Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Ingrid's POV

After a while of re-studying the film. I was just surprised when Mr. Polido called me to hire as his assistant producer. I know that it often really needs a bachelor's degree so I was really surprised when he told me about that.

“You're very creative, Ms. Galang, I saw the potential in you,” he said when I asked why. I just really tried to apply to different companies. Well, it's just freelance because I can't give up being a teacher either.

The shoot for Mr. Polido's film is on vacation so I was really lucky. I'm happy to accept it. I also know some of my co-workers because they went to Nueva Ecija the last vacation.

I just wore my usual clothes before I went out to head to the shoot.

“Yup, I'm going to shoot, Nak. Yes, see you next week,” I smiled to greet Raya who is in Nueva Ecija again. She doesn't really like it here. She can't last in smoke and pollution. But somehow she stayed here for a month. Jolie and she were together every day though.

I just came back here to Manila when I was hired as an assistant producer by Mr. Polido. I also don't want to miss the opportunity, especially since it's still a vacation.

Ever since I was able to think about everything, I have also tried to distance myself from Indigo. He was also like that so I didn't have a hard time either.

“Good morning, Ms. Galang,” some greeted me. I couldn't help but smile as I greeted them back as well. They are not difficult to get along with because almost everyone is professional.

"As usual, Ma'am is really beautiful," Mr. Reye said with a smile to me. I laughed before shaking my head.

The shoot eventually started. We have already planned all of these. While in the shoot, there were still ideas coming to my mind that I suggested to Mr. Polido.

“That’s kinda cool. You're really good with this one, Ms. Galang,” he said to me. I couldn't help but be happy at his praise. He is really well known because Mr. Polido was a teacher of amateur filming producers. Even a kid on the street can work with him, as long as he sees potential. Even if you don't have a degree, that's fine with him.

So I was really overwhelmed when he said he would take me. It was fattening to my heart.

We had a good shoot the first day. The team is happy because there are also happy-go-lucky actors. Adding to that, the staff we are working with. It was actually fun shooting with them. This is my first movie so it seems like everything I see is good for me.

On day 2 of the shoot, I woke up early to go there. As usual, excited and hyper again.

"Good morning," I greeted them. Lisa greeted me immediately.

“Ms. Galang! Mr. Polido got in an accident!” they said to me so my lips were left open. I can't help but worry.

“Huh? How—”

"He had a drink last night," Lisa cried. I can't help but wash my face with my hand because of that. I just bit my lip so hard. I'm the assistant producer so they're all looking at me. I don't know what to do.

“We should pack up first. I will visit Mr. Polido in the hospital. For now, cancel the shoot,” I told them. They nodded one by one because of that. Others were skeptical at first. I was the same because I also didn't know what to do.

I just went to the hospital where Mr. Polido is. I wasn't welcome at first because he wasn't okay yet but the third time we visited, Direk Reyes and I finally got the chance to go into his room. Even the head of the teams.

We were all quiet inside. There was an apology on his face. I'm happy that he is okay but I can't deny that I'm disappointed because it was supposed to be the first-ever movie that I would have been a part of. But it seems like it will be delayed.

"I'm really sorry about the mess I have done," he said.

“Why did you drink, Mr. Polido?" Lisa asked, still scratching her head.

"I'm sorry," he repeated.

“I know you are all excited to make that movie and we have already spent a lot that's why I want to give my position to Ms. Galang,” he said to me.

"Huh? Po?" I ask.

“I want you to guide the team, Ms. Galang, you're good. I know you can do it,” he said to me but my eyes widened even more as I looked at him. What the heck?

Everyone is also shocked by his sudden suggestion or should I say by his final decision? Even if the team leaders are kind to me, they still don't have the confidence that I can do it. I was also the same, I'm not sure about myself but I still did it.

I spent the whole night planning for the next shoots.

So when the shoot was resumed, almost all of them were worried because I wasn't good either. I was still an amateur but I did my best until I gained their trust. Maybe being a teacher also helped because I was able to guide them well. I was able to teach them. We finished the movie which I can say I will look forward to. All of us really work hard for that.

After that, I went home to Neuva Ecija because the children were going back to school. I'll just wait for the release date of the movie and they will update me online.

In the following weeks, I was busy on the first day of school so the day also went fast, I did not realize that the movie had been released. My siblings also really encouraged me to go to the cinema to watch it. I also gave in.

“Omg, Ate! Are you really the producer of that movie?” Jolie asked loudly. I don’t know if she wants to let people across the cinema. All I knew was that I was being eaten away by shame. Some people in the cinema look at us because of how loud my family is.

“Oh? Are you the producer of that? That was so good!” Some approached us when the movie was over.

"Congrats on your film, Ma'am Ingrid, you're so great." Many people greeted me and I just say my appreciation too.

The next thing I know, I'm viral on social media. As well as our film. Young people are related in the movie so it was really hit in social media.

Some are also requesting an interview with me. The media star. I gave in, especially since Mr. Polido is the producer of the show. He asked me to be a guest.

In the following days, I also go to Manila for that. I couldn't help but smile when the people I was within the film greeted me. This is where they work so it’s only natural that I see them.

“Congratulations, Ms. Ingrid,” one of my co-workers greeted me with a smile.

“No, I must say congrats to all of us, we all work hard for that! I wish you success. ” I also smiled to give them back their warm welcome to me.

“You are really humble, Ms. Galang,” they said to me with a smile. I also said goodbye because a staff member guided me to the show.

I stopped when I saw Indigo who was right in front of me. I was a little surprised by his presence although it shouldn't be because I know that he also works here.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Cornel,” I said to him.

"Good afternoon." He returned my greeting. I simply stared at him. For no apparent reason, his eyes seem to be dark now. His eyes as if biting into my bone so I was silent and just averted my gaze. The effect of him is still the same. I just clenched my fist as I continued walking.

I go straight to the tv show to be a guest.

“Let's welcome our famous teacher-producer, Ms. Ingrid Galang!” The host welcomed me.

“How do you feel about your successful first-ever movie, Ms. Galang?” she asked me with a smile.

“I’m really thankful for everyone who helps me here. I'm happy. So much. And it's not possible without our team,” I said with a smile.

“Many people say you're so good! How did you handle the team after Mr. Polido left?” she asked. The producer left and the movie almost didn't continue. We really just push it because we're already in the middle of filming, it's a waste of budget. I'm just an assistant producer but because of that, I handled the team.

"It was hard…" I explained everything completely when Mr. Polido disappear.

"How's working with JL?" she asked again.

“He’s good. He's a kind kid. He's easy to get along with,” I said. I already know that what they want is some information about the artist and I don't really mind. It will be great exposure.

When the interview was over, I came out again. Since I stepped here into the media star, it seems that Indigo and my world have become small. I know I should move on because he is already someone else. That's what I'm doing. I'm trying to move on but now that I saw him again, he will never disappear from my mind again.

I saw him outside and just eating kwek kwek while laughing with some of my co-workers. When he saw me the smile gradually disappeared from his lips. My muscles trembled when he approached me or maybe I was just assuming?

"Ingrid," he called to me as I call for a cab.

"Do you want me to take you home?" he asked me so I turned to him.

"It's late," he said. That's obvious. I don't know what's wrong with him but I don't know what's wrong with myself either because I agree with him.

The next thing I know he's fixing my seatbelt.

Then I just pointed to the apartment where I am staying now. The two of us just kept quiet, I could only hear my heart beating. I wonder what will happen if we are still together now. Shit, stop thinking about that. That man has a girlfriend, Ingrid.

Before I could remove the seatbelt he had already spoken.

"I miss you…" he whispered. All the emotions I had been holding back were like a volcano that finally erupted. Why is he doing this to me? I just want to forget him. He doesn't talk to me anymore so why is he saying this now?

"I fucking hate you, you know," I told him. I said I won't cry again just because of him but look at me crying just because of what he said. I never expected that I'll hear that from him again.

“I hate you too…” Fuck. I never knew that words can hurt me like this. It was as if the broken heart had been further destroyed.

"But I still love you…" he just whispered which I also heard.

"Why did you leave?" he asked me. It seems like he only has the guts to ask it now.

"Of the thousands of times I choose you, I only chose myself once but… You still left me," he said while staring at me. I feel his gaze biting into my bones.

"You only turned your back on me once but I was gradually destroyed Indigo… It was only once but it was very polished when I was completely destroyed," I cried. The tears flowed even more as he slowly hugged me.

When I finally calmed down, I realize how wrong it is

"What? I didn't know you were that low now, ”I said, wiping the tears from my eyes. No more indulging in the emotions I felt earlier.

"Let's just cut the relationship between the two of us," I said.

“Fuck, I can’t do that, Ingrid. Every night you are still on my mind. Always. You are still here,” he said, pointing to his chest.

"I still love you…" he whispered but I just pushed him away from me. I know how wrong everything is.

“It's not right, Indigo, it's better that you just go home. Think about it. Maybe you're just hungry,” I said as I got out of his car.