na rin ang pisngi ko kakangiti. Tapos hirap na akong lumingon nang lumingon pabalik-balik sa iba't ibang camera. Halos mabulag na rin ang mata ko sa lakas ng mga flash nila.
I posed looking away and turned to RJ who's just nearby, also getting photographed. I can't help but admire him in his suit and his expression. But more than that, it's great seeing him with me here at this event, the biggest event of the year, the Stars Awards.
And we're not just guests today. We're here as nominees.
Naramdaman siguro ni RJ ang tingin ko dahil lumingon din ito sa akin. His serious façade broke into a grin and he gave me a wink. I rolled my eyes, chuckling and looking back at the cameras in front of me.
After a long moment of being in front of the cameras, natapos na rin kami. RJ held my hand, assisting me as I walk in my dress. Sobrang ginalingan ng designer ko ang damit ngayong gabi. And Nadia supported her since nominee naman daw ako for best actress so its befitting that I wear something flashy.
Nang makahawak na muli ako sa braso ni RJ ay napabuntong hininga ako.
"Gusto ko na ring umuwi," bulong ko sa kanya.
Tumawa ito at tinignan ako. "Tignan mo, ikaw din pala."
"Bakit ba? I'm getting tired already."
He pulled me closer to him. "Magtiis tayo pareho."
"Ano pa nga bang magagawa natin?" biro ko.
When we got to the end of the red carpet, sumalubong naman sa'min ang host ng red carpet interviews. I took in a long breath as we approached her, preparing myself to pretend that I still want to be here.
"Hi, River! Hi, Paraluman!" bati sa amin ng host.
"Hello," bati ko pabalik. "Good evening."
"It's good to see you attending together." Nakangiti niya kaming tinignan ni RJ lalo na ang paghawak ko sa braso nito.
"Well, mas masaya kapag marami," I joked, giving RJ a look.
He returned the look, grinning as he shrugged. Natawa kami pareho and for a moment, even in the middle of a lot of people looking at us, we still have our own little world only we could understand.
Nang ibalik ko ang tingin sa host, nakita ko ang pagbalik-balik ng tingin niya sa amin ni RJ. A smile is playing on her lips, showing her amusement.
"Welcome sa inyong dalawa sa Stars Award," she said after a moment of just looking at me and RJ. "How do you feel?" tanong niya tapos bumaling kay RJ. "Ikaw, River, since first time mo. Anong pakiramdam?"
Sumagot naman agad si RJ habang nakatanaw sa host at sa camera na nakatapat sa amin. "This is the biggest awards night sa bansa so, of course, I feel great to be acknowledged and be invited," he replied. "And bonus nalang na may nominations 'yung movie namin."
"You've proven yourself sa mga nakaraang buwan at taon kaya siguro hindi nalang bonus and mga nominations," said the host. "You deserve it, lalo ang best supporting actor nomination mo."
RJ smiled at her words. "Siguro nga. Unbelievable lang since this is a big award and medyo bago palang ako."
I squeezed his hand gently, making him glance at me. I gave him an encouraging smile and he squeezed my hand back.
"I'm sure sa shock lang 'yan," saad ng host. "Mare-realize mo rin na you deserve this."
"Thank you," pasalamat ni RJ.
"What about you, Paraluman?" Bumaling naman ngayon sa akin ang host kaya inayos ko ang aking ngiti at postura. "After five years, you're back. What does it feel like na after your long break, napasama ka agad sa Stars Awards sa unang movie mo as comeback?"
"I feel honored. And syempre, I feel fulfilled since I've worked hard for this. Its..." I paused, smiling, feeling the emotions fill me. "It's really not my plan to get awards. Ang gusto ko lang is to show na I've changed and I'm not the same Paraluman from five years ago."
"This is the sign that people have seen your hard work," she said. "And best actress pa! Ang laking award and sure ako nakita na ng lahat ang gusto mong ipakita."
"I guess." I shrugged a bit. "It feels new to me to be celebrated like this. This is my biggest nomination yet."
"Ang masasabi ko lang, at ng lahat siguro, ay huwag ka ng manibago. Nakikita naman na iba ka na talaga and ang laki ng improvements mo."
I nodded my head a bit to her as I smiled. "Thanks."
She returned the nod. "What do you to expect tonight?" pag-iiba niya sa usapan. "May predictions ba kayo sa mananalo or kung sa tingin niyo, makukuha niyo ang awards niyo?"
"No, we're not expecting anything tonight," si RJ ang sumagot. "Just being here was enough, and a big surprise so bahala na sa kung anong mangyari."
"Yeah, I agree," I laughed. "We'll just enjoy tonight."
"You'll enjoy it together?" Nagbalik-balik muli ang tingin niya sa amin habang nakangiting medyo mapang-inis.
Natawa naman si RJ at pinatulan ang biro nito. "Yeah, we came here together, eh."
Natawa nalang din ang host. "Parang pinapanood ko si RJ and PM nang live sa inyo."
Doon ay natawa ako. Sumabay si RJ at nagkatinginan pa kaming dalawa. The host watched us with amusement in her eyes.
"Well, hindi ko na kayo pipigilan sa kasihayan niyo," aniya bilang paalam. "Thank you, and please enjoy the night."
"Salamat," I told her.
"Thank you," saad naman ni RJ.
Matapos ang interview na 'yun ay pinapasok na kami sa hall. Sa entrance ay naabutan namin sila Lay, Cate at Lerwick na pinapanood kami nang may mga parehong mapang-inis na tingin.
"Hindi uso 'yung word na 'simple' sa inyo, 'no?" sarkastikong tanong ni Lerwick habang pinagmamasdan kami ni RJ lalo ang suot namin.
"Inggit ka?" patol ko sa kanya.
"Let them enjoy things, Lerwick," natatawang puna ni Cate.
Lumapit naman si Lay sa amin at pabirong tinulak ang braso ni RJ. "Pa-lowkey pa kayo noon."
RJ just smirked at her. "Bawal ba?"
Hindi sumagot si Lay pero hindi nawala ang tingin niya sa aming dalawa na halatang nang-iinis. Kala mong bata ito na nalaman ang relasyon ng kaklase niya.
"Now on the red carpet are the recently wed Cedar Herrera with his wife, Azalea Smith-Herrera. The couple are both nominated for best actor and best actress."
Lahat kaming lima ay napalingon pabalik sa red carpet nang marinig ang anunsyo ng bagong dating. On the red carpet are the all-smiles Azalea with Cedar. Halata ang tuwa kay Azalea sa laki ng ngiti nito. Mukha naman ding masaya si Cedar.
"Now those are the people who don't know 'lowkey'," bulong ni Lerwick na tanging kami lang ang nakarinig.
Hinampas ko ang braso nito at dumaing naman siya. "Let's just let them be and let's go."
Bago kami tumalikod ay natapos na sila Cedar sa pag-pose sa camera kaya naman napunta na rin sa direksyon namin ang tingin nila. Cedar's smile remained when his eyes found me. This smile remained kahit napunta na kay RJ ang tingin niya which is a surprising change for him.
On the other hand, Azalea looked at me and RJ like we're flies flying around her food. Instead of mirroring her gaze, I instead gave her a smile as I held tighter to RJ's arm.
After one look, tinalikuran na namin sila. RJ glanced at me and I assured him with a grin. Wala naman na itong sinabi at mahina pang natawa.
Na-assign kaming lima nila Lay sa iisang table na malapit sa harap kaya naman sabay-sabay kaming pumunta roon. Nang makaupo, sumandal agad ako sa braso ni RJ at nagpakawala ng mahabang hininga.
RJ carefully tapped my head like I'm a kid, even whispering child-like encouragement. "Stay strong."
My shoulders shook when I found myself laughing at him again. I guess this night is not so bad with him around.
Ayaw ko na noon pa man sa mga awarding na ganito. Usually because hindi naman ako madalas makakuha ng nominations so pumupunta lang ako since invited ako. I'm always so bored even with Cedar around.
Malayo naman kasi ito noon sa akin at siya ay madaling makipag-socialize sa iba. It's really different now because I have a nomination tonight and RJ is even beside me.
Kahit ayaw kong nandito and I don't feel well, I feel like this night will go through smoothly.
Nang makumpleto na ang lahat ng attendee at nang matapos na ang event sa red carpet ay nasa loob na ng malaking hall ang lahat. Nang ma-settle down na ang paligid, nag-umpisa na rin sa wakas ang awarding.
"Welcome everyone!" bati ni Direk Nicolas, head ng awarding na ito. "Narito tayong lahat upang ipagdiwang ang talento ng ating mga manunulat, direktor at syempre, ng ating mga artista. Ang gabing ito ay selebrasyon sa mga likhang sining sa ating industriya na tumatak sa puso't isip ng lahat at nagbigay ng iba't ibang emosyon. At higit sa lahat, ang gabing ito ay espesyal para bigyang parangal ang mga natatanging mga likhang sining at mga taong naglaan ng panahon at talento nila sa mga gawang ito. Welcome to the Stars Awards!"
Bukod sa awarding, nagkaroon ng performances at ilan pang intermission. But in the middle of the boring awarding is a meal.
"At least masarap 'yung pagkain," bulong ko habang kinakain ang sinerve sa amin.
RJ chuckled beside me. "Mauulit pa kaya tayo rito?"
"If we continue making our art then yes." I gave him a glance. "Because our goal every time is to make great films."
He nodded, his lower lip jutted out. "I guess we'll just have to get used to it."
"Yeah."
Matapos ang mahabang mga performance ay nagsimula na rin ang awarding. Nagsimula sila sa small awards kaya naman nauna ang category ni RJ.
"Nominees for best supporting actors," panimula ng emcee.
Sa screen sa tabi ng stage, ipinakita ang mga nominees at ang clips ng role nila sa movie na kanilang ginanapan. Kasama na roon si RJ at sa screen ay pinakita ang mga scenes niya sa movie namin.
"River Guerrero as RJ in the movie The End of February," wika ng emcee.
I looked over at RJ and found him staring at himself on the screen. He has a smile on his lips. He's not the one to boast or acknowledge things like this for himself even though he always tells me to do that. But seeing him, I know no matter the results, he's proud of himself and he's happy.
But of course, if we came here, then we should come to win.
"And the best actor award goes to..." the emcee smiled, looking around as he opens the envelope in his hand. Nang ibaba niya ang tingin sa envelope, binasa na niya ang nakasulat doon. "River Guerrero as RJ!"
Tumapat ang spotlight sa amin ni RJ dahil sa sobrang lapit ko sa kanya. Halos mabulag kami dahil sa silaw pero dahil sa ilaw na 'yun ay natauhan kami. Nahampas ko si RJ dahil sa excitement. He turned to look at me and hugged me as he stood up to go to the stage.
"RJ!" Tumayo agad si Lerwick.
Cate had to hold Lerwick to stop him from screaming as RJ walked to the stage.
"Bawal bang maging masaya?" tanong ni Lerwick.
"Bawal maingay," 'yan nalang ang sabi Cate.
Natawa nalang kami ni Lay at pumalakpak kasabay ng mga tao.
RJ claimed his award with a smile. Nang ibigay na sa kanya ang stage for his speech, hindi agad ito nakapagsalita at inilibot muna ang paningin sa lahat na parang napapaisip siya kung totoo ba ang nangyayari.
When his eyes went to me, I raised my clapping hands, nodding at him approvingly.
"I was not really into showbiz before," panimula niya. "I wanted to only be behind the camera and create stories. But when I applied for work after I graduated, I got offers to be in front of the camera instead. I don't want to accept it but I did after some talk with people I know who showed support. It was not an easy path but something happened that made my decision worth it. Through what I did, I finally met someone."
Nagkaroon ng palakpakan muli at naramdaman ko ang tingin ng mga tao sa akin. But I didn't look away at RJ who found my gaze in the crowd. RJ smiled at me as he continued with his speech.
"Acting has been my life for years. But I found that being genuine is the best thing you can ever do in front of the camera." RJ looked at his trophy before looking at the crowd again. "Thank you, everyone, for this award. For the whole production that I worked with for this movie, and the casts as well. Thanks for Mari as well for sharing this story. And thanks to all of you for this. Couldn't make it without all of you."
RJ took another moment of silence when the crowd clapped for him again. Akala ko ay bababa na ito ng stage pero lumapit muli siya sa mic at may hinabol pa.
"And also, special thanks din kay Paraluman," bigla niyang sabi at tinanaw ako. "We did it, Perry. So, thank you."
Matapos nun ay bumaba na si RJ at naglakad na pabalik sa table namin at umupo sa tabi ko. Sa kanya lang ang tingin ko at nagpanggap na parang hindi nakatingin sa amin ang buong hall.
"That was surprising," I said as he took his seat.
"It's a speech so I have to thank everyone," he said nonchalantly.
"Grabe na nga talaga kayong dalawa," komento ni Lay na umiling pero nakangisi.
"Hindi na namin kayo ma-reach," dagdag na pang-iinis ni Lerwick.
Cate sat back on her with her arms crossed, giving me and RJ this teasing grin. "Ewan ko nalang kapag ikaw naman ang nanalo, Perry. What will you say?"
Dahil sa sinabi nito ay lumingon sa akin si RJ, his eyes glittering in excitement. I rolled my eyes and nudged his arm.
"We'll see," sabi ko. "Para namang alam niyong mananalo agad ako."
"Let's bet on it," says Lay. "'Cause I have a strong feeling you will."
I can't decide if I'll brush her words off like a joke but it made me feel great so I just shook my head with a smile.
"Let's see."
Nagpatuloy ang awarding ceremony habang ineenjoy namin ang mga drinks na binigay sa amin.
"Next, for best screenplay," anunsyo ng emcee at inisa-isa ang nominees.
"May nomination nga pala tayo d'yan," ani Lay.
Sakto namang tumapat ang camera sa table namin nang tawagin kami bilang isa sa mga nominees.
"The End of February directed by Lay Borlongan and screenplay by Lerwick Chan and Mari."
Lerwick raised his glass to the camera and we all just smiled until they moved onto the next nominee. Matapos matawag ang lahat ng nominee ay ang nanalo naman ang inannounce.
"And the winner for best screenplay is... The End of February!"
"Oh shit..." naibulalas ni Lerwick nang tapatan kami muli ng camera nang ianunsyo ang panalo namin.
"We won, guys," Cate inhaled a breath. "Wow."
Inayos ni Lay ang dress niya tsaka tumayo. "Let's go."
Tumayo na rin kami ni RJ at sumunod sa kanilang tatlo. The other casts aren't present today kaya kaming lima lang ang nasa stage. I kind of want to have Liam here.
Si Lerwick ang kumuha ng award at nang mahawakan niya ito ay tumango siya sa akin. Natawa ako nang mahina sa kanya.
Si Lerwick ang unang humawak ng mic at nagbigay ng kanyang speech. RJ and I stayed on the side, watching the crowd.
"Hi," he chuckled at his greeting like a child. "Our goal every time we make film is to make it as great as we can. Wala na kaming pake sa sasabihin ng iba." Natawa muli si Lerwick at tinignan ang trophy na hawak niya. "So, siguro nga hindi lang kami ang nasiyahan sa results at sa naging movie namin."
Nagkaroon muli ng palakpakan habang inabot ni Lerwick ang mic kay Lay.
"Thank you, everyone," wika ni Lay na malaki ang ngiti. "Sa lahat ng bumubuo ng productions and sa mga casts. We wouldn't be here without any of you. And to Mari, thank you."
Nang pababa kami ng stage ay inakbayan ako ni Lay na tuwang-tuwa. Kulang nalang ay itulak niya ako pababa ng stage.
Nang makaupo kami ay naging payapa muli kami sa panonood at pagpalakpak sa mga sumunod na binigyan ng awards. Habang abala ang lahat sa stage sa pagbibigay ng speeches, kami ay ineenjoy lang ang mga pagkain inihahain sa amin.
And along with that, hindi na rin natapos sila Lay sa pagkuha ng picture sa trophy na nakuha namin.
"Hold this one, Perry." Inabot sa akin ni Lay ang best screenplay trophy na kinuha ko naman. "Oh, now pose kayo ni RJ." Tinapat nito ang camera ng phone niya sa amin.
"Hold your trophy din, RJ," utos naman ni Cate.
Bago umayos ng upo ay inabot ni RJ ang phone niya kay Cate para kumuha rin ng picture gamit ito. Nang maayos na sila ay umakbay ako kay RJ hawak ang trophy sa isang kamay at ngumiti sa camera.
"Wacky!" request ni Lerwick.
I posed a thumb's up with my hand that is on RJ's shoulder. Si RJ naman ay nag-peace sign at bahagya pang dumila sa picture.
"Nice," ani Cate matapos kumuha ng picture. Tinignan muna niya ang mga kuha niya bago niya inabot kay RJ ang phone nito.
I looked over RJ's shoulder as he swiped through the pictures that were taken.
"Send that to me," tinuro ko agad ang picture na naka-wacky kami.
"Wait." Kinuha niya ang clutch ko at ang phone ko sa loob noon. He easily unlocked my phone with his fingerprint and then he shared the photo to my device.
Nang matapos siya ay kinuha ko ang phone ko at pinost agad sa Instagram story ko ang picture na 'yun at tinag siya. He watched me post the story and when I was done, he immediately got the notification of my mention and inistory niya rin ang story ko.
Natawa kaming pareho sa aming ginawa. We're really just enjoying ourselves here kahit kanina ay gusto na naming umuwi.
"Hey, it's the best actor na," pagtawag ni Lay sa pansin namin.
Tinago na namin ni RJ ang aming phone at itinuon ang aming pansin sa stage.
Isa-isang tinawag ang mga nominees sa award ng best actor at gaya kanina ay pinakita sila sa screen sa tabi ng stage.
"Cedar Herrera as CN in The End of February."
Nang lumabas si CN sa camera ay nakita namin ito at si Azalea na kanyang katabi sa isang table na medyo malayo sa amin. Azalea was all smiles, holding onto her husband's arm. Si Cedar naman ay mukhang tense perp ngumiti naman siya sandali.
Inanunsyo na ang susunod na nominee hanggang sa kunin na ang envelope containing the name of the winner.
"And the winner for best actor is..." The emcee paused for some suspense, even looking at the crowd before he announced the winner. "Pablo Agustin!"
Lumingon agad ako sa table nila Cedar nang ianunsyo ang panalo. Kahit malayo ay kita kong pumalakpak ito kaso hindi ko kita ang mukha niya. Azalea was also clapping, saying something to him and I think they're conversing normally.
"He didn't act well, I guess," komento ni Lay.
Nakatanggap naman siya ng hampas kay Cate na katabi niya. Cate gave her a warning look and Lay just shrugged. She still hates them even now.
Nang matapos ang speech ni Pablo, bumalik ang mga emcee sa stage at inanunsyo na ang kasunod na award.
"And now for the best actress award."
Naramdaman ko ang braso ni RJ sa balikat ko at minasahe niya pa ang ako.
"You'll win," bulong nito sa aking tenga.
"Hindi pa natin alam 'yan," biro ko.
Binalik ko ang tingin sa stage at hinintay ang announcement. The camera went to me when they said my name and I just smiled like I usually do.
"Paraluman Markel as PM in The End of February."
I watched myself on the big screen beside the stage. Nag-play ang mga scenes ko sa movie and now as I'm watching it, I just found myself smiling even more.
"Azalea Smith as Carlota Jimenez in Pera Pera Lang."
Sumunod na lumabas si Azalea sa screen matapos ko. Rinig ko agad ang reaksyon nila Lay pero hindi ko na sila pinansin.
Nang matapos na ang pagtawag sa bawat nominees at time na para malaman ang nanalo, humigpit ang hawak ko sa braso ni RJ. Mukhang naramdaman niya ito dahil hinawakan niya ang kamay ko.
I'm totally fine kahit hindi ako manalo. Pero there's still this hope inside me even though I know this is a tough competition. Kalaban ko si Azalea na noon pa man ay alam ko ng magaling.
But no matter what happens, I'm fine with it.
I took in deep breaths as I watched the emcee open the envelope in the stage. Nanginhinig na ang kalamnan ko at nanlalamig na ako kahit kanina naman ay naiinitan na ako.
"And the best actress award goes to Paraluman Markel!"
Napatayo si Lay at Lerwick sa upuan nila at nagsitalon nang tawagin ang pangalan ko.
Lumuwag ang aking dibdib at isang mahabang hininga ang aking pinakawalan. When I turned to RJ, he was smiling at me as he watched my reaction.
Agad akong yumakap sa kanya habang unti-uting nawawala ang kabog ng aking dibdib.
"Congrats, Perry," he said.
"Thank you," I whispered back.
I went to the stage and accepted my award. Sunod-sunod ang bati ng mga taong nag-aabot ng award at ang mga nasa stage na sponsors. Nang makuha ko na ang trophy ay pinaharap na ako sa stage para sa aking speech.
"Wow." Bumaba ang tingin ko sa hawak kong trophy and then I looked at the crowd. "This feels unreal. Grabe." I sighed and the crowd was clapping for me again. "I had fun portraying PM. And I learned a lot as we filmed the movie."
I fixed my dress and roamed my eyes around the whole hall.
"Thank you to everyone who gave me this opportunity to be a part of this film and prove myself. Thank you for the warm welcome," I continued. "To Mari, without you, I wouldn't be here telling PM's story. So, thank you."
I bit my lower lip after that and looked over the table of my friends. Nakangisi silang lahat sa akin at pumapalakpak pa rin.
"I'd like to also thank my friends, Lay, Lerwick, Cate. And my other cast-mates, Liam, Laurel, Chloe, Andi, and... Cedar."
Lumipat ang aking tingin kay Cedar na titig sa akin ngayon. He was smiling and when our gazes met, I felt the familiarity of his eyes. I nodded to him and his smile widened. Beside him, his wife's face is serious and I'll just pretend it's about her not winning the award.
Binalik ko sa table nila Lay ang aking tingin at nahanap ng aking mata si RJ. "And I'd like to give special thanks to River who's been there with me in this comeback journey. So, River," I paused, smiling, "my RJ... Thank you."
Nagkaroon ng malakas na palakpakan matapos ang huli kong mga salita bago ako bumaba at bumalik sa aking upuan.
"Grabe talaga." Umiling nalang si Lay sa amin ni RJ.
RJ and I exchanged looks and we just laughed at her.
When the awarding was done, hindi kaagad kami nakauwi gaya ng gusto namin ni RJ. May after-party pa naman pero hindi naman namin balak pang pumunta roon. Pero after ng awarding ay nilapitan kami ng mga staff at sinabihan kami na pumunta sa isang separate na hall para sa interview.
Nagpaalam na ako kila RJ dahil sila rin ay may interview as winners. Naghiwa-hiwalay na kami palabas.
Nang nasa exit na ako, I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I looked, it was Cedar smiling at me.
"Congrats," bati niya.
I reciprocated his smile and tapped his shoulder back. "Thank you."
Iniwan ko na siya matapos noon at sumunod na sa usher na dinala ako sa isang maliit na hall kung saan may stage sa harap at sa baba ng stage ay mga camera at mga journalists.
"Hi," bati ko nang nasa podium na ako sa stage na may mic. Nakita ko namang ngumiti ang ilan sa mga journalists.
Inabutan ng isa sa mga staff ang unang journalist na may chance na magtanong sa akin. Umayos agad ako ng tayo at humigit ng hininga.
"First of all, congratulations sa best actress award," bati ng naunang journalist.
"Thank you," I replied.
"What does it feel like?" tanong niya agad. "It's your comeback film and you even won best actress for your role."
"I feel honored." Tinignan ko ang trophy ko na hawak ko pa rin. "Ang laking award nito for me na kababalik lang sa industry. Syempre, ang saya ko na nag-pay lahat ng sacrifice ko and, of course, my hard work."
"What can you say now sa mga tao noon na todo-bash sa'yo?"
"Nothing." I shook my head with a smile. "I mean, tama naman sila and I know that myself. That's why I did my best to be better. Hindi naman sila nagsinungaling so I took their words and changed."
May isang pumalakpak sa kabilang side ng hall kaya naman sumunod na ang iba and next thing I know, they are all clapping for me with approving nods.
Nagpatuloy ang mga tanong. General lang naman ang mga tanong at usually ay tungkol sa naging process ng movie at sa mga na-feel ko in the process.
After some time, umabot na rin kami sa huling journalist.
"One last question," hirit ng journalist na ikinatango ko sa kanya. "Hi, Miss Paraluman. Congrats on your award."
"Thank you," sagot ko sa kanya.
"You look really happy sa award mo at sa mga natanggap na awards ng movie mo," the journalist said before continuing, "and especially sa award ni River."
I chuckled, staring at her. And here it goes.
"Well, yeah. Syempre," nasabi ko nalang.
"Marami nang nakakakita sa inyo outside on casual days. And first time niyo umattend together sa ganitong official event."
"Yes." I nodded.
"Is this a confirmation sa mga rumors tungkol sa inyong dalawa? Or are you not aware sa mga gossips?"
"I am aware."
Tumutok ang lahat sa mga sagot ko at sa tanong ng huling journalist. Titig sila sa akin at handa na ang mga notes at recorder para marinig ang aking magiging sagot dahil alam na ng lahat ang pinupunto ng nagtatanong na journalist.
"What can you say about them?" she finally asked. "May katotohanan ba sa mga sabi-sabing may namamagitan na sa inyong dalawa ni River?"
Natawa nalang ako at tumango. "Yeah, I guess."
Sunod-sunod ang naging flash ng camera dahil sa sagot ko. Nilibot ko ang paningin sa buong hall at mas lalong napangiti nang makita na nakangiti ang mga journalist na para silang nakakuha ng pinakamagandang news ngayong gabi.
"That's it, right?" Nilingon ko ang mga staff na tumango naman. Hinarap ko naman muli ang mga journalists at nagpaalam na. "Thank you!"
Umalis na ako kahit kita ko na may mga gusto pang magtanong. Hindi naman na rin sila hinayaan ng mga staff lalo na nang maglakad na ako palabas ng hall.
Outside the hall, Nadia and Link were waiting. Sa tabi nila ay nandoon si RJ na malaki ang ngisi sa akin.
"What?" natatawa kong tanong.
Umiling siya, still with his smile. "Nothing."
Wala na siyang sinabi at inakbayan na ako. I walked alongside him and held onto his waist as we left that event. Habang palabas, hawak pa rin namin ang trophy namin na hindi ko mapigilang hindi titigan.
"I can't believe we did it," I muttered.
"I know," RJ said, pulling me closer to him.
I rested my cheek on his shoulder and glanced up to his face. "Congrats to us, RJ."
He turned to me and leaned close until our nose touched. "Congrats to us, Perry."
RJ and PM. River and Perry.
My best support in all of this. The one who stayed and is still here.
If I could give him an award, I would. Because there's no one else like him in my life who stays, listens, and sees me every time I'm struggling.
❀❀❀