Chapter 10: Prince Aguimatt

<p>Via's headache worsen. Kahapon pa masakit ang ulo niya. And what's causing it? Ang tila walang katapusang stress na sunod-sunod siyang inaatake.<br/><br/>Yesterday, the Lead Actor managing agency demanded a pay for the talent that will participate in the project. Otherwise, they will pull out their talent.<br/><br/>"This is a charity! What part of it is malabo? Dapat bang tagalugin?" histerya ni Monique. "The nerve! Ano bang akala niya sa talent niya? Prestigious? Baka nga ito po ang maging big break ng agency niya tapos ganun na kademanding!"<br/><br/>"I have talked to Borris himself," ani ng Producer nila. "He seemed up to the decision of his agency."<br/><br/>Napabuntong hininga si Via. Sumandal sa swivel chair at inilaylay ang ulo sa sandalan.<br/><br/>"Well, in my opinion, it's not a pretty big deal," patuloy na turan ni Monique. She talks more than Via. "We haven't started yet. We can replace him then."<br/><br/>Napatingin si Via kay Monique. She gave Monique a sarcastic smirk.<br/><br/>"Oh crap! Don't give me that look Via! I know what does that look mean" nanlalaki ang mata ni Monique. "Boss, are you seeing this? She has the look and smile of letting it go again!"<br/><br/>Napapangiting napapailing naman ang Producer nila. Tila alam din nito ang klase ng ibig sabihin ng ngiting iyon ni Via. The typical Alvianna Alguerra. Monique did voice it though. It was a not so pretty big deal. It doesn't have to take time and fuss over. They can simply replace him. In reality, it shouldn't be this easy. Sa mundo nila, they deal with binding contracts. And what the actor have done is somewhat a breach. But Via, eventhough not saying it out loud, just wants to let it go. Replace him if it must be. For Via, it will sound boastful and proud to say that 'I can easily replace you', so she just let it go. She don't make deals. Simple lang - - - if it is not meant to be, let it go! Di bale ng maghirapan sila sa paghahanap ng kapalit, they can still find one.<br/><br/>Napatayo si Philip. "Alright then, I'll cancel their contract. Monique, get your butt up and find a replacement," sabi ng producer and started to head out.<br/><br/>"But, Boss..." frustrated na habol ni Monique.<br/><br/>Napaayos ng upo si Via and fixes herself.<br/><br/>Humarap dito si Monique. "You're unbelieveable!" Pairap na turan nito. <br/><br/>"Oh commo'n!" natatawang apila ni Via. "Ikaw na nagsabi, it's a no biggie. So why fuss!" Tumayo siya. "I'm gonna take a walk, I suggest you do the same."<br/><br/>Wala ng nagawa si Monique when she left the room. Napabuntong hininga si Via when she closed the door. The truth, it is definitely not ok. But under any circumstances, alam niyang mafrufrustrate lang siya if she insists what's accordingly right. Nakakainsulto on her part that these people doesn't respect the contract. Kung tutuusin, kung talent fee ang pagbabasahin she is more expensive than all of these actors combined. But, this project is different. This project is the closest to her heart. No amount can suffice the fulfillment and recognition she would have for the success of this project.<br/><br/>Mabibigat ang hakbang na nagsimula siyang humakbang palayo sa nakapiit na pinto ng conference room. She feels the heavy burden on her every step. Monique has a point to insist that they shouldn't just simply let it go. For now, it will just be the lead actor, or the child actress, but who knows sino pa susunod? Pano na? What could be the next? Umpisa pa lang, and things aren't going right. Was she being self centered? She knows that actors and actress are people to and some of them are providers. It is just fair to atleast give them what is due. What could you expect in workers who aren't paid? You should expect nothing. <br/><br/>Napadpad siya sa theater room. The theater gives her a light feeling. To her, this is her dream. Being in the theater is like living the dream. Umakyat siya sa stage. Medyo magulo ang theatro ngunit wala ng tao doon. Everyone may have gone home already. Nagkalat sa paligid ang props, paper scripts, music sheets etc. Umupo siya sa edge ng stage at inabot ang nakakalat na papel sa sahig. It was a torn script. She read it. <br/><br/>"Is this destiny? Can you give me a sign?" She smirked. The lines on the script was accurate. Is she destined to fail at this time? What happens are supposedly the signs? "Yeah. Give me a sign!" she said loudly in the empty theater. "One single sign!"<br/><br/>Biglang bumukas ang grand door ng theater. And as if in slow motion, Aguimatt walks in. Napataas ang kilay ni Via, dahang-dahang tumingala na tila matatanaw dun ang makapangyarihang langit. She's asking for a sign, they gave her Aguimatt?! <br/><br/>"I was looking for you in the entire compound. Then your assistant told me that you might be here," sabi ni Matt habang papalapit sa kaniya sa center aisle ng theatre. <br/><br/>"What do you need me for?" she said sarcastically. For a couple of times na nakasama niya ito, somehow they become at ease sa isa't-isa. Infact, Matt have helped her a lot of times. <br/><br/>"Not so biggy. But the little angel in my mom's place keeps pestering me looking for you." <br/><br/>It's been 2 weeks since Isabelle was living with Matt's parents. And she hadn't had to chance to meet her there. Wala siya when Matt and his mom pick Isabelle up sa Sta. Clarita. But, like she thought it would be, Isabelle would be okay with Matt, technically, with Matt's parents. <br/><br/>The arrangement went through. She will cast in Isabelle sa play as the young cursed princess Allurah. Since Matt's Mom was a talent manager, Matt had this crazy idea that his mom will foster Isabelle with the condition na siya ang handler nito. She didn't know why but Mrs. Aragon was elated to accept the offer. But not to create a controversy, they hide the story that Isabelle was from the orphanage. Isabelle will be Matt's cousin from his Dad's sister. As also not to create a buzz, she refuse to meet the kid and she will do audition like any artist will do. But she have to train first, and that's what's Matt's mom for. <br/><br/>"I have the impression that since we do not want to create a scene, I am not allowed to meet her or you," she sarcastically replied. <br/><br/>Lumapit si Matt sa stage na kinauupuan niyo. Nakatingalang tumingin siya sa dalagang nakaupo sa ibabaw ng stage. "How'd you get up there?" tanong nito. <br/><br/>Inginuso ni Via ang daanan. "You have to go to the back."<br/><br/>Nilingon ni Matt ang tinuro ni Via. Then look back at her. Then instead of going all the way to the back, tinalon ni Matt ang mezzanine part ng stage and naglambitin pulling his self up. He was able to get on stage like Tarzan. Nagpagpag pa ito ng kamay as he stood up. <br/><br/>"That's risky but possible," ani Via somewhat impress on Matt's stunt. <br/><br/>"It's closer," nakangiting sabi ni Matt at umikot ang paningin sa stage. His eyes caught a piece of paper on the floor. He picked it up. It's a song hymn sheet. <br/><br/>"Just Not The Same?" basa ni Matt sa title ng sheet. Then she looked at her. <br/><br/>Tumayo si Via. Lumapit kay Matt and looked at th hymn sheet besides Matt shoulder. Dahan-dahan niyang inabot yun. <br/><br/>"Yes, this is a good song. You see the scene here is since the Princess have already found the man of her dreams, she just can't trust again. She's already broken. But the prince will sing this song," kwento ni Via. <br/><br/>Napangiti si Matt. It would be a beautiful plot. "It was never easy. It was always different. I looked at you, it's not just the same," basa ni Matt to some of the lyrics. <br/><br/>"Well, the prince love the princess truly but couldn't feel the similarity. As if the princess won't reciprocate."<br/><br/>"Heartbreaking," comment ni Matt. <br/><br/>"It's the twist."<br/><br/>Napansin ni Matt ang piano sa gilid ng stage. He walk towards it. Sat on it. Open the cover and inayos ang sheet sa sandalan. He was about to play when she saw Via looking at her. She seemed smiling with curiosity. <br/><br/>"Sit beside me," sabi ni Matt. <br/><br/>Natatawang lumapit si Via. "You play the piano?" She sat beside Matt. Matt started to play. <br/><br/>"I play any instruments with strings, with keys or drums," ani Matt as he key in some notes on the piano. "I have a mom for an actress. Growing up, I was exposed to arts. My friends says I'm gifted. You see, I was 2 years younger amongst them since I jump 2 years advance. I really don't have friends around my age. Except for JV's fiancee Ally," kwento ni Matt as he harmoniously playing the piano. He sounded like his singing his words. It blends with the melody. Then, he looked at the hymn sheet and played the lyrics.<br/><br/>It was just a harmonious melody. And Via can't help but to be mezmerized by Matt's talent. Somehow he's humming as well. He really can play. Via was trap in his mezmering presence. And she couldn't hide the fact that he Matt is very attractive. Eventually, the music stop and Via felt the disappointment of waking up from a very beautiful dream. <br/><br/>"It's a good song," ani Matt. "I like it." <br/><br/>"Well, I do now..." out of nowhere na sagot ni Via. Seemed still in a dreamy state. Tumaas ang kilay ni Matt. As if he knew Via was floating somewhere. <br/><br/>"Are you okay?" <br/><br/>Tila naman naalimpungatan si Via. She shook her head off as if waking her self from day dreaming. <br/><br/>"Wooa! For a second, you seemed like a prince charming," she said. Then, bigla siyang natigilan. Something snapped in her mind. Napatingin siya kay Matt with eyes wide open. "Oh my god! I'm a genius!" aniya na natutop pa ang bibig. Napatayo siya. Mabilis na hinagilap ang telepono and dialed. <br/><br/>"What?" nagugulumihanang tanong ni Matt. <br/><br/>Sinenyasan niya lang ito na tumigil. "Where are you? Come to the theater now!" ani Via. She ended the call pero tila may tinext pa ito. <br/><br/>"This is exciting!" anito na bakas ang tuwa sa mukha habang nagtetext. <br/><br/>"Are you ok, Via?" natatawang turan ni Matt. <br/><br/>Humarap si Via dito. "Never been better," sabi nito na kumindat pa sa kaniya. Biglang sumulpot si Monique mula sa backstage. <br/><br/>"Oh my god! That's so brilliant" bulalas ni Monique. <br/><br/>"You think so?" namimilog ang mata ni Via. Sabay na tumingin sa kaniya ang dalawang babae. Then Monique looked at her from head to toe as if examing him. Matt's confusion worsen. What's the deal with these two ladies? <br/><br/>"Can he act?" <br/><br/>"His mom was a prestigious actress, she can help plus he said he's a lover of arts," ani Via na napapakibit balikat pa. <br/><br/>"Excuse me?! Are you talking about me?" turan ni Matt. <br/><br/>Makahulugan ang batuhan ng dalawang babae. Then sumenyas si Monique kay Via as if urging her to go on. <br/><br/>"Aguimatt, as a major sponsor, I guess you have to know. Our lead actor backed out," sabi ni Via. "And it's really a complication to our end. But we've worked on it." <br/><br/>Kumunot lalo ang noo ni Matt. Muling nagtinginan ang dalawa. <br/><br/>"We found our replacement Mr. Aragon," ani Monique. <br/><br/>"It's You!" diretsang turan ni Via. <br/><br/>Matt was stunned. Hindi alam ni Matt kung matatawa o maiinis sa dalawa. "Me? What do you mean Me?" <br/><br/>Napabuntong hininga si Via. Looked at Via and walked towards Matt. "Let me put it this way. I don't know if you're particular with scouted actors along the way. Like some talents scouter found a promising actor from a bunch of, I don't know, fast food server or wherever. Then they become stars."<br/><br/>"My mom's a talent manager, I know how scouting works," ani Matt somehow figuring out what could Via possible meant. <br/><br/>"That's it! You're the son of a prestigious actress. That could be the perfect backstory!" Via exclaimed as if Matt knows what she's actually talking. <br/><br/>"Yes! It's really perfect!" Monique squelched. Obvious na excited ito. <br/><br/>"Hey!" awat ni Matt sa excitement ng dalawa. "Can you two go straight to the point!" <br/><br/>Muli na naman natameme ang dalawa. Monique backed off. And iminuwestra kay Via to finish what she is trying to fill into Matt. <br/><br/>"Ok.I'll go straight to the point." She took another deep breath. "Will you play as the prince on this project?" <br/><br/>"Play? You mean, I will act?" <br/><br/>"Yes!" diretsang sagot ni Via. <br/><br/>Napatanga si Matt. </p>