Chapter 19

'Hello everyone! This is Joshua... welcome to my Youtube channel! This is my first vlog, and it's just a short one. Just want to welcome you and also tell you some updates about myself." Joshua Socorro's first video on his vlog channel has been released just an hour ago, but it already has eighty thousand views. Talking about viral. 'You might be wondering what my new project is... Well, this is it. My own Youtube channel. So, I hope you all subscribe and support me even here on the internet. 'Having said that, I know you are all wondering about my status with Rise Up Agency. I would like to clear things up now, before any news comes out about it. Right now, I don't have an active contract with Rise Up. But no, I'm not switching agencies. Truth is, I am taking a break from showbusiness." People were shocked at what Joshua said. Even Carla was surprised when she saw the video. She is currently at the pantry of their ER, watching Joshua's first vlog video with Donna and Lea. 'You might be wondering, why I'm making a vlog channel if I'm taking a break," Joshua continued. 'I'm not entirely taking a break from the entertainment industry. Just from showbusiness. When will I come back? I'm not sure. Maybe when I felt like coming back, then I would. But there's no definite timeline for that. But I still want to continue making people happy, so I made this Youtube channel." 'I wonder what really happened," Donna said to Lea. 'What made him decide to do this?" 'Maybe he's having some problems with the Management?" Lea asked. 'There is news that he had some misunderstanding with a Rise Up employee." Even Carla is wondering what the real reason could be why Joshua is taking a break from showbusiness. She tried to recall if he mentioned something when they last met, but could not remember anything. 'I would also like to tell you something about me and Caith..." Joshua looked at the camera, seemingly unsure of the next thing he'll say. Actually, he almost did not continue with this part. But thinking about it, more questions will arise if he will not say it. How is he and Caith? Why is she not included in his vlogs? Then, a request for her to show up on his video will be asked by their fans. So it's better to tell them now the status of his relationship with Caitlyn Soriano. Then, while editing the video, he had second thoughts again and almost asked Carlo to remove it. But he thought including it would be better because for sure their breakup will come out on the news eventually. So it's better if it originates from him than on any tabloid or blind item on the internet. 'We decided to break up..." Carla was shocked at what Joshua said. Instantly, that image of Joshua looking unkept and disheveled came back to her mind. Was that the time he broke up with Caitlyn Soriano? 'Some things happened and... it's just not going to work out. It's better this way..." 'What?! They broke up?" Donna asked. 'That's what he said, right?" Lea said. 'Friend, I cannot!" Donna's eyes welled up. 'He said something happened. It might be something their relationship wasn't able to take," Lea said. Carla watched Joshua's reaction as he told the heartbreaking news. She felt like it was too difficult for him to say that, and she kind of admired him for being brave enough to still say it. But most of all, she felt bad for him. She can feel the hurt he's feeling. 'I wish I could say everything, make you understand it more… But let's just keep it like this… Let's just say that… it wasn't meant to be…" Joshua paused. There are no tears in his eyes, but everyone can tell his heart is crying. It took a while before he continued. 'Ahm… I would like to thank everyone who supported our tandem… I don't think we could work with each other in the near future… I'm sorry if this is how it ended. That's just how it is. Some relationships do not last forever... I just hope you continue supporting us… individually…" 'Friend!" Donna wailed. 'I can't take this!" 'That is so sad," Lea commented. Even Carla felt bad. She felt bad because of the sadness she saw on Joshua. She has never been a fan of the JoshLyn love team, and she admits that's because she and Joshua had an issue. But now that they have settled things between them, she totally considers him as a person who exists in her world. And because of that she can't help but sympathize with the sadness he's going through right now. 'Is this one of the reasons why I'm taking a break at showbiz?" Joshua paused. Again, he's contemplating if he should continue this or not. But like earlier, he thinks it's better for things to come from him instead of other sources that might complicate everything. 'You can say that… But, it's not the only reason. I could still work, do movies and tv series even if there is no love team. It's just that, I really wanted to take a step back and focus on some things, some aspects of my life that I neglected. Like my family, my friends… I guess you can also say that I wanted to explore more on other things like business and investments. I have a business here in Tarlac, Pure Act Café, and I've been taking it for granted since I focused entirely in showbiz. I think I want to change that and focus on Pure Act more, and maybe put up other businesses. I don't know… We will see. 'I just don't want to entirely disappear," Joshua continued. 'And it's because of you, guys. Ahm… I have stayed in the showbusiness for seven years, and it's all because of you, all of you. And I want you to feel that I'm still here for you. And that is the main reason why I'm doing this vlog channel. It might not be the usual teleserye, but I think it's better since it's real life stories about me. And with this channel, we could interact more because you can tell me what you want to watch, what you want me to do or feature on this channel. I will be working out my social media accounts, hire a team or someone to manage them and create polls, to accommodate requests, live streaming or other interactions. Just watch out for it. 'But as mentioned, I do hope you support me on this one… Even if it's just me." Joshua smiled sadly on the camera. 'I would also like to thank everyone from Rise Up, especially Auntie Christy. As I've said, this is not the end, it's just an interlude. We will see each other again, I know that. But when that time comes, I hope you would still want to have me." This time, he smiled sheepishly. 'I would also like to thank the sponsors that I have… had… I hope we could still work together. You can sponsor my channel, you know." Joshua chuckled. 'I'll be waiting." Carla smiled. She felt like Joshua's mood lightened up a bit, and she doesn't know why but she feels glad for that. 'So, for now, let's end it here. Thanks for your time. I hope you will subscribe to my channel. See you next time, guys." Joshua smiled to the camera, then the video ended. 'I wonder what's the reason why he and Caith broke up. I wished he mentioned it," Donna said. 'I agree. Papa Joshy left us hanging!" Lea complained. 'He did the right thing," Carla said. The two nurses looked at her. 'It's not right for him to divulge the reason. He is just being a gentleman." 'Well, point taken…" Lea said. Even Donna agreed at what Carla said. 'Let's just wait for Caitlyn Soriano's statement. For sure she'll do an interview about this." 'For sure fans will not stop asking until she released her own statement," Lea said. And that is really what happened. Joshua's video went viral, and fans wanted to get Caitlyn Soriano's side of the story. Fans flooded the actress' social media accounts, as well as her agency's. But because Christina Paras knows the truth, she is the one who released a statement in behalf of her talent. 'We would like to confirm that Joshua Socorro has no active contract with us. We would also like to confirm Mr. Socorro's statement regarding his relationship with Ms. Caitlyn Soriano. The two parties would like to keep the details private. Thank you for understanding." Christy also asked Caitlyn Soriano to take a break. 'Let the situation settle down first." 'Why does it have to be like this, Auntie? How about those movies and teleseryes in my contract? I also have concerts, right?" 'You can do concerts because you don't need Joshua on those shows. As for the teleseryes and movies, we need to find another love team for you," Christy explained. 'But fans might not like it if I will be paired with another actor," Caitlyn said. 'We can't do anything about it. That's better than not doing what is written on your contract." 'I think I need to make an interview about this, Auntie. Let's grab this chance, use it to gain sympathy from the fans and make them still like me even without Joshua. I need this exposure, Auntie." 'And what will you say in the interview? Caith, in the first place, this is all your fault. You orchestrated a big lie just to enhance your image. I tell you, the moment that Joshua told the truth about what happened, you'll be ruined. So follow my advice and take some downtime. Let people think that you're healing your broken heart." Caitlyn has no choice but to follow Christy's order, though she can't help but feel annoyed because everything is in favor of Joshua. Joshua Socorro's video became a trending topic on Twitter, and in other social media sites as well. Everyone is curious as to what might be the reason for his breakup with Caitlyn Soriano. Everyone is regretting the long reel and real-life relationship of the two. And everyone has their own speculation as to why the relationship ended. But everyone was happy about Joshua's YouTube channel. His video gained three hundred thousand views in just one day. His fans immediately subscribed to his channel, making the video more viral as it was shared in a lot of social media sites. After a few days, the views of the video hit one million. Joshua's subscribers also hit the hundred thousand mark. A mini celebration was held at Pure Act Café for the success of the YouTube channel. Only a few were invited. Carlo Reyes and his two staff who helped in the creation of Joshua's video. Joshua's PA, Jeff, was also there as he made him his social media manager. And of course, James, Mark and Jeralhd are also present. Aside from the moral support they extended, they also helped in conceptualizing the content of the first video. Another thing is that those three are already in the restaurant to being with. Surprisingly, Ria also came. Joshua was not expecting her, because the others are not aware that they've gotten close during the past days. He didn't invite her, so why did she come? James was the one who attended to Ria. Their families were friends since they were kids, because they belong to the same social circle. 'Guys! Remember Ria?" James asked his three friends. 'Hi guys!" Ria greeted the three. 'Remember me?" 'Of course!" Mark said, greeting her first. Jeralhd greeted her after. 'Hi Joshua! Can I have a selfie with you?" Ria joked. 'I'm the one who should be asking that," Joshua said, pretending they never talked just recently. 'So, what brought you here?" Now, that is a real question, since he's not really expecting her to come tonight. 'I'm meeting someone here," Ria said as she showed them the garment bag she's holding. 'Mom's client." 'Why are you the one meeting them?" James asked. 'You know, Mom's busy. She's so engrossed with that collection she's trying to finish. And, this is for delivery since all the fittings are done." James introduced Ria to the other guests. 'So Ria, who is this client of yours?" Mark asked. 'Is this a lady client?" 'Here we go again," Joshua teased Mark. 'I'm just asking," Mark said. 'She's a lady, and you know her very well," Ria said. The four became curious. 'Is she a classmate, or a schoolmate of ours?" asked Mark. 'You're really very interested, huh?" Ria asked. 'I'm just curious, since you said we know her," Mark explained. 'Forget I even asked," Ria said. 'Anyway, she's our classmate. Remember Edmalyn?" Joshua was surprised. Ria looks at them nonchalantly, as if she doesn't know that Edmalyn is his mission. Then it suddenly hit him. Why would Ria choose to deliver the dress that Gloria Nelmida made in Pure Act Café? Joshua looked at Carlo, who is just listening to their conversation. 'Mallari, Edmalyn?" Mark asked. 'Yup," Ria answered. 'That's why I asked them to come here so that we three could bond together. And, I was kind of hoping you would also be here. At least we will have a mini-high school reunion, right?" Joshua frowned. ‘Three?' Edmalyn is not alone? 'And I'm guessing you have a party going on," Ria notices. 'Can we have free food?" She looked at James. 'This is Joshua's party, so ask him," James said. Ria looked at Joshua. 'Can we eat your food?" 'You're rich enough to buy your own food," Mark said. 'Hey! It's so fun to have freebies," Ria said. She looked back at Joshua. 'Well, it's okay if you would join us," Joshua said. 'But, is it okay for them as well?" 'It's okay," Ria said. 'It's just Edmalyn and Carla." And that's it. Joshua felt that sudden thump on his heart upon hearing that name. 'It's just okay, right?" Ria asked. The three men looked at Joshua. Even the other guests also looked at him, as if knowing there was something about Carla and Joshua that they don't know about. 'Of course," Joshua said. 'No problem." 'You had a date, right?" said Mark. 'So probably, you're okay already." 'That's right," James agreed. 'You've moved on, right?" 'Of course," Joshua said. Isn't that the reason why they had a date? For them to settle things between them. That is because things like these will really happen, them meeting randomly because of random reasons. But most of all, because of Edmalyn and Carlo. Joshua looked at the latter, and he thought that whatever will happen tonight, whatever awkwardness he will feel upon seeing Carla, it's a simple price he must pay in fulfilling his mission.