4 Annoying Alternates

For a moment there, Glaiza got nervous at the thought of Rhian kissing her again. She pretended that she did not hear what Rhian was saying during the conversation they had but her heart heard it loud and clear alright, and it seemed to be jumping out of her chest. Jumping for joy? She thought what Rhian meant by saying that they should practice was about the kissing. But it turned out Rhian meant they should practice their duet. Well, practice makes perfect. Imagine Rhian and her practicing for a kissing scene and they had to do it over and over again, with tongue, without tongue, with tongue again... Oh my goodness, she thought... why such impure thoughts? Stop it Glaiza, she scolded herself, good vibes only, Glaiza vibes...

Since she was in high school, she had always wondered if other girls like her sometimes entertain thoughts of kissing fellow women, let alone have unusual thoughts of people from the same gender but she quickly chucks it up to curiosity, and a phase that everyone goes through... Not worth thinking about when there's so much her fertile mind wants to think about like writing songs, creating melodies and poetry, and so much to do like singing in gigs, acting, hosting, running businesses and other things worth dedicating her time. Aside from her lucrative acting and singing careers, she was co-owner of a restaurant called Runner's Kitchen which specializes in healthy food; she also surprised her mom by giving her a beauty and nail care shop and she helped open their family business Galura Studio which trains young people to play instruments and gives them acting, singing and dancing workshops.

Yup, her family was very important to her, more so her parents, in fact she's almost always on the brink of happy tears whenever she thinks about them and all the hard work and dedication they have given for her career since the beginning, and most especially how they have given up their own lives just so she would become successful. It wasn't always that easy for her, everything was mostly heartache, involving blood, sweat and tears before she got to where she was now. Her parents met as co-members of a band and sharing the same love for music connected them, but they didn't become big names in music and they were not exactly rich so Glaiza remembers having to brave it under the heat of the sun and getting stuck in the middle of a dusty road while her dad repairs the cranky taxi he was driving and sometimes using to get Glaiza to her auditions. And of course, how could she forget the many times she was turned down and insulted by producers for not having enough "it" factor, or enough money to bribe some of them to get her even just the smallest parts in a show. Every time she was sick from fatigue and hopelessness, it was her mom who was always there to nurse her to health, give her reassuring hugs and drying her tears of desperation. It was also her dad and siblings who helped her not only financially but also spiritually, giving her words of advice, comfort and wisdom during tough times. Her older sisters, even though most of them were already married, never failed to support her career, and her one younger brother who was also an aspiring actor, was her partner in crime, her secret keeper and her resident clown during tough times. If it wasn't for them, she doesn't even know if there would be a Glaiza de Castro now, or maybe nobody would even know who that name was. They were her rock, giving her strength and inspiration to go on, and they had the same blood that courses through her own veins; she would never give up on them.

These reasons were the very same reason why she is also very supportive to them when it came to their faith. Glaiza strongly believed in the concept of loyalty and returning favors, and again, she owed a lot to them. Her family, even her cousins and extended family, were devout born-again Christians, and they were part of a strictly-knitted, imposing but caring religious community. The word of their pastor were always followed and to be taken seriously, or else, the community will never let you hear the last of it, not through threats but by never-ending prayer meetings and act of intercessions to "straighten you out" or take back the "lost sheep." She had grown up exposed to that, but personally, she didn't even have time to truly go deeper inside herself and find out what she really believed in. There were phases in her life when she was driven by an inexplicable strong affiliation and curiosity towards the Japanese culture. Yes, she was an artist and a supporter of local culture and Asian ones but there was something quite more than that. Thus, her self-studies led her to one of the Japanese religions which was Buddhism. She was indeed very curious about this.. Also, there were times that she wanted to be a ninja, heck, she feels like a ninja sometimes and often describes her style of doing four gigs in one day, in different places, as her "ninja moves." And yeah, she wants to be an action star. There was this scene in TRMD where she was kidnapped by Jade's dad and she insisted to the director to insert a part where she would kick the ass of her kidnappers instead of just bending to their will like the usual damsel in distress. Heck, she was no damsel in distress, she was a rocker chick in shining armor, with awesome kickass ninja moves, GDC style. (GDC-Glaiza de Castro) One of her proudest moments doing her ninja moves was when she got her Japanese design tattoo on her wrist as a rebellious act towards her strict parents and their religion, but that was when she was younger. Now she gained enough wisdom to realize that she could never make it alone without having to go back into the loving arms of her family.

In Buddhism they tolerate homosexuality and believed in reincarnation, was she a boy in her past life? Why does she sometimes want to do things for boys? But on the other hand, girls can kick ass as well as boys, girls can do anything that boys can, yeah girl power! Was Rhian a boy in her last life? Why was she such a badass race car driver and rapper (yes Rhian raps and quite good at it, she should have more faith in her own singing abilities, that kid)? But it's only with her singing that the usually confident Rhian is hesitant, especially when they are singing together, Rhian seems to stutter more or sing ahead of the melody when she haven't observed her doing this during her previous performances in SAS (Sunday All Stars - defunct noon time variety show where both of them were regulars). Bianca King, a celebrity who was Rhian's bestfriend and one of Glaiza's business partners for Runner's Kitchen, even joked to them that Rhian is deliberately doing her mistakes on purpose just so she can get an excuse to look at Glaiza and be guided by the seasoned singer. And Glaiza was only too glad to give back to Rhian an encouraging and comforting look so she could continue singing, she takes her older sister role seriously, older sister since Rhian was two years younger than her, but of course that sister relationship thing got cancelled when TRMD started coz they had to act as lovers. Weird but there it was.

TRMD was not her first soap opera with Rhian, they were also together a few years ago in the Filipino adaptation of a Korean soap called Stairway to Heaven where Rhian was the lead actress and she was the villainous rival. They had a lot of girl-fighting scenes there but they did not actually get the chance to bond on set. Memories were a blur to her but she distinctly remembered that management were stricter then.. But now, here they were, from pulling each other's hair out to pulling each other in for a kissing scene... That unforgettable kiss... her first girl kiss and probably her last... but what if Rhian attempts to kiss her again? Knowing that funny kid, she could probably pull a prank on her that way. But thank goodness it was quite impossible because there were always so many people surrounding them, including their moms... During their latest Rastro Fans Day (God how she enjoys those days), their moms went with them. So again, what if Rhian tries to kiss her? That thought made Glaiza all wiggly inside. Then what if her mom arrives and catching them in the act? Knowing how breezy Rhian is, she would probably just get her swagger on and say something like, "Oops, excuse me mom, I tripped on a banana peeling and my lips fell on Glaiza's lips."

Glaiza chuckled to herself as she went over her personal things to bring to her concert tonight. What was she thinking anyway, that kiss was just for their work and will never happen in real life. According to her family's religion, two girls kissing was wrong, more wrong than putting an innocent man on the cross to act like Jesus Christ during Holy Week, or thinking that being shoved down a river and accepting an unseen but holy ghost would be enough to replicate the act of going down the female organ from your mother's womb. No kissy thoughts, Glaiza. She convinced herself. Here you go again, that's it folks, random weird thoughts brought to you by the overactive mind of Miss De Castro. Good vibes only. Focus on your work, your constant and only source of sanity.

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(Glaiza's Sister POV - a few months ago)

Cris Galura Andaya was worried for her baby sister. Glaiza was always the baby and most doted over in the family even if it was their only brother Alchris who was the youngest. She would do anything for her sister. There were many times that she had to leave the needs of her own family and children just to give support to Glaiza and her parents, to make sure that everything was okay in Glaiza's career.

Today was one of the defining moments of Glaiza's career because she just accepted the role of a lesbian, a first on the country's TV for the general public. They were always supportive and trusted Glaiza's instinct when it comes to her career decisions but the assurance from the scriptwriters that Glaiza will have the femme lesbian role honestly gave her a sort of relief. Then the tide turned again when they heard the news that Marian Rivera, the famous Philippine actress who got the role of Jade, or Glaiza's character's would be lover, had to back out at the last minute because she got knocked off by her also famous but careless boyfriend Dingdong Dantes. Doing a soap opera would be stressful to her pregnancy. So they had to get a new Jade and it was Rhian Ramos.

Rhian Ramos. Cris shuddered at the thought. Unknown to Glaiza or even Rhian herself, that girl was a significant issue between Cris and Glaiza's other older sister. It was during the time of Glaiza and Rhian's first soap opera, Stairway to Heaven, starring Rhian as the lead actress, Dingdong Dantes as the lead actor and Glaiza as the rival of Rhian for Dingdong's attentions. That Dingdong again, Cris was thinking that maybe he was really the one bringing all the bad luck.

Cris and Glaiza's other older sister were observing something at that time that not even Glaiza had realized within herself. Their baby princess Glaiza were showing signs since her younger days that she likes girls but they always were successful enough to deflect that. Cris herself personally didn't care and would be very happy to support her younger sister on whatever she wants to be or whoever she wants to love, but not their other sister, she always prays for Glaiza that she would turn out straight and forget her gay tendencies. Because she just wants what's best for her younger sister, not only for her well-being here on Earth but most importantly in the afterlife. Glaiza's two older sisters had a quarrel and almost forgot their own sisterly blood bond because of their different approaches on how to love their little sister, but it was Cris who relented and decided to help try to protect Glaiza.

During Stairway to Heaven, the two sisters observed that their baby sister was more hyper active and jolly than usual. She was always smiling and light on her feet after every taping day and instead of her usual way of going directly to her room to read or write poems and lyrics after dinner, she would stay with them at the living room and make small, happy chit-chat with them about how pretty and how talented and funny her co-star Rhian Ramos was and how she wanted to be her friend. She did not talk that way about all her other co-stars. Not even Patrick Garcia who was so nice and was rumored to be courting Glaiza at that time. Only Rhian Ramos.

Glaiza was always flushed and over excited after having a scene with Rhian. One time when Rhian and Glaiza were invited on a noon time comedy show Eat Bulaga, Glaiza was extraordinarily jumpy and happy and Rhian made excuses to be able to touch Glaiza's back or shoulder and at a Stairway to Heaven taping where Cris went on the set, she saw the unusual glint on her baby sister's eyes and the flush of her cheeks when she did a girl-fight scene where her pretty co-star had to tackle and ride her on the bed and choke her to death. The worst thing about it was that Cris saw the same glint in Rhian's eyes. The feeling seemed to be mutual. They were young teens, kids practically... but still... Oh no. Cris thought. Her other sister would need more candles for her prayers.

Now these two, Glaiza and Rhian, are a few years older and at the height of their sexuality and they have to reunite in the role of lovers, of all roles! What if that Stairway situation escalates during TRMD? Cris would have to do a lot of covering-asses, for Glaiza and her own, so she won't have to get in trouble with their family.

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(Glaiza's Concert Night)

Glaiza and Rhian were both having their hair and make-up done in the same dressing room. Glaiza was actually quite cheerful and proud that Rhi arrived very early, not even twilight yet, to prepare for her Dreams Never End concert. The racer was wearing a loose and clingy black T-shirt with matching black pants and black shades, and her hair was pulled up in a simple ponytail, most of all, she was wearing oozing amounts of swag as she walked inside the room and walked straight towards Glaiza, giving her a peck on the cheek.

Gosh, she looks like a matinee idol. Justin Bieber has nothing on this kid. Glaiza thought to herself as she recovered from the surprise of Rhian's quick kiss which was dangerously close to her lips, a detail which was seemingly becoming a habit. Rhian's arrival needed no announcement. Glaiza knew the moment she arrived, because the fan girls outside were noisier than ever and gave out some lung-bursting shrieks at the sight of the breezy actress.

During the middle of their chitchat, with Rhian telling all sorts of unfunny jokes to make Glaiza laugh and going over and over again about how proud she was of Glaiza for achieving this feat of an indie concert and how she was more excited for her, Glaiza couldn't help it anymore and suddenly interrupted her.

"So, after this concert Althea would really love for you to stay and have dinner so you can tell her more about how proud you are of me..." Glaiza said while giving Rhian her winning, eye-scrunching smile.

Rhian froze.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She could feel a wide smile forming on her lips but still she was quite at a loss for words.

Good thing her personal assistant interrupted the moment to tell her that the bathroom outside was already vacant. Rhian had wanted to pee. And with what Glaiza just told her, she was thankful she did not pee right on that spot.

"Hold that thought, G! I mean, Althea! I will be back, Jade will be back!"

Rhian hopped outside towards the bathroom while clutching the middle of her pants with the widest smile on her face.

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Rhian peed like a rocket and almost forgot to zip her fly as she raced back to the dressing room to give a positive answer to her waiting "Althea." But then a fan stopped her for her autograph and a picture. She remembered this was the same fan who asked for a picture and told her that she just missed Glaiza who had already gone home when Rhian tried to catch a gig of the rocker at the 12 Monkeys Restobar a few weeks back. It turned out Glaiza was still at the top floor and that Rhian went for a beer with a friend to drown her miseries for nothing. But she was used to this, legions of fans following them around since TRMD. So she agreed and signed the girl's cellphone casing. While she was doing so, she saw a familiar face from afar, joining Chynna and some other celebrities and trying to find seats for Glaiza's concert. It was Ben. Benjamin Alves. Glaiza's former co-star who was rumored to be courting Glaiza and even visited to bring her food during some of their TRMD tapings. What was he doing here? Did she invite him? Of course he would be here. He and Glaiza were "friends." And even if he wasn't invited, she was sure he would still go ahead and invite himself anyway. Suddenly the racer's sunny world turned dim. The fan was taken aback as she heard the actress growl ever so slightly like a Chihuahua and bite the pen she was holding. Without a word, Rhian left after she finished signing for autograph.

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Glaiza noticed how different and somber the other girl's mood was compared to her sunny disposition before she left the room but still she asked:

"So, you were saying?"

"What?" Rhian snapped back.

"To Althea, what's your response to her pending question...?" Glaiza was surprised now but still hesitantly pressed the matter.

"Oh, I don't know..." Rhian's answer was interrupted by her phone ringing. Game of Thrones theme played in the airwaves, "hold on a sec, I have to answer this."

It was her boyfriend Jason.

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Rhian was talking for a long time on the phone and when she got back, Glaiza was all dressed up and ready for her first set on stage. She looked like a dark goddess with her shiny hair and dress with a cape. Rhian gulped. Glaiza was gloomy though and even if she already knew what was coming, she still had to talk to Rhian about their previous conversation. Her big eyes were sad.

G: "So, I guess no Althea later tonight..."

R: "Yeaaahh... Sorry G... My fans, the Cyberhians organized a sort of surprise, but not really since Jason clued me in, party for me after this. It is my birthday, afterall...."

G: "I know... I'm not gonna hold you from that... Well, okay, have fun. Again, I'm already so thankful that you chose to lend me some of your time now on your special day... See you on stage?"

R: "Thanks.... Good luck out there... You look so beautiful, and you're so good, you're gonna kill it G, I know it... I'm so, so proud of you..."

G: "Thanks, Rhi... and I'm proud of you, too... I'm sure you're gonna be great, too... Happy Birthday..."

R: "And happy new year to us..."

G: "Yeah.."

R: "Yeaaahh..."

Rhian gave Glaiza a small smile while looking regretfully at her sad, benign eyes as she stepped towards her to yet again give her a cheek kiss, this time longer and with her hand holding on to the rocker's cheek for a few more seconds before she let go and let her rock the stage.

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The two former co-stars managed to give a decent and friendly (but still electrically charged) duet on stage to the song of Tove Lo "Habits (Stay High)." After that, Glaiza sang to her an unbelievably still amazing-sounding Happy Birthday and someone brought in a cake. She was so happy and felt so complete, if only she could extend that moment but only the two of them, without the crowd or anyone else. Then Rhian had an additional treat for all audiences especially their RaStro Rebel fans who almost blew off the roof of the Music Museum when their OTP were both on stage. She sang "Let's Marvin Gaye and Get It On" by Charlie Puth. In the middle of her singing, she turned her back on the stage and hugged herself, giving the impression to the audience that she was making out with an invisible someone. They all laughed out loud at her for giving them one of her famous "Rhian Ramos Self-Service" antics. Rhian was also smiling, but oh if they only knew how her heart was torn from deep inside right now.

After her performance, Glaiza came back to the stage and they gave more well wishes to each other before they shared a parting hug. Rhian didn't want to let go, especially that Glaiza was wearing a backless outfit and her back felt so soft and smooth to her touch and her hair smelt so darn good, holy fudge.. but she had to. Without any formal declaration, their stifled hearts were at war. When she reached backstage, she heard G's satin voice caress the halls as the words of Depeche Mode's "Somebody" echoed throughout the airwaves and through Rhian's knocked out heart: "I need somebody to share, share the rest of my life, share my innermost thoughts, know my intimate details. Someone who'll stand by my side and give me support, and in return..."

Rhian wanted so badly to go back and give the diva a hug and show her that she was that somebody she needed. Yes she was indeed giving her support but right now, just not by her side.

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The breezy racer got home smiling from the surprise party that her fans threw for her. She drank quite a lot from the Pedro beer that she and her sister were brewing as their business. She immediately fell on her bed from exhaustion. The many gifts were scattered all over her room. Her fans always know how to give her the best parties and appreciations. She was happy and full of gratitude, but this time she could not help but feel that there was something missing. She was so tired but her mind was still so active with thoughts racing. So much adrenaline was pumping on her body with all the activities of the day and after that long drive home when she was able to think, here alone on her bed Rhian finally came to the realization that she wanted Glaiza. Not only wanted her but she was in love with Glaiza. Fu. ck. It's all very clear now. Her body might be drunk but her heart was sober. Rhian Ramos was in love with Glaiza de Castro.

So she did what any rational, but intoxicated human being would do. Send Glaiza drunk texts.

"U knoe what its ur fault that our Althea night did not happen"

"Actualllly it was ur friends fault"

"No it was mine really coz im a jealous bish"

"No it was Jason he blocked us"

"Were u even serious about that invite Althea Glaizaa wutever"

"U have no right to make me feel guilty since its u who has been avoiding the subject of my sleepover inviteeeee"

"am I even important to u"

"sorry not sorry goodnight. Howell out"

And with all those drunk texts sent to Glaiza who probably just got home from her concert, Rhian passed out like a sedated cowboy.

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It was late in the morning when Rhian woke up with the biggest hangover and realized what she did last night. Oh no, oh no, oh no Rhian what did you do, what did you do, shiiiiiit! She inwardly scolded herself as she scrolled through her messages hoping her texts last night weren't sent. They were sent. Shoot! But then she saw in her inbox that she had a message from Glaiza a few hours ago. Oh God.

Gtxt: Someone must have had a little too much to drink last night. (Smile emoji) But to answer you, yes and yes. Belated HBD my Ebribadeeeh... And no I am not drunk.

Rhian almost dropped her phone as she scrambled to reply:

Rtxt: Oh my God, G! I'm so sorry! Sorry sorry sorry! How was your concert? What yes and yes?

Gtxt: Relax. It's okay. The rest of the concert was wonderful. I'm still emotional about it. Long story. But yes to your last two drunk text questions. (Smile emoji)

Rtxt: What questions? Sorry, I can't seem to make heads nor tails about my past messages.

Gtxt: Yes, I will attend your sleepover and yes you are important to me. (Smile emoji)

Rtxt: What SERIOUSLY?

Gtxt: Seriously. You don't believe me? What's your favorite color?

Rtxt: Black. Why? I don't understand G..

Gtxt: Well, noticed my hair lately?

Rhian's beautiful and expressive eyes widened as she realized that Glaiza's hair has indeed been dyed black recently, shortly after she had dyed her own red. She can hardly believe it. SHE was important to GLAIZA! She let out a loud whoop as she jumped from her bed and made the gesture of playing an invisible air guitar. And Glaiza was finally coming to a sleepover in her house in that very room. BAM! Goal, Rhian Ramos 100 points!