CHAPTER FOUR (제4장)

*Calling…. +63915----*

“Hello?”

“Hello, Kendra?”

My brows furrowed. Oh my gosh.

"Travis?"

"Uy Kendra! Wooh. Tama yung number mo hahahaha!"

"Aba loko. Bakit ka napatawag, poknat?"

I missed this man. Travis Zamora. My other childhood friend from my mom's hometown. We haven't talked in a long time! He’s the absolute boy best friend ever.

“Ayun! Ano kasi, pinapatanong ni mommy kung uuwi kayo sa Undas?”

“Oo naman! Hahaha anong klaseng tanong yan. Ang sabihin mo, miss mo na ako!”

I laughed. I sure love it when I tease him.

“Ano? Gig tayo pag uwi namin!”

“Matic na yun boss! Hahaha. Uwian mo ako ng walis, ube at lengua ah!”

“Ay wow. Pambili, nasaan?”

We talked for a few more minutes, just in time for me and Ames to eat. I can tell she has something important to say… Hmm…

“Ames, anong sasabihin mo?”

“Ano kasi… Di ba malapit na ang sportsfest slash foundation day?”

“Oo. Kaya nga may pageant eh hahaha baliw to. Ano bang meron kasi?”

“Well, kanina nung MAPEH, sabi ni Maám Lopez, kailangan daw ng mga sasasli sa Dancesport Competition. Eh kulang sila ng isa pa, kaya sinabi na ni Sheena yung pangalan mo.”

“Ako?! Na naman?! Uy grabe suki na ako sa mga involuntary volunteers -_-”

“You have two months to prepare pa naman! Sige naaaa. I know you love dancing naman eh.”

I sighed. Siyempre wala naman na akong magagawa. And sabi niya, two months preparation pa. Sakto lang yun before mag-break. And she’s right. I love dancing, and I’ve always wanted to be known at least for my skill in it. After about an hour, Amethyst and I went home.

As I laid in my bed, I received a text message.

From: Travis

Psst bes. Gising ka pa?

To: Travis

Mm. Bakit? Miss mo na ako agad? HAHAHA

*incoming call Travis Poknat*

"Hello?"

"Honey why you calling me so late?

It's kinda hard to talk right now.

Honey why are you crying? Is everything okay?

I gotta whisper 'cause I can't be too loud."

I closed my eyes and listened to him. He sings really good. I only he knew that I've been in love with him for so long...

"Well, my girl's in the next room

Sometimes I wish she was you

I guess we never really moved on"

Travis and I go way back. Our parents are best friends since high school. We're the same. We've had a talk about this before and we decided to remain just as the best-est friends ever.

"It's really good to hear your voice saying my name

It sounds so sweet

Coming from the lips of an angel

Hearing those words it makes me weak

And I never wanna say goodbye

But girl you make it hard to be faithful

With the lips of an angel."

"May pag-harana ka pa ah. Catch?"

"Catch."

Catch is our "thing" when one of us needs help. 

"I'm listening..."

"Miss na kita. Miss ko na yung jamming natin. Miss ko na yung amoy mo, yung presensya mo, ikaw. Miss na kita, Kendra. Uwi ka na."

I smiled. 

"I miss you too, poknat. Kwentuhan kita?"

"Sige."

"Pumuwesto ka na. Ehem.. So kasali ako sa pageant sa school. Eh kaso may performance kami sa labas ng school next week, may production pa kami by next month tapos sinali ako sa dance sport competition! Jusko, bes. Napaka-hectic ng schedule ko!"

I heard him laugh. One of my favorite sounds. I kept talking and telling him stories until he fell asleep. If only I could pat your head right now and hold you, Trav. Soon after, I fell asleep.

The next days have been a handful. The theater company has performed at BCC and the spectators were astounded and they loved our performance. My preparations for the pageant were made this week. I was more than nervous and excited on the day of the talent showdown.

"You did so well, ma! OMG"

"Ang galing mo talaga mama Kendra!"

"Hahahaha salamat ah. Grabe yung kaba ko!"

The theater girls are still outside, waiting for me. OMG I feel so loved! Weeeee~

"I mean, it might not be the best talent to showcase but, I did my best and I had fun!"

"Ma! You did so gooood! Kahit hindi mo makuha yung Best in Talent, malay natin, manalo ka sa coronation! Woohoo!!"

We all laughed and we went off. And so the day of the pageant came. 

"Oh, Kendra ha. Don't forget to project! Chin up and smile! Aba, kahit na shortie ka, you have a beautiful face and a big brain and an amazing personality. Ganyan lang dapat!"

I'm internally laughing with my Ninong Dan's words of wisdom. He really is the best person for these things. My Ninong is gay,of course. And he's been there for me and the family since.. forever! 

"OMG yes ninong! I'm nervous but I'm sooo excited na!"

My mom was with me as I get dolled up for the pageant. I didn;t have enough sleep last night because of the adrenalin I've been feeling, but I feel great and hyped up! As soon as the pageant started, my heart was beating like crazy.

From: Travis Poknat

Galingan mo, bes! Ganda mo talaga :D Labyu

That instantly made me smile AND calm down. The pageant has started, and my blood is rushing. The spotlight made me feel so alive.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Mr. and Ms. Sophomore contestants!"

School uniform? Check. Sports attire? Check. Q&A? Check!

"Contestant number 2. Miss Kendra Perez! If you won a million Pesos, what would you do with the money?"

"With a million Pesos, I would be able to have a trust fund for my university tuition and I'll also be able to donate and help with the charities my family and I have been supporting for years now. Of course, all this would be done under the supervision of my parents. That's all. Thank you."

During the intermission, I looked at my phone and saw a lot of notifications on F******k and tons of text messages from family and friends. We were called back up on stage for the announcement of winners. I'm nervous but I actually feel great!

"We will be announcing the winners of the minor awards first."

"Best in School Uniform. Contestant number 2!"

"Best in Talent. Contestant number 4!"

"Best in Sports Attire. Contestant number 2!"

"Miss Photogenic. Contestant number 2!"

My classmates were going wild at the audience! Oh my god. Ang wild!!  I hear them shouting and chanting my name, and I am just so overwhelmed! This day is amazing.

Lara and I are the only ones left. And I'm pretty sure....

"Congratulations, Lara Mendoza! You are Miss Sophomore! Congratulations to Kendra Perez for winning 1st Runner-Up!"

The crowd went wild. Both Arts sections were cheering for me and Lara, and we were hugging each other happily!

"OMG CONGRATULATIONS LARA!!"

"CONGRATULATIONS KENDRA! LOVE YOU!"

It was crazy. I cannot believe I won 1st Runner-up! And a lot more other awards! Gosh! This is the best day EVER!!

"Congrats nak!"

"Congrats Kendra! Ganda aaahh hahaha"

My mom and my sister Kristine were there, watching and taking pictures and videos of the event. I'm so happy they've supported me through this! ^_^ They prepared my favorite foods and my Ninong was waiting at home too! VICTORY PARTY!!

As soon as I finished eating and cleaning up, I looked at my phone and my heart just leapt with joy.

From: Travis Poknat

CONGRATULATIONS KENDRA!! ANG GANDA AT ANG GALING MO TALAGA!! WOO BEST FRIEND KO YAN!! LABYUUUUU

I love you too, Travis.