This is the first day of their practice, they are all working hard at the dance studio.
Aila is a standout even in practice, this is one thing no one can deny even Rachelle who hates her so much.
Aila dances gracefully, her contemporary dance and ballet background was showing. She studied dance since she was three years old. For her family, being able to dance is a must; most of their engagements would require them to have a ball. That's why they can't afford to have a daughter with two left feet.
However, Aila feels that she does not excel in this field that's why she never acknowledges this as a skill or talent of hers.
"Great work guys, let's take a break, please be back in an hour". Their dance coach announced, words Aila has been waiting for what felt like forever.
If Aila has a weakness, this is her laziness...
She does not have the energy about things that she is not really interested in, but she still gives her best; her lack of interest in tasks like this does not really show in her actions. However, she can't deny the feeling of being dragged on and having no satisfaction and not feeling passionate about what she's doing which is very important for her.
Just like how she was told to move from school to school she hated it but did not really show it to her parents. She would oblige willingly without asking questions like their words are forged in metal.
Even though it was just a rehearsal, their instructor was really impressed with her, he approached Aila.
"Aila, you were great, did you have formal lessons? I hope you seriously, consider joining the drama club or the dance club."
She was overwhelmed by hearing the praise of their dance instructor. She had those with her dance instructor when she was young, but honestly, she wasn't sure if they said it because it was true or they are just too afraid to offend her or her family.
Aila politely thanked her instructor and proceeded to rest outside. It was particularly sunny that morning that she was really sweating.
Her long hair was fixed in a ponytail, which made her beautiful neck exposed. She was wearing a black tank top covered by a cropped white shirt and black jeggings. This simple getup showed her gorgeous curves.
Aila sat on the stairs outside the studio, she wiped the sweat off her neck and face with her towel, that's why she didn't even notice that Vince was already sitting next to her.
"Hey, what's up? Do you know you have this resemblance to a celebrity... Are you watching MTV? You look a lot like the Video Jock there, her name is Donita"
"From now on, I'll call you Donita."
"Hmm.. Do you really think so? This is the first time someone told me that, brother"
Aila smiled at Vince, thinking if it was meant to flatter her because she is not really aware of the celebrity he just mentioned.
"Huh, Donita? Are you serious? She's older than us probably around 27 years old, how old are you 17? 18?" Ken interrupted their conversation.
"Are you on a trip again? I'm 17, now let it go and stop mocking him"
Aila glared at Ken, who does not seem to get it.
"I'm serious! You look more like the celebrity in one those reality shows Kristine, she's almost our age" Ken smiled to Aila.
"What now? Are you going to call her Kristine? I think You're just jealous that I have a nickname for Aila". Vince was trying to daunt Ken.
But Ken is unfazed, he sat down next to Aila and looked at Vince sternly.
"Kristine? That's too common bro, I'll call her... Ai ko"
"You really are high! Why call me Aiko?" Aila curiously asked ken...
"Secret!" Ken answered mischievously while winking at Aila
"I wish the breeze will catch you when you wink.." (it is a superstition that when you wink and a strong breeze comes, the wink will be permanent)
Aila joked to reduce the tension between the two guys.
The three continued to chat until they were sent back to their rehearsals.
Aila felt the soreness of her body, she dropped herself on her bed. She was about to sleep when her phone vibrated; she received a text message from Reese.
"Hey Princess, I miss you, how are you?"
"Why is she calling me a princess? Hmm, this can't be good.."
Aila has been thinking of a good reply to Reese for a good few minutes when she came up with a witty answer.
"Haha, crazy girl! Are you going to change my name too?" she typed as she nervously waited for Reese's reply
"Huh? Who changed your name?"
"Haha, I'll tell you at school tomorrow" Aila felt relieved.
This is not the right time for Reese to discover the truth about me. I want a friend who would appreciate me for who I am as a person, not who the society thinks I am.
I can't lose a friend this early... I've just started to feel comfortable being myself and here I am again, afraid of what could happen.
Since Aila went to this province, she went about using public transportation, she requested it to her security staff to make it possible. She wants to experience life as a common teen living a normal life.
As usual, Aila was early for her class, she met Reese on the way to their room.
Reese was so eager, she asked Aila while they were walking.
"What did you mean I changed your name like the others?"
"What I meant was; the two guys apparently wanted to give me nicknames like you; you called me princess last night."
"Well, you're playing Cinderella, right? That's why I called you Princess; so what about the two boys?"
Reese was anxious to know.
"So Vince thought I looked like VJ Donita but Ken thinks I look more like Kristine from the reality show. But then he said he would not call me Kristine, instead, he would call me Aiko, But the thing is I don't look alike Aiko the celebrity right?
Aila looked quite confused.
"Wait, is it Aiko or Ai ko? As in Aila ko..iiiiiiyyyy" ( Ai Ko pertained to the use of "Ko" which means mine, while Ai is a common nickname for someone with the name Aila)
Reese was obvious that she liked Ken more for Aila.
"Silly girl! We're talking about celebrities... So why would his nickname for me mean "I'm his"? .."
Aila's defensive answer made Reese laugh more.
The two girls were startled when out of nowhere... Ken puts his hands on the two girl's shoulders.
"Why not? Why can't I call you mine? I'd love to call you mine Aila."