In a room full of people there are a few who shines without exerting any effort, there are wallflowers, there are ones who are undecided about their future, there's who thinks about what they'll do once the day is over. Those are the few types of people that we meet and see, and there are plenty more.

Though there might be a specific type that we're forgetting. Inside a room there's a person who is still waiting to shine, a late bloomer. One that had already too much failure, keeps questioning themselves if they're in the right path, if they should even pursue what their hearts says or should they even finish the path they have begun. A person full of insecurities because they think they're not good enough whenever they see people do things they do better.

"Ms. Castillo are you listening?!" Agad na dumilat ang dalawang mata ni Avrielle nang marinig niya ang pagtawag ni Ms. Almeda sa apilyedo niya.

Nakalimutan niya, nasa klase nga pala siya at mukhang nakatulog rin. About saan nga uli 'yung discussion ni ma'am?

"Nakikinig po ako ma'am." She answered while crossing her fingers thinking of goodluck. Kung ano mang itatanong ni ma'am ay sana lang masagot niya. Ms. Almeda is the type of teacher na ipapatawag agad ang parents mo kahit napaka-simple lang naman ng ginawa mo. In short, a terror one who does disciplinary actions as well.

"Then answer my question kung nakikinig ka talaga sa akin, Ms. Castillo." She eyed her sharply, 'yung tingin na akala mo pwede nang makahiwa ng parte ng katawan ng tao.

Avrielle roamed her eyes around the class, they were all looking at her which is already expected, sigurado naman siyang naghihintay silang mapahiya siya. But then an angel went down on earth to save her, buti nalang magkalayo sila ni George ng upuan. Her best friend who sat on the middle row slightly raised her iPad habang nakabukas ang notes app niya, kitang-kita ng dalawang mata niya ang nakasulat doon and that was Ms. Almeda's question at sa ibaba ng tanong na 'yun ang sagot. Way to go George!

She balled her hand into a fist and raised it up to her mouth to fake a cough. Gesture muna ng konti tapos yayabangan niya si Ms. Almeda na parang akala mo nakikinig talaga siya.

"Marcelo Hilario del Pilar y Gatmaitán, commonly known as Marcelo H. del Pilar and also known by his pen name Pláridel, was a Filipino writer, lawyer, journalist, and freemason. Del Pilar, along with José Rizal and Graciano López Jaena, became known as the leaders of the Reform Movement in Spain. He is considered as the founder of Philippine Journalism." She answered very clearly without missing a beat, or should she say read it without stuttering.

Ms. Almeda looked at her in a surprised manner, mukha nga siyang statue sa harapan dahil napatigil siya ng konti. She shook her head off as if she's already dismissing the thought then eyed her again but the sharpness from before was gone. The teacher's eyes were gentler and with approval.

"Well said Ms. Castillo, nakikinig ka naman pala and you even gave new information. I shouldn't be really surprised, you're a running candidate for valedictorian after all." Ms. Almeda shrugged her shoulders and Avrielle could not hide her smile because that was such a high praise coming from the Ms. Almeda. She's very hard to please, sobrang strict ba naman niya.

"A running valedictorian candidate whose also a trying hard journalist."

The whole class went silent like the dead. Her eyes immediately locked with another classmate's eyes. She sat on her chair with crossed legs, her back straight not even touching the backrest, with her fingertips were drumming against the table. Avrielle's eyes never left hers and hers never left Avrielle's, she was looking at her boldly, sending a message that she's not backing down and she's ready to fight.

"Pardon me, Ms. Ramos?" Ms. Almeda called out as she tips her eyeglasses, giving her student a stern look.

She pulled her eyes away from Avrielle's and covered her mouth with her hand, gasping as if she was unaware of what she was doing.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Ms. Almeda. I was merely stating facts." Binigyan niya ng matamis na ngiti si Ms. Almeda na parang akala mo isa siyang inosenteng tao.

Tinaasan siya ng kilay ni Ms. Almeda, a silent gesture that tells her to continue.

"Kasi naman po Miss, we all know that Avrielle is a trying hard journalist. Ilang beses na po bang sumablay 'yung mga stories niya sa school paper?" She mockingly laughed as her eyes looked slightly at the side. "I mean, dapat ba siyang maging valedictorian? A person who isn't even credible to be one?"

"And what makes you think you're also credible, Ms. Ramos? You're far from having the award yet don't feel too confident." Ms. Almeda's words striked through her students heart, like thin sticks slowly piercing her where it hurts.

"Ms. Almeda, I am very much credible to be valedictorian of this batch unlike Avrielle. My achievements says it all and my records can prove themselves. Ikaw nalang ang mapapagod magbasa at isa-isahin sa dami. Avrielle may have done the same but she does not hold anything against me especially if we're talking about the contributions in the journalism club." A scoffed left her lips, slowly turning her head to Avrielle's chair. "Alam naman kasi ng lahat what a trying hard loser she is. Kung hindi donor and dad niya dito she'll be kicked out of the club in no time."

"Sumusobra ka na ah!" George pointed a finger at her from her chair.

"Enough." Ms. Almeda yells causing a sting in their ears. Tumingin muli ito sa studyante niya ng matalim. "Ms. Ramos what you're doing is bullying and that kind of behaviour is strictly prohibited inside the campus. It does not matter if a person is trying too hard, at the very least they are trying to become more better," crossing her arms, Ms. Almeda lifts her chin, her eyes looking steely as she sets them on her student. "Your achievements does not claim you a better one. Marami ka pang kailangang ipakita at patunayan, so don't claim yourself as if you're the most credible one to be valedictorian." The bell rings as she says those words and that made her pick up her things from the table. "Alam ko namang hindi makakarating ang parents mo kahit ano pang patawag ang gawin ko sa kanila so I will see you after class, Ms. Ramos. Do not try to ditch me if you still want a clean record." Ms. Almeda turns her figure away, strutting out of the classroom with her head held high, the heels of her shoe clicking against the stone cold floor.

As their teacher goes the class began to broke in murmurs like buzzing bees and it was irritating. Avrielle can feel their eyes on her back and that wasn't new anymore, simula palang naman ganito na sila, lalong lalo na si Bianca.

"Masaya ka na? Pinahiya mo na naman ako Avrielle." Hearing those words caused her brow to lift. Puta, seryoso ba?

"Ako pa talaga ang gina-gaslight mo Bianca? Hindi kita pinahiya, ikaw ang gumawa ng way para mapahiya ang sarili mo." Today's events were too much for her and she is not the type of person who would hold back her own tongue lalo na't alam niyang nasa tama siya. "For once Bianca can you owe up to your mistake? Malinaw sa lahat na you dug your own grave. Huwag mong isisi sa ibang tao ang pagkakamali mo. Kung ayaw mo palang napapahiya pag-isipan mo maigi ang mga sinasabi mo."

Bianca stood up from her chair, walking over to where Avrielle. "Masyado ka kasing trying hard, I just had to put you in place."

"Anong kinalaman non sa nangyari sa'yo?" Avi rolled her eyes as she swings her bag to her shoulder. "I know where my place is Bianca and that is above you. Kahit pa sobrang dami mong achievements you still belong here," she points at the floor. "And I belong there," pointing upwards. "Kahit ano kasing gawin ko, kahit pumalpak ako mas pinipili mong maging insecure sa kagaya ko. Ciao, Bianca!" Avrielle went on to give Bianca air kisses sabay talikod para puntahan si George na naghihintay na sa kanya sa pintuan ng classroom nila.

"Kahit ano pang gawin mo Avrielle you'll still be a failure. Good luck finding another story that will fail." Pahabol ni Bianca bago pa man tuluyang makalayo si Avi.

Bianca Ramos is an example of a spoiled brat whose parents aren't always around but they give her everything she wants. She is the school's it girl, popular, matalino, talented, everything you can think of, she has it all. Sabi ng iba mabait, sabi ng iba napaka-maldita na kayang sirain ang buhay mo. Hindi totoo ang mabait based on Avrielle's point of view. The moment she and Bianca met, napakainit na ng dugo nito sa kanya. She was a transferee during her second year of highschool and that's when she met Bianca. Welcoming naman ito nung una not until she beat her ass in a school competition and that's where the hatred had happened.

Ayaw na ayaw ni Bianca na natatalo o di kaya nalalamangan. Anong magagawa ng isang katulad ni Avrielle? She wanted to make her parents proud, gusto niyang umalis sa eskwelahan with the highest honors she can get. Hindi niya kasalanan kung ganon siya. Although she's not really good at things kagaya ng sabi ni Bianca. Avrielle was a trying hard journalist, sumali siya sa club nung may opening ito and apparently Bianca is also a member, and for the years she was active in the club she has never brought up a good story. Palaging palpak. Either her story was too common, too overused, too cliche, or most would say, napaka-boring.

Avrielle struggles in achieving her dreams at iyon ay maging isang journalist. She was already in her last year of senior high school and college is just up ahead. Ang akala niya talaga abot kamay niya na pero hindi. She was too far from reaching those dreams lalo na ngayong senior high palang siya ay hindi niya pa napapatunayan ang sarili niya.

"Huy, Avi," George elbowed her to catch her full attention.

Hindi napansin ni Avi na nasa cafeteria na sila, kailangan pa nilang bumaba ng dalawang floor at maglakad ng medyo malayo-layo para lang makarating dito. Did she think for that long?

"Don't tell me affected ka sa mga sinasabi ni Bianca?" George gave her an almost disappointed look.

"Hindi..." Avi bit her lower lip. "Medyo?"

George blew out a frustrated breath. "Saan ba pinanganak ang babaeng 'yun at lahat nalang ng sinasabi kayang makaapekto sa pag-iisip ng isang tao?" Shaking her head, George held Avrielle's wrist. "Sa labas na tayo kumain, puno na 'yung cafeteria."

"Okay." Avrielle answers as she allows herself to be pulled by her best friend.

Georgina Rodriguez who prefers to be called George, Gi, definitely not Gina, or simply G, is Avrielle's bestest friend. Sabi ng mga nanay nila hindi pa daw sila pinapanganak they already knew they'd make the best of friends. They were inseparable ever since they were babies, naghiwalay lang sila nang lumipat sina Avi sa Singapore because of her father's business and George was left here in the Philippines. Moving places wasn't a reason for them not grow apart, minsan uuwi sina Avrielle sa Pilipinas at minsan naman sila George ang pupunta sa Singapore, or they'll just use skype or facebook to talk to each other.

That used to be their routine until Avi's family decided to remain in the Philippines for good which is a win-win situation for the two dahil hindi na muli silang maghihiwalay. It was also convenient for them to be in the same school, hanging out all the time, being in the same club, having the same interests as well. Avi and George have a lot on common, ang naiba lang talaga George was a sunshine gal, befriending almost everyone in the campus as well as their teachers, crush ng bayan, loved by all, she was never caught fighting with someone with the exception of Bianca, and she brings out the happiness in people. That was Georgina for you.

And then there was Avrielle Castillo... The transferee student who's very competitive, won't stop at any obstacles that comes in her way, ang kaaway ni Bianca sa lahat, and most of all, the trying hard loser. It doesn't matter to anyone how many achievements does Avi get. For them she was just a trying hard loser na pilit pinapatunayan ang sarili para lang pumalpak uli. That was her, Avrielle Castillo a trying hard loser.

"Itatapon ko talaga sa'yo 'tong kape ko kapag hindi mo pa rin tinigil 'yang pag-iisip mo sa mga sinabi ni Bianca kanina." Avi's train of thought dissipates as Gi talks again.

Nakaupo silang dalawa sa window seat ng McDo, parehong hinihintay ang order nila for lunch. They don't usually eat at fastfood chains, restaurants, or carinderia's near or inside their school dahil pinapabaunan naman sila ng mga parents nila, today was just a different day dahil wala silang baon so they have no choice but to eat outside.

"Kinalimutan ko na 'yun," she waved her hand to completely dismiss the topic. "Ang iniisip ko lang ngayon ang magiging bagong story ko for the paper."

Sipping her iced coffee, George releases the straw from her lips and it drops on her drink, similar to a person whose bouncing on a trampoline.

"Hopefully we'll find a good one for you this time. Para naman may reason akong isampal kay Bianca ang school paper," she laughed.

"Speaking of story, how's yours going?" Avi removed the lid of her drink to take the straw and use it to eat the ice cream off of her McFloat.

"Proposal ni Ms. Flores 'yung nasa photos ko. Kaloka 'yung fiance niya no? Sa mismong school naisipang mag-propose." George snorted, pulling her phone out of her pocket to show Avi the pictures. She is also a member of the journalism club and she's in photography journalism. "About sa cheerleading team sana ang ilalagay ko diyan pero ang sabi ni Mr. Torres mas okay daw 'yang proposal kasi maraming students daw ang kinilig."

"Ganito naman ang mga gusto nila e, romantic stories and keme keme."

George rolled her eyes, pulling her phone towards her. "Ewan ko ba, hindi ako kinilig nung nakita ko 'to tapos ako pa mismo ang witness kasi nandon ako nung time na nangyari 'to. Siguro dahil naisipan talagang mag-propose nung boyfriend niya sa mismong school? Why not other places?" She took a sip from her drink again, tapping the screen of her phone to check her socials.

"Trip kasi nila 'yun, Gi. Tapos naman na e and Ms. Flores already said yes kaya siguro masaya rin siya."

Their order finally came and they both thanked the crew who had served them. Nag-simula na silang kumain habang nag-uusap sa mga topics or stories na pwedeng gamitin ni Avi sa school paper. While talking they were both using their phones to find some stories that can be used by Avi for the school paper.

It's not like Avi is a failure, medyo lang naman. Paano ba naman kasi, never pang napunta sa headlines ang mga stories or articles na isinusulat niya or nakukuha niya. They're always placed at the most uninteresting page of the paper na hindi naman talaga binabasa ng lahat. Laging sinasabi ng mga tao sa kanya na she should quit and pursue different things kung saan talaga siya magaling. Ano bang magagawa nila? Journalism ang isinisigaw ng puso niya e. They cannot dictate what she can or cannot do. Their opinions does not matter as long as she's happy with what she's doing.

"I've got nothing," Avi puts her phone back to her pocket, momentarily giving up in looking for stories. Tumingin siya kay George na abala pa rin sa phone, nakakunot ang noo nito at marahas na pinipindot sa screen ng phone nito. George is either chatting with her annoying brother, having a debate on the internet or school chats o di naman kaya pinagtatanggol niya uli si Jennie Kim sa bashers.

Avi shrugged her shoulders. Tumahimik nalang muna siya at kumuha ng isang pirasong french fry na kinain niya. She looked at the window beside her, the road from beyond was busy with different types of vehicles at parang hindi rin ito umuusad. Wednesday nga naman kasi ngayon, Baclaran Day, meaning maraming taong pumupunta ng Baclaran para mag-simba. Mukhang siksikan na naman sa LRT pag-uwi nila ni Gi, mamaya.

"Oh my god!" George exclaims, a reason why Avi shifts her gaze towards her. "You won't believe this pero my friend just told me na she overhead Ms. Almeda and Bianca talking earlier. May two weeks community service si ate mo for bullying you." Gi, cackles loudly, the moment was too precious for her. "I say deserve! Dapat nga suspension kung pwede e. Buti nalang marami-rami tayong vacant, makikita natin kung paano parusahan si Bianca."

Avi should be happy because of that, but she finds herself feeling blank.

"Don't tell me hindi ka masaya?"

Avi shook her head. "It's not like I'm not happy, deserve niya talaga 'yan for saying those things to me earlier pero..."

"Pero, ano?" Gi lifts a brow as she stares at Avi.

"Kahit naman parusahan si Bianca, her statements about me would never change kasi totoo naman," Avi's back slumped on her chair and then she released a long sigh. "Trying hard loser naman talaga ako. I've been in this school for five years already pero hanggang ngayon I'm still considered as a failure. Kahit pa siguro maging valedictorian pa ako, I'm still a trying hard loser."

"Trying hard loser who tries!" Gi points a finger at her. "Narinig mo ang sinabi ni Ms. Almeda, there's nothing wrong with trying. May kasabihan rin na try and try until you succeed and die. Ngayon ka pa ba susuko, Avi? Ikaw ang nagsasabi sa akin, the right timing will come for you, magiging headline rin ang story mo at makikilala na ng lahat ang galing mo."

Avi could not hide her smile. George was definitely right and she knows how to say the right words. Hindi siya pwedeng sumuko nalang basta-basta, if this is her dream then she has to chase it kahit ano pang mangyari.

"Avrielle Castillo does not give up!" Finally, she found the courage to say those words.

"Ayan ang best friend ko!" Gi proudly says, her chest brimming with pride that she managed to lift her best friend's hopes up. "Avrielle Castillo will be the next big thing in terms of journalism."

"Together with Georgina Rodriguez who is the best journalist photographer." Avi added.

Both of them laughed in unison. Medyo malakas pa nga ang tawa nila, like hyenas that were joyful because they found their prey. They silenced themselves into giggles dahil pinagtinginan na sila ng mga tao sa loob ng McDo. Their dynamic duo was just to die for, lifting each other's asses up, achieving things together and most importantly their bond, like teammates, like sisters, and they were both heroes.

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

The way home was dreadful for Avi. Sobrang siksiksan sa loob ng LRT na kulang nalang maging magkamukha na sila ng mga tao na kasabay nila ni George. Still, she got home safe and that was what's important. George was still on her way home dahil magkalayo sila ng bahay na inuuwian. As much as gusto ng parents nilang dalawa na malapit ang mga bahay nila, hindi pwede dahil may sariling bahay at lupa sila Avi sa isang subdivision and that was a gift by her Tita Reg who she doesn't even know very personally.

"Nakauwi ka na pala." Avi was greeted by her mother, Veronica and their two home helpers who had boxes in their hands.

"Hi, ma." Avi went to her mother para mag-mano. "Kakauwi ko lang po, ano 'yan?" She asked pointing at the boxes they were holding.

"Deliveries ng final products na ready na for launching."

Avi nods her head as she takes a peek to see what's inside the boxes. Lipsticks ang laman ng mga boxes and they were in a very unique packaging, mukhang ibibigay ito ng mommy niya sa mga endorsers at influencers.

"Si daddy po ba nandito?" She asked, knowing completely well what's the answer.

Her mother only grinned following the shaking of her head. "She's with your Tita Reg."

The moment she heard her Tita's name, umikot na ang mga mata niya sa inis.

"Avrielle." Veronica called her daughter out for her behaviour. "Nag-usap na tayo tungkol diyan. Your dad has work with your Tita Reg, alam mo na 'yan."

"Palagi nalang kasi siyang may work with my Tita Reg who I don't even know personally." Hindi na maitago ni Avi ang inis niya. "How did she even became my Tita when I don't really know her?"

"I told you, best friend siya ng dad mo and I'm her close friend."

Avi snorts. "Sobra naman yata na lagi silang magkasama ng best friend niya, mom. Aren't you jealous na they're always together? Dad rarely comes home these days, sigurado ka bang work related talaga ang ginagawa nila?" Disrespectful it may seem, but Avi could not filter her words. She was curious about this matter. Palaging sinasabi ng mommy niya na trabaho ang ginagawa ng daddy kasama ang tita niya kaya bihira itong umuwi.

"I don't have a reason to be jealous, Avi. Your dad and your Tita Reg are only friends. Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa'yo na trabaho ang ginagawa ng daddy mo? He's doing this for you, to give you a better future. Bumabawi naman siya sa'yo when he has the time. Kailangan lang talaga siya ni Tita Reg mo ngayon."

Avi was frustrated, so frustrated na gusto niya na talagang awayin ang mommy niya. But she restrained herself from saying any more words. Tumango nalang siya at ngumiti sa mommy niya ng pilit.

"Sorry, ma. Nadala lang ako ng inis."

Venonica went on to hug her daughter, caressing her hair as she does. "Sorry rin kung medyo tumaas ang boses ko. Don't give your dad any doubts. Mahal niya ako, mahal ka niya, okay? Reg and him are nothing but friends. Trust your dad."

Again, she just nodded as an answer dahil wala naman siyang choice.

"Umakyat ka na at magpalit, kakain tayo pagbaba mo." Utos ng mommy niya.

Avi turned her heel away and climbed up the stairs. Agad siyang dumiretso sa kwarto niya at inilapag ang bag niya sa upuan ng study table niya. She went to her closet to pick some home clothes that she'll wear for the rest of the day. Her mind was still bothered by her Tita Reg na gaya ng sabi niya, hindi niya kilala ng personal.

Bata pa lang siya curious na siya kung sino ang tita niyang ito, she has never seen her nor even talked to her through phone. The only thing she knows is Reg is her dad's best friend, a close friend of her mom's and a rich individual. Paano niya nasabing mayaman? Her Tita Reg regularly gives her gifts on special occasions of her life, an example is this house which is named to her. Ito ang unang regalo ng tita niya noong ipinanganak siya. Some gifts were on her birthday, expensive gadgets, luxury bags, luxury clothes and items as well, and anything expensive that you could think of. That's how she knew her Tita Reg is rich. Lahat ng mamahaling bagay na pwede nitong ibigay sa kanya, ibinibigay niya.

Avrielle was confused by this, kasi kung makapagbigay ang Tita Reg niya akala mo anak siya. Though she was sure hindi naman siya anak ng tita niya dahil proven naman na anak siya ng mommy at daddy niya, she's a mixture of the two. Ang hindi niya lang maintindihan, bakit ganoon ito sa kanya. Wala ba itong mga anak na bibigyan niya ng mga bagay-bagay? Avi has no idea who Reg is. She tried to snoop through her mom and dad's phones to see if may pictures sila nito pero wala talaga. One time she asked her mom kung may pictures ba sila ng kanyang Tita Reg pero ang ipinakita lang nila ay nung time na bininyagan siya, her Tita Reg was there pero may suot itong scarf sa ulo at shades. That's it. Her Tita Reg was a mystery to her and it was a closed case.

Coming down from her room, agad siyang dumiretso sa dining room that was adjacent to their kitchen. Nandoon na ang mommy niya pati ang dalawa nilang kasambahay para kumain. Again, it was just the four of them, wala uli ang daddy niya dahil nga busy ito kasama ang Tita Reg niya. Avi dismissed her thoughts and merely sat down, binati niya ang dalawa nilang kasambahay na kapwa nanonood ng teleserye ni Valeria Valetin sa TV.

"Ilang beses ko bang uulitin sa'yo? Hindi nga kita mahal!" Valeria's character, Maricel says with full feelings. "Mahal ko ang kapatid mo Ruel, mahal ko si Barry."

Avi looks amused as she eats. Nakatutok kasi sa TV ang dalawa nilang kasambahay na sina Manang Lydia at ate Joy, and to her surprise, her mother was watching the show as well.

"Pinapanood mo na rin 'yan, ma?" Avi couldn't help but to ask. Madalas kasing Netflix ang source of entertainment ng mommy niya. Usually kasi busy ito dahil nga may cosmetics business na mina-manage ang mommy niya.

"Recently lang, si Manang kasi sabi maganda daw 'yung kwento at totoo naman nga. Maganda 'yung story plus magaling 'yung actress. Di na dapat ako magtaka kasi magaling naman talaga si Re- Valeria," Veronica suddenly panics at her uncalled word. Mabilis niyang isinubo ang kutsara na puno ng kanin sa bibig niya sabay nguya.

Avi looked at her with full skepticism. What was that about?

"Magaling talaga iyang si Valeria kahit noon pa! Nako, idol na idol ko iyan. Yung pelikula nila ni Nari Cortez ang pinakagusto ko e, ang akala nga namin noon mag-nobya silang dalawa," Manang Lydia giggles as she watches Valeria on screen.

Avi's jaw slightly dropped at what she heard. The Manang Lydia who has three kids expected two actresses to be together? Sounds fruity.

"Paano niyo naman po nasabing mag-jowa sila? Hindi ba pwedeng friends lang?" Avi could definitely not believe that came out from her own mouth.

"Nung una nabalita 'yan silang dalawa bilang mabuting magkaibigan hanggang sa may chismis na lumabas tungkol kay Nari, tomboy daw siya."

"Correct ko lang po kayo manang ha, tomboy is not the proper word to be used po kasi tumutukoy po 'yun sa pagdadamit o di kaya style ng isang tao. Ang tamang term po ay lesbian."

Manang Lydia nodded at the new information she had just learned. "Ay ganoon ba? Pasensya na Avi, gan'yan kasi ang mga tawag sa amin noon. Pero ngayon alam ko na kung ano ang tama."

Avi smiles at Manang Lydia. Only a few elderly people are willing to accept such new knowledge from people at her age. Madalas kasi ang iba mas pinipili alam nila at madalas rin na pagsasabihan ka pa kasi bakit mo nga ba sila itatama? Sila lang naman ang pwedeng tama.

"Tuloy niyo na po 'yung kwento niyo tungkol kay Valeria at Nari," Joyce was impatient, she wanted to hear the story that Manang Lydia was telling.

"Ayon nga, gaya ng sinasabi ko. May lumabas na chismis noon na si Nari ay isang lesbian. Kalat 'yun sa dyaryo e at alam ko may kopya pa ako non na nakatago sa bahay namin. Ipapasend ko sa anak ko mamaya para makita mo," Manang Lydia rubbed her bottom lip as she tries to remember. "May litrato sa dyaryo noon na bago pa maging artista iyan si Nari ay may karelasyon siya sa dati niyang trabaho, waitress kasi siya tapos na-diskubre siya ng isang manager at ayun nag-artista." Manang then sighs. "Sayang lang talaga kasi biglaan nalang ang pagkawala niya. Isa iyan si Valeria sa mga nagpahanap sa kanya e, matalik niya kasing kaibigan."

"Kaibigan nga lang ba talaga?" Joyce giggled.

"Best friends 'yang dalawang iyan. Tsaka ang daming naging boyfriend ni Valeria para siya'y maging isang lesbian." Manang Lydia shaked her head then continued on with watching the show.

Avi was now curious about this. She wasn't really a fan of Valeria Valentin but she knew her, who wouldn't? She's a darn good actress that's also known internationally. From the years she began watching TV, all she knew was Valeria and Nari are best friends like what Manang Lydia said. Tuwing may interview kasi ito sa TV ang palaging tanong dito ay tungkol kay Nari. Valeria would always express how she misses her dear friend and how she still has her hopes up that one day the said actress would show up. Pero ilang taon na ang lumipas, there was no signs of Nari Cortez, she was a mystery to everyone.

Avi's eyes landed at her mother who was quietly eating, hindi na ito nanonood, she looked like she was in deep thought. "Ma? Are you okay?"

Veronica lifterd her gaze towards her daughter and she smiles, completely masking the troubled look she had earlier. "Iniisip ko lang ang promotions sa new products, I'm okay."

Avi nodded her head. Kilala niya ng sobra ang nanay niya, hindi ito basta-basta magsasabi sa kanya kapag may problema ito. Her mother would rather keep it to herself than to burden her precious daughter. Avi once again looked at the TV screen where Valeria's crying face is showing then a switch in her mind suddenly flicked, lighting up the bulb that was almost burnt out.

"What if Valeria and Nari are in a relationship back then? That can happen, right?"

⊱ ──── {.⋅ ۵♡۵ ⋅.} ──── ⊰

After dinner, Avi did not waste any time to sit around and think of nothing. Agad niyang binuksan ang laptop niya at nag-search, she also reminded Manang Lydia about the newspaper, and she even texted George that a crazy idea suddenly popped into her mind.

Avi does not have the intention to use this for her story. May nakita na siya na student related at iyon ang ilalagay niya sa paper, she was just merely curious about the Valeria and Nari tandem. With Nari being a lesbian, the possibilities are so endless. Her phone pinged and she immediately checked it, it was a message from Manang Lydia who forwarded the picture of the newspaper.

"Oh wow." Avi blinked numerous times as she reads the words on the newspaper again. Grabe talaga 'yung deal sa mga ganitong topic noon, kahit ngayon naman but at least people are more open minded unlike before na big issue na sa kanila ang mga ganito.

Seeing this made Avi more curious so what she did next was log onto her twitter and tweet a question that she knows she'll get an answer to. Saan ba pumupunta ang mga taong may tinatagong chismis? Twitter it is. Avi now tweeted and it only took a few minutes for people to see her tweet, she already got a few replies and some of them surprised her.

Avi scrolled through the thread she created. People are also curious like her, some are commenting about what they know, and some are mad for the others commenting that Nari is a lesbian, huwag daw silang magkalat ng fake news. Avi turned her phone off and faced her laptop once again. The screen displays her recent search which was still about Nari Cortez. Nari really intrigues her, she was wrapped in Nari's non-existent finger.

Stretching her fingers, she now typed in a few words on the search bar.

"Valeria Valentin and Nari Cortez's relationship."

Once she clicked enter, tons of results already went up ahead at sa sobrang dami hindi niya yata kayang isa-isahin pa. She clicked on random articles and websites, checking in if there's any useful information she could see. Halos pare-pareho lang ang mga nakikita niya and it all says that Valeria and Nari used to be rivals until they worked on a movie together and they became the best of friends.

Typical old story, similar to a girl who has a roommate and they kissed. Avi laughed as she thought of that. She was getting bored of reading and clicking on the same thing over and over again, she grew tired of it. She was about to close the web not until she accidentally clicked on another article that made her eyes widened in utmost startlement.

"No freaking way!" Avrielle could not believe her own two eyes, she blinked for a few times making sure that her eyes were not betraying her.

On her screen was a photo of three young people who are Valeria Valentin, Nari Cortez, and most importantly Alastair Castillo, her own father.

"What on earth is dad doing with these two?"