Along Pangasinan

"After the concert here at Coachella, we will go home. I’m very tired of your series of concerts. When we get home, you will sign an advertising contract. Maybe, I will just request after a week or two the shoots. Since we just came home then. So you can rest." Hance said, my manager while handling the green satin puff sleeve dress that I will wear next in performance. He look at me in the mirror at the vanity table. 

I was busy applying eyeshadow and self-grooming. I just let him mention what I will do in the next few days. I’ve also been here for a week at Coachella, today is my last day and it's my concert. I was planning to go around the place but I’m only given a short time.

As Hance said, we went home after my concert. I'm tired and I want to rest but I still need to pack my things for the flight. He just booked and we will leave later. We didn't put our clothes in the suitcase perfectly, because we are in a hurry, I did not hire a personal assistant because I can handle it myself.

I just slept the whole flight because I was tired, and I did not even see the stars in the sky and the clouds. I was seated at the window.

When we arrived at the Philippine airport, I immediately boarded the van that Hance had reserved to be prepared upon our arrival. I just fell asleep again while going to the condo, my routine has always been like that for the past few years. My sleep is just on the flight, when I am in the condo I take care of answering the calls of companies or my fellow models and singers.

We were in the middle of the flight when I woke up, there was a bit of traffic since it is noon. Hance turned to me and handed me a bottle of water and food. I just drank the water that Hance gave me. The concern on his face is obvious, maybe because I look very tired but I can still do my job.

"Don't continue the law school you’re saying." He said.

I did not say anything, I always wanted to be a lawyer. Maybe it's because I was also a victim of bullying when I was young and I wanted to retaliate against those who criticized me back then.

My perspectives on that dream changed as I get older. This year, all I want is justice because I was longing for it, last year I want something I couldn't explain. The reason varies each passing year. So I do not know if I will continue because there is still no good reason. After all, when there is no good reason, it is not easy to do.

But, a few years later it seemed like it was missing from my dream list because of the pile of work. I still want to continue that but I am too busy and lack time because of work.

"I don't know yet, Hance. I'll see it next year or next month. When will the submission for PHILSAT requirements be... I don't know." I told him. I was confused that I couldn't decide.

"You're so tired, Joy. Please relax, what's the reason for this hard works? I'm not saying that you don't have to work anymore, but at least... just work enough... enough workloads for your body." He says. "But if you want to pursue that, it's okay with me, I can adjust your work. Since I've heard that law school is hard too, you have to focus much more."

"Thanks, Hance." I smiled at him.

"I will also look about when is the PHILSAT submission and exams. As well as the LAEs of each school. I will update you when I find out, for now. Rest first so you can focus on your work." Hance informed.

I nodded.

As Hance said. Two weeks ago was the shoot because I signed a contract with a famous brand here in the country. The shoot went fast because the flow went smoothly. The only problem now is editing. I will also go to their event once the advertisement and the new product are already launched. Maybe next week.

When I arrived at my condo, Jun greeted me, he was still wearing a white long sleeve which is folded on his shoulder, he was also wearing a maong pants, he just came from his school. He went my way when he saw me enter.

"How's life, sis?" He said softly while tightening his hug with me causing me to not be able to breathe.

"It's okay, still human." I said, sarcastically.

"Not obvious ah!" He teased, so I pinched him on the waist causing him to yell ouch. 

"You're not human because you look like a goddess, that's what I meant." I rolled my eyes as he says that.

"You're obsequious!" I said and he laughed.

He let go of my hug and I sat on the sofa, I took off my shoes and he was busy with his ipad.

He handed me the ipad, I thought he was going to buy something but he just showed me his grades. My tears flowed as I saw his grades that have no lower than 95.

I'm not pressuring him to get higher grades, I want him to enjoy his high school but also he needs to balance the enjoyment.

"It is too high, because of that. I’m gonna buy you anything you want!" I said happily.

"Make me a bracelet like what you gave to papa Hance. I like that." He told me while pointing her finger to his wrist. 

I was shocked, I did not expect that that was all he wanted.

"All right, I'll make you one later, by the way, what food do you want? We need more! We need to celebrate!" He laughed at my hysteria.

"Anything, just Filipino foods!" Jun said, excitedly.

We no longer bond with my brother, he is always alone here at home. I also want to take him on my world tours but he refuses because of school, but when he’s on a summer break he goes with me.

Hance also takes care of Jun, someone also takes care of him when I'm not around. Sometimes Hance's mom is in charge or sometimes Hance's siblings.

A week later, I have an event with Hance tonight, in the advertisement that I shoot. It’s still morning so I cleaned the condo first, then I made a macrame bag that I often do when I don't have a job.

We arrived late at the event so people kept looking at us, I just smiled simply. I felt uncomfortable because a lot of rich people are looking at me.

Jun did not come because he said he needs to do a lot of school works. I no longer insisted because that’s his priority.

"Good evening, Mr. Caldivar!" I greeted him happily, he laughed.

"You're here too, Joy! You’re so formal like we didn't do stupid things during high school." He said.

No one listened to our conversation because we were a bit far from the guests, but they were still watching our direction.

"Have you seen her yet?" I meaningly asked him. He shook his head.

"No, they said she was here in the Philippines. But when I got here she was in the U.S..." he told.

I laugh. He pouted.

"I'll just go to Mr. Famiego. If we have time, we should hang out... in a group." He nodded and waved.

When I went to Mr. Famiego he was surrounded by many of his businessmen, few of them had their eyebrows raised when they saw me. Especially women.

"Joycelyn!" He said and then he kissed my cheeks. "I already watched the advertisement and it went well. I was surprised when Director Tiara said the shoot took only one to two takes." 

I smiled. "I didn't expect that Mr. Famiego, I've been a bit of preoccupied this past few days because I'm tired too. I thought there were a lot of mistakes, I also don't want the staff to get tired."

He laughed. "The rumors are right, huh? You are a good person and a professional. Thank you for accepting the project. I did not make a mistake in choosing you."

"Thank you, for choosing me." I smiled sweetly. 

"Please enjoy the party. We prepared it for you." Mr. Famiego told while averting his eyes to the food. 

My eyes widened. "Wow... thank you."

The next day is horrible. The next morning Hance knocked on my door incessantly, at eight o'clock in the morning and he’s already making a commotion. I know he will tell bad news this morning because he did not stop knocking at the door.

"My god! Joyceleyn!" I frowned, he entered the condo and walked around the living room. I am also confused about what he is doing.

"Why, what's happening?--" She cut my words.

"The agency-- filed a fucking lawsuit!" He exclaimed. "They should have said that it is not possible to endorse Mr. Famiego and guess what?! They fucking added the years without informing us!"

"The years? What years, Hance?" My hands were trembling because of the news he said, I did not know what to do. I don't want to go to jail! Who the hell wants to be there?!

I saw Jun come out of the room, he was still scratching his eyes. Newly awake. He smiled at me and hugged me.

"I'll just cook breakfast." He said and broke away from the embrace. I just nodded and let him do what he needed.

"That you will still work with them! But, don't worry. I'll fix this, I'll do something to breach the contract." He's busy typing to his phone while talking to me.

I nodded one after another, I also did not know what to say. I know, Hance will do something to resolve the conflict, for now, I will just wait for what he’ll do and what will be the result because I do not know anything about it. I know only know a bit about the law.

I sat on the sofa, I could not think of any sensible idea.

"I will get a lawyer... I’ll choose the best one! For... sure win." Hance said confusedly while typing on the cellphone.

The news about the issue spread quickly, I thought it was just a secret but the agency released it. That also added to my nervousness and fear. Hance stayed in my condo and informed me about what is happening outside, he said many reporters were already in the lobby of the building.

I can already smell what Jun is cooking, my stomach is aching but I still can't stop worrying about what is happening to me right now.

"We should get away from here." He said seriously. He is still walking back and forth.

"Maybe we have to stay here for a while until the issue subsides." He commanded me, he still uneasy that made me feel uneasy too.

"It won't go away. It looks like the agency is humiliating you. After they abused you when you were just starting your career and now they are restricting you. It's like they're trying to tie you up because a lot of brands are taking you. We will fight." He informed.

I want to spend time with Jun today, these past few months was tiring. I want to rest for at least one day, I want to at least spend another day with my brother. But fate doesn't allow me to have that.

"The smell of your cooking, Jun! That makes me hungry!" Hance said, laughing.

"Fried rice, it’s nearly done and so we can eat!" Jun replied in the kitchen.

"Mr. Famiego contacted me. He said he will look for a lawyer because your agency's reason is personal. I already got a lawyer when he called so I refused." He said. "We can talk tonight when the reporters are no longer in the lobby."

I nodded and did not ask any more questions.

While we are eating breakfast, Hance kept receiving a series of calls on his cellphone. He ignored it because it was just a bunch of random reporters, and Jun was also wondering what was going on.

"Are you going out today, Jun?" Hance asked. 

Jun shook his head.

"No, I don't have a group project." Jun said as he ate his food that he put in his spoon.

Hance and I took a deep breath. I know, if Jun comes out he will be mobbed by a lot of people. It’s a good thing he doesn't have a group project now and he’ll just stay here in the condo.

We just cleaned up the condo with Hance and played xbox while waiting for the lawyer that he hired to come tonight. We even made a macrame bag and paracord bracelets.

"Oh my god! It’s tangled!" Hance said, confused. So I looked at his macrame bag and fixed the knot.

Jun is busy making bracelets, they also streamed my musics on spotify. When the song that is being played is a bit hip-hop, they danced while continuing what they were doing. The fear I felt earlier was also somewhat relieved.

The afternoon came, the receptionist told us that the reporters were gone, so I took a deep breath. My name is also a bit noisy on social media so I avoided using it first.

"Our Attorney will arrive in less than an hour. With Mr. Famiego and his wife Doc. Alexis and his brother Attorney Caldivar." Hance informed me. 

My lips parted when I heard what Hance said, I did not expect Atty. Caldivar will handle my case. What I know is, that lawyer is picky about choosing what case she should take.

"Atty. Caldivar will handle my case?" I asked to be sure.

I once saw her at events. She is beautiful and she is a bit awkward to be with because of her authoritative aura.

"No, she will be the partner of the lawyer who will handle your case." He answered, my forehead creased at his answer.

I frowned. "Huh, then... who is my lawyer?" I noticed him suddenly stunned by my question. 

Suddenly there was a knock on the door so we both looked at it, Hance offered to open the door and I just sat on the sofa. 

"Come in." Hance informs the guest, I stand up when I saw Doc. Alexis was the first to enter followed by his husband Mr. Famiego.

"Good evening to you." I greeted, Doc smiled. Doc. Alexis kissed my cheeks, me and Mr. Famiego bowed on each other.

"Good evening." I was shocked by seeing Atty. Caldivar. I immediately went her way and gave her a kissed on a cheek, I stilled when I saw the person behind her.

"Good evening, I'm Atty. Benencio." He smiled to everyone, I looked at Hance and he averted his eyes away from me.

He’s wearing a white longsleeve polo while two buttons open, the sleeve are folded unto his elbow. Partnered with black trousers... like the usual pants he wear... before. His body features grown more, that makes a lot of women lay their eyes on him. His eyes were so dark... like before. His hair was in clean cut... like he used to.

"Nice meeting you... again, Ms. Lopez." He smiled at me as he greet me. 

I saw again the person I loved and planned to myself that i'll be married to him...

...years ago.

There are plans worth proving for and also, there are plans worth losing for.