Erina's Curse (FILIPINO)

Chapter 6

"Aray naman! Ba't may paghampas?"

I mumbled sleepily nang maramdamang may tumampal sa noo ko. I heard silent laughters and easily realized that the girls are making fun of me again.

"Gaga, tara na nga. Ang hirap gisingin ng bruhang 'to. Anong oras ba yan natulog?" pabulong bulong pa si Raqi pero rinig na rinig ko naman.

"Let's just go. She's probably still daydreaming about her nonexistent love life," I heard Leina said. Excuse me Laleina Elizabeth Sung, existent ang love life ko at magkausap lang kami kagabi. I smilingly told myself.

"Tara na nga. Its not like Erina's not aware na umaalis tayo kapag linggo," said Kesha as I heard their footsteps retreating from the door. Bitches just go, I'm still enjoying my warm bed habang iniisip yung future jowa ko. 

I continued my interrupted sleep and finally decided to get out of bed when my 9 am alarm goes off. When I opened my eyes, something is blocking my view. I removed the baby blue sticky note plastered in my forehead and saw some message written on it.

Erina,

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Gumising ka na, gagu

Love,

Kesha and the three musketeers

I laughed so hard that I almost fell out of the bed. Mga bruha talaga, ba't ko ba naging kaibigan mga yun.....I was supposed to fix my bed already when I noticed na may nakasulat pa pala sa likod.

beb una na kami ang hirap mo gisingin bwisit ka. may hipon sa ref at oo alam naming allergic ka don kaso yun lang naiwan eh magtake-out ka nalang bye love u kahit tulo laway ka 

After fixing the bed, I checked my social media accounts and posted the pictures that I edited last night. Hindi pa umaabot ng isang minuto, notifications already flooded my phone. It's what happens when I post pictures or tweet about something. My phone can't stop vibrating kaya tinabi ko muna at naghanda na ng almusal. I chopped some vegetables and mix it with eggs to produce a very colorful scrambled egg. 

I was washing the dishes when I heard a distinct ringtone. Pachelbel's Canon by Johann Pachelbel is my little brother's favorite piano piece that's why I assigned it as a ringtone exclusive for him. I got my phone on top of the table and saw Angelo's adorable picture on the caller's id. Sinagot ko naman agad ang tawag. 

"Hi baby! How's my little pianist?" I excitedly asked him. Just like me, my brother is in love with music especially classical ones. He learned playing piano when he was just 2 years old and mas magaling na siya sa'kin ngayon. 

"Achi, I miss you. Pwede video call ate?" nabubulol bulol niya namang sagot. Nagrerequest na yung cute kong kapatid na makita ang maganda kong mukha so who am I to say no di ba? I quickly press the video call button at bumungad sa'kin ang maamo niyang mukha.

My brother and I are look a likes. We have the same green eyes but mine are almond shape while he's a chinito. He's as fair as snow just like me and we have the same brunette hair, although my hair was recently dyed ginger. From the day he was born, I already knew he'd break hearts when he gets older. But my brother is extremely sweet, so baka hindi rin. 

"Achi, I painted you today look!" he showed me a small canvas where he supposedly painted me. The painting was messy but since It's my brother's, I saw it as the most precious art in the whole world.

"Wow! You did great baby! Achi looks pretty in there, huh?" sagot ko naman habang nakangiti ng malapad sa camera. 

"Really achi? Do you want me to send it there? Or better why don't you just visit me here?" my smile vanished as I saw how my brother badly misses me. I miss him too but my mother despises me so much that she even forbids my brother to talk to me before. Buti nalang napilit siya ni Uncle Loui.

"Soon baby, achi's so busy with work and you have school right?" I tried explaining slowly but almost cried when I saw how my brother's eyes watered and his lips trembled. 

"When is 'soon' achi? You always say 'soon' but I haven't seen you since last year. Ayaw mo ako makita na?" tuluyan na siyang umiyak at humihikbi pa. I felt sorry for my brother and I hated myself kasi siya na nga lang yung meron ako pero sinasaktan ko pa. 

"You know what, baby? The second this album finishes, I'll hop on the first plane and go straight to you. I promi---" I didn't finish what I was saying when Miss Dianne Wong's caller id popped on my screen. She is our team manager and in charge of our social media platforms. 

"Baby, I'll just answer this call. It's kind of important but I'll call you back, okay? I love you," I heard my brother's protest but Miss Dianne already sent me a message saying to answer the call immediately. 

"Miss! Happy sunday what made you call?" I said cheerfully but putting emphasis on the word 'sunday'. It's supposedly our rest day but why are they calling me? And for Pete's sake its just 10:30 in the morning!

"Fix yourself then do a live. NOW." 

"For what?" I don't remember any brand na kailangan kong i-endorse at wala naman dito ang girls so anong gagawin ko?

"Just do it. Act cute. Tell them you're chilling out and that you are getting enough rest. Don't forget to mention your new coffee maker from DeLonghi."

She ordered me sternly. This must be about the fans' accusations about us being overwork by the company. Which is true but of course, H&H will do everything to deny that and prove them wrong. If I was just allowed to speak my mind, I would tell the bosses how they're doing everything wrong. The fans have eyes, they see us struggling and tired. Hindi naman sila tanga. But since the company have closed ears and mind, they wouldn't just listen and continue to exhaust us, squeezed every single penny out of us, then just throw us away kapag wala ng pakinabang. 

"Okay, just give me an hour at least," I answered then ended the call abruptly. When will this end? Kung hindi lang dahil sa mga taong buong pusong sumusuporta sa'kin, I wouldn't take a second to quit this toxic industry. Or rather, toxic company. 

I continued washing the dishes and then took a bath. I decided to wear a white casual Gucci Tee and pink and gray dolphin shorts. After blow drying my hair, I made it into a messy bun. I brushed my eyebrows, put on some moisturizer and sun screen then finished up the look with the  Glossier lip stain in the shade 'Berry'. 

I sat on the couch and check myself on my phone's camera before starting the live on i********:. "Annyeong beautiful! How are you all today?" After just 5 minutes of talking, almost 70,000 followers are already watching me do cute gestures. I was just sitting there talking about how relaxed I feel and how happy I am. Liar. I want to talk to my brother, not pretend in front of seventy thousand people. 

"Oh btw guys, we have a new coffee machine! I'd like to thank DeLonghi Primmadona for sending us this efficient coffee machine," nakangiti pa ako habang dini-demo kung paano gumawa ng cappucino. 

"I'm just chilling out here guys, the girls are out kaya tahimik sa bahay," I jokingly answered when someone ask what I'm doing. 

After almost an hour, tinapos ko na din ang live. "That's it for today guys, thank you for joining me and I'll see you all soon. Keep safe," I pressed the end button after giving them a flying kiss. Nalipasan na ako ng gutom sa haba ng live kaya nagtimpla nalang ako ng gatas at nag-toast ng loaf bread for lunch. Napakasinungaling mo Erina, sabi mo kanina you're fine and you're eating well. Naiiling nalang ako kapag naiisip kung gaano ako nagpapanggap sa mga fans. I don't deserve them. 

Since almost 2 pm na nang matapos akong kumain, I just watched Netflix all day and ate instant ramen for dinner. Before going to bed, nag-chat pa'ko kay Soo Hyun.

To: soohyun_k216

bb whats up

Hindi nanaman siya online so I just scrolled through my phone. Umabot na ng hatinggabi pero hindi na talaga siya nagreply kaya natulog nalang ako. I woke up nang marinig kong may nagbukas ng pinto.

"Oops sorry... did I wake you up?" pabulong na tanong ni Leina habang naglalakad papunta sa kama niya. 

Umiling naman ako kaagad at bumalik na sa pagtulog. Isang minuto na akong nakapikit but I can't find myself to sleep. Kinapa ko ang cellphone sa taas ng unan ko para sana tignan ang oras nang makitang may message ako sa i********:.

From: soohyun_k216

Langit.

Natawa naman ako ng malakas kaya napatingin sa'kin si Leina. I move my hand to form a gesture saying its nothing kaya tumalikod na siya at natulog. The message was sent 2 hours ago at 4am na kaya paniguradong tulog na yun kaya hindi na'ko nag-reply. And what would I tell him? Anong isasagot ko sa 'langit' niya di ba? I continued sleeping and woke up at my 7am alarm. 

I cooked vegetable omelet and tofu with seasoned soy sauce for breakfast. Napasarap ang kwentuhan namin kaya nagmamadali na kaming naligo at nag-ayos. Kahit na nagmadali na ako ng bongga at white shirt at cycling shorts nalang ang nasuot, na-late pa rin kami ng dating sa building. We were running towards the dance studio assigned to us when Kesha's assistant appeared and told us na kailangan kami sa dance studio ng Axis. 

A wide smile automatically appeared on my face because I'll see Soo Hyun again. When Raqi opened the door, Axis and Soo Hyun were already taking a break, ganun kami ka-late. Soo Hyun and Nathan are talking about something kaya hindi niya pa ako nakikita. As always, he's wearing a sky blue sweatshirt and white sweatpants. 

"Raqi, halika saglit may sasabihin lang ako," one of Axis' dance instructors called Raqi na sumunod naman agad. We were sitting on the side when Raqi returned. Hinila naman niya agad ang buhok ko sabay lapit ng mukha niya sa mukha ko. 

"Aray naman! Inaano ka ba?"

"Bruha to. You should treat me to a nice meal for this," nakangiti namang sagot ni Raqi. 

"Ano ba 'yon?" nakakunot noo ko namang sabi.

"There's a scene in the musical drama where the lead stars dances to rumba. And who are those lead stars.....?" pasuspense pa ang bruha. 

"Soo Hyun and Suzy," si Sassy na yung sumagot.

"The thing is, Suzy's not feeling well so she bailed today's practice. The dance instructor I was talking to earlier? He ask me to partner with Soo Hyun para makapag-practice pa rin siya," I stared shock at Raqi after she talk.

"Eh bruha ka pala eh, aagawan mo pa 'ko bwisit ka! Home wrecker!" sinabunutan ko na din siya kasi naiinggit ako.

"Tangina mo, try mo kaya akong patapusin," masama pa ang tingin habang iniirapan ako.

"Sige, i-explain mo kung gaano ka ka-traydor," sagot ko naman habang nagtatampo na sakanya. 

"Eh sabi ko masakit pa ang balikat ko kasi batak din ako sa practice......so I suggested that you partner with him instead!" napatili kaming lima then I hugged Raqi so tight. 

"Thank you, Mary Raquelle! Maid of Honor ka sa kasal namin at ninang ka ng first-born ko, promise!" tuwang-tuwa pa rin ako habang niyayakap siya. 

"Soo Hyun and Erina, punta na sa gitna," the dance instructor announced. Tumayo naman ako agad at pumunta sa gitna kung nasan si Soo Hyun. 

"Hi...." I smiled widely while staring at him. He didn't say anything but instead, he arched his brow. Natatawa nalang ako kasi sanay na'kong nagsusungit siya. Kapag bumait 'to, ibig sabihin magugunaw na ang mundo. 

"Soo Hyun, put your hands in Erina's waist," the instructor ordered. Since we're dancing rumba, which is a slow and sensual dance, we need to be intimate with each other. Swerte ko naman.

"Uy, hawak daw. Pogi ka sana kaso bingi," Pang-aasar ko sakanya nung nakatulala lang siya sa'kin at hindi gumagalaw. Nakakunot noo pa rin siya pero hinawakan din naman ang bewang ko. Arte nito eh ang sexy ko kaya. 

The instructor ordered us to do a box step na madali naman naming nasundan. His left hand is holding my right hand with our elbows almost touching. His other hand is placed underneath my shoulder blade while my left hand is placed right behind his shoulder, flat on his back. 

Dahil sa sobrang lapit, naamoy ko na kung gaano siya kabango. He smells clean, not the overly suffocating perfume scent na kadalasang gamit ng mga lalaki.

"Miss mo 'ko?" nakangiting pang-asar kong tanong.

"Focus," Sagot naman niya habang nakatitig din sa'kin.

"Why? Am I distracting you?" Nang-aakit kong tanong. Akala ko wala nang ikukunot pa yung noo niya, meron pa pala. 

"Do a two quick side-step then a slow backward and forward step," the instructor continued.

"Ba't di ka sumagot?" pangungulit ko pa sakanya habang ginagawa ang steps na sinabi ng instructor.

"Pwede bang mamaya na tayo mag-us---"

"A-Aray!" I fell down while clutching my left ankle. I felt tears streaming down my face while a stab of immeasurable pain ate my system. Para akong pinutulan ng paa. 

"s**t!" I heard him say as people rush towards us. When Soo Hyun stepped forward, he accidentally hit my already injured left ankle. Alam ko namang hindi niya sinadya pero hindi nun nabawasan ang sakit na nararamdaman ko. 

I felt my body floating in the air when someone carried me bridal style. I looked up and saw a very worried Soo Hyun. 

"I'm sorry.....I'm sorry......." he was mumbling words while running towards the building's emergency exit. Hindi ko na masyadong nasundan ang mga pangyayari dahil parang mababaliw na ako sa sakit. I think I even passed out nung makarating na sa hospital. 

Namalayan ko nalang na nakahiga ako sa puting kama at nasa tabi ko sila Kesha. They look very worried at paiyak na nga si Sassy nung nakitang gising na'ko.

"Kahit na gusto ka naming pagalitan dahil sa ka-clumsyhan mo, may kanina pa alalang-alala sa labas kaya hahayaan na muna namin kayong mag-usap," Kesha said which made me curious. 

Lumabas sila and after a few minutes pumasok si Soo Hyun.

"Hey....." mahina niyang sabi. Hindi alam kung tatayo o uupo sa tabi ko so I pat the chair next to me telling him to sit down. 

"How are you feeling?" malambing niyang tanong. Ang sarap naman sa pakiramdam. Kahit papano nababawasan yung kirot sa paa ko.

"I'll be fine," I smilingly answered. 

"What can I do to make it up to you?" nag-aalala niyang sabi. He must feel really guilty about what happen kahit na wala naman siyang ginawang masama.

"Ano ka ba, hindi mo naman sinadya and my ankle's been injured several times. I'll be okay, promise," I told him with a sincere smile on my face.

"But still......I'll do anything. Do you want me to bring you food? or books you can read while you're here? Anything. Just say it," pamimilit pa rin niya. A light bulb suddenly appeared in my head. Anything?hmmmm..........

"Fine. I want you to do me a favor," I told him habang pilit inangat ang upper body ko para makita siya ng maayos. 

"Anything." He sternly said habang tinutulungan akong bumangon. 

I stared at his eyes and confidently uttered my favor.

"Date me."