Chapter 13:

Interlude

Four Seasons With You


My name is Angelica Claris.

I'm currently studying at Sierra Advanced Senior Memorial National High School.

Most people would call me Angie and I am pretty popular on campus for showcasing my singing, acting, and dancing talents.

It was my dream to become an artist. I've admired many people ever since I was a child and I grew up maintaining that affection while trying to create my own path in the industry.

At first, I thought there would be no chance for me since I lack the confidence needed to express what I wanted to express. But before I knew it, after posting several videos of me performing, my fanbase grew and my singing managed to reach the people.

My ordinary life changed during these fleeting moments, constantly shedding different tones as I push on to pursue my dream. And with Joey by my side, I didn't have to worry about the pressure and anxiety building up to impede my performance.

I thought to myself that after I graduate, I will continue loving music and debut as a professional singer. And if there's a chance, I will also do my best to become a theater artist and twist people's emotions.

At least, that's what I intended to focus on until my mother died...

One year ago, my whole family and I went overseas to support my mom's work as a lawyer. She had solved a lot of difficult cases in the past and she managed to receive a vacation trip offer as a cover-up to investigate a certain case.

My dad was against it at first, sensing that it was rather odd and dangerous but my mom didn't waste this chance.

When we departed to another country, things were looking great.

I continued my social media performance and even set up my own live stream with the help of my brother to reach more audiences.

I'd say that it was a fun experience. Many people praised me for being a good singer. I tried my best to play other instruments as well and I was able to please them. Joey kept supporting me with my performance and I was really really happy when he told me that I'm trending. We embraced each other that time, saying that I'm close to making a debut.

However...

"Your mother died in a car accident..."

Dad came home that night and told us that mom got involved in a car accident while she was on her way home.

He knew that because Dad is a journalist. He was the one assigned to report what happened in the incident while grieving mom's death.

It was difficult for him. No—it was difficult for all of us. Joey and I were in utter despair when heard what happened. We had to cancel everything including our live stream sessions to mourn for her. I couldn't even focus on my studies back then.

It's just so... painful.

When we came back home, we buried mom's remains and spent the rest of the month adjusting to the sullen atmosphere that was tainted by disheartening news.

Dad managed to sort everything out after that. I decided to stop singing and Joey was in a bad state because of his low grades.

We're all in a downfall.

After a few months of grieving, I stood up and told myself that nothing was going to change if we keep this gloomy atmosphere surrounding us.

I changed myself and became an old reliable sister for Joey. I decided to make some efforts and do my best for the sake of my brother.

We worked hard and I taught joey a lot of things. Eventually, we were able to enroll in a prestigious school through hard work and determination. Joey improved his grades while I exerted more effort to maintain my own academic skills.

However, things weren't all that smooth.

Dad quit his Journalist job because he couldn't face it anymore. I pity him because having to remain in that position only triggers embers of sadness. I thought that Dad is having trouble focusing because he keeps remembering what happened. That must be the reason why he quit.

But because of that, our daily income declined and we had a financial problem.

Dad said that he will look for another job but he couldn't stay with us because it's going to be in the capital.

Before he departed, he left us all of his savings and insurance and told us that he will send us money every month.

As an old sister, it was my responsibility to take care of everything and support Joey. I bid my dad goodbye and told him that I'll do my best while he works.

But it wasn't really a good decision.

SASMNHS is a private school and you have to pay tuition every month. Since there are two of us studying there, Dad would have to send twice the amount of his income.

We were in debt back then so his earnings were not enough to sustain us and our tuition. At that point, one of us will stop studying while the other will pursue their dreams by graduating.

It was at that moment that I knew that I had to do something to preserve our dream.

I have to help my Dad earn as well and that's the reason why I was inclined to look for a part-time job.

It was hard at first but then after a few weeks, when the first semester of the school year started, I met a kind Hostess on the street who asked me if I want to work as a performer in a nightclub.

Of course, I was skeptical. My standard is not low enough to join a risky establishment that will tarnish my reputation. And I'm underage as well. I thought that being a Hostess would only lead to indecent acts afterward and I hesitated.

But then I remembered what my purpose is.

I told the Hostess that I would like to see it first and then she introduced me to a mysterious guy who wears a mask. They call him The Manager.

He was a strange man. When the Hostess explained my circumstances to him, the Manager accepted me wholeheartedly as if it wasn't illegal for me to work in this kind of environment.

Apparently, he recognized me through my social media videos and told me that if I sing here in his nightclub, he would grant me a bonus and that I wouldn't have to worry about the payment.

It was far too good to be true... but he wasn't kidding.

All I have to do at that time was to sing with the other bands he hired and then serve the guests drinks. The other Hostesses will take care of the other work that is required of them while I take it easy.

I thought this job was a blessing... in a way to solve our problems.

But what would happen if my brother and close friends discovers that I work in this kind of industry?

Although I'm not really doing anything indecent. Me, being in this establishment could lead to a misunderstanding. My whole life would turn upside down if Joey ever finds out that I'm working as a Hostess.

That's why I decided to hide it.

I told them that there was nothing going on and that I'm fine.

But... that was a big mistake.

When I saw Joey running away while crying, I realized that what I'd done is a big mistake. I tried so hard to hide it, I was inconsiderate of what was happening back home and I deliberately turned them away.

Joey finally found out.

Of course, he would be angry. Seeing that his pitiful big sister is working under this establishment is just... it's very misleading. I'm sure he sees me as someone dirty now.

And after all that hiding, the wall between us didn't break. It became thicker and I was unable to reach Joey anymore as I knelt down in misery.

How pathetic...

If I knew that this day would come, I would've told him immediately.

No... that's not right. It's not like I'm not aware that Joey would know. I'm just invoking a facade, trying not to face the reality.

Little old me would've done this much better.

That's what I think after messing everything up...

I thought everything was over when Joey said he didn't want to see me anymore. When I saw all of the money he saved just by not eating, it broke my heart.

Just like me, he's trying his best and even sacrificing himself for both of us. And I didn't consider his feelings on the matter. I took everything myself and led us both to this predicament.

I failed him, did I? But I guess you cannot ignore the inevitable.

I was sobbing silently that time, until... he came.

A handsome high school student always visits this place. I never would've thought that he's connected to Joey and Chesca.

His hair was that of a sunny hue, like the rays of sun bifurcating throughout the ground and painting the scenery a vivid summer dressing.

When he saw me crying, he tapped my shoulder and placed his hand on my cheek. I felt myself melting in relief just by having his palm on my face. He moved his thumb and wiped away my tears.

I don't know why but for some reason, he became like my light of hope.

My overloaded mind calmed down instantly when he came to my side.

At some point, my current self unconsciously dictated that he was the one...

...the prince that would save the princess from the chaos of this theatric play.