Another year have passed, dad switched me to ABM strand which I'm so thankful. I don't have to worry about science too much that is not really my thing. But of course I still focus on my studies.

Along with my growing and growing career. I turned 18 months ago, and I also had my first runway modeling. It's for a local brand in the Philippines. And I remember how my friends reacted when I told them about it.

Ali was basically out of her head and literally jump on the couch in Lory's house. They were all nuts that time.

And when I tell Jiro, through the phone, he also gone nuts. But not as crazy as my friends. He just screamed in excitement that he said neighbors started looking at him.

And on the day of that runway, I was of course pretty nervous. I was the youngest among of all the models there. And the stress backstage is very different from usual photo shoots.

I had to change into 4 different clothes. My first walk was nice, I was complimented by almost all of the model. They were very nice actually. They told me that it is important to compliment the new runway models because they know how it feels to do the first time. So I take that as a lesson that I'll do to the future runway models as well.

And as I change into the other 3 clothes, I got more and more confident and I loose the tense in my body.

And when that runway actually ended. That's when my manager's email blew up. She said many brands and company started messaging and contacting her. And want to get me as their endorser or model.

And we didn't waste any opportunity. I missed a whole month of classes because a whole month on Manila. Doing photoshoots, commercials, and promotions.

I just hit  millions of followers on all of my social media. I had my first interview on a famous Filipino talk show. Which my friends said that really stayed up late just to watch that episode.

After that interview I got a cameo at a afternoon teleserye which Ali said that the whole school stopped  classes just to watch my part. And when they saw me, they said the whole classroom gone wild.

My scene there is that I'm just a soft girl asking for direction to the lead actor. It was a nice experience.

Actually, everything was nice. Everything is perfect and dream come true. The things I did not thought I'll do, i now do them with all confidence and happiness. The crowd, the people, the cameras, the fans. Everything, I didn't thought I will be able to face those large crowds before. But now, I love them.

"Here Laura, test paper mo sa math, 40 items yan, you only have 30 minutes to answer that since you have an interview in few minutes." Ms. Ava said, I immediately pick the papers up and started answering.

Gladly I was still able to review about this last night. Even tho I missed the discussion about this. I was able to search it up online and study about it.

I just had problems in few items and questions. I skipped those numbers and continue to answer the others. But when my time is about to run out, I just picked C for Christ for the 3 numbers and I stand up.

"I'm done Ms. Ava." I said and hand her the papers and the pen.

She smiled at me and reached for the paper, "Good. English naman sagutan mo mamaya after ng interview. Kayang-kaya mo 'yon, piece of cake lang sayo yon." She said making the both of us chuckle. My make up artist and hair stylist run to me to give my make up some re-touch and fixed my hair.

Ms. Ava just stand there, watching the make up artists and hairstylist fix my hair and make up. When the two pull away Ms. Ava smiled.

"Okay, perfect, let's go." She said and I nod. We leave the dressing room and walk through the hallway of the building and go to the studio.

I sing for my intermission number and dance as well. But since I'm not a dancer like Ali and Lory, it was just full of simple steps. I just used my visuals since that's the only thing I can do. But I sing live tho. And I must say that's the only bit of talent I have. But I rather not talk about it.

The hosts interviewed and talked to me for few minutes. And I must say I'm pretty used to it already. The interview did not take that much time and I'm already back at the backstage.

"Laura you only have 20 minutes to answer this exam paper, are you okay with it or you want to answer it sa dressing room nalang ulit while you're having your make up done?" Ms. Ava asked, I smiled at her and nod once before she hand me the test paper.

English is almost like my first language, I'm not really used to speaking to Filipino but I can still understand the language. Of course I live in the Philippines. It's just I find speaking in English easier.

"Done!" I happily said and close the pen, I handed it to Ms. Ava and stand up.

"We're going na po?" I ask and she nods. We head out of the dressing room together with our stuffs. We leave the building and ride my van going to another building for a photo shoot of a make up brand.

"Not sure pero ang sabi ng mga photographers ay your shoot will most probably take only an hour. So galingan mo, amaze them, and we are going to your last schedule today." Ms. Ava said while we are on the van. I just nod while scrolling through my Instagram feed.

I saw Ali's post of her wearing a majorette costume, she probably have another performance. I'm scrolling when I stopped on Lory's post. It's a picture of a coffee in a white mug. But the background is kinda suspicious. I don't remember they have that kind of background at their house. A plywood? They're probably having something under construction.

I just shrug and continue to scroll. Minutes later we arrived at the building. And as the usual, they remove my make up just to put on make ups from the brand I'm going to endorse.

"Bagay na bagay sayo yung red lipstick Laura." My make up artist said. I smiled at her and mouthed a 'thank you' as she continue to put on the lipstick while my hair is getting curled.

I changed into some white off shoulder dress that I find too tight but it looks good. It hugs my body so well.

"Wow, sabi ko na nga ba! Babagay talaga sayo yan." Ms. Ava complimented, I smiled at her and faced the vanity mirror. I put on some red heels that match the dress. We head out the dressing room and started the shoot.

I held more 20 kinds of make ups, I lost count at 20 since almost every 5 shots they make me hold to a different one. This one isn't as tiring as other. The whole shoot I'm only wearing that one same dress so we I don't have to chance and change.

Just like what Ms. Ava said, the shoot only took an hour. The shoot ended at 4pm, and Ms. Ava let me go home early. I know I still have shoots and tapings tomorrow that's why I head home immediately.

"Your grades this time are going good, I'm proud of you." Dad said, as he saw me enter the house.

I faintly smile, "Told you I'll be better when you switch me to ABM. Science is not really my thing." I said while taking of the laces of my shoes.

Dad slowly walk towards me, "Have your mom told you already?" Dad ask, I stopped on what I'm doing and look at him, I squinted my eyes as I try to think of what could mom have tell me.

"No, why? What is it?" I ask, dad smiled and shake his head.

"I'm gonna let your mom tell you, you should head to your room now. I know your tired. Have you eaten already?" Dad ask and I shake my head.

"Please ask the maids to bring me dinner and a cup of tea, thank you." I said and head upstairs.

When I entered my room I immediately put down my bag and lay down on my bed. I pick up my phone to text Jiro.

To Jiro:
I'm home, done with shoots, I'm having my dinner in few minutes. How about you? How's your day?

After I hit send, I put down my phone and sigh. Ali once told me that Jiro won another game in his school. I'm proud that he is still keeping up his chess. And his studies, he told me that his teachers are pushing him to take an exam to UP. And I think that's a good idea.

He's really a smart student. He even once help me with my science subject when I was still in STEM. I know if he take the exam he will pass.

My phone beeped and I pick it up.

From Jiro:
My day is good, kakain kami na lola maya-maya.

I smiled and type a reply.

To Jiro:
Have you made up your mind about sa entrance exam? I can help you sa finances.

From Jiro:
No need, I'm saving up, I already have 3 thousand, I still have few months to save up. I'm taking the exam.

I smiled and I sat up on my bed as I read his reply.

To Jiro:
That's great! You have my full support! I know you can pass the exam!

From Jiro:
I hope so too, I heard your friend is taking the exam too.

To Jiro:
Yeah, it's Ali and Gwen actually.

From Jiro:
Mhmm, okay. How about you? Ateneo just like what you told me?

To Jiro:
Yeah, at least if you pass the exam, when I'm here in Manila, you're closer to me .

From Jiro:
Yes, that's good.

I flinch when a knock is heard on my door. I immediately stand up and open the door for the maid who have my food. I ask her to put it on my table. When she leave I closed the door and immediately went back to my phone.

To Jiro:
Uh hey, I'm going to eat my dinner. Love you!

From Jiro:
Okay, love you too!

After I read his reply, I sat down in front of my food and eat. It's beef steak and some lettuce and other veggies which is good.

But I wasn't able to finish the salad so I just put it at the side. And I decided to call mom to know what is ad talking about.

I was waiting for few minutes when she answered the call.

"Hey mom!" I greeted, she smiled at the screen.

[Hey Kass, how's  your day? Your shoots?] She ask and I slowly nod.

"It's fine mom, I'm good. How about you?" I ask, wanting to badly go to the topic already.

[I'm okay Kass. Mom is fine.] she said and I nod.

"So.. dad told me that you have something to tell me. What is it?" I ask, then mom suddenly laugh.

[Dad mo talaga, gusto ko sana gawing surprise but since sinabi na niya, I'm going home sa next month.] she said, my eyes widened and I look at my table calendar. It's January now! She's going home!? After years!? Finally!?

"Really mom!? Finally! I miss you so much!" I excitedly said. Clapping and almost jumping. Finally! I miss her so much! She left when I was on 8th grade, and now, finally! She's coming back!

[Yes sweetie, mommy is finally coming back.] she said and I clapped.

"That's a good news mom! I'm so excited!" I said and mom smiled.

[Me too, ang tagal tagal na kitang hindi nakita. I miss you so much.] she said and I smile.

"I miss you too mom." I said.

[May gagawin ka pa ba anak? Homework? Schoolwork?] she ask and that's when I realize I have to answer some activities in other subjects.

"Yes mom, I have, should we end the call that quick?" I ask,

[May sasabihin ka pa ba anak?] she ask.

Well wala na siguro I will tell her the things that I want to tell. Or things that happens to me, when I have shoots and interviews. She try her best to watch me online.

I shake my head, "Wala na po Mom, I'll end the call now. Bye! Love you!" I said and blow a kiss to the screen.

[Bye anak, love you too!]

I ended the call and stand up. I took a body wash and my night routine before starting on my schoolworks. It ended around 9pm and I immediately head to sleep.

The next morning, I take a shower and did my morning routine. The maids already know that I don't eat breakfast here so once I head down my sandwiches are already packed.

I ride the van and head to the company.

"Today Laura you only have 3 schedules left, so that means... you can go home to Tagkawayan." I stopped walking when I hear Ms. Ava said that.

"Really Ms. Ava!? You sure!?" I ask and she smiled. I hold myself from jumping in excitement and continue to walk towards the dressing room.

Finally! I've been staying here for weeks now. That's why my test papers are just sent to me online. And we just print it out.

The shoots today did not take too long. It's just a fabric conditioner, some accessories and the dress of the company. My shoots ended exactly at 3pm. That's why I'm here now, leaning on the swivel chair and swirling around.

"Baka mahilo ka." I stopped the chair and look at Ms. Ava. she have some papers on her hand and other things.

"Before you go home, I want to tell you something." She said before pulling a chair near me.

"What is it po?" I ask.

Then she hand me the papers. "Well, I know you've heard about the 4 models from our company that got sent to New York, and since you're 18 now, the company is having thoughts on sending you there. Will you?" She said, my eyes widened and I look at the papers.

It's a contract for the modeling in New York. It's like a branch of our company there. Oh Gosh!

"Wait, is this true!? Seryoso po kayo!?" I ask and Ms. Ava nods.

"Well, gusto ng kumpanya na ipadala kana don. Kasi mas marami ang opportunities don. Pero siyempre your choice. Pero sayang diba? You can also take your college there." She said and I slowly nod.

I pursed my lips and hand her back the papers. "Wala naman pong deadline yung pag-iisip ko diba?" I ask and Ms. Ava chuckled.

"Of course! Nasa akin lang ito, hingin mo sa akin kapag gusto mo bang pirmahan. Okay?" She said and I nod.

"Good, now pwede ka nang umuwi." She said and I smiled. I leave the company and head to the parking where my driver is waiting with my stuffs.

—

"Uy! Kamusta!? Na miss ka namin!" Gwen immediately hugged me as they see me. I smiled at them and put my bag down on an empty seat.

"Si Ali dyan." Jax said, my mouth formed a small 'o', I was about to lift up my bag when I hear Ali's voice.

"Go lang, dito nalang ako sa isa." Kakadating lang niya ng classroom and she is probably following me a while ago before we reach the classroom.

She head to the other seat and put down her bag.

"So kamusta? Nakita kita sa brochure nung minsan, bagay sayo yung pink dress na 'yun." She said and I smiled.

"Thanks," I said and sit down.

"Uy, ano na, ga-graduate na tayo. Di ba tayo magkakaroon ng party?" Lory said,

"Di pwede sa bahay ha." Ali immediately said.

Napatawa si Tobi, "Grabe, wala pa nga." Tobi said.

"Fine, sagot ko venue. Pero makakadating ba kayo? And what about food? Sagot ko na ulit pastries." Lory said.

"Sige, sama ako, sa akin ang pasta." Jax said.

"Chick-

"Sa akin ang manok, tumahimik ka Tobias Emory, maghanap ka ng pwede mo dalhin." Gwen cut off. We burst into laughter as Gwen glared at Tobi.

Gosh, I miss them.

"Fine, ano sa akin, shanhai nalang tapos siomai." Tobi said. And we all nod.

Gosh my diet is in danger.

"Ice cream at graham cake sa akin." Ali said and Jax suddenly clapped.

"Yes! Graham cake superior!" Gwen said making us burst into laughter.

Ali clapped her hand and showed an okay sign, "Of course." Ali said.

I raised my hand, "Sa akin ay.. drinks? And uhm... nicknacks." I said and they nod.

"Sige sige, pero when?" Lory ask, and I saw Gwen point at me.

"We have a celebrity in the group. Her sched?" Gwen said.

My mouth formed a small 'o', "Ahm.. I'll ask my manager. Pero matagal pa naman ako bago bumalik. Nasa break ako. For a month." I explained.

"Yun naman pala eh! Edi no problem! Matagal pa pala. What if after namin mag take ng exams?" Ali said.

"Ay oo, after exams na lang." Gwen said and we finally agreed on the time and date.

Classes started and every teacher would compliment and congratulate me. I'm used to it already. It's not new.

The day passes so quick and the day is already done. Ali still have practices of band, Lory said she have things to do, and same goes to the others. So I immediately head home. When the van stopped in front of the house, my jaw dropped as I saw some people at our gate.

"Kuya, pakipasok na po yung van sa garage." I said and my driver nods.

Heck, that's creepy!

I immediately rush to the house and to my room. I was able to sigh in relief when j have entered my room. I put down my bag on my bed and sat on my swivel chair.

I pick up my phone and called Jiro. I miss his voice. I suddenly miss the days that I'm just an ordinary person.

While waiting for him to answer I started going through my drawers. When I saw the bracelet that Jiro gave me when we got together. It's the bracelet that have magnets on it.

I smiled as I remember the memories years ago. I remember how shy I was towards him that time.

[Hey Laura, hows your day?] I snap back to reality when I heard his voice.

"Hey, I'm fine. How about you?" I ask,

[Im fine, just reviewing for the UPCAT.] he said and my mouth formed a small 'o'.

"Right, I'll end the call now. I just want to hear your voice. Continue reviewing. Bye!" I said and ended the call. I put down my phone and sigh.

"Gosh, you're the only guy who made my heart go weak like this. Goodluck sa UPCAT mo."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~•3•