The slapping sound of a newspaper slammed on the table.
I looked at it confusedly as I turned to Tita Matilda. She smiled and crossed her arms on her chest but that smile did not reach her eyes. It was as if she's enduring a very disturbing emotion.
She flew from New York to here, that's exactly what she used to do but now she has nothing to say. I just found out that she was already here with the company, she called me and arranged a meeting with the President and 2 from the web content department.
"What is this aunt?"
I shifted my gaze to Mrs. Evangelista as she maintain a straight face. The web content writer avoided looking at me. I reached for the news paper on the table.
After an intriguing scandal in NYC, Cyreese Suarez one of the highest paid models in her industry - now, spotted having a date night with the Eligible Bachelor Business Tycoon Levi Vidalio. (Founder of VREC) here in the Philippines. What's do you think is the real deal between them?
My brain stuttered and my vision got clearer not having any lenses now.
A series of picture of me and Levi from last night having some dinner, as well as the scene we made from the outside of the hotel, all of it. My heart pounded as I searched through all the photos. I was relieved to see that there were no photos when we were in the parking lot of my unit building.
At first you'll thought of it as a common bluff article in some tabloid. For some maybe, but for me after I realize it, it's not. How many times have my name been put and paired with other names when in New York but this one, is way more far than those. I looked up at them and couldn't look straight. "
The article says it all." Mrs. Evangelista said coldly.
I bit my lip and look at the news paper. A week has passed and I haven't heard anything regarding that issue, and now that it has come out in the tabloids and social media the truth has struck me. My head is spinning thinking about the wave of stress that's coming.
I sighed heavily and Aunt Matilda sat in front of me looking so amused and done. His little patience seemed about to be cut short.
"That is Lourd's brother right?"
I blinked twice and nodded nervously. Her eyebrows furrowed and cocked her head. The long earrings echoed in both of her ears.
"I thought you were avoiding him? How come that you even ended up on the same table?"
I gulped at her tone. This is the tone she always uses whenever Lourd fights with her, she was never like this to me. Throughout her care for me, I have never given him this kind of headache. I looked at her eyes without saying anything. He waited a few more seconds but he heard nothing from me. When she finally realized that I have no plans answering her she quickly stood up and squeezed the sinus.
"Mrs. Evangelista, w-we'll fix this matter. Let's just say t-they're long time friends catching up ... like you know? Let's just give a generic answer for that. Right?"
Aunt Matilda was convinced but she just looked at him coldly. I was silenced by what aunt Matilda said, remembering the same word Levi used yesterday.
"Friends? Let's ask Ms. Suarez then,"s he said to me with an intimidating smile.
"Are you friends with Mr. Vidalio, hija? Did both of you do some catching up in that high end hotel? "
My eyes was unable to focus the way she looked at me while saying those words. I know what she means. What is the reason why we were seen there together? If it is true that we will meet there will be no case in the statement we will give but if it is not true the problem may get worse because the other party might sue us with that inaccurate statement.
"It's true we had dinner, Mrs. Evangelista. But we're not friends."
Mrs. Evangelista's eyes narrowed hearing my answer. Like she's not contented with my words.
"We're not friends."
Aunt Matilda turned violently to me and seemed startled by what I said. Mrs. looked at me. Evangelista raised his forehead while taking a deep breath as if someone realized what I said.
"And we're not as you may think." I bowed at saying that.
"God! What do we do now? This isn't just some sort of a boy or what but he's a well known tycoon in Asia. Ava, what would people think of seeing you in a high end hotel? You thought people will just think that you just had some dinner? Really? "
I felt so dumb. See Ava? Even if you were just breathing with that guy this is how the wave of trouble was made.
"Calm down, Matilda."
"We are not even done with your issue. And now this? It is very common now that you are here in the Philippines!"
"Matilda!"
I close my eyes tightly to their shouts. If only I could walk out from here. A deafening silence was after that yell, the two dry web content departments just bowed to what was happening. As I wanted to bury myself. "
Then okay. For now, let's just shut our mouth with this matter. Let's just pretend like-"
"You shut your mouth Matilda." I looked up when Mrs. Evangelist shut aunt.
I'm feeling so guilty being the reason of this situation.
"We don't have a doubt having you as one of our top models, but I have to be honest with you, that issue have affected the composure of our company. There are many clients who pull out of the offer and the worst thing that will happen is for them to pull out their shares. "
I knew that I've done a lot for them she would always say that. But in this industry, you are not forever a favorite and famous. Your value depends on your benefit. And for me that's okay, I'm fine with it. I never wanted the limelight anyway. It's just that I have no choice but to do this for the sake of my future. "
"Uhm, Mrs. Evangelista, Of course, yes! We're sorry but we promised to fix this-" "
"I'll quit."
"What?" Tita Matilda said violently. They all stopped at what I said.
"If I'm causing too much ripple because of my issues then I'll just quit ma'am."
Mrs.'s expression did not change. Evangelista in what I said. Contrary to the reaction of aunt Matilda and the whispers of the two web content writers.
"Ava Cyreese, no!" I turned to Aunt Matilda who was now red with anger.
"Tita, it's okay." I smiled, but he just looked at me as if he couldn't believe my decision. Mrs. Evangelista shifted on her seat and folded her hand over the table.
"I'm not going to interfere with your decisions Hija, but I think It's not a good idea." It says softly.
"Yes, it's not!"
Aunt Matilda replied. Disgusted, Mrs. looked at him. Evangelist. I frowned at what he said. But why? "You still have months left before you end your contract. It will be another issue, after all the controversies ending with a breach of contract? Hmm." My lips parted at what she said, she's right. She's indeed the CEO of this company. And I'm just this dumb model under this company. But I don't have anything in mind that would make things better. It's okay to ruin my name but I don't want to add to other people's problems.
"Though, I have a better Idea." She raised her eyebrows and her lips rose. I gulped, even Aunt Matilda stopped at what she said. I scanned the whole view in front of me. City lights, more peaceful compared to NYC. I feel the biting tired of me. I feel like I'm getting numb with all that's happening around me, and this is my escape to feel at peace looking at the skyscrapers.
That night was a stab in a heart for me. I regret seeing him like that, I regret leaving him kneeling and begging for me to hear him out. I regret saying those words to him but as the words had leapt from my lips, the angered lingered regardless. It hurts seeing an impulsive respected man asking for me and begging for a chance. But one thing I don't regret is making that decision, he was never good for me and so I am.
And that proved even more to me, the world itself was making way for me to slap the fact that we hurt each other. It's like a cactus asking a balloon for a hug. It just ... It will never work. I look at my screen waiting for Lourd's text but seems like it's impossible right now. I'm sure he knows everything now. And here it is, I received nothing even after bombarding him with messages.
I can do this, I can survive anything as long as I felt love and that is from my brother. Everyone will turn their backs on me anyway, I only have my brother left with me. Even the pain that comes to explode within, these silent heartbeat of mine will remain a secret. He must be guilty of what happened, otherwise he might not be satisfied with what he did to me and he would have another way to destroy me again.
"You have to attend this fashion week for Mr. Alcaraz's Summer collection."
Tita Matilda passed on the other line.
"Okay, I'll clear my schedule."
I clicked my laptop with some of the works I need to finish, I will pass it on to Steve.
"And also, don't forget that you have a photo shoot for this brand that you're signing up. It's still next Monday." I sighed.
"Can't I compress my schedule so that my leave with the company won't be interrupted?"
I combed my hair with my fingers. This is not good, I'm an intern and it's not NYC so I'm asking for a special deal. This is not just some school requirements.
"You know the answer to that."
I groaned inside. The world will not adjust for me.
"Okay, I'll try to sort things out in the company."
"You know the President, if you've had dinner, I'm sure you can ask him too."
I was blown away by what he said. She sound sarcastic and it's not helping me. "
Sir Steve, this is the breakdown of the templates from last week."
He reached for it and scanned it, he nodded and smiled at me afterwards.
"This is good. Are you sure you're an intern?" He laughed.
This was followed by Sir Sarmiento's flattery. "
Sir, I have to file a leave for my up-coming schedules. I just wanna ask if you have anything else to give, so I can work with it. "
"Oh really? No-no it's okay. The team is here to work. If you're busy then it's fine." I smiled at him.
"What are you up to by the way?" He leaned over when he saw people coming out into the hallway so we wouldn't get in the way.
"Fashion week and some photo shoots." I immediately saw the amazement at what I said.
"I sometimes forget that we have an elite model here." We both laughed at his joke.
I turn my attention to the people coming out of the hallway. I don't know if there's anything to look forward to or I really just don't want to see anyone there.
"Uhm, do you mind if I ask?"
My brows furrowed with his sudden serious tone. He scratched his eyebrows, seemingly hesitant to say.
"What's the deal between you and the President?" He said softly just right for me to hear. My lips went flat line. Don't know what to answer.
"Oh sorry," He laughed again
"I know it's a dumb question, I just saw your pictures on the internet at Shangrila. So I guess you probably know each other. So dumb for me to ask." Can't look into my eyes. I'm ready for this.
This is probably the reason why some of the people here look oddly interested in me. There are those who greet me who did not greet me before. The other is that if you don't greet me just stare at me.
"Uhm, I't fine. He knew my brother so ..."
He nodded and then the conversation changed.
"Ms. Suarez." Steve and I looked at each other when someone called me. Mr. Alcaraz is the Project Manager.
I was nervous for a moment when I saw him because he had his own office on our floor and he only climbed on our wing once.
"Good afternoon, sir."
Steve and I greet each other. It just nodded at us and turned to me.
"Do you have a minute? Can I talk to you?"
I first looked at Steve once who also seemed confused as to why a Project Manager meant something to me.
"Sure."
He nodded and turned so I could follow him to the office. Although hesitant, I still followed it. I could feel the gaze of the others on their wing secretly following me with their gaze.
"Have a seat."
Presenting it in the cantilever chair in its office. This Mr. is not cruel. Alcaraz, it's really intimidating because he's in a high position compared to the dry wings. He set his desk for a moment and put on his mirror. I pursed my lips.
"I've seen your works in your portfolio and I can't just help but to compliment you Ms. Suarez." My lips parted and my face lit up.
"Thank you."
It raised its index finger and stopped me in gratitude. It focuses attention on the papers that I think are the content of my portfolio.
"I'm sorry if you have to deal on working with the team. Based on your credibility, it will be better if you move to a position. It's not good to just hold a computer. You should make things happen having this work of yours
"You will improve rapidly if you're more hands on."
He said too much before I could process that. Just the flesh of it he would put me in a more hands on position. He mentioned some name that will handle me.
That means my companions will be different again. I can't deny that because I prefer the idea of that kind of work. But at the same time I'm feeling delirious, my schedule is at the same time and I'm not sure if I can keep everything at the same time..