Chapter 18
I'm already in my room, getting ready for my performance later. I'm the fourth performer, and the event hasn't started yet. It's scheduled to begin at 2 PM. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
Across the table, my makeup artist is working meticulously. She’s not just any makeup artist — she’s a close friend of my older sister, who’s always told me stories about how talented and beautiful she is.
She’s actually a well-known model, too, and makeup is just one of the many passions she’s perfected along the way. There’s a calm confidence about her that makes the whole process feel less intimidating.
As she gently brushes a soft shade of eyeshadow on my eyelids, she looks up and smiles warmly. “You’re already pretty without makeup,” she says with a light laugh, her eyes sparkling with sincerity.
I blink, a little surprised but also touched by the compliment. I feel a small warmth rise in my chest. “Thank you,”
She brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, her hands steady and practiced. “Seriously, though, your natural look is stunning. The makeup is just to highlight that.”
"Athena, akin nalang 'tong kapatid mo," biro na sambit pa nito kay Ate na nakaupo sa gilid katabi si Ms. Sanchez.
“Have her if you want,” sagot ni Ate rito, kaya nanlaki talaga ang mga mata ko sa gulat. Hindi ko mawari kung bakit ganun ang sinabi niya.
Kilala ko si Ate — hindi siya yung tipo na papayag basta-basta na may ibang tao na ‘aari’ sa akin. Kaya talaga namang nakakagulat ang sinabi niya.
"Really? Wala nang bawian 'yan," saad naman nito habang nakangisi at hina-hawakan ang buhok ko. "Paano ba 'yan, may permission na ako nang ate mo," dagdag pa nito.
" Ms. Garcia, I’m honestly not interested in being in a relationship,” I answered honestly. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but ever since I met Ms. Sanchez, I hadn’t felt any interest in flirting with anyone else. The old me would’ve jumped at this chance without hesitation.
She looked straight into my eyes, curiosity shining in hers but no judgment. “You’re really not interested?” she asked, trying to read my heart.
“No,” I said firmly, though I wasn’t sure why I felt so certain. It was like something was holding my heart in place—something I couldn’t yet explain.
"Drop the formality, call me Ivy. But it's funny because it's my first time being rejected because of someone," she answered, chuckling.
"I didn't mean to offend you in any way, Ivy. But I'm waiting for someone," I replied, looking at Ms. Sanchez. She didn't look at me once after entering the room; she was too busy with her phone and earbuds.
"What's the point of waiting for someone you can't have when I'm right here?" she retorted, pulling my chair closer so our faces were near. She leaned in, but then Ms. Sanchez stepped between us.
"Can you excuse? I can't reach my water," she said, grabbing the water bottle next to me. I saw Ivy smirk slightly and turn away. The water Ms. Sanchez took wasn't even hers, akin 'yun. 'Yung sa kanya ay nasa tabi niya.
After getting the water, she walked back to her seat, but before sitting down, she said, "Stop flirting and start getting ready. Time is almost up; don't mess this up because of your flirting." She sat down and put her earbuds back in.
“Start already, Ivy. Put your flirty ass in place,” Ate teased, her voice low but playful, clearly trying to hold back a smile. I caught the mischievous glint in her eyes, the way her lips twitched like she was fighting the urge to laugh.
She chuckled softly, rolling her eye. “Mhm, I will. I’ll save my flirting for later, after this,” she replied with a wink, clearly enjoying teasing me.
She spent nearly an hour and a half meticulously applying my makeup and styling my hair. I’m not used to wearing this much makeup — usually, I prefer a natural look — but today felt different.
The event demanded it, and besides, with Ate’s expertise, I was willing to trust her. She worked with precision, blending foundation flawlessly, carefully shaping my eyebrows, and adding just the right touches of color to make my features pop.
When she curled my naturally straight hair, soft waves cascaded down my shoulders, transforming my everyday look into something elegant and poised.
"Omg, ganda mo baby gomez!" bungad ni Miss Martinez sa akin pagkapasok pa lang sa kwarto. She hugged me kaya nagulat ako.
"Stop hugging her, you're ruining her make-up, Diana." reklamo ni Ate rito kaya napabitaw sa yakap si Ms. Martinez sa akin.
"Sungit mo," sagot ni Ms. Martinez dito.
"You're gorgeous, honey. Your makeup looks good on you," Ms. Dizon said, smiling at me.
I smiled back and said, "Thank you po."
Miss Flores also complimented me; almost everyone did except for one person: Ms. Sanchez. She hadn't looked at me once since earlier.
Ang sama ng ugali.
It was already 1:30 PM, and I was still in the same clothes I wore in the morning—comfortable but definitely not what Ate wanted me to wear today. I had bought a polo and pants this morning because honestly, I preferred something simple and easy.
Dresses just weren’t my thing.
But when Ate saw what I picked out, she scolded me, her voice sharp and insistent.
“Dapat dress ang suot mo ngayon, ha,” she said firmly.
I wasn’t angry or anything; I just felt stubborn.
I really didn’t want to wear a dress today.
Not when I could just slip on my polo and pants and feel comfortable moving around.
I sighed, my fingers tracing the soft fabric of the polo I held in my hand. Maybe Ate was right—maybe it would look better. But deep down, I just wanted to keep it easy and casual.
With a reluctant sigh, I headed toward the dressing room, clutching the clothes in my hands.
But as soon as I reached the door, I realized something.
There was no way I could change by myself without making a mess or taking forever.
My sister, Ate, wasn’t around to help me with the zipper or adjusting the dress properly.
I hesitated, scanning the room for someone I could ask.
And then my eyes landed on Ivy. She was sitting on the couch nearby, her posture relaxed but attentive, chatting quietly.
I took a deep breath and walked over to her. “Ivy,” I said softly, trying not to sound too needy, “can you help me get dressed? I can’t manage it myself, and Ate isn’t here.” My voice wavered just a little, but Ivy’s warm smile immediately put me at ease.
“Of course, I’d love to!” she said, standing up gracefully. “Let’s go.”
Just as I was about to follow her toward the restroom, I felt a gentle but firm grip on my hands. I turned to see Ms. Sanchez standing close by, her eyes looking at me with a mix of concern and something I couldn’t quite read. She didn’t say anything at first, just held my hands silently.
“Mhm?” I asked, a bit puzzled and a little annoyed. I wasn’t in the mood for interruptions, especially when I was already feeling a little embarrassed about needing help to change.
Nakakatampo nga siya, mula pa kanina.
I wanted to pull my hands away, but something about her calm presence kept me rooted in place. Her eyes softened, and I wondered what she was thinking.
"Let me help you instead," she said, surprising me. I hadn't even asked her for help, yet she offered.
"No need, Ivy is already—" she cut me off.
"Shut up. I don't care; I'll come with you," she insisted, her gaze intense, akala mo makakapatay ito ng tao sa kanyang titig. I had no choice but to nod. I told Ivy that Ms. Sanchez would help instead, and she nodded.
We headed toward the restroom, which was just across the hall but still inside the same room we were in. The walls were painted a soft cream color, and a faint floral scent lingered in the air.
Miss opened the door for me, and I stepped inside first. It was a small but cozy space with a simple mirror and a neatly folded towel hanging by the sink.
Before I could close the door behind me, Ms.
Sanchez followed and, to my surprise, locked it.
The soft click echoed in the quiet room.
My heart skipped a beat for a second—not from fear, but from the sudden intimacy of the moment.
She stayed close, her eyes never leaving mine as if she was studying me.
It made me feel exposed, and I suddenly got shy, awkward even.
Kaya naiilang akong maghubad.
I swallowed and said, “Do you mind turning away?”
Ms. Sanchez didn’t hesitate. She immediately turned her back to me, giving me the privacy I needed. “Thank you,” I muttered softly, beginning to unbutton my polo.
The fabric felt heavier than usual in my hands, and I was suddenly hyper-aware of every sound: the soft rustle of the fabric sliding off, the slight creak of the door hinges, the distant murmur of voices outside.
Once I had taken off my top, I peeked over my shoulder and grinned teasingly. “Do you want to see me naked, huh?” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Her reply came quick and sharp. “You’re disgusting.” Her voice was cold, but there was a flicker of something beneath it—something like amusement or maybe irritation. That was her, always armed with those biting words, like a shield she never lowered.
I rolled my eyes playfully and replied, “Disgusting pero siya pa ang nag-insist na tulungan ako sa pagbihis.” I smirked as I started pulling off my pants, feeling a little braver.
Nasa mood lang talaga ako mang-asar.
Kahit nakakatampo siya, slight.
“You don’t even know Ivy that well,” she retorted, eyes narrowing slightly as if to emphasize her point, “and you wanted her to help you? You’re losing your mind.”
Her words made me laugh, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. I shook my head, amused by her relentless sarcasm. “Jealous, baby? Mhm?” I teased back, arching an eyebrow in challenge.
"Why would I be? I literally hate you," she replied.
"Oo na, can you help me already?" I said at agad naman itong tumingin sa akin pero tumalikod naman ka agad.
"What the hell, Gomez! Wear your dress first!"
That's when I realized I was only wearing my bra and panties—I'd forgotten the dress! I quickly put it on.
"Done, help me zip it," I said.
"That's why I don't trust you being alone with Ivy. You're stupid," she said, fastening the zipper on my dress.
"Hindi naman sadya, nakalimutan ko lang." I answered at tapos na siyang i-zip ito. "Pero alam moba ano 'yung hindi ko makakalimutan? You didn't even compliment me. Almost everyone else did, but I didn't care about them. Your compliment is the only one that matters.
"Do you want a compliment? In your dreams. You're not even pretty," she said before leaving the dressing room.
Gosh, I cannot with this girl.
Ang sama talaga ng ugali.
---
I'm backstage, and I'm next to perform. A large crowd is watching; the 10,000-seat venue is almost full. I'm not surprised—this competition features students from many well-known universities.
"Let us now welcome our fourth performer, Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez of Synergy University!" the MC announced, and I walked onto the stage.
I'm used to performing in front of crowds, but this time my heart is racing. It's a feeling I can't explain—this isn't like me.
But I ignore my fear; winning is my goal—not for the awards, but for a date with Ms.
Sanchez.
I take my position and begin strumming my guitar, starting the intro to my song. The audience cheers loudly.
"Your morning eyes, I could stare like watching stars,"
I started singing, my eyes searching for Ms. Sanchez. Hindi ko siya mahanap.
"I could walk you by, and I'll tell without a thought
You'd be mine, would you mind if I took your hand tonight?
Know you're all that I want this life"
I sang, and finally, I saw her. She was sitting with my sister, watching me with an unreadable expression. Kung sila nila Ms. Martinez ay nakangiti at grabe 'yung cheer, itong si Ms. Sanchez ay parang labag sa kalooban manood sa akin.
"I'll imagine we fell in love
I'll nap under moonlight skies with you"
I sang, and the crowd cheered wildly.
"I think I'll picture us, you with the waves
The ocean's colors on your face
I'll leave my heart with your air"
Inilibot ko ang aking mata habang kumakanta and I saw my friends kaya napangiti ako. Pero ibinalik ko naman ka agad ang tingin ko kay Ms. Sanchez.
"So let me fly with you
Will you be forever with me?"
I sang the last part of the song, my voice barely steady, and as the final note left my lips, I locked eyes with Ms. Sanchez. There was something about the way she looked at me—something that didn’t quite make sense but pulled at me in a way I couldn’t ignore.
It was like an invisible thread was tugging at my very soul, pulling me toward her even though she wasn’t moving, wasn’t saying anything.
Her gaze was steady, intense, almost magnetic.
I felt it deep in my chest, a strange heat spreading through me, an inexplicable pull that made my heart race and my breath catch.
What was happening to me?
I couldn’t understand it. She wasn’t doing anything overt—no touch, no words—yet I felt like I was under some silent command, as if every fiber of my being wanted to close the distance between us.
My hands trembled slightly, and a flush crept up my neck. My mind spun with questions I couldn’t answer: Why does she affect me like this? Why does just one look make me feel exposed and raw? Like she saw something inside me that no one else did.
Time seemed to slow.
Ano bang nangyayari sa'kin?
Why do I feel like this?
---
"You did great baby gomez! Ang ganda ng boses mo!" sabi ni Ms. Martinez sa akin.
We're back in our room now that the contest is over. We're waiting for the winner to be announced. Nandito rin mga kaibigan ko kaya mas lalong umingay. Kanina pa compliment nang compliment sa akin, nakakarindi na pakinggan.
"You did well, Via." saad ni Ate sa akin at niyakap ako nito. Kaya pangiti ako rito.
Ms. Sanchez, on the other hand, didn't give me any compliments or anything. Kanina pa talaga siya nakakasakit ng damdamin.
"You did well, honey, and I have a feeling you'll win," Ms. Dizon whispered beside me, and I smiled.
"Let's celebrate later," Ms. Flores added, and everyone agreed.
"Ang tagal bumalik ni Eliana," bulong ni Kinsley sa amin. Lumabas kasi si Eliana, hindi siya sumama sa amin dito, at hanggang ngayon ay wala pa siya.
"Baka may ginawa lang," sagot ni Cecilia rito.
"She texted me just now, hindi raw siya makakabalik dahil pinapatawag siya ng dad niya," I said. Totoo namang nag text siya at cincongrats niya ako.
I saw Ms. Sanchez leaving the room and, for some reason, I decided to follow her. I told my friends I was stepping out, and they nodded.
When I went outside, I saw Ms. Sanchez sitting alone, looking not okay. Kaya nilapitan ko ito.
"Okay ka lang?" I asked and sat beside her.
"Stop bothering me." tanging sagot niya sa akin. I looked at her silently and it seems like something's bothering her kaya nagplano akong asarin ito.
"Pag nanalo ako, 'yung date natin ha," sambit ko.
"As if you'll win,"
"Talaga, ako na 'to eh. Was my singing good earlier?" I asked, sakaling purihin ako nito. Pero hindi ito sumagot. Bumuntong hininga ako bago mag salita, "Oo na, tanggap kona,"
"Silly," she said, a fleeting smile gracing her lips.
"Smile more often, you look pretty," sabi ko kaya agad naman itong sumibangot lalo. May sira ba 'to sa ulo?
"Shut up and let's go back to the room," sabi nito kaya sumunod nalang ako.
"They're announcing the winner already, let's go," sabi ni Kinsley sa amin kaya bumalik naman kami ka agad sa venue.
Pagdating namin, agad kaming naupo, at grabe—ang lakas ng cheering ng crowd na parang yumanig ang buong auditorium. Sobrang dami ng tao, puro excited at nakaabang sa susunod na announcement. Ramdam ko talaga yung energy na bumabalot sa paligid—parang tinitiis ng lahat ang excitement nila.
"Now, we'll announce the winner of this contest..."
sabi ng MC na may kasamang drama sa boses niya. Nilinaw niya yung pause, tapos may sound effects pa na drums, para mas tense ang atmosphere.
Isa-isa nang binanggit ang mga pangalan, pero hindi ako kasama sa mga tumawag. Hindi naman ako nawawalan ng confidence, pero ang kalaban ko, kilala siya bilang isang sikat na artist, kaya alam kong siya talaga ang may malaking chance na manalo.
"The winner of this contest is.." sabi ng MC, tapos may drum roll na tumunog na parang tumitibok ang puso ko kasabay.
Biglang nanahimik ang buong lugar, puro anticipation sa hangin.
"Sylvia Quincy Diaz Gomez of Synergy University!"
Naging slow motion ang mundo sa isang iglap. Narinig ko yung pangalan ko, at sumabog ang sigawan, hiyawan, at palakpakan mula sa mga kasama ko. My friends were shouting my name with so much pride and happiness.
Pero sa halip na diretso akong pumunta sa stage para kunin yung award, biglang naisip ko si Ms. Sanchez. Nakaupo siya doon, kasama si Ate, pero iba ang tingin niya.
Kaya imbes na umakyat sa stage, tumayo ako, huminga nang malalim, at nilakad ko yung landas papunta sa kanya. Parang ang lakas ng tunog sa paligid, pero para sakin, tumahimik lahat.
Nang makarating ako sa tabi niya, ni hindi kami nagpalitan ng salita. Patuloy ang sigawan ng crowd sa likod namin, pero para sakin, siya lang ang nakikita ko sa spotlight.
"I won, Miss." I said proudly, a smile spreading across my face.