Voice

Chapter Two: Obtained Voices 

It's been months since Louis' death. Of course, I do miss him but I cannot wallow in grief forever. I began bringing my camera along but only on rare moments. I'm not like one of those people who bring their SLR cameras because of social status symbol. Classmates are flocking around me, asking me to take a picture of them and whatever. It somehow got me frustrated since I know they are just using me. They all thought they look like professional models just because their pictures were being taken by an SLR camera but it reality, they just look like crap. One fine day, I was taking pictures of the sunflowers planted in our school when a girl with copper brown hair approached me. She looks like a Latina and she's practically taller than me. She is wearing a floral dress and her books are tucked under her right arm. 

 "Are you a professional photographer?" She asked me. She has twinge of Italian accent.  

 I shook my head. I just stared at her, tilting my head. She smiled, "Is that so? You seem to be a professional, mia amica. Anyways, are you studying in this school?" 

 I nodded and she clapped her hands happily. "Perfecto! My name is Giulia! What's yours?" She offered her hand at me and I just stared at it. I just remained there stunned and I gathered my courage to bring up my hand to spell out my name using the sign language alphabet.  

 I thought she would furrow her eyebrows in confusion but her reaction surprised me. She just looked at me with wide wondering eyes and said, "What's wrong? Can't you talk?" I let out a sigh, tapped her and signed, "I am mute. Can you understand sign language?" 

 "Si," Giulia spoke as she hooked her arm around mine. "From now on, you are now mia amica, Satya. To tell you, I am an exchange student from Italy so please pardon me if I tend to speak Italian. It's a part of my habits, I guess." 

 I shrugged and I signed, "I don't mind. At least, you can speak different languages." 

 Days passed by and Giulia and I enjoyed each other's company. We'd sometimes fool around and have some random photo shoots like the ones I used to have with Louis. I found out that Giulia is an aspiring fashion designer and she has a lot of clothes she made all by herself. Giulia is quite popular in school. A lot of girls envied and admired her while boys flocked around her like birds trying to chase their food. Giulia la Bella. It suits her. 

 One day, I went over to Giulia's condominium unit and I saw a young man with dyed blond hair speaking to her. I couldn't understand what they were saying for they were speaking in Italian. Giulia was showing something to the man from her cellphone and the man seems to be impressed. Then I slapped myself. That was Giovanni de Martini. He's a world-famous photographer, worked for magazines like Vogue and won awards like being the winner of International Color Awards. I heard my name and they resumed speaking in Italian. 

 "Satya! I didn't notice you there. Come, meet my older fratello, Giovanni," Giulia said and pulled me towards them. I felt surprised and a little nervous. I didn't expect that this famous photographer is actually the brother of my best friend!

Sir Giovanni gave me a warm smile as he brought out his hand at me. I stared at it for a moment. Am I really awake? I am going to make acquaintance with this magnificent creature in front of me? I took a gulp of air, gave a nervous smile as I shook his hand. Alright, Satya, calm yourself down. Don't spazz out in front of him. He spoke, "So this is Satya. It's nice meeting you, Signora, I heard a lot about you from my fratella and I saw your shots. You're very good, eh? You have great potential ahead of you." I noticed that he had beautiful gray eyes, just like Giulia's.

Sir Giovanni excused himself and I gave Giulia a puzzled look. I spoke using my hands, "Why didn't you tell me that Sir Giovanni is your brother? That revelation surprised me a lot!"

Giulia put her arm around my shoulders and said, "If people heard that, they will use me just to get closer to my brother. They'll treat me kindly is because I am Giovanni's sister, not as Giulia and I don't want that to happen. That's the reason why I didn't tell you until we get real close. Fratello is always travelling but he always tries his best to visit me here whenever he has the time. And don't refer him as Sir Giovanni, he feels uncomfortable. Just call him either 'Gio' or 'fratello'!"

The de Martini siblings tried to look for opportunities for me. They'd invite me as a photographer for birthdays, weddings and events. That made me feel nervous because there were times the events were filled with celebrities around the world. I was shocked to hear that Giovanni just signed me up to a fashion photography contest for students and my model will be Giulia. He told me, "Signorina Satya, this contest is a win-win situation for you and mi fratella. You sharpen your skills in photography while Giulia enriches her fashion-designing talent. If you wish, I'll guide you."

"Si! Si, Satya! You should not be afraid to try! After all, it would be such a waste if you didn't showcase your talent! Anyways, have you joined any photography contests?" Giulia spoke enthusiastically and I just shook my head. She clapped her hands, "Perfecto! This will be a new experience for the two of us!"

I never joined any photography competitions all my life. I am still uncomfortable with my skills and I know to myself that I can never surpass Louis in this field even if he left all his equipment in my hands. I mean, who would like to see the works of a mute person like myself? I imagined myself walking up to a podium with a lot of eyes looking at me and all I could do is stare at them and do sign language then the audience will be like, "What are those random movements for? Is she dancing or what?"

The deadline of the entries will on the 2nd Monday of February. This will give Giulia ample time to complete her designs and construct the dress. As for me, I need to buy a suitable backdrop for our theme. Well, actually, Giulia's theme. The background should be fitting for her dress. Giulia's dress came out beautifully. It was a fiery long back skirt in different shades of red, orange and yellow with a matching corset with the same concept and a black obi around the waist. She simply made it look like as if it was a dress made out of fire. The backdrop is black and Giulia sat in a profile view, her eyes downcast and her left hand rested her hip while the right just hanged in place. Giulia had her curly, brunette hair dyed into a shade of ginger, reminding me of Megida from that cartoon, Bold. She wore makeup with orange eyeshadow, donned on golden bangles, golden bib necklace and anklets. I say, the contrast is simply beautiful. I felt honored to capture this piece of art. I gave emphasis on the dress and on the hair for the color stood out from the black backdrop, giving the photos a fiery feel. I decided to name my portfolio as "Phoenix" and it became my submission for the contest.  

"Satya! Satya!" Giulia giddily ran up to me while we're in school. "I've got big news for you!" I raised an eyebrow as Giulia took a deep breath and held my hand. "We won third place!" I suddenly exploded into a big smile and voiceless screams of happiness came out from me as I hugged Giulia. I didn't expect I'd do well on the first competition I entered. Third place isn't bad for a first-timer.   

A lot of good things happened. I got my college diploma and passed my architect licensure exam with flying colors. Giulia is now a famous fashion designer now and a lot of celebrities around the world buy her designs. Heck, they're willing to buy her designs at any price she desires. I also began earning and receiving awards in photography. I had become a well-known freelance photographer. Well, most of my clients will have to text me or reach me through e-mail though.  

 I became the winner of International Color Award. I could see everyone fixing their adoring eyes towards me. I didn't actually expect that I would be this blessed. To think, I used to be a voiceless, insignificant creature that'll fade away but now, I am assured that I will be remembered. I walked up to the stage along with Giulia, who will be serving as my interpreter.  

 "Will you give us your acceptance speech, Miss Satya?" the emcee spoke with a smile.  

 I put my fist up and down as if I were knocking. It means, "Yes" in sign language. I stood at the center of the stage while Giulia held the microphone in her hand, waiting for my signal. God has given me a great blessing. I looked at the audience and started my speech as I remembered Louis' words.

"You may be voiceless, a mute but one day, the world will hear your voice and your voice will be the most beautiful tune of all..."