Chapter 3
"Where have you been?" pinandilatan ako ng mga mata ni Denver nang sa wakas ay nagpakita muli ako sa kaniya.
My face flushed, remembering what we did in the storage room a few minutes ago. As if sensing my misery, Philodemus stepped and wrapped a possessive arm around my waist, smirking at Denver.
"We had some business, Denver."
"Business...?" litong nakatingin sa amin ngayon si Denver. Desperate to steer his attention, I chuckled nervously.
"Yeah, we just talked about some... stuff. Anyway, let's keep going so I could choose which of these amazing paintings to buy and hung in my condo?"
Nanunuri pa rin ang mga mata ni Denver nang talikuran niya ako. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Philodemus. I glared at him as he chuckled and walked with me.
My feet dragged me to a large frame that was almost ignored by everyone. I stepped in front to get a better view of the painting and was shocked that it was nothing but a single dot on the middle of the canvas.
My gaze dropped to the small metallic plate that says the chosen title of the masterpiece by the artist, desperate for some sort of explanation. Perserva. Mas lalo pang kumunot ang noo ko nang makita ang kalakip na presyo ng painting sa baba.
"950,000 for a single dot." I said and couldn't hide the surprise in my voice.
Philodemus stared at the painting. His free hand was shoved inside the pockets of his trousers. Seryoso siyang nakatitig sa ginawa ng kaniyang pinsan, bago siya mabagal na lumingon sa akin.
"Do you want this?"
I blinked. Hindi ko pa alam kung magkano ang ihinulog ni Denver sa bank account ko and I won't certainly most spend almost a million when I could do a thousands of dots by myself.
Iginala ko ang paningin. Ito lang talagang painting ang naiiba. The rest are abstract pieces of which Rigor was best known. Nang mahagip ko ang tingin niya ay may kasama na siya. A young woman in red mermaid dress clung unto his arms while Rigor is talking to some foreigner visitors. She seemed pre-occupied with something. Nang makita niya akong nakatitig sa kanila at nagtama ang tingin namin ay nginitian niya ako.
She looks very familiar. I just couldn't point my finger on where I saw her.
"I'll get this."
Nagulat ako nang magsalita si Philodemus nang lapitan kami ng isa sa mga staff na tumutulong sa art exhibit. The young woman who smiled professionally at us nodded and wrote something on her notepad.
"I'll inform Mr. Treveron immediately, Sir...?"
"Just name it after her." He waved his hands lazily. "Stormie Iona Roman. I'll just be paying."
Mas lalo akong nagulat sa sinabi niya. I tugged his arms and sent him a warning glare but he ignored me. The young woman nodded and then walked away, approaching Rigor. She politely excused herself and whispered something to Rigor. His cousin nodded and then approached us as well.
"I would be lying if I say that I was expecting this painting to get sold," he chuckled in deep baritone. Nakasunod pa rin sa kaniya ang babaeng kasama niya kanina.
"Hello, Rigor." I politely said.
"It's been a long time, huh? Roman..." makahulugan nitong sinabi bago dumako ang tingin niya sa pinsan.
"Have this delivered at her condo unit first thing tomorrow," ani Philodemus at iminuwestra ang painting sa likuran namin.
"Sure." He shrugged lazily. "By the way, I think you still haven't met her yet... Stormie, this is Czarina. Czarina Martinell, my assistant..."
Ngumuso ako, nagpipigil ng ngiti. It doesn't take a genius to know that what's going on between the two of them is more than a platonic mentor-assistant relationship. Inilahad ko ang kamay ko at tinanggap naman iyon ni Czarina.
"Nice to meet you."
"Pleasure is mine."
Nag-usap pa sila Philodemus at Rigor bago niya kami iniwan upang i-entertain ang iba niyang mga bisita. I heard the famous model, Brylee Salvador is here, too. Nang makaramdam na ako ng pagod ay hinanap na ng mga mata ko si Denver.
"Are you tired?"
I glanced at him. Seryoso siyang nakatingin sa akin ngayon.
"Yeah... a bit." Pag-amin ko.
"Let's get you home, then."
I swiped a tongue across my lower lips as I continued to look for Denver. Philodemus touched my arms lightly, as if asking for my attention. Binalingan ko siya at nagtaas bahagya ng kilay.
"I'll drive you home."
I chuckled automatically. "Nice try, but no." My smiled faded as quickly as it materialized on my lips. "There are press everywhere. And some of the fans might see us together."
A muscle in his jaw clenched as his eyes flashed with what seemed like anger or irritation. "Why are you afraid of being seen with me?"
"I'm not afraid..."
"You broke up with that douchebag, right?" mariin niyang tanong sa akin.
I sighed. Hindi na surpresa sa akin na alam na iyon ni Philodemus. Everyone is feasting about my latest breakup. May ibang tinatanong kung sino na naman kaya ulit ang boyfriend ko sa susunod na linggo. I rolled my eyes at the news. Denver have strictly warned me to lay low, after the little stunt I pulled with Callix and his chick.
"Yes, I did."
"Then we're good." He said nonchalantly.
"That doesn't give you the right to—"
"Come on." Aniya at hinila ako. I tried pulling my hand away but he is strong. Kahit mahigpit ang kapit niya sa akin ay sinisigurado niya namang hindi ako nasasaktan. My feet hurt from the heels I am wearing.
Mabilis kaming naglakad patungo sa basement parking ng Art House. Hindi na ako nagtaka na alam niya ang pasikot-sikot dito. He must've helped his cousin with his art gallery. Maraming artikulo tungkol sa kanilang dalawa. The Treveron boys, as they may say.
I couldn't hide the impressed look on my face when we neared a matte black vintage Ford Mustang sitting in the corner. Walang katao-tao sa basement parking maliban sa aming dalawa. He opened the door and stared at me, his fiery eyes boring into mine.
"Get in, Shortie..."
I hesitated, before I sighed and then climbed inside his luxurious car. He must've bought this at a fortune and have it renovated. The plush and elegant car seat feels soft against my skin. Napangiti tuloy ako. It brings back memories from the past. Dati ay Toyota lamang ay dina-drive niya. But now the guy owns a fucking Mustang. Who wouldn't be enthralled, right?
He closed the door gently after I buckled my seatbelt and circled the car, before occupying the driver's seat. Tinted na ang bintana ng sasakyan, for obvious reasons. As soon as he buckled his own seatbelt, he reached for the stereo and flicked it several times before he got the song he was looking for.
Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby by Cigarettes After Sex filled the car. Sumikip na ang dibdib ko nang iatras niya ang kotse. This looks like the usual routine we had in college. The car. The sound trip. Only we are wearing expensive gowns and tux now.
Inihilig ko ang ulo ko sa bintana ng sasakyan at huminga nang malalim. My chest hurts so bad. Philodemus glanced at me. I can tell he wants to talk so I quickly closed my eyes, pretending to sleep.
Sumasakit ang leeg ko sa ginagawa. Alam kong malayo ang art house patungo sa condo ko. Hindi rin naman siya nagtanong sa address so I assume he already knows where I live. The drive dragged on and the only songs played on the stereo are by the pop band CAS.
Napatalon ako sa gulat nang bigla ko nalang maramdaman ang mainit niyang kamay sa hita ko. The car slowed down and he gently squeezed my thighs. I fluttered my eyes open and my gaze connected with the yellowing signal from the traffic light.
Philodemus smirked at me. "Pretending to sleep, huh?"
My entire face flushed. I swatted his hands away from my bare thighs and glared at him.
"Personal space, please." Anas ko.
His brows shot up in surprise as his mouth twitched for an amused smile. "After I've kissed you senseless earlier, you're still asking for a personal space, love?"
Gusto kong iuntog ang ulo ko sa dashboard dahil sa lakas ng paghaharumentado ng aking puso. Ano, Stormie? Teenager lang? I cussed under my breath as he chuckled, completely aware of my inner misery here.
To distract myself from him, I pulled out my phone and texted Denver that I had gone home already. Tinext ko din ang dalawa kong bodyguards upang alalayan ako papasok ng condo. They responded that they will be waiting at the back door of the unit.
I told Philodemus where to drop me. He nodded his head, as he understood the complexities of the world we are living right now. The showbiz world is not just about glitz and glam. Albeit I enjoyed the tremendous amount of money in my bank account and all the freebies I get for being a celebrity, the darker side is almost unbearable if not for your strong spirit. Countless times I've received death threats, the bashers who would dare throw eggs at my car, and some creepy stalkers that would force me to transfer from one condo unit to another.
It was a good thing that Denver is a pro, and he handled all of it professionally. Ako lang talaga itong pasaway kaya minsan eh napapahamak kaming dalawa sa mga kalokohan ko.
Nang matanaw ko na ang dalawang bodyguards na naghihintay sa akin sa labas ay sinulyapan ko si Philodemus. He killed the engine and lazily turned to me.
"Thanks for the ride."
He nodded his head. I unbuckled my seatbelt and then opened the door. Bago pa ako tuluyang makalabas ay marahan niyang hinila ang braso ko, dahilan upang mapatingin ako sa kaniya.
He stared at me darkly, before swallowing violently as his gaze dropped to my swollen lips.
"Can I visit you here?"
Isang matamis na ngiti ang ibinigay ko sa kaniya. I leaned closer, and he leaned back, obviously stunned by my action. Inilapit ko ang bibig sa kaniyang tainga.
"Absolutely not." I said in mocked sweetness before I pulled back and winked triumphantly at him.
Philodemus' neck reddened, which made me giggle more. Nilapitan na ako ng dalawang bodyguards.
"Good night, Philodemus." I said bago ako sumama sa kanilang dalawa.
Nang makarating ako ay nakita kong ipinaghanda na pala ako ni Pia nang makakain. I showered to blow off the steam from my body, caused by Philodemus' kiss earlier, and then changed into my satin sleepwear.
Habang kagat-kagat ko ang pizza sa bibig ay nakapaa akong naglakad sa living room nang biglang tumunog ang aking cellphone. I frowned and then swallowed my remaining pizza when I saw who it was. I rejected the call and plopped on my couch, already reaching for the remote to continue watching the ST series when it rang again.
I sighed loudly. Kinuha ko na ang cellphone at sinagot ang tawag.
"What do you want, Shantel?" I asked coldly.
I heard her gasp softly from the other line. "Stormie! Thank God you finally answered the call. I keep ringing you but it seems like you're busy. Huli na nang makita ko ang update na nagpunta ka pala sa art exhibit ni Rigor."
"Yeah..." I said lazily, turning my smart TV on and then plopping my feet on the coffee table in front of me.
"Stormie..."
"What is it?"
"May sakit si Dad."
"I know." I answered in a much colder tone. "Why are you telling me this? I'm a bona fide actress, not a doctor. Mali ata ang natawagan mo, Shantel."
She sighed painfully from the other line. "I know you are still mad at us, Stormie. But Dad's health..." pumiyok ang boses niya at doon pa ako tinamaan ng kaba. Instead of hitting play, nanatili sa ere ang hawak kong remote control at hinihintay ang susunod na sasabihin ni Shantel.
"We need you here, Stormie..." she said in a lonely voice. "It's been years since you last showed up... sa funeral pa ni Abuelita."
I pursed my lips as the memories of my Abuelita's death stabbed my chest painfully. Marahas akong suminghap at ipinikit ang mga mata, pinipigilan ang pagdaloy ng mga luha sa mata. I smiled bitterly.
Artista ka nga talaga, Stormie.
"Hindi naman kita pipilitin na pumunta dito, Stormie, eh. And even if Dad doesn't say it out loud, I know that he is expecting your visit, too."
Matgal bago ako nakasagot. Nakatitig lamang ako sa naka-pause na mukha ni Eleven sa screen bago ako bumuntong-hininga.
"I'm not going to promise anything, but I'll see what I can do..." was all I said before ending the call.
Seeing that my mood has been ruined with Shantel's unexpected phone call, I decided to go to bed early instead of watching the series.
Maaga pa lang ay maingay na si Nick sa unit ko. He paced back and forth, as he sipped from his liquor nervously. Napangiwi ako. Ang aga-aga eh umiinom na naman siya.
"What am I going to do?" he turned to me, his eyes widening before he cussed again.
Nagkamot ako ng ulo at isinandal ang sumasakit na leeg sa sandalan ng couch habang pinapanuod ang natatarantang kaibigan.
"Call it off."
"Call it off?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya sa akin. "Anong call it off ang pinagsasabi mo? This is Dominick Ventura Sr. we are talking about! Hindi ko basta-bastang mahihindian iyon!"
"Then... explain to him?"
"That what? That I'm a gay?" halos naghisterikal na siya at inubos ang laman ng kaniyang baso, saka pabagsak itong inilapag sa lamesa. "Fuck! He wants me to marry the daughter of his business partner, Storm! My goodness! Eh mas babae pa ako sa impaktang yun!"
Humalakhak ako nang malakas, which earned me a steely death glare from my best friend.
"This is no laughing matter, Roman." Nakasimangot niyang sinabi sa akin.
Dominick's family owned a series of bar chains in La Union. His father started the business from a scratch and now it has multiple branches in Luzon. In an attempt to further develop their business, he is now partnering up with a large company that sells alcohol and beverages and now, he wants his unico hijo to marry the youngest daughter of the CEO.
I grinned at him. Hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang tawa ko. I cannot imagine Nick handling a girl. Yes, he'd had his fair share of boyfriends before and all of their relationships are hidden from his father. God knows what the Ventura Senior would do once he finds out that his unico hijo is sucking the balls of the same sex.
"Well... I don't know, Nick. Ang tagal mo nang tinatago sa Dad mo ang gender identity mo. Don't you think it's high time that you two sit down and talk about what your gender? Because I don't think you're fit to be a father, let alone be a husband to the girl you're marrying."
When he revealed the news to me earlier, I was flabbergasted. Nick is a carefree man who loves to design dresses and run their business. He is actually a genius in both worlds but it seems like his Dad would like him to focus his sole attention to their bar chains by fixing his marriage for him. I've seen him curse his ex-boyfriends before and wailed because of failed relationships but I have never seen him this stressed out.
"Baka wala na akong mauwian kapag sinabi ko sa Tatay ko na bakla ako... you'll let me stay here, right?"
"Sure." I chirped.
Umirap siya sa akin. "On a second thought, I'd rather live in the streets than to hear you moan Treveron's name every night..."
Muntik ko nang maibuga ang iniinom kong kape sa sinabi niya. My best friend smirked evilly at me.
"You think I don't know?" he sang.
"The heck are you talking about, Nick?"
He tapped his iPhone and showed me something. Sinuri ko iyon na nainingkit ang mga mata. The Memento Mori has released their album. My eyes widened when I saw the cover photo of the album. It was the picture of Philodemus' hands gripping my thighs, the same picture he posted on Instagram a few years ago.
My mouth hang open. "Hindi ko 'to alam..."
"Well, duh..." he rolled his eyes at me and snatched back his iPhone. "Kakarelease lang kasi ng album. Tsaka, akala ko ba eh galit-galitan ka kay Treveron? Bakit andami niyong pictures na kumakalat sa internet kahapon? Sa art exhibit ng asawa ko?"
Biglang sumakit ang ulo ko sa narinig. Ito na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. Madikit lang ako nang konti kay Philodemus ay paniguradong pagpipyestahan na naman kami ng media. I can't blame them, though. Philodemus Elton Treveron is a juicy topic for human interest. Walang hindi gustong makarinig ng update sa bokalistang ito.
Tumunog bigla ang telepono ko na nakakonekta sa lobby ng condo. I creased my brows. I am not expecting anyone today but Nick. Grabbing the receiver, I answered the phone call.
"Yes?"
"Hello Miss Storm, you have a visitor today."
"Uh... my visitor is already here."
There was a pause, then I heard muffling sounds from the other line before the kind woman spoke again. "He says he knows you, Ma'am..."
"Sino?"
"Err... some kind of a Greek philosopher?"
I grunted. Of course he wouldn't reveal his real name to the lobbyist. Napairap tuloy ako sa ere.
"Kindly add him to the blocked list. Philodemus Treveron is banned from visiting me." Ani ko sa matigas na tinig.
"Philodemus... P-Philo Treveron, Ma'am?" natatarantang wika ng lobbyist. I guess Philodemus is standing in front of her, wearing whatever disguise he is in right now and the woman had just discovered who he really is.
"Yes. That's Philo Treveron in front of you, dear. Now be a good girl and block him. Tell him I don't want to see his face." Ani ko at supladang ibinaba ang receiver.
Tumawa ang kaibigan ko, panandaliang nawala ang problemang iniinda. "Talk about your hot ex..."
Irap lang ang naging sagot ko sa kaniya.
Nick continued to lament for the next few hours, as I was getting ready for an audition for a new primetime serye entitled Caridad. An agency offered me the role, and suggested that I do the official audition for it. Kaya ngayon ay inaayusan ko ulit ang sarili habang patuloy pa rin na nakikinig kay Nick.
I've read the script already. Caridad is about a young probinsyana girl who, in the hands of misfortune, winds to Manila and got involved in a drug dealing process against her own will. Caridad is a beautiful young girl who'll be deemed as your typical naive girl but turns out to be a badass female protagonist who have outsmarted the criminals and turned them into the authority.
It's not bad for a story. I've already memorized some of the lines and could imagine myself in a white sheer dress, running across the fields of Batanes (where they are planning to shoot the serye). Natunugan ko pang ang Briton actor na si Hollis Coleman ang magiging lead actor ng serye.
My bodyguards are already outside waiting for me when I finished dolling myself up. Nick and I bid our goodbyes as we went to our separate paths. I sometimes feel bad that in order to see me, kailangan niya pang pumunta sa condo ko. I can't go anywhere I want. Kapag naman magkasama kaming dalawa ni Nick ay madalas nasa malayong lugar kami, malayo sa mata ng media o di kaya'y nagbabakasyon sa ibang bansa.
I told my driver the address where I am going today. Hindi pa alam ni Denver ang tungkol sa audition na ito at balak ko sana siyang surpresahin mamaya. I giggled. At least matulungan ko naman siya kahit papaano.
We entered a big studio where I think the audition is on-going. The production company behind this serye is rich and powerful, kaya hindi na ako nagtataka na marami ding nagtatangkang sungkitin ang role na ito.
I walked confidently through the long corridors until we entered large double doors that revealed a little stage in front and multiple rows of red plushed seats. Namataan ko pa sa loob si Halsey Wilson, na nakangiti lamang sa akin ngayon nang nakakaloko.
I ignored her as I was accompanied by their staff. Naupo ako kung saan ang mga maga-audition ay naka-assign. Some local celebrities were there, and some have greeted me. I smiled to them and directed my gaze to the stage.
For someone who have won multiple international awards for acting, I have gone through hell and back for it. Denver enrolled me in Arts Studio at New York to hone whatever talent he saw in me. Mahirap. You have to know how to sing and dance in front of everyone, act and be their puppet. I nearly gave up with the training course but Denver was there to cheer me up. Determined to prove to my mother than I am more than just an invisible sister to Shantel, I finished the course and came back with lots of offers on my plate.
"Miss Storm Roman..."
Tumayo ako nang tinawag ang pangalan. Nang makaakyat sa stage ay saka ko pa nakita ang panel of judges. Halsey Wilson is one of them. She glanced at the sheet in front of her before she turned to me.
Binigyan ako ng script kanina at ang scene na iaakto. Before I could even start, Halsey raised her hand, drawing attention from everyone.
"Yes?"
"Miss Storm, you're auditioning for the lead role of the serye, Caridad, right?"
I nodded my head.
She smirked at me. "And you've read the character's description, right?"
"Yes..." medyo nangungunot ang noo kong sagot sa kaniya. Hindi ko alam kung saan patungo ang usapang ito.
"Can you tell me the character's description of Caridad then, Miss Storm?"
"Uh... a young and beautiful Filipina girl who grew up in the province—"
"Exactly!" pagpuputol niya sa sasabihin ko. "Note the keywords here, Miss Storm: young and beautiful..." pinasadahan niya ako ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa. A look of disgust crossed her face. "Hindi retokada. Natural beauty ang hinahanap namin..."
A series of loud gasps crossed over the audience. Tulala akong tumitig kay Halsey.
"I'm very sorry to say this to you, but Caridad is really a big project for us. We can't cast someone with artificial beauty for the role, Miss Storm. Ano nalang ang sasabihin ng mga tao? At isa pa, walang probinsyana girl ang nagpaparetoke..." she laughed at her own joke. "Baka mamaya isipin nila mga retokada na pala ang pinay celebrities..."
Nagkatinginan ang mga judge sa sinabi niya at nagtanguan. Doon pa ako tinamaan ng sakit. Kumalat ang hapdi sa dibdib ko habang nakatingin ngayon ang mga tao sa akin, ang iba'y tumatawa at ang iba'y nagbubulong-bulungan.
I swallowed violently and then nodded. "Alright. I'll cancel this audition then."
"Oh no, you're not cancelling it..." aniya sa mapanuyang boses. "We're kicking you out."
I pursed my lips. Ubos na talaga ang pasensiya ko sa babaeng ito. Nang hindi ako kumibo ay ipinagpatuloy niya ang pangha-harass sa akin sa harap ng maraming tao.
Hindi na ako sumagot pa. I quickly ran off the stage and walked past through people. Pinipigilan ko ang pagbuhos ng mga luha ko hanggang sa tuluyan akong makalabas sa studio at makapasok sa sasakyan. I swallowed hard and then instructed the driver to take me to the condo.
Mabigat ang loob ko habang nasa biyahe. Halos dumugo na ang pang-ibabang labi ko dahil sa labis na pagkagat ko nito hanggang sa makarating na kami. I quickly climbed out of the car and went to my unit.
Nang mapag-isa na ako ay doon pa ako napaiyak.
Hot, fresh tears rolled down my cheeks. I leaned against the door as my body collapsed on the floor, trembling violently. I have never been this humiliated my entire life.
People in this society are cruel. They think that models and actresses who have gone plastic surgeries are greedy whores.
They are always looking for natural beauty, but can't be satisfied with a simple untouched face. And if you follow their so-called standards of beauty, they'll call you a plastic monster.
Parang bata akong umiiyak sa sahig, yakap ang mga tuhod ko. Even if Nick continues to console me that it was just a face restoration, it's still a plastic surgery. The broken glass from the car I was driving that night ruined my face. I barely survived the incident and a deep slash in my right cheek was visible, along with my ruined chin and forehead.
Mas lalong tumindi ang iyak ko. My phone rang. Inignora ko iyon at nagpatuloy sa pag-iyak hanggang sa mailabas ko na ang lahat. My eyes were red and puffy. In the span of my career, the issue of my plastic surgery is the only thing that is stopping me to get to the top. Palagi nalang ganito. People who had plastic surgeries are being discriminated.
Everybody wants to be beautiful. Is that even a fucking sin?
Nang mahimashimasan na ay mahina akong naglakad patungo sa couch at nahiga. Feeling so ashamed and miserable, I reached for my phone, not to answer Denver's calls but to order pizza. Matapos makapag-order ay ibinalik ko ang phone sa tabing lamesa at nilunod ang sarili sa panunuod ng ST series upang makalimutan ang nangyari ngayong araw.
Masikip pa rin ang dibdib ko nang tumunog ang door bell. I paused the series and weakly got up from the couch. Ni wala na akong pakialam kung makilala man ako ng delivery boy at ganito ang ayos ko ngayon.
I threw the door open. The delivery boy in his red polo shirt and red cap greeted me. Malaki ang pangagatawan nito at pamilyar ang amoy niya sa akin...
"Pizza delivery, Ma'am..."
Hindi ako makagalaw sa kinatatayuan ko nang mag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. Philodemus smirked and then lifted the box of pizza in my face.
"Netflix and chill, Shortie?" a crooked smile appeared on his lips.