Poisonous Beauty

Trigger warning: Sexual Assault. Sexual Harassment. Vulgar words.

****

  "RARA, be fierce!" the photographer demanded.

I did what he wanted. I tilt my head as my lips parted for a fierce yet alluring look. Both of my hands were crossed over my chest, slightly popping my bossom. My facial features were soft, but the make-up did a great job of turning my face into a bolder one.

"Perfect!" he says.

For the rest of the morning and early afternoon, I turned and posed in front of the photographer. Mabilis na lumapit sa'kin ang isa sa mga stylist para ayusin ang buhok ko habang pinapalitan nila ang pwesto ng stand light.

"Let's continue! Look at the camera and put your hands on your waist. Then, slightly lift your head sideways so that your jaw is emphasized in the camera," he demanded.

He came closer to me to correct the pose he wanted. The stylist quickly retouched my makeup before they all returned to their positions.

"There! Perfect!"

The flashes of the cameras were blinding my sight, but I remained on my post. I kept my posture and confidence throughout the shoot.

"Okay! It's a wrap!"

Everyone sighed in relief, including me. Finally, I could now breathe normally. Nagugutom na rin ako dahil kanina pa ako walang kain. I had to maintain the flatness of my tummy earlier, so I decided not to eat anything. I barely drink water, too, as it makes me bloated.

"Thank you, everyone!" The photographer said. "Especially you, Rara, for the good job!" He smiled widely at me.

I put my hand on my chest as I smiled back at him. "No, thank you, Jonathan, for taking good care of me," I said sweetly.

Mabilis akong nilapitan ni ate Molly, siya ang assistant ko ngayong araw. Inaya niya ako sa dressing room para makapagpalit. Nagulat ako nang madatnan ang mga bulaklak doon.

My road manager, Dani, widely smiled at me as she held her phone, taking a video of my reactions—probably for fans.

"These flowers were from your fans," she said.

Seriously?! It was just a shoot!

I smiled in awe, "Seriously? Thank you!" I said and smelled all the flowers.

"May isa pa pala,"

I looked at her as my lips parted. I couldn't talk, seriously? Ate Dani handed me another bouquet. This time, they're pink roses.

"What? Another one?" I asked, "From which fans club?"

"Hindi galing sa fans club ang isang 'to,"

"Kanino galing?" I asked, smelling the freshness of the roses.

"Galing sa best friend mo," aniya habang nakangiti.

My lips parted. Naghanap ako ng card sa loob ng bulaklak at nakakita nga ako, kaya binasa ko na.

Hey, Aphrodite,

I hope these flowers make you smile. Good luck with your shoot. I'm sure you'll do great!

Your Bestie,

Dustin Altamirano

I couldn't help but smile at the short yet impactful message from Dustin. Sinuksok ko pabalik ang card sa loob ng bulaklak.

"Thanks, ate Dani," I said gratefully.

"Sige lang, nak." Nakangiti 'to. "Magpalit kana at nakapagpareserve na ako sa isang restaurant. Kumain muna tayo bago umuwi,"

"Okay," I answered hungrily.

Nang maiwan ako mag-isa, nagbihis na agad ako. Nang makapagpalit na, naupo ako sa harapan ng vanity mirror at binasa ko ang mga cards na nasa bulaklak.

I looked up, and my eyes darted at the widely open door when I heard murmurs near my dressing room. I noticed a dress and a pair of heels standing outside my dressing room.

Nagpanggap akong walang alam.

"She's a liar! Is that her strategy? Tinago niya ang tunay na kulay ng buhok at mata niya dahil gusto niyang pag-usapan siya?"

"Baka ang gusto niya, siya palagi ang bida!"

"I know right! Siya na lang palagi ang bida at ang mga katulad natin, hinding-hindi siya mapapantayan! Iyan ata ang gusto niya iparating kaya't lahat ng mga endorsements sa kaniya napupunta!"

"What the fuck," curses escaped my mouth like an acid about to stink my skin.

I sighed and held myself on explaining everything they had said. Lahat naman ng sinabi nila, mali.

It's so hard to be a famous celebrity.

Even when you do something right, people hardly recognized it. But when you do something wrong, people will attack your entire existence as if you killed someone.

Mahirap magpakatotoo sa mundong puno ng mga taong hinihintay ka na magkamali at bumagsak... sa mundong ang tanging kakampi mo lang ay ang sarili mo.

That was the reason why I rather have one real friend than have a bunch of fake friends.

They didn't even do a single research about me.

I already explained in an interview why I had to hide my real hair and eye colour. Wala akong makukuhang projects kung masyadong agaw pansin ang buhok at mga mata ko.

Ako na mismo ang kausap ng mga direktor kapag may gusto silang ibigay na projects sa akin. Since I have foreign features, the least thing I could do was hide my eyes and hair colour by wearing contact lense and dyed my hair.

I sighed again, but this time it was louder. I saw them startled outside. As usual, they act as if they didn't gossip behind my back. They smile fakedly at me.

"Rara, hey!"

"Nandito ka pala! We didn't noticed you, girl!"

Oh, talaga? Edi sana pina billboard mo!

I smiled fakely, "Hi!"

Pretentious, that's what I've learned in showbiz. I must pretend that everything is okay. I must pretend that I didn't hear anything. I have to swallow the truth.

"You look pretty as always!" One of them said and walked inside the dressing room. "Ang laki ng dressing room mo. Ikaw lang mag-isa rito?"

"Yeah," I answered calmly.

I caught them looking at the flowers I just received from the fans. Their eyes scream jealousy and discontentment.

They caught me looking at them, but I just smiled lovingly. Mabilis silang nagpanggap na walang nangyari.

"You are so lucky! You have a lot of fans!"

"What's your secret to your success?"

I crossed my arms over my chest, "Well, I only focus on my growth. I always remind myself to be humbled..." I smiled widely.

"That's it?"

"Oh, I forgot. I don't talk shit behind other artists," I said, crossing my legs.

Their faces went sour with my answer. Obviously, they felt uncomfortable. As they should.

"A-alis na kami! Baka hinahanap na kami ni Sir Jonathan," paalam nila.

I smiled at them. "Okay, see you around!"

Mabilis silang lumabas sa dressing room at naiwan ako mag-isa. I scoffed after they left. Seconds later, ate Dani came in to fetch me.

As an actress and someone who has a huge fandom, hindi lang isang araw hinahanda ang birthday ko. For the whole week, it's considered my birthday.

I kept receiving presents, greetings and many more cakes. The cakes and food provided by the brands I worked with no longer fit in our fridge.

I already shared some food with the guards around our village. Even the street sweeper and side vendors outside our village, nabigyan ko na pero marami pa rin ang mga natira.

We had to buy another fridge to keep them all.

My birthday was on the 6th of July, still couldn't believe what happened last time when I celebrated my birthday with my best friend. Dustin surprised me with a yacht date. He even named his yacht after me!

I really appreciate him for surprising me.

I appreciate everything he does. He's too caring, genuine and cute. I love being his best friend.

Today, I'll be going to a small gathering with the crew of our upcoming series with Khael Licauco. Director Bobby invited me.

I wore a puff-sleeved pink skater dress that I partnered with my butterfly strap heels. My hair was in a French braid, which I did independently.

I sniffed my hair and couldn't help but giggle as I smelled strawberries and vanilla. Sinuot ko ang regalong necklace ni Rere para sa akin na binili niya sa Dubai.

I sprayed my perfume and the baby powder, and the sweet floral scent of perfume exploded in the air. I surveyed my look in the human-sized mirror and smiled.

"Bihis na bihis ang prinsesa ko, 'a!" Popsi greeted me with a wide smile. He was holding a smoking coffee. "May lakad ka ba, prinsesa ko?"

"Opo. I'll be going to the studio seven po. It's a small gathering with the team one,"

"Sige, ako na ang maghahatid sa 'yo, nak," Popsi offered.

"Sige po,"

Si Popsi na nga ang naghatid sa akin. Hindi ko na kailangan sabihin ang address dahil kabisado niya na 'to dahil ilang beses niya na akong naihatid doon noon.

"Sunduin kita mamaya," he said as the car stopped in front of studio. "Text mo ako, prinsesa ko, 'a. Nasa bahay lang naman ako't day off ko ngayon."

I nodded, "Opo, Popsi."

Bumaba na ako sasakyan at kumaway, hinihintay na umalis ito bago ako pumasok sa loob. The car drove away, and that was my cue to enter the studio. I gasped when I heard a blast.

Nagkalat ang confetti sa sahig. The pink and silver coloured balloons were on the floor. A cake immediately appeared in front of me. The crew immediately sang a happy birthday for me.

"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Rara!"

My eyes pooled with tears. I closed my eyes and blew the candle when they reached the end of the song. Then, I heard them clapped and cheer for me as I opened my eyes.

"Thank you!" I said gratefully. "Thank you so much, team! Direk Bobby, thank you po!" I brushed my tears.

Director Bobby smiled at me.

"You deserve everything, Rara. Your authenticity and genuine heart will bring you to more achievements in life," he said.

The crew started giving me their birthday messages. I smiled genuinely, feeling so grateful for all of their messages to me.

Khael wasn't here. Hindi ko alam kung hahabol siya o wala siyang balak dumalo. We don't really talk that much unless about work.

Nang oras na para sabihin ang mensahe ko, tumahimik silang lahat. I held the microphone and stood in the middle.

"First of all, I would like to thank all of you for this surprise. Sa maikling panahon na magkakasama tayo, masaya ako na magkakasundo tayong lahat. I'm grateful that I had the chance to work with you, guys. It was such an honour. So, thank you so much!"

Nagsipalakpakan ang lahat. Nagsimula kaming kumain nang mag-aya na sila. There's booze, too. But I told them I don't drink. They didn't force me to, which I appreciated. Sila-sila na lang ang uminom pero nakikisali ako sa usapan nila.

"Anyway, Rara, I have to tell you something."

"Ngayon na po?" I asked.

Director Bobby shook his head, "Hindi. Mamaya pa." I saw him finish the second bottle of booze. "We will talk in private,"

Mukhang pag-uusapan namin ang upcoming series namin ni Khael. Tumango ako habang may ngiti sa labi, "Sige po,"

Nagpatuloy kami sa pagkain at kwentuhan. I excused myself when I felt my bladder was about to explode. I marched towards the comfort room and did my thing. Nang matapos, naghugas ako ng kamay at nagretouch ng make up.

"Direk!" I uttered when I bumped into Direk Bobby.

He smiled at me. Namumula na ang mga pisngi niya't mga mata sa kalasingan. Marami ang nagkakagusto kay Direk Bobby dahil binata pa at gwapo. He was only in his mid 30's.

Kaya nga't marami ang may gustong makatrabaho siya dahil umaasa silang mapansin nito... pero hindi ako kasama roon. Because director Bobby himself chose me and Khael to lead his new creation.

"Okay lang po kayo?" I asked.

"Yup! Let's talk now, Rara. Follow me," he said.

I nodded and followed him, which I wish I didn't because this decision caused fear in my peaceful life.

A gasp escaped my lips when Direk Bobby grabbed my hand and pinned me against the wall. My body immediately trembled in fear, and my eyes immediately poured tears when he leaned over on my face.

I pushed him away but my hands were suddenly too weak. Iniiwas ko ang mukha at katawan ko ngunit kinulong niya ako sa pagitan ng magkabilang binti niya habang ang magkabilang braso ay nasa baywang ko.

"Direk Bobby!" I shouted, but he didn't listen.

"Stay still!" he hissed.

I shivered in fear when he touched my curves, up to the side of my bossoms, down to my thighs.

"Noon pa man, tangina, gustong-gusto na kitang tikman. Pero napakarami mong bantay noon... ngayong wala, let me have a taste on you, mhmm?"

"N-no! Please, stop..." hikbi ko nang maramdaman ang labi niya sa leeg ko.

I squirmed with his grip, but he was too strong. Sa sobrang lakas niya, nasira niya kaagad ang suot kong damit. I wanted to hide my almost naked body, but he gave me a strong punch right on my abdomen.

"H-help. . ." Nanghihina kong sambit. I feel the rush of pain in my stomach. "T-tulong!"

Bumuhos muli ang isang timbang luha ko.

Hinihiling ko na sana may pumasok... please, someone, save me...

Iligtas niyo ako sa lalaking 'to.

"No one 's gonna help you, my dear..." He caresses my cheeks, and my skin shivers in fear. "Don't worry, Rara, magugustuhan mo rin ang gagawin ko sa 'yo."

Instead of answering, I scratched my nails on his face, causing it to bleed.

His face darkened with my move. Direk Bobby grabbed my jaw with force before I felt a sting on my face—he slapped me!

"I told you to fucking stay still!" he shouted in my face. I sobbed hard.

His face softened, and I felt his hand on my cheeks.

"Hush... don't worry, after this, mas pasisikatin pa kita. Gusto mo 'yon?"

I shake my head frantically. "Kahit huwag na! Please, let me go, Direk! Help me!" I kept pushing him, hoping that I'd be able to run from him.

He didn't listen to my plea.

Instead, he cupped my thighs with his smirking face and was about to raise the skirt of my dress when I successfully grasped a vase and slammed it to his face.

Napaatras siya't natulala sa ginawa ko. Mabilis na dumugo ang noo niya't kasama ang ilong dahil doon dumapo ang plorera.

My hands and body were trembling, yet my blood was boiling to the tilt.

"Putangina mo!" I shouted angrily.

I covered my body and grabbed my bag before going out of that place. Sa back door ako dumaan dahil natatakot akong may makakita sa akin at iba ang isipin nila.

My heart was beating fast, scared to death that he might follow me.

I wasn't able to text Popsi anymore because I was panicking so badly. I hailed a cab, and finally, luck was on my side when I saw the driver was a woman.

Humagulgol ako at hindi na nagawang ayusin ang sarili nang makarating sa bahay.

I feel disgusted!

I was almost... raped. I was sexually harassed. I was sexually assaulted.

I heard footsteps coming my way. I got alerted and grabbed the vase on the coffee table as my eyes became unsteady.

"Rashaiah? Prinsesa ko, bakit ka umiiyak? 'Di ba ang sabi ko sa 'yo susunduin kita? Anong nangyari?"

My fear slowly wavered when I saw my father marching down the stairs. His face was filled with worry.

"P-popsi..." I cried his name.

He sat beside me, looking so confused yet worried at the same time.

"Bakit, anak? Sinong nagpaiyak sa prinsesa ko?"

A sob escaped my lips.

"I-I was almost raped. I was sexually assaulted and harassed..." I confessed while sobbing.

His eyes widened in fraction. Robinhood Morrison froze in his spot.

"H-he told me he needs to talk to me in private. I thought it would be about our upcoming series, but no. H-he locked the door and pinned me against the wall. I-I begged him to let me go... but he touched me... he punched and slapped my face. Direk Bobby kissed me."

The moment he heard what happened to me, Popsi fell to his knees and tears streamed down his face. Ang simpleng pag-iyak niya'y naging hagulgol.

"Putangina! I'll fucking kill that motherfucker!" The muscles on his jaw clenched.

Popsi stood up and marched upstairs.

I covered my face with both hands and cried harder. The pain in my heart was overflowing, and it was hard for me to breathe.

Tumingala ako nang marinig ang yabag ni Popsi. My eyes widened, and my body trembled when I saw him carrying a rifle. Marahas niya 'yong kinasa.

"Papatayin ko ang putanginang direktor na 'yon!"

My legs were trembling, but I used all my strength to run and hug him at the waist. I shook my head frantically.

"Popsi, no..." My voice shook more. "I-I'm so scared... Don't do this, please. "

He was sobbing hard.

"H-hindi pwede! Sinaktan niya ang prinsesa ko... sinaktan ka niya! Hayaan mo na ako, anak... papatayin ko ang tarantadong 'yon! He laid a finger on you, I can't tolerate that bullshit!"

My grip on his waist tightened as my whole body was shaking in fear. My heart is pounding so loud in fear and tension.

"P-popsi, huwag na. N-natatakot ako. A-ayoko mag-isa..." I sobbed and hugged him tighter.

Nasulyapan ko ang unti-unting pagluwag nang pagkakahawak ni Popsi sa rifle. I suddenly felt his strong arms embrace me. His lips were on the top of my head.

"S-sorry, prinsesa ko..." he whispered. "P-pinangako ko sa Momsi mo na po-protektahan kita, pero hindi ko nagawa. K-kung b-binantayan kita nang maigi, k-kung hindi kita hinayaan na pumunta sa pesteng gathering na 'yon, h-hindi ka pagsasamantalan ng putang inang direktor na 'yon."

"P-popsi..." I called him in a heart-wrenching tone.

He moved away from me and cupped my soaking my face.

"I-I'm sorry, my princess. Popsi failed to protect you..." He cried harder.

I shook my head repeatedly as he kept apologizing to me, and I just stood there, crying. The wrecking sounds of our sobs filled the living room.

╰┈➤ Author's Note:

Now, the secret is out!

This is Rara's reason for leaving without saying goodbye to Dustin and the reason for her hiatus! Rashaiah may have the most perfect life and captivating beauty, but she isn't perfect.

She also has flaws, imperfections and skeletons in her closet.

So, guys, malapit na dumating ang asawa ko, este si Dwight. Stay tuned!

love u, pinks!