Before The Night Ends

"Next angle! Lean more to the left, Brazeal! Perfect! You look stunning there!" the photographer praised my poses.

I changed to a slightly see-through brown maxi dress and did a few more poses in it. Then the stylist decided to dress me in a floral-themed outfit for more options. Life as a supermodel here in Daty Magazines is full of surprises, and I'm always up for it. Daty Magazines feature famous local fashion brands. I usually model for the front covers of their magazine issues, which they also release abroad.

As one of their supermodels, my daily schedule is usually hectic. It's normal to see it packed with back-to-back shoots, fittings, and interviews from 8 in the morning to 9 or 10 in the evening. Getting home late and dead tired is not new to me anymore. But despite these, I'm always thankful to be booked and busy. The fashion industry can be very unpredictable and tough, I'm glad that I get to have these opportunities despite my condition.

"Okay, cut! That's a wrap! Good job, Brazeal. Come back tomorrow for the short interview before the mag's release next week, alright?" Mr. Cortez told me.

"Yes, Mr. Cortez." I answered with a smile. Shane, my personal assistant, escorted me to the dressing room. She gave me a long sleeve dress and a pair of strap heels to change into. Even though you're done with the shoot, you and your outfit still have to look good. The paparazzi will follow you all the time, and as a supermodel, you cannot afford to have an ugly photo of you taken. Your face, body, and fashion sense are part of your main assets in this industry.

Shane and I went straight to my Subaru van when we got out of the building. My driver started driving as soon as we all got inside. Shane instructed him to head to my condominium. This day is so tiring that I don't even have the strength to speak anymore, I just want to go home and lie in bed.

I bid my goodbye to Shane and the driver when we arrived in front of my condominium building. The driver will take Shane home, then he'll drive himself home. Shane doesn't stay with me because I want my own space after such a hectic day. I instructed the driver to bring the van to his house so he won't have to commute to my condo building everyday, he's also free to use the van whenever I don't have a schedule (which is a rare instance).

As soon as the door lock clicked, I practically sprinted to the shower. I remembered I still have emails to check while I was in the elevator going to my unit floor. I took a quick shower and put myself in a comfy pair of satin sleeping wear. My laptop was already placed on my working table because I was also checking emails before I left for work today.

I stared at my reflection in the black screen as it loaded. I do look beautiful, but contrary to popular belief, I'm still single at my age of 27. The paparazzi loves to make up stories about me being in a relationship. It's annoying, but sometimes I start to wish it was true. It'd be lovely to have someone with me in this lonely life.

It's not like I'm the no-boyfriend-since-birth type. I had a few during my teen years up to my twenties, but all of them ended for the same reason: They loved me because of my profile and money, not because of who I am. So when I start to demand for the love I actually deserve, they'll start to distance themselves and go MIA. We'll try to talk it out, but in the end they still choose to leave. I sighed as the screen finally lit up.

I opened my email inbox and checked the messages one by one. Some of them were journalists asking for an interview, modeling offers, fashion brand endorsement offers, then there were also requests for social media promotions from non-fashion brands. These should be received by my manager because she's the one who approves them, but fortunately, she's cool and kind enough to let me choose which projects and offers I actually want to take. But I still forward the emails to her to let her know or to get a second opinion. As I was scrolling through my inbox, I suddenly remembered the app Shane suggested earlier. It was a dating app. She said that's where she met Philip, her long-time boyfriend. They're going to celebrate their third anniversary this year and they're also planning to get married soon.

While the app was downloading, I went to the fridge to get a snack. It was a strawberry yoghurt and a glass of water. I can't eat food that are high in carbs to maintain my figure. The app was already installed when I got back to the table. I opened it and created an account. I used my nickname 'Binay' to conceal my identity. Only close friends call me that name.

"Mate, nice app and graphics. I hope I'll find my true love here," I said with a chuckle. I know that sounds crazy, but I'll never know if I never try.

The app's theme color is blue and wolf designs are all over it, that's probably why it's called "Mate." I chose a profile picture where my back is facing. I can't risk people in this app knowing my real identity.

I started searching for anyone I can talk to. It wasn't long before I found someone who looked interesting. Both of our profile pictures were facing back. He's probably hiding something too, I thought to myself. I sent him a 'hi' and waited for a reply. His username says "Poseidon_18," guess he's into Greek mythology.

I ate a spoonful of yoghurt as I waited for his reply. I pouted when I was already at my third spoon but he hasn't replied yet. My excitement's starting to fade but I didn't want to search for a new person. This app guarantees that users can meet decent potential partners through it. And I think that's true because it costs 200 USD per month and only allows 1 week of free trial!

Poseidon_18 is taking longer than I expected. His profile says he's online, though. I opened Facebook on another tab. I was about to start scrolling when the Mate app dinged and a 'hello' popped up. I immediately focused on my laptop to compose a reply.

"How are you? Are you a Filipino?" I said as I typed the words. He replied quickly this time and his response made me smile.

Poseidon_18: Yes, I am. A half specifically. Where are you from? I live in Parañaque. How old are you by the way?

I smiled at his way of typing. It looks so clean, it's as if he has life put together. I wonder what it's like to be his girlfriend.

"I live near, just within Metro Manila. I am also a Filipino, only 27 hehe. Are you single?" I typed. I have this weird habit of saying what I'm typing out loud. I don't know, it feels like I'm actually talking to the other person this way.

Poseidon_18: Typing...

I waited for his reply. He seems interested now. I'm glad we're interested in each other.

"Yeah, I am single for a couple of years now. I am already 30 but that's a good age gap for us hahaha. Do you mind if I ask your name?" I read his reply.

I thought about his question for a solid minute. He seems like a good man, just my type. But I can't risk my real identity. Not when I'm at the peak of my career in the industry. I chose to give him my nickname instead.

Binay: You can call me Binay. I'm sorry, I can't give you my name hehe.

I waited for his reply, but it's taking long once again. He's probably doing something at the moment. Or maybe he's not interested anymore because I didn't give him my name. I pouted in front of my screen.

The drowsiness was starting to kick in. I had a long day at work and it surely drained the life out of me. As much as I wanted to continue talking to him, I need to have my beauty rest now so I turned my laptop off. I guess I'll just talk to him tomorrow, I hope.

I put on my sleeping mask. It helps keep my skin flawless like that Korean glass skin trend. I also drank a glass of water because staying hydrated is the best way to have a glowing, healthy skin. No to sodas and juices because they might affect my metabolism.

I lie in my bed and turn down the air conditioning. The room gets too cold during dawn, which leaves me shaking, and I don't like that. I yawned as I put cucumber slices on my eyes.

"Time to rest~" I whispered to myself before finally letting sleep take me.