Chapter 5

"Jenica, I told you not to change your stunts! You can get hurt for what you are doing!"

"I'm sorry, coach. I was just blown away by the music."

"If you continue to be like that, you will lose all your efforts!" I sighed "30 mins water break."

For our last 3 weeks of practice, things got worse and worse.

Akala ko, madali lang pero napasobra ata kami sa pressure.

Ako din, gusto ko smooth lahat, gusto ko dire-diretso. Nakalimutan ko atang tao lang din kami, napapagod.

I totally messed up.

"Fatima, did you already prepare the costumes?" I asked my lead designer during our meeting

"I'm sorry to tell, Alezandra but the sizes of the costumes are couldn’t fit to the dancers. We need to adjust the dresses." She said

"Gosh, why did that happen?" I asked in frustration

"It's normal, the human body may change and those sizes were measured a year ago."

"Alam mo naman pala eh? Bakit hindi mo sinabi agad?" Pasigaw kung sabi.

They clearly had no idea what I was taking because they don't understand my language. Nag walk out ako, umuwi ng bahay at umiyak maghapon.

When the other day came, I was surprised.

The parents of my students were there.

"Good morning, Mrs. Ganadoz, what brings you here?" I asked

"I'm sorry, teacher, but Jenica was crying when she went home. I don't know why but she keeps on insisting that she will quit dancing. Did something happen, coach?"

After our small talk about the competition, napaiyak na lang ako.

Jusko, ano na ang nangyayari. This isn't what I expected.

The next day, I went personally to Jenica's house to talk to her privately.

"I'm sorry for what happened, Jenica. I didn't mean it. Maybe it was just because of the pressure weights at my back."

"Im sorry too, coach. Maybe, mom's right, I should have not enrolled to your class if I can't accept corrections."

"No, Jenica. There's still much room for improvements and when you do something, you must bare its consequences. And it's okay now." I assured her

"So see you tomorrow?"

"About that coach, maybe you should find someone to replace me." she said sadly

"Why? You really want to surrender to dancing?" I said calmly

"It's not like that, but I'm afraid that I couldn't make it to the competition. It's my schedule for our preliminary exams. I must prioritize my education over this."

"I understand. Yeah, it's okay. There's no need for you to think about that anymore. I'll find a way, don't worry."

"Thanks, coach.

Naging okay nga kami ni Jenica pero nadagdagan ulit ang pasanin ko sa buhay.

I had no choice but to take over her stunts.

Kinausap ko ulit si Mr. Moretti tungkol dito ang luckily, he agreed.

We made an agreement before na hindi ako sasali sa magp-perform and I'll be just sitting beside them during the whole competition.

I was kinda nervous but I guess, this is it.

"Are the dresses all compacted, Fatima?"

"Yes, Alezandra. They were all in the car, ready to travel."

"Good. How about the props, Nico?"

"Perfectly arranged and ready to use, Ms. Walsh.

I just nodded.

We arrived at Bulgaria 2 weeks before the competition. We also did come blockings at the stage. Plovdiv Stadium has 55, 000 sitting capacity kaya expected na marami talaga ang dadalo. This contest also will be broadcast in selected countries and I don't think that Philippines would be concluded. Hindi naman sila siguro interested sa mga ganito lalo na't wala namang delegate na tiga Pilipinas.

Ang atensyon nila ay nakatutok sa pageantry at korupsyon.

Days had passed and mas lalo akong kinakabahan.

Finally, it's the competition day.

"Good luck, Alezandra. I'm you and your team will ace it. You're a great dancer and I'm not surprised anymore if you will win." pampalubag loob ni Nico

"Oh come on, Nico. There are so many dancers out there, they were trained and all I can say is that this kind of opportunity will remain a memory."

"A memory of success! You're a great coach, dancer, and a leader. Always remember that." and he left

"Alezandra, dear." she came to me and gave me a slight hug

"Thanks for your support, Ms. Valencia."

"Just be you, Alezandra. No matter what happens, I will always be here supporting you and your whole team."

"And by the way, Mr. Moretti wanted to talk to you for a second." and she pointed Mr. Moretti coming into our way

"Advance congratulations, I guess?"

"Thank you sir. Thank you po sa opportunity."

"Of course, you deserve it." and he smiled

"And by the way, after your performance, the director wants to greet you personally."

"Uncle, the competition is about to start—"

"Oh, there's the director. Hindi man lang nakapaghintay matapos ang performance."

I froze.

It's been four years and he seems become more stronger looking. Kung noon ay parang lang pero ngayon sure akong kapag nakagawa ka ng isang pagkakamali ay kakatayin ka na nya.

The man who made me who I am today.

"Luigi. . ."