Heiress (Hanazono Series #2)

Heiress 38: Mr. And Ms. Intrams II

Third Person's POV

While waiting for the other performer to finish, the other candidates were told to stay in the backstage and aren't allowed to change until the top 10 is announced. Lavalee was just sitting boredly at her chair while Jaxith talks to the other candidates.

Jace sat beside Lavalee and gave her a sandwich.

"Are you hungry?" Jace asked and offered the sandwich which Lavalee accepted

"I want to go to sleep na." Lavalee complained and leaned on the wall but since her top is backless it was cold. Jace shook his head and pulled Lavalee to lean unto him.

"Who's Jean?" Lavalee asked softly while leaning to Jace

"An acquaintance." Jace replied

"And she always asks you to buy her stuff?" Lavalee asked again while looking at the other candidates who seem to be staring at them

"Sometimes." Jace answered

"Who's more bratty? Me or her?" Lavalee asked again and looked at Jace's face

"Her. You're kind." Jace said and carresed Lavalee's hair

Unknown to the two who seem like they have their own world, Jess, Jaxith and Hendrix are grinning while watching them.

"I'm telling you, hindii aalis ng single si Lavalee." Jaxith said while shaking his head

"Dapat lang noh! She did too much just to make sure her brother has a love life before Frost even left to go to Breakore to visit Summer and Winter. She deserves it." Jess said while shaking her head

She remembered the insane stunt Lavalee pulled just to give Frost a lovelife.

Suddenly a group of candidates walked towards Jaxith.

"May boyfriend na pala yung partner mo?" one of the girls asked

"I don't know their label, sorry pero sila nalang ang tanungin niyo." Jaxith said to brush the topic off

Ayaw nilang pangunahan si Lavalee dahil alam nilang mabigat ang resposibilidad na nakaatang kay Lavalee. Pagkatapos ng lahat ng mga performaces, pinaakyat na sila habang si Jace ay nanatiling nasa backstage habang buhat si Mnemosyne.

"Anong label nyo?" tanong ni Jess at tumayo katabi ni Jace

"Label?" tanong ni Jace

"I mean relationship status." Pagka-klaro ni Jess sa tanong niya

"Single." Sagot ni Jace at nilaro laro si Mnemosyne

"May plano kang ligawan si Lav?" tanong ni Hendrix

"You?" Tanong pabalik ni Jace

"Wala, sapat na yung girlfriend ko." Naiiling na saad ni Hendrix

"Maybe when she's legal." Sabi ni Jace at binalik ang panonood kay Lavalee mula sa gilid

Habang sina Lavalee naman ay isa-isang tinatanong ng pareparehong tanong na magkakaiba ang pagkakasunod sunod. Sina Lavalee at Jaxith na ang sasagot kaya naman naglakad na sila papunta sa mga judge.

"Jaxith, Who is your role model? The same question goes to you, Valerie" tanong ng judge

"Honestly speaking, my role model is Lavalee Flamelinne Hanazono." Nanlaki ang mata ni Lavalee nang marinig ang sagot ni Jaxith

"I mean every one of the Hanazono successors are admirable but for me my role model would be Lavalee Flamelinne Hanazono, siguro nagtataka kayo kung bakit siya eh hindi ko naman siya kilala personally pero I do. Ka-tropa, kakulitan, kababata at kaibigan ko siya," ngumiti siya kay Lavalee bago nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita

"Sa lahat ng yon isa lang ang masasabi ko, napaka selfless niya. Ang kasiyahan niya ay yung makita kaming mga pinahahalagahan niya na masaya, ask Chelsea, Jess and Irene and they'll tell you the same. Si Lavalee, she's too precious, her name literally means fire and she gives us warmth, she supports us in whatever we needed, she's willing to put her self aside just to help us succeed." Sabi ni Jaxith at ibinalik ang mikropono sa emcee

"So sweet. Ikaw naman, Valerie." Sabi ng emcee at iniabot ang mic kay Lavalee

"My role model, it was and will always be eomma and appa. My parents are my role models, my father who is cold towards the others and to us when we needed to be diciplined. He is the sweetest and calmest person I know, my mother, she's the most understanding, loving and she always helps us in whatever we need. To me no matter where they are, they will always be my role models." Sagot ni Lavalee na nanatiling nakangiti kahit na nanunubig ang mata.

"What has been your biggest failure?" tanong ng judge kay Lavalee

"My biggest failure? It was choosing to leave instead of staying. Of course it seemed too shallow but it's not, if I chose to stay in our house 5 years ago, my mother wouldn't have been left with my youngest sister. I could've helped them when our house was ambushed. That was my biggest failure, my failure to protect Eomma and my failure to give my siblings the complete family they deserved to grow up in." Sagot ni Lavalee at unti-unti nang bumagsak ang mga luha niya.

Biglang nagtatakbo si Mnemosyne at lumapit kay Lavalee habang may packet ng tissue na nakipit sa taas ng collar niya. Kinuha iyon ni Lavalee at bumalik na si Mnemosyne kay Jace.

"Jaxith?" tawag naman ng judge kay Jaxith para ito na ang sumagot.

"Sa ngayon po, siguro yung mga failing grades. Minsan po kasi hindi ako magaling sa time management kaya hindi sinasadyang naisasantabi ko yung mga bagay na dapat ko ring asikasuhin." Sagot ni Jaxith

"How do you handle peer pressure?" tanong ng isa pang judge

"I weigh things. Alam ko pong mahirap yung peer pressure pero kung tatatagan ang loob, iisiping ang mga maaring kahinatnan, kakayanin. It doesn't depend on them, it depends on you, when you feel like you're being pressured by the people surrounding you, take a breath away from them and that's when you'll realize what' right and wrong." Sagot ni Jaxith

"Personally, I think peer pressure is tolerable by being you. Kasi you see, kapag hindi mo pinipilit makibagay, hindi ka rin nila mape-pressure, kasi hangga't pinipilit mong bumagay, mape-pressure at mape-pressure ka nila, it's up to you kung magpapaimpluwensiya ka or you'll be you even if they decide to turn their backs at you." Sagot ni Lavalee at nagpalakpakan ang mga nanonood.

"Thank you, Valerie, Jaxith." The emcee said and they went back to the backstage

Jace welcomed Lavalee and he was the one who wiped Lavalee's tears.

"You did well." Jace said while wiping Lavalee's tears.

"Thanks." Lavalee answered and she felt Mnemosyne pulling her gown slightly so she carried her and smiled

Jess came to her and hugged her, same with Icarus and Jaxith.

"Ikaw ah, you didn't tell me I was your role model." Lavalee teased Jaxith

"Baka lumaki ulo mo eh." Jaxith teased back and they all chuckled

"Let's go. You're make up's removed na." Jess said and pulled Lavalee to the dressing room

"You did well." Irene said when Lavalee arrived

"Why does everyone kept on telling me I did well?" Lavalee asked and chuckled

"Thank you." She said sincerely

"Okay. Go go na!" Jess said and pushed Irene out of the dressing room.

Jess reapplied make up on Lavalee's face then she smiled after finishing.

"You look so beautiful, Lav." Jess said

"Lagi naman ah." Lavalee kidded

"You! Marunong ka na ng ganyan ah." Jess said and placed her hand on her waist jokingly

"Let's go na!" Lavalee said and stood up

They went out of the dressing just in time when the facilitator said that all candidates should go up the stage for the announcing of top 10.

"Everyone, are you excited?" the emcee asked and everybody cheered

"Kami rin eh. Wag na nating patagalin pa. We have the result for the top ten!" The emcee announced and opened the envelope he was holding.

"#13, #16, #30, #36, #49, #34, #37, #19, #46, #11, congratulations." The emcee said and they stepped forward

"Now, this is the moment of truth." The emcee said and gave the microphone to one of the judges

"Candidates, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?" the judge asked

'Dead if I don't regain my title.' Lavalee thought then she saw Jace giving her a thumbs up from her peripheral vision.

Every candidate did their best to answer and they were all nervous to answer because this will be the final part and after this the top 5 will be chosen then after the casual wear the Top three down to the Mr. and Ms. Intrams will be chosen.

"Valerie?" the emcee called her and gave her the microphone

"Ten years from now, I see myself being able to help people rise from hitting the rock bottom. I can see myself being with my family, my complete family in front of our parent's grave finally being free." She said and smiled

"Jaxith?" the emcee gave the microphone to Jaxith

"Ten years from now, I see myself successfully building a business empire and happy with my own family." Jaxith said and returned the microphone

"Judges, make your choices." The emcee said and after a while the head of the judges stood up so the emcee gave her the microphone

"#13, #30, #34, #36, #37, you got in the top 5." The head of the judges said and the five stepped forward

"Candidates, you may change into your casual wear." The emcee said so they went back to their dressing rooms

Lavalee was able to change into her casual wear, same with Jaxith since they are used with quick changing. They used to do it in missions so they really are used with changing into different clothes quickly.

After dressing up, Jess styled Lavalee's hair then went out to put foundation in Jaxith's face. While waiting, Lavalee sat beside Jace who is carrying Mnemosyne.

"What time is it?" She asked Jace

"9:40." Jace replied

"I'm bored. I want to go home." Lavalee said while leaning on her seat

The remaining girl candidates apart from Lavalee approached the two.

"Hi!" the other one greeted

"Hello." Lavalee said and stood up straight

"Ang ganda ng gown mo." The other one complimented Lavalee

"Thank you, you don't look bad yourself." Lavalee replied

'What are they here for?' Lavalee thought still not removing her smile from her lips

The other girl candidates looked at Jace when he stood up. He looked at Lavalee and showed his ringing phone so Lavalee nodded

"Go ahead." Lavalee said so Jace left and placed Mnemosyne on the chair.

"Boyfriend mo ba yun?" another one asked and Lavalee was a little surprised before she realized that the girls must've approached her to ask that

"Oh no. We're not in a relationship." Lavalee said while smiling

' So, they like Dreice.' She said while watching the girls smiled hopefully

'They liked the wrong person. I didn't think Dreice will even give a damn about them.' Lavalee thought then she saw Mnemosyne getting up and jumping down the chair.

The tiger is looking sideways then walked up to Lavalee so Lavalee sat to carry her then stood up. The other girl candidates seemed surprised and terrified when they saw Mnemosyne.

"Who are you looking for, huh, Mne?" Lavalee said while carrying Mnemosyne

"Uh alaga mo ba yan?" the other one asked and Lavalee smiled before nodding

"This is Mnemosyne." She said and lifted Mnemosyne's paw to wave

"M-mukha siyang tiger." The other one said but Lavalee didn't reply because a facilitator came and told them to get readyand to stand by. Lavalee placed Mnemosyne on the chair then walked beside Jaxith who's in a line.

"Nasaan si Jace?" Jaxith asked Lavalee

"May kausap." Lavalee replied and when the facilitator told them that it's their turm, Lavalee and Jaxith climbed up them did a short modelling before standing beside the other top 5 candidates.

When the top five were completed, the emcee went up the stage to announce the different awards and the Mr. and Ms. Intrams.

"For the Mr. and Ms. Early Bird, Contestant #19!" the emcee announced and Jaxith nudged Lavalee

"Late ka kasi." Jaxith teased

"Sorry naman po." Lavalee replied

"For the best in Swimwear, Contestant #13!" Lavalee and Jaxith went in front and the judges gave them a sash

"For the best in Catwalk, once again Contestant #13!" Lavalee and Jaxith were just about to leave but since they were called again they chose to stay and another sash was placed on them.

"Best in Talent na talaga namang nakakamangha, hindi ba? Contestant #13!"

Lavalee and Jaxith also got the award for Mr and Ms Friendly, Best in Sportswear, Best in Casual Wear, Sweetest Pair and so many more.

"This is it! Are you excited to know who's the Mr. and Ms. Intrams for this year?" the emcee asked and they all cheered

"For the third Runner up, congratulations Contestant #30!" the pair of contestants from a city college in Lagresch went forward.

"For the second Runner up, Congratulations, Contestant #34!"

The tension is growing as six candidates are left to fight for the first runner up and the crown of Mr. and Ms. Intrams. Contestant #36 was crowned as the first runner up so Lavalee, Jaxith and another pair are the only choices left.

"The Mr. and Ms. Intrams is Contestant #13!" Jaxith and Lavalee walked forward still smiling and not showing any other emotions.

A silver crown was placed on Lavalee's head while a yellow crown was placed on Jaxith's head. They were both given a scepter which they could keep.

"Congratulations." The judges said and the candidates bowed

"Wow naman, para talagang royalties and Mr. and Ms. Intrams ngayong taon ah." The emcee commented which made Jaxith and Lavalee chuckle.

'Kung alam lang nila.' Those who knew Lavalee's royal status in the underground thought.

Lavalee is indeed a princess, a princess from a kingdom where killing is the only way to stay alive. After the short messages, they were able to go back to the backstage, Lavalee and jaxith were interviewed and congratulated by the other candidates.

"Great job." Jace told Lavalee and the latter smiled

"Let me carry that." Jace said and took the huge bouquet Lavalee is holding.

"Thanks, Dreice." Lavalee replied carried Mnemosyne who's currently circling around her.

"How sweet, Ms. Intrams." The former emcee said which made Lavalee and Jace look at her. Lavalee smiled while carressing Mnemosyne.

"Nasaan ang Mr. Intrams?" the former emcee asked

"I think he's with the rest." Lavalee said and like a magic word, Irene, Jess, Chelsea, Icarus, Jaxith, Hendrix, Elijah, Caspian, and Ethan came to her direction.

"Congrats." The guys congratulated Lavalee and Jaxith

"Tanong ko lang, Jaxith and Valerie, are you two in a relationship?" the former emcee asked and the rest of the group muffled a laugh

"No, she's not my girlfriend but I have one." Jaxith answered

"No, Jaxith's my best friend and you don't date your best friend romantically." Lavalee asnwered with a chuckle

"Perhaps that guy behind you is your boyfriend?" the former emcee asked and they went silent.

Lavalee looked at Jace them smiled before shaking her head.

"Excuse me, my students need to rest too." Mrs. Conchia said and theywent to the van, Jace and Lavalee rode Jace's car because the van is currentlypacked with trophies.