The drive back home was filled with heavy silence. My mind was consumed by thoughts of Zaniyah and the predicament I had unknowingly dragged her into. It was all my fault, and there was no one else to blame.
I couldn't help but worry about Zaniyah. I wanted to reach out to her to see how she was holding up, but a sense of helplessness washed over me. I feared that any contact from me would only exacerbate the situation. Perhaps it was best to let things settle down first.
As I pulled into my driveway and turned off the engine, I rested my head on the steering wheel. The weight of the day's events pressed upon me, and I couldn't shake off the guilt that gnawed at my conscience.
Inside my home, the familiar surroundings offered no comfort. I paced back and forth, my mind racing with thoughts of how to make things right. The support of my friends and colleagues was crucial, but there was something more I needed to do.
I decided to give Mark a call. He had been a mentor and a friend, and I knew he was just as concerned about the situation as I was. As the phone rang, my anxiety grew, but I needed guidance on how to navigate this turbulent time.
"Jackson," Mark's voice came through the other end, and I could sense the weariness in his tone.
"Mark, I need to talk to you about Zaniyah," I began, my voice filled with remorse.
There was a brief pause before he responded. "I know, Jackson. This whole situation has taken a toll on her too."
"I didn't want any of this to happen," I admitted. "Is there any way I can make things right for her? I never wanted her to get caught up in this mess."
Mark's response was measured. "We need to address the public and the fans first. I've drafted a statement that takes responsibility for the situation, and we'll issue it together. After that, we'll decide how to handle Zaniyah's involvement."
I knew that Mark was right. The first step was to acknowledge my part in what had transpired. "I'll follow your lead, Mark. But please, let me know how Zaniyah is doing. I can't help but worry about her."
"I will," he assured me. "In the meantime, try to stay low-key and avoid any further complications."
With that, we ended the call, and I felt a sense of relief knowing that Mark was on top of things. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to do more for Zaniyah. She deserved better than being caught in the crossfire of my past.
As the days passed, I focused on preparing for the public statement and addressing the fans. It was a challenging process, as emotions ran high on both sides. The support of my friends and loyal fans gave me strength, but there was a void where Zaniyah's encouragement and presence used to be.
I couldn't help but think of her and hope that she was weathering the storm as best she could. While we were in the same industry, our paths had become entangled in a way I never anticipated. It was a reminder that fame came with its own set of challenges, and sometimes it was those closest to us who bore the brunt of its consequences.
In the midst of uncertainty, one thing remained clear: I needed to find a way to make amends, not only for myself but for Zaniyah, who had become an unexpected casualty in the spotlight.
Seeing the trending topics and reading through the social media posts, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The public's response to the situation varied greatly, and it was a stark reminder of the complexities of fame and fan loyalty.
May nabasa naman akong post na ang caption niya ay “AKALA KO BA SI LAARNI LANG JACKSON??” I decided to click on the post, curious about what others had to say. There was a diverse range of opinions, just as I had expected. Coleen's reqoutes stood out to me as a voice of reason, acknowledging her love for both Laarni and me while advocating against forcing anything.
Coleen                                                                                                                                                                  @jackniofficial
Mahal ko parehas sila Laarni at Jackson, pero over naman yata tayo sa pangbabash. Aaminin ko gusto ko magbalikan ang JackNi loveteam, pero ayoko naman sila pilitin. May kaniya kaniya silang buhay.
I couldn't agree more with Coleen's sentiment. It was heartening to see fans who, like her, understood that we were all human beings with our own lives and choices to make.
Scrolling further down, I found more comments echoing similar sentiments of understanding and respect. Min expressed her unwavering support for me, while Jane reminded everyone to be considerate of our feelings as individuals, not just celebrities.
Min @jacksonationfever                                                                                                                                                 oo nga! huwag na ipilit ang nakaraan. Past is past nga ika nga nila. Basta ako solid fan ni Jackson, kung sinuman ang magpapasaya sakaniya, support lang dapat.
Jane @myheartforjack                                                                                                                                                   tru, Hindi natin sila kontrolado, fan lang tayo, dapat lumugar din tayo!
Reading these comments, I felt a surge of gratitude toward the fans who saw beyond the sensational headlines and recognized the complexities of our lives. It was a stark contrast to the harsh criticisms and judgments that had been circulating.
As I closed the app, I couldn't help but reflect on the rollercoaster ride that fame had become. It wasn't just about the glitz and glamour; it was also about managing expectations, perceptions, and the intricate web of relationships that came with it.
I knew there was much work to be done to mend the situation, both for my career and for Zaniyah's sake. The support of the understanding fans was a source of strength, but it was only the beginning.
Lumipas ang isang buwan umiwas muna ako kay Zaniyah, wala na akong idea kung nasaan na siya, kumusta, okay lang ba siya, kailangan ko rin kasi muna mag focus sa mga events, guesting, at tour. Hindi ko na rin siya personal assistant dahil pansamantala wala muna akong PA, maraming nangyari, lalo na ngayon malapit na ‘yong musical kingdom awards. Hindi man ako manalo sa awards na ‘to, dahil sa issues na nangyari no’n. Okay lang atleast masaya ako na nakarating ako sa ganitong spot sa buhay ko.
Sana dumating din ‘yong araw, magkita ulit kami ni Zaniyah. Maamin ko rin kong ano talaga ‘yong tunay nararamdaman ko. Dahil sakaniya lang talaga ako nag e-express ng feelings ko na hindi alam ng iba.
LAST CHAPTER NA PO ITO, DAHIL SOBRANG DAMI PA NILANG KWENTO
ABANGAN NIYO PO SA SEASON 2 'YONG KWENTO NG BUHAY NI ZANIYAH AT KUNG MAGIGING SILA BA NI JACKSON
New challenges, secrets, surprises and adventures await them in Season 2. Stay tuned for what the future holds for our beloved characters. Until we meet again in Season 2. Thank you po!