the daughter ran away

I believe news travels so fast. Especially gossips among the gossipers.

The next day I wake up, my e-mail has been bombarded with spam and strangers sending me questions or more like protests. My head is drowsy and my eyes are blurry. I keep my eyes focus to scroll down the monitor as my mind recall what was going on last night, it left me with a panic feeling flowing through me as the realization come alive.

The gossips, Jalouse magazine, lady in a blue dress, me and Ian running all the way to the residential area and he dropped me home….

Suddenly my phone rings, I glance at the caller’s name, it’s Vi!

It’s 9 in the morning and she must be up already, and she must has read the article of which now spread all the way to other gossip websites. Trembling, I pick up the phone and bring it close to my ear before I put my finger on the green button.

“Hello?” I greet innocently, or at least, pretend to be innocent. But I AM innocent after all, aren’t I?

“What is wrong with you, Sugar?!” Vi’s voice drills into my ear at the very second, ear-splitting and heart-breaking. Her voice isn’t okay, it’s mor like a tired whining. “Vi, I know what you think of this, but seriously, I don’t give any information to them! In any kind of form!” I desperately say, crossing my fingers that she would at least listen to me if that’s still one of the possibilities available.

“Than who are you suggesting of spreading the news?!” Vi’s voice rise up a note, “You’re the only one who know all about these!”

“Maybe they eavesdropped our conversation!” I say, I know it doesn’t sound convincing enough, remembering that the street was very busy and crowded. “Do you think it’s possible?! Come to think of it Sugar, all the clues make me guess it’s you. Damn Sugar! I thought you’re my friend, my best friend!” she sounds even more sad.

“I am you’re friend!...”

“But friend doesn’t spill other friend’s secret Sugar! How could you!” she’s screaming now, her throat tight with tears. “It’s private! Do you know what it may cause me and my family?! My dad and my mum divorcing is bad enough! I don’t need any more pressures from the media, blaming my dad as a cheater, having an affair, and my mum as a drunken woman, who never spent a bit care of her daughter!”

“I didn’t….” I start, just when Vi continues, “I am sick of you Sugar!”. The connection broke.

What?
What has just happened?


And suddenly a wave of sadness throwing me down. Pulling me into the water to carry me to the bottom, to its very bottom. I wish I can pull myself down, drowning myself for the crime I have done!

I crouched myself by the bed and pull my knees to my chest

Am I wrong?

What am I suppose to do now?!

Should I go to her house to apologize? Will she listen to me? will she even want to meet me?

Or should I just strike up to the Jalouse Magazine’s office and give my protest? But what am I suppose to say? That it’s not true? That it’s private?

Of course it’s private and sadly, it’s true! I can’t possibly win arguing against them. They have all the rights as media to report what’s going on!

And Vi’s voice keep repeat itself in my head, making me sick of the voice and the thoughts of her, alone, refuse everything, angry, sad, and broken. I want to be there for her! I want to put the pieces together! I want to make it up to her!

Almost too suddenly, I realized that my phone’s been beeping and ringing, its sound bringing me back to reality, and this time it’s Ian calling me. just when I reach for my phone, it stops ringing and beeping. Then, silence plunk onto me. I manage my fingers to call Ian back but I get to his voicemail, saying that he’s not there at the moment to answer my call and says to leave message. I hang it up.




The hot water has succeeded in soothing my mind a little. I blow dry my hair, pick my favorite casual jeans and green cardigan to be paired with a white tank top. I turn off my monitor, which showing me that my income e-mails been increasing since I left it. Then, I go downstairs, picking up some bread and a glass of milk. Dad and Mum have gone to their office and the twins haven’t wakened up yet.

I have made up my mind that I will go to Vi’s house today, explain all of these stupidities and befriend with her again, just like we always did. We’re best friends aren’t we?! And we’re bonding to each other closer than you think!

As I walk to the bus stop, I can feel that my head begins to spin and heavier. I had a good 8-hour sleep, didn’t I? Then what is this about? And I realize it’ my own mind pressuring my brain, pushing and squeezing it. I haven’t had proper sleep since…since….i can’t remember it.

I exhale a deep sigh and hop in the bus, pay my fares and choose the back seat, the corner one, the most invisible one. I certainly need to let alone my mind.

I settle myself down and let my mind drifts away to everything that had happened as I prepare myself to talk to Vi. Drops of water tell me that it’s been drizzling outside and not long after that, it turns into a heavy rain. More and more people get in the bus in soaked conditions, especially those girls with tank tops and shorts. Who will ever guess it’ll rain in this pretty day in summer.

I raked my brain to find the right words to defend myself in front of Vi, who had accused me of doing a betraying act to her.

“Vi, to be honest with you, I never told the media anything about your family.”

“Don’t you see that the pics of me are when we were debating on the street?”

“……I know how life is being hard on you now, but I suggest you to see the realities that…”


That what?!


Ugh I can’t find any sentence that sounds convincing. Even the last option won’t do anything if it is used on me! I know that all I should do is just talk spontaneously, unplanned, and as always, I could easily get away with the conversation, winning. Or at least, tie.






The bus stop and I hop out from the stuffed bus. My phone rings again, it’s Sean. What does he want from me?

“Hello?”

“Hey Sugar, it’s Sean.” He greets.

“I know it’s you.” I reply tiredly, half-heartedly.

“Well, I’m calling you now, to ask you something.” He says, carefully.

“What is it?” I pull my hat from my bag and wear it on top of my head.

“I know it sounds pretty stupid and straight forward. But I just want to know……..” his voice is drowned by the heavy rain splashes all over me, hitting to the ground fiercely.

“What?!” I raise my voice above the rain, running for some shelter under the roof of the closest convenience store.

“I just want to know whether Vi’s in your house or safe, at least?” He says louder.

“What are you talking about?!” I ask, alarmed. Something must have gone wrong!

“Vi’s not in her house and no one had seen her anywhere near her house. She’s nowhere to be found! Not in her dad’s office or her grandma’s house. I even make her staffs calling all the places possible, even to Birmingham. But she’s not there either. And so I called your house but no one answered. Don’t you know that she’s missing already? You sound lost.” He says.

A stab of pain hollows my chest.

“What?! I….I don’t know about it…..” my voice falters into a whisper. My legs are wobbly.

“Well then, where are you?! I’ll pick you up and we can search for her together.” His voice seems so far away but still makes sense. It’s an urgent voice. I give him the address of the convenience store and I step inside to warm myself.

Just when I step in, some faces turn to see me. Oh well, I’m Sugar Dale, whose face had been all over the pages of magazines and internet. I quickly avoid people by walking aimlessly through every deserted aisle. And finally, there I am, in the magazines and books aisle. My eyes wildly search for the well-known magazine. I don’t know why am I even search for it?

My hand nervously reaches for the magazine I can’t ignore. There, in the middle of the magazine rack, eye-catching title forces me to look. It’s of course, Jalouse.

Quivering, my fingers flip through its pages, searching for the famous article I honestly haven’t seen it myself.

Then just as I wish I can close my eyes, I see the article, fitted into the magazine with big pictures of pretty Vi, dressed in her beautiful dress in the perfume launching. Her hands curled to his dad’s waist and Mr. Freyson’s hand curled on his daughter’s shoulder. They both smiling. As happy as ever, even though they both know one essential member was missing in the picture. The person who should be there, to complete the picture.

The Sweet Escape: is Freyson Having an Affair?

Having succeeded in launching his new joint perfume line, Mr. Freyson seems in a great need of more attentions. The grand owner of the multi-million dollar business is reported to date his new partner, Heidy Manson, the new fashion designer in the biz.

“If it’s not because of the affairs, Mr. Freyson would have chosen other trusted people to be his partner. I believe he can work with anyone he wants. He might choose other celebrities like Jennifer Lopez or Britney Spears, or other designers like Thakoon or Phillip Lim” says Emily, a 20-year-old socialité who had come to the perfume launching of Hey Son, the new label of the famous perfume.

Despite the shocking news about the affairs, some people still think differently. Fransesca, an editor in local Brooklyn newspaper, said that the news might only be a bait to increase the popularity of the brand-new perfumery.

“I personally think the recent news about the Freyson family was all made up to boost the popularity of the Hey Son new perfumery. It’s such a poor thing that Vi, their daughter, become the victim of the gossip and moreover, her friend, Sugar Dale is also brought up to the conversations…”




My heart stops beating at the sight of my name, printed black upon white on the paper. And suddenly my phone rings, it’s Sean, he’s arrived in front of the convenience store with his posh Volvo.

Avoiding people lining up at the cashier, I go out from the back door and run all the way to the front, opening the car door in hurry and bang it close.

“Whoa, are you okay?!” Sean’s face turns to see me.

“What?” I ask absently, my breaths are pacing each other. I can feel my hands shivering.

“Your lips are white, Sugar. Should I get you to the doctor or….”

“Just go please.. I don’t care much about my lips. It’s maybe just because of the chill weather..” I say impatiently.

“Ok..” he pushes the gas pedal and the car jump to he street, leaving the convenience store behind.

We were both silent for some minutes, he gave me a pack of tissues to dry myself and he turned on the heater to a warmer temperature. “So….” I start to break the ice, “Have you read the article yet?” I ask sheepishly, my mind recall the article I read just a few minutes ago.

“What article?” he asks, puzzled.

“You surely have heard about the famous article, right? About the Freysons?” I ask back.

“Oh yeah right. That one.” He says, more like to himself. “Yeah, I’ve read it. but certainly it’s not you who told the media right? Coz I think you’re a good friend and there’s no way you can do that… or unless if you’re….”

“What?”

“….jealous?”

“Of course not!” I shriek. Then as I realize this new way of thinking, it occurred to me that maybe Vi thinks I’m jealous of her. But of course that’s not possible. There’s nothing to be jealous of. She even wants to trade her life with mine and we’ve been friends for ages.

“Oh well, good then..” Sean answers shortly. We’re silent again as the car speeds up against the slippery road.

“I came to her house this morning. She didn’t answer my calls yesterday although we got a meeting. She said she needs to talk to me, so we set up a plan to meet, but she didn’t come and I called her several times but she didn’t answer any of them. So I decided to come to her house today. And after I wait for some time, her maid came back down, her face white, telling me she’s gone.”

“And..?” I demand some more information.

“And the whole house broke down in panic. So I called you. You’re the last person I could think of. ”

The car turns to the next street, “Where do we go?” I ask.

“To the police station.” He replies.

“What?! NO!” I scream furiously.

“Why? Here we are, we got a missing people to report and if they know it’s Vi, they will jolt to their feet and work hard to find her, right? We can easily find her in no time!” he answers as if he’s talking to a child.

“No! if they find out it’s Vi, the news will spread among people and media! And the news will get bigger!” I shriek in frustration as the car speeds up in a lightning speed until the view are blurry, completing the poor eye-sight because of the rain.

He suddenly slow down the car, think over his plan as he hears my argument. “Oh, damn! you’re right.” He says slowly, angrily. “Then, what should we do!” he asks in panic.

“Well…” I think for a while, “…I think we should search her ourselves. We can call Ian and Jeremy to help us.” I suggest.

We’re silent again.

“Okay, fine. We’ll try.” Sean says, pulling his cell phone from his pocket and began dialing both Ian and Jeremy.

i'm not a secret spiller!

I drain my coffee cup down and take my jacket. It’s Ian’s first day in Ben & Jerry’s and I’ve promised to come there, just mingling around, having some nice cup of ice cream and we’ll walk together to the cinema.

I’m wearing this gorgeous orange tunic paired with dark brown skinny jeans and a brown leather post-man bag. It’s the latest trend! And I got it half price in e-bay. Mum and Dad have gone to this wedding party of dad’s acquaintance and I’m going with Ian so the house will be empty except for the irresponsible twins. I have reminded them for the thousandth times to keep the door close and don’t light the stove, if they’re hungry they can take pudding from the fridge or something.

I close the front door and walk to the bus stop. There, are a woman and an old man, they look all carefree and light. It’s like their life are perfect and I can tell it from their face. They’re not stressed out and tense. Dang, when will my life be like theirs?

“Where are you going, Miss?” the old man turns to me, smiling.

“Oh me? I’m going to Ben & Jerry’s.” I answer

“Oh, meeting friends, huh? Teenagers these days…” he smiles, “…I was once like you too. And in the old days, there’s no Ben & Jerry’s or Krispy Kreme. I have to work hard for my family. Teenagers these days should work hard too, life’s too easy for kids now. All they do everyday are just laughing, meeting friends, shopping and playing.” He says, kindly but in a protesting way.

Yea, right. He won’t believe me how much problems we have to deal with every day!

It’s 3 p.m. when I turn to Ben & Jerry’s. I can easily find Ian behind the ice cream cou
nter, he’s extremely happy to see me and the ice-cream guy is there too, he’s too dumb-founded to talk. “You know this new guy?!” he asks puzzled. Me and Ian laugh and he makes this face that shows ‘what is goin on?’

“Umm, this is my boyfriend, Ian. Ian this is..umm…” I pause a little as my cheeks redden, I know I forget his name. “I know his name already, Hun.” Ian says casually and they laugh at me.

“It’s Scott, Scott McKinsley.” says the ice-cream guy, still laughing.

“Oh, yea, right, Scott.” I mumble absently. “So, how’s your first day?” I ask

“I have to do something, I’ll leave you two alone, ok?” Scott says, disappearing through the door at the back of the counter. Ian and I sit down on an empty table and he starts speaking to me, telling me what a good start today is. He’s all happy about his job. Scott comes out and brings us 2 ice creams and he sits together with us.

“So, is this the boyfriend you’ve told me several times?” he asks, eyebrow rises.

“Well, yes he is.” I say, smiling.

“What? You two have been talking about me?!” Ian says in a shocked expression, but he’s such a bad actor that he makes us laugh. “Ok, so tell me now, when did you two meet each other for the first time exactly?” he asks.

“Well..” I start, “It was when we met Mrs. Manson for the last time. I was so depressed and stressed out, so I came by to have a cup of ice cream.” I explain.

“You have no idea how tense she was!” Scott adds lightly.

“Oh, I know! She must had this folded face with her mouth pouted.” Ian says, teaming with Scott, teasing me.

“Ok, enough guys, before I walked out from this store.” I say. and they laugh even more.

Customers come and go and finally it’s closing time. I wait Ian to help cleaning up and then he changes his work uniform into a casual clothes and he comes out all fresh and fragrant. I’ve always liked his smell, it’s refreshing, yet addicting!

“So, shall we go?” He asks, offering his palm, I reach for it, grinning. “See you tomorrow!” Ian says to Scott who turns to see us and waves back, “Have fun you two!” and so we walk to the cinema.

“How’s Vi?” Ian suddenly asks as we turn to the next street.

“Not good.” I answer. “I called her today morning and she sounds pretty pissed by what I did yesterday. I know I shouldn’t have done it.” I say, sighing.

“Oh.. maybe you have to wait till she feels better.” Ian says.

We arrived at the cinema and was confuse between 2 real good movies when a woman in a blue knee-length dress with her hair up comes up to me. “Hey, aren’t you Sugar Dale? Vivienne’s best friend?” she asks.

“Errr, yeah, why?” I ask back.

“Is it true that Mr. Freyson of Freyson perfumery is going to divorce with Mrs. Freyson?!” her eyes bulges in desperation to know. And I can tell that my face forms some kind of a shock face and I can see Ian’s eyebrows rise in astonishment.

“I…..I don’t know…” I say stutterly.

“How do you know that?” Ian asks in scrutiny.

“Oh, it’s in Jalouse Magazine, it’s everywhere, don’t you know about that?” she says in a look that makes you feel stupid.

“Jalouse?” I ask absently, looking at Ian.

“Yes, the French magazine!” she says as if she’s teaching me 1+1 and I don’t get it.

“I know what is Jalouse!” I say in a high-pitched voice, “I just don’t get it why is it in Jalouse and why am I there?!”

“Come on Sugar.” Ian takes my hand and drags me to the bus stop.

We walk really fast that I don’t know where he’s dragging me to. Several people were looking at me when I walked past them and Ian drew me closer to him. “This is wrong! You shouldn’t have pass the information to a journalist!” he says as we walk in a slower pace, knowing that we’re in a residential street with townhouses built close to one another and standard cars parked in front of it.

“I didn’t pass any information to any journalist!” I snapped back, feeling betrayed.

“But how could they know about it?! if Vi knows, she will think that you spilled the information to the magazine because as far as she concerns, you’re the only person know about all of this!” Ian says impatiently. We fall into an awkward silence. The kind of silence you’d use to think, not to feel uneasy.

“But I didn’t….” I feel my throat clenched.

“I know you didn’t do it, I trust you, but how about Vi? She’s in a break down condition. And if she got this news, she’d be more pissed than ever.”

I know! I say frantically to myself. My brain works harder and I can’t imagine tomorrow morning, or even now, that Vi reads the magazine and I even haven’t read it myself. Maybe they mentioned something not true there that makes the public all curious and ‘oh-my-god’ing

Gosh….why should it all be this complicated?

Ian dropped me home to avoid more people on the street asking and everything. He kissed me good bye and left. I’m now in my own room, in front of my computer and typing the words ‘Freyson Perfumery’ on the box. The results is shocking, about at least 400 articles are found under those words and I specify the searching by typing ‘Freyson divorce Sugar Dale’

I wait as I hold my breath and when the results turn up, I just can’t believe it, there are more articles about it than I thought! And they even got the photos of me on the street talking with Vi in a serious, more like angry face! Oh my god! I click the next photo that shows me a picture of me, pushing the door of the mini market while holding the cookie bag. No wonder I felt followed that day! And I thought I was too paranoid!

I took a hot shower to ease my mind and lay my head on my bed, trying to sleep but I can’t! my eyes are still wide opened and my computer is still on with the articles of me and picture of me and Vi on it. The title is even grosser, ‘Will Freyson Daughter Survives The Pressures?’

What is that suppose to mean? I’m a pressure to her? Like it or not, I have to get things straight to her before she finds the news herself and blame me for being a secret-spiller. Well, I’m not.

paranoid

OH MY GOD!

I slap Vi!

That sounds even crazier if I say it over and over in my mind. Why the hell would I think of doing that? She must be shocked! I should have talked to her alone and patiently not just storm up to her and slap her on her face! Oh my god, what should I do?

My phone beeps as I walk down the road stressfully, it’s Ian texting me:

Hey hun, where r u? at Vi’s house?

I just want to tell you, I GOT THE JOB!

*kiss*

I quickly text him back:

WHOA! Congrats!

Which branch are you in?

No, I’m not at Vi’s house. I’m on my way home, there’s sumthn happened n I’ll tell you the complete story later, k?

;)

I press send and shove it back to my bag. It’s late evening and more and more people are wandering out and about on the streets, wearing their best and chicest clothes. Most of the girls are wearing something light and fun, like dresses due to the “hot weather” in summer and the guys are wearing casual clothes.

My phone beeps again, it’s from Ian saying ‘ok, I can’t wait’ with little heart on the bottom. Aww! He’s so sweet!

I stop in front of a mini market and fetch some cookies and water to soothe me a little. After paying for the whole snacks and water, I push the door and ..

What was that?

It’s like I saw something black and when I see it, it disappears to the aisle 3 feet away from where I stand. Ok, maybe I’m too paranoid because I’m still shocked for what I’ve done. Easy…

I crack the cookies wrapper open and biting it delightfully.

Ok, is it just me or is there someone following me?

I can feel it!

It’s creepy!

It’s like I’ve been watched and followed since I left the mini market, or maybe long before that! Should I turn my back to make sure no one follows me? but what if there really is someone following me?

What do they want?

I stop in front of Tiffany’s and pretend to adore the necklaces on the display. And as I look around cautiously, I see no one in strange attitude, all are fine, all are people walking, laughing and passing me by.

Ok, maybe I AM paranoid.

As I ride the bus back to my house, I feel much much better and calm. I stuffed my mouth with 4 cookies and yes, I feel like a new person already. I can find huge mess has been made in the middle room with those 2 twin boys that are just too irresponsible to throw their own Snickers’ wrappers into the dustbin and I have to yell to them to pick it up or I won’t cook them anything.

Dad isn’t home yet but I will have to do chores before he arrives home. I take a shower and as I dry my hair, my mind wonders off (again) to Vi. isn’t there any other options between living with her drunken Mum or her ‘having an affair’ Dad? She’s supposed to have some other options, isn’t it? She’s supposed to be happy, living like a princess with her happy family, she deserves it!

As I spread Victoria’s Secret body lotion, my phone rings, it’s Ian calling me.

“Yes?”

“Are you gonna tell me the whole story or not?

“Oh shit! I forgot!” I say, closing the bottle and press the phone on my shoulder while my hands rub the lotion all over my legs and hands.

“Ok, so it begins when Vi took me out.”

“Uh-huh.”

“She told me this news. That her parents are going to get divorce for real and she has to choose who she’s going to stay with!”

“And who did she choose?

“She ran away! She ran away to Sean’s house! And she was being all miserable and tearful and she even thought of living by her own!”

“And?”.

“I slapped her! On her face!” I said in horror.

“What?! You slapped her? And what did she do?” Ian’s voice rises.

“I…don’t know! I ran away!” I say in desperation and it’s like I’ve been hit by the reality, “Oh god! I shouldn’t have left her, aren’t I?” I ask in panic.

“Well, I prefer you to be with her than just slapped her and ran away! She needs you more than anything now.” Ian says.

“But…will she forgive me? I mean, her life is jumbled up enough at this point without me being so stupid to slap her and…..oh god…” I floored.

“Just apologize and it’ll all be alright. I know you can do it. Vi and you are best friends, best friend stays.” He says dramatically. If the situation isn’t bad enough like this, I might laugh at this moment.

He’s all sweet and gay-ish when he said that. Oh, did I say that aloud in my mind? Mind you….I wasn’t supposed to say bad thing about my boy. He’s all nice and understanding, there, I corrected it.

“Oh..ok….i’ll do that.” I say in final, “So, how’s the interview?” I ask in a cheerful voice.

“Oh, it wasn’t that good! I even had no idea why am I being recruited! There’s this guy wearing Armani like head to toe and he asked why do I want to work there and he asked my report card and everything.”

“and?”

“I said because I need a job and my sister got a job already and it makes me feel like such a loser!” he says. “I even don’t know why I answered that too honestly! I could have just answered some good old sentences like ‘oh because I’ve always liked Ben and Jerry’s, Ben & Jerry’s is one of my favorite…’ blah blah blah. And even if it sounds cliché, it sounds better!”

We laugh for his stupid mistake and he told me where he worked. It turned out to be in the same shop as the ice-cream guy (will that be mean Ian is an ice-cream guy too? I have to find the ice-cream guy’s real name before Ian works there!). One of the staff there quitted the job yesterday evening and so Ian got the job. Isn’t it amazing that your boyfriend work in the same place as your friend?

“So, what can I say, congratulations!”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll go to your work place like every day! Ice creams there are so yummy.” I say.

“Sure, whenever!” as he says it, I can hear distant voice of Dad downstairs.

“I should go. Dad’s home.” I say.

“Ok, see you later. Bye Hun.”

“Bye!” and as the connections breaks off, Nathan enters my room, “Dad’s downstairs.”

“Ok.”

Saturday morning…..

Don’t ask the date, I’m not a school girl so don’t expect me to remember any date during summer holiday. There isn’t time and date, it’s a free season, free to do anything, and no one cares about time and date.

I rub my bleary eyes and straightened my back to stretch. It’s another day in summer holiday, nothing can be better, unless if you got into a fight with your friend, or got a zit when you’re suppose to be perfect, or your boyfriend broke you up. And I’m in the first situation.

I step my feet to the stairs and go downstairs to find Dad and the twins are there and there’s a woman with her back on me. They’re all laughing hysterically that they don’t even realize I’m there, with my loose pajamas and my messy hair.

Who the hell is this woman? Dad’ assistant? Oh my….i feel my throat is tight with the thought, Dad’s not having an affair while Mum’s gone, right? Vi’s dad alone has caused much trouble and I will NOT let Dad….

The woman turns her back and she runs and jumps and hugs me, “Honeeeyyy!! I’ve missed you so much!”

Oh….

It’s Mum.

Damn, how could I forget Mum’s back today?

“I bought you guys many souvenirs, you’ll get excited!” Mum says, releasing me. I look at her from top to toe, she looks tanner and fresher!

“Where, where?” Nicho asks impatiently.

“Later, ok? We should get some breakfast.” Mum says, kissing Nicho’s head who’s trying hard to avoid.

Mum cooks us breakfast and I mean Breakfast with big B. it’s real breakfast! After a week without her, this moment feels like a revolution. We ponder every inch of her home-made omelets with mushrooms, ham, and cheese. No more cereals, no more peanut butter spread, no more frozen pizzas! Freedom!

After we had our family breakfast, Mum took a shower and ended up sleeping and forgetting all those “opening the souvenirs” things. And so I dial Vi’s number and get into the mailbox and after trying several times, her sleepy voice speaks.

“Yeah? Who’s this?”

“Umm Vi. it’s Sugar.”

“What do you want?” she asks in a snap.

“Look, I’m sorry for what happened yesterday that I slapped you and everything. I guess I just lose my…..”

“Oh cut it Sugar! Can you please leave me alone?!” then the phone cracks. And for few moments I just stare at the phone blankly. Then with a slow turn, I realize this is not a good moment. Definitely not. My whole body freeze as I recall Vi’s tone just now. She’s really mad, isn’t she?

Reality sucks

“What do you think?” Vi steps out of the fitting room, make a little walk before back in front of the mirror. She’s wearing an electric blue short dress, it’s so pretty yet cheap. “Nice.” I say.

“I can pair this with my new white bolero.” She says to herself, then she spins to see how it goes again on her slender body. “Why don’t you try that one?” she asks, pointing at a yellow dress with blue bow on the waist line.

“Ok.” I pick the yellow dress and go into the fitting room.

So far, I and Vi have been to 5 stores and so far, we only got 1 shopping bag. None of us feels satisfied. And so we continue the journey to other stores that put up some discounted stocks. Our goal today is to spend $60 and still looks good, this isn’t an easy goal, especially for Vi. however, we do it for fun.

Sean and Jeremy called Vi the other day, they asked to meet us in a café nearby at 3 p.m. and so we still got 2 hours left before meeting them. They said they just want to have fun and everything. Ian is going to go on the interview at Ben & Jerry’s today and I wish him all luck. I told him to join us all in the café after the interview and he’s ok with that. Today will be a nice day, no fuss, no worries, nothing! We’ll all take it easy today.

Both of us step out of the fitting room at the same time and we stand side by side, looking at the mirror. “Wow! This look good on me, isn’t it?” I say, admiring my reflection in the mirror with that made-for-me yellow dress.

“I know! It looks good on you!” Vi says supportively. I reach for the price tag and almost faint to see the price, it’s freakin $100! And we’re supposed to be on budget!

“Dang! It’s not on a budget.” I say, looking at the rice tag in sadness.

“Oh silly! Just…go ahead and buy it! You may not find this dress anymore anywhere! Someone would just come in and who knows? Taking your dress! You will never ever gonna forgive yourself! I know that feeling.” Vi says in an expert understanding look.

“But…”

“No ‘but’, you go and buy it. And you look pretty on it so go ahead!” she says. And we ended up buy those dresses that are actually out of the budget. And to not feel too guilty, we raise the budget to $50. and actually, it’s really unfair.

We walk out of the stores with additional 2 shopping bags and it actually feels great. I deserve that dress, aren’t I? after working at the Sanctuary and save a lot here and there, and especially for a little present for myself because I can handle the house chores without Mum.

Talking about Mum, she’s coming home tomorrow and someone taught mum how to post her photo in Flickr, because she told me yesterday that she has posted her latest photos in Hawaii and the wedding party. That feels a little inappropriate for me, ok, not a little, it’s a revolution for Mum and for me.

Mum never uses internet, she doesn’t need it either, she got all she needs without internet, while me, on the other side, can’t live without internet. And now that she begins to connect with the internet world, she WILL asks me to teach her more. One thing I can assure you, I will never gonna let my mum makes a My Space account. That’d be revolting.

It’s 3 p.m. when I and Vi finally order some relaxing cappuccino and apple pies before Sean and Jeremy come. “So, how about you and Sean?” I ask while putting down our shopping bags on the floor.

“We’re good…..good.” she says, looking down to her cup.

“What is good?” I ask more.

“Well, we talk a lot lately.”

“But you said he’s boring?”

“I know he is. But we’re just friends.” She says. “He called the other day and we talked a lot about our parents. And that’s all. I mean, there’s no way I’m gonna fall for him again. Moreover, he said he likes other girl.”

“Really? Who?” I slurp my cappuccino in a quick movement, don’t dare to miss the information. Sean? Likes other girl? Seems like an impossible thing, especially these days where he seems to still like Vi.

“I don’t know. He didn’t want to tell me and he said ‘I’ll let you know later on.’ Instead.” She says.

“Hey Vi! hey Sugar!” we both turn our head to see 2 figures of cute guys approaching us. they’re Sean and Jeremy, and somehow, Jeremy seems to have built more muscles and Sean looks tanner. They both grinning radiantly.

But wait….who is that girl coming along with them?

And as my brain revolves, I can feel a twinge of alarm flipping in my head. That hair, that skin, that lips, that eyes…. Hayley? I exchange look with Vi and I can see Vi’s eyes gleaming in such hatred. “What is she doing here?” Vi whispers in horror. I shrug as an unsure answer.

“Hey!” I and Vi greet, almost too quickly.

“Come on here.” I say.

Hayley is wearing this blue dress that prolly cost her $120 and her skin can’t be more radiant and supple. She looks real pretty and her eyes are sparkling in those brand new ocean blue contact lenses.

“Hey! I thought….it’s only you two!” Vi says with a forced smile.

“Yea, we were thinking about that too! But then Sean got this idea to ask Hayley to join us too! Isn’t it great to have more people?!” Jeremy exclaims happily. Doesn’t anyone sense a huge loathing is so near that I can practically sniff it? It’s totally on now! If either Hayley or Vi says something off the limit, this relaxing tea time can turn into a girl cat fight.

“Yeah, I didn’t know that you all would meet here. It’s great to see all of you again!” Hayley says.

Then as awkward as it is, a silence covers the conversation. It’s like our jaws are glued and for like 5 seconds, we’re exchanging looks absently. Yeah right.

“Um..so Sugar! Where is Ian?” Jeremy asks, melting the ice.

“Oh yea! I almost forgot to call him.” I stand up and take my phone to call Ian in a quieter place. Vi steps on my feet to avoid me from leaving her alone with Hayley, Jeremy, and Sean. But she finally let me go after we had an eyes-talk in a switch.

After I call Ian and he said he’s on his way to the café, I stroll back to the table to find the four of them are laughing in joy and fun. And Vi seems to over-doing it by holding her stomach as if it hurts.

“Hey! So where’s Ian?” Vi asks after I take my seat.

“He’s on his way.”

“Great.” Jeremy says. Then Sean stands up, “coffee anyone?”

“Yeah. One espresso.” Jeremy says.

“One green tea.” Hayley mentions. And she get a complete stare from Vi that says ‘don’t try to look like a girl who really keep her health properly!’ but of course, Hayley doesn’t look at her.

“So..” Vi starts, “how’s you sister’s business?” a slight frown plaster on her face. I even can feel my feet step on Vi’s automatically.

“Oh! Can’t be better!” Hayley beams, “People like the products especially the promo package which consist of….”

“Oh really? How great!” Vi put her hand on her chest dramatically while saying it.

What the heck is she doing?!

“Yeah! And your dad has been so…”

“So gentle? I know he is!” Vi says quickly, again, cut Hayley’s sentence in the middle. Hayley looks at me like saying ‘what is wrong with her?’

Vi let out a forced laugh, “He’s always like that isn’t he? All kind and generous?”

“Yeah! Actually he is.” Hayley now answers shortly, knowing that if she says much she’ll be cut in the middle.

“How kind?”

“Ehm…Vi, if you think that your dad is having an affair with my sister or something like it, that would be…”

“Who thinks my dad is having an affair with your sister?” Vi’s voice rises by several pitches and she almost squeaks. “My dad is totally not up to some woman he found on the street!”

“What?!” Hayley rise from her seat. And thank God, Sean comes back, bringing a tray of cups. “Here’s your orders.” He puts down the tray and is now alerted by the fight. “What is it?” he asks cautiously as his eyes fall upon the two girls glaring at each other furiously.

“This is ridiculous.” Hayley says in a whisper.

“Oh, you think? Well, I think it’s been ridiculous since your sister flirts with my dad!” Vi’s out of control.

“My sister never flirts with you dad! Your dad flirts with my sister!” Hayley snaps back. Just when Jeremy says, “ENOUGH!”, Ian pushes the café’s door open and I quickly waves my hand to him so that he can sees us.

“What’s wrong with you two?!” Jeremy shouts madly. And now, everyone’s looking at us and the whole café plunge into silence.

“Nothing wrong with me. “ Vi retorts. “It’s this bitch who has some problems…”

“STOP!” Jeremy yells again. This time is for real. Ian who has just reached our table quickly realizes what happened just by looking at those two girls.

“Wow, wow, wow. What’s wrong? Vi, I want you to answer me honestly, is she the girl you’ve been telling me over and over?” Sean points at Hayley.

“Yes. She is.” Vi mutters.

“This is ridiculous! You’re such a spoiled brat that you can’t face the reality that the world isn’t as all heart-shaped and butterflies as it seems! Well, in this case, you never able to face it, your dad isn’t as good as he looks like and well, he’ll soon leaves you when he’s got the date. Too bad, princess…” Hayley snatches her Chanel bag and walks out of the café.

“Bitch!” Vi says before Hayley closes the door.

We sat down again and no one dare to talk, trying to figure out the puzzles and complete the missing boxes. Sean, who had just known Hayley from the night of Perfume Launching, quickly realizes that it’s Hayley that Vi’s talked about these past few days. And Jeremy has just realized the situation between the two girls and the tenses he probably had felt in the Perfume Launching. Ian and I are silent, we both know what happened.

Vi’s breath is pacing up with her and finally she breaks, “Sugar, will you follow me?”

“Ok.” I stand up, looking at Ian who’s looking at me with the same kind of look I can’t quite explain.

She leads me outside of the café and we walk some steps further.

“My dad and Mum are going to get divorce.” She says blankly, turning her back to see me. "This time, it's for real."

“What?”

“Mum told me yesterday night and she wanted me to listen to her about the reasons why she’ll get divorce. But I yelled at her instead and took a taxi to Sean’s house.” She says. “He’s the only person I could ever think of and he kept me safe until this morning that I got back to my house.”

“Don’t say you had sex with him…” I say, fully alert.

“Of course not! i was all tear-stained and broken hearted. But the main thing is, my parent’s are getting divorce. and this is no joke, Sugar. this is not some other statements we don't know the truth. Mum asked me who I want to live with.”

“and…?”

“I ran away, avoiding the reality that I have to choose…” she exhales, “Maybe Hayley’s right.”

“No way! she can’t be right! You can’t just let her be right! You have to fight back! And even if your parents are getting divorce, then choose. You have your own life.”

“But I don’t want to choose!” she cries.

“Well, then where will you stay? Who will pay for your school fees, your clothes, your meals?” I reply.

“I….don’t know….” She slowly answers and now, it’s like she has just seen the reality right now, served under her nose. her eyes are completely blank and she doesn't say a word for long time..

"You have to choose." I say slowly.

"But i can't! it's too much! i can't choose between those two. if my assumption's right, dad will get married with Hayley's sister and there's no way i will ever live together with that woman. but i don't want to live with mum either. She'll all stressed out, under some stupid medications and drugs she always takes. she'll get drunk every night and even now, she cries every night. i want to run away...." she falters, "..away far from my house, far from my parents, from all of these.."

"Yeah, but you have to face it, remember? running away doesn't solve the problem at all!" I say.

"I don't care!!" Vi shouts. "I don't care." she opens her arms wide. "I want to be free. to lead my own life!"

"why don't you at least try to live with one of them? if things get worse, we can always work out another way." I say.

"You know what Sugar? i think I want to go back to Birmingham. i can search for my brother and i can make a whole new life there.." she says.


PLAK!



my body shivers as i realize what I've done. i slap Vi right on her face.

she lifts her head and she sees me, shocked. we're both silent.


"Don't be such a spoiled brat." I say, my heart thumping.

Vi looks at me, bewildered.

"I'm...." my throat clenched, then i turn and run away.

summery tops and jobs

I am now walking under the orange New York sky. I can feel summer breezes along from corner to corner and people are wearing bright and primary colors, dresses, and loose tops. This is a real Summer!

And I don’t want to go back home..

Basically, it’s because I need to laundry all clothes, cook dinner, tidying up, not mentioning checking the twins whether they’re home already. Argh! I deserve a light, free night, especially after hearing the shocking news about Vi’s brother.

It’s like, wow! Super wow! Double triple wow! I can’t imagine her not being the only child. She has always been the only princess and the only person who controls the house and even her parents are mostly not in the house.

I wonder what he looks like…..is he as talkative and easy-going as Vi? Is he extravagant? Does he like strawberry smoothies like Vi? is he thin? Well-built? Tan? Black?white? I just can’t stop my mind from all the questions popping through my mind.

As I pass the familiar signs that tells me I’m near to Ben & Jerry’s already, I try to form the words that I will say to ice cream guy in my mind virtually. Suddenly my cell beeps and I take it out from my pocket I see a “Mum” blinks back at me.

“Yeah Mum?”

“Sugar! Finally! I’ve tried to call you several times but they just won’t come through! So, how’s house?!” Mum asks brightly. I turn to Ben & Jerry’s and spot ice-cream guy right away, he waves at me and points an empty seat for me to sit.

“Umm, actually, I’m away since afternoon so I honestly don’t know anything about the house…” I say in a low voice.

“What?” even when she’s angry inside, her voice sounds brighter. Yeah right, Hawaii can really change people, isn’t it? “Then, where are the twins?”

“They were in their friend’s house. Maybe they are home by now.” I hear myself say. the ice-cream guy points at a picture of New York Super Fudge Chunk Ice Cream and I shake my head. But he insists, it’s in his expression, and so he disappears to the back of the table and makes me that stress-reducing ice cream.

“Well, I want you to listen carefully, ok?” Mum’s voice warns, “You have to call home right after this call ends. And I really want you to call Dad and…could you please be home as soon as possible?”

“Err, ok, I will.” I reply.

“Good!” she says, “…no Mary, don’t put it there… ok Hun, you know what, this wedding will be a great wedding. And one thing I want you to know, Hawaii is a really beautiful place! And we had so much fun here! I went to a spa place today and people here are so nice, friendly………” The ice-cream guy back with the smack-you-lips-looking ice cream.

“Mum, I’m sorry, I’ll call you later, ok?”

“Ok, Sure!” Mum cheerfully replies. “Have fun, Dear!” as the phone clicks off, the ice-cream guy sits across me.

“Ok, here is you ice-cream.” He says, putting spoon on the ice cream.

“Whoa! This is too much!” I say, taking the spoon and shove the ice-cream into my mouth delightedly.

“So, what are we going to talk about?” he asks, his playful expressions lighten his eyes.

“Ok, it’s about my boyfriend, Ian. I think you knew what happened recently, the day when we first met, remember?”

“Yeah, that day when you’re so stressed out and tired and messy..”

“Messy?” I raise my eyebrow.

“Well…” he chuckles, “a little.”

“Okay.” I laugh, “so, he’s now searching for a new job, I just want to ask you whether Ben& Jerry’s need staff.”

“oh! Too bad, just this afternoon a guy was signed for a waiter. If you asked me earlier, I probably…..” he stops, “Maybe there’s one place vacant. Wait a sec.” he roots in his pocket and produces a cell phone.

“Here is my boss’s number. Maybe you just call him to know more.” He says, showing me a series of number and I quickly save it in my cell phone.

“Thanks.” I grin.

“Your welcome. So, how’s life?”

“Been better.” I scoop another spoonful of ice-cream into my mouth and let it melts inside. “Got some shocking news, Mum’s having fun in Hawaii, got new job as the new “mum”, and usual typical summery stories.”

“What is “usual typical summery stories”?” he looks at me straightly.

“The usual one, you know. You have fun but there are some changes here and there.” I say.

We continue the conversation for the next 1 hour, then I leave.

“I’m sorry, I have to leave as soon as possible. I still got tons of work to do since Mum’s away.” I say.

“Oh, okay. Sure.” He says.

“and really thank you for the ice cream.” I give him an amount of money for the ice cream and I add “Not refundable.”

He laughs and says, “Fine.”

“See you.” I say.

“See you too.”

As I open the front door, I’m not that “shock” to find the messy house inside with 3 boys wandering around the room. They’re so messy! And they’re so ignorant! Dad is wearing his apron and trying to cook something so horrifying on the pan. “Hey Honey! Where you from?” Dad asks lightly as I enter the kitchen.

“Dad! What are you cooking on the pan?!” I ask in panic. It’s not even has the criteria of a just-standard-and-basic food. It’s black, and smells like smoke.

“Sugar! You leave us in starvation! I will sue youuu!” Nathan screams from the living room, where he’s playing his PS2 with Nicho and as he says it, he even doesn’t look away from the screen.

Dad shrugs symbolically as the answer of why is he there, wearing his apron and cooks something so terrible. “I’m trying to cook that frozen pizza.”

“What!? That pizza isn’t to be put inside a pan! It’s microwavable! And dad, you’re so good at cooking pancake, why don’t you make pancakes?!” I take the pan and throw the failed pizza in the dust bin.

“I don’t think pancake is for dinner, Honey. That’d be inappropriate.” He says, taking off his apron. “Well then, I just hope you’ll cook us something really nice as your punishment for being so ignorant that you let me starve.” He winks at me and hands me the apron.

Yeah, right.

“I can’t cook!” I desperately say. “Can we just order pizza or Chinese food?”

“Sure! Anything! With your own money!” He strolls out of the kitchen and leave me standing blankly in the kitchen.

It’s good to have a clean house and nice meal. And now I fully realize what a “mother” means. She’s someone we can always look up to, especially in cleaning and cooking part. And hell knows why I don’t have even the slightest ability to do one of those things.

We ended up eating pizza that I bought with my own savings. And as we wait for the pizza, I start to fold all the newspapers and magazines and neatly place them in piles. Next, I take all the dirty clothes and put them in the washing machine. One last thing, I cook them too salty omelets due to their guy’s hunger instinct that they can’t stand.

When the pizza finally arrives, Nicho runs to the door and opens it eagerly. “Thank you, Sir! Thank you! You’re my family’s savior!” he says enthusiastically and passes the pizza guy some money. I can swear he could kneel on his knee and kisses the pizza guy’s feet with that expression if he wants to. It’s such a devoting expression.

“Ok, guys, let’s eat!”

And so, day one without Mum has passed, not so beautifully. Pretty much not like what I expected.

I wake up with a little spinning head knowing that I will have to pass this another un-mum day. I know what I should do right away, cleaning comes first, then dry cleaning, then cook breakfast, followed by taking fresh newspaper, and then ironing all clothes. Ok, that’s not hard. I can do it. I hope.

I wash my face and brush my teeth, then I walk downstairs.

Ok, plan change.

The twins have woke up, earlier than usual, which means I have to cook a fast breakfast for them. “Hey guys, why are you up this early?” I ask, yawning.

“We’ll bike race with our friends today. The one who lost will be pushed to the lake and the winner can get a free ticket to cinema.” Nathan replies.

“What? Pushed to the lake? That’s so mean!” I cry.

“No, that’s not. We’ve made a deal and we should keep it.” Nicho says in a “gentle-man” manner.

“Oh, yeah. Right.” I walk to the kitchen and buttered some toast then spread it with a nut jam. It’s the simplest possible food I can make and it’s quite delicious although it’s revolting.

After I watched the twins leave the house, I start the house chores. And yeah, it’s pretty boring. Not long after that, Dad wake up and I cook him a ham and omelet, he doesn’t complain either. After spending so much time, struggling with those clothes I have to iron, I think I should just give them to laundry service. I give up.

When it’s almost 12 noon, I get my butt up from the sofa and call Ian. It’s nice to hear his voice again.

“Hi Hon.” I greet.

“Heey!” his cheerful voice makes my heart blooms.

“Listen, yesterday I ask my friend at the ice cream shop and he gave me the number of his boss. He said maybe you should…..”

“Hold on.” He cuts in, then he speaks again, “Ok, umm, why don’t I come to your place and talk about this more?” he asks.

“Ok, sure.”

I put the phone down after saying bye and I sprint to my bathroom, take a quick shower while estimating his time to get here. His house isn’t far and he must be here in 30 minutes or less. I blow dry my hair and I put some quick make up just to freshen my look.

Just as I put down my mascara stick, the door bell rings. I grab as much newspapers and clothes my hand could handle as quickly as possible then I stuffed them in the cupboard. Then I comb my hair back before opening the door. I’m wearing my lucky yellow shirt and short pants so I know I look good.

“Hey.” I greet.

“Hey!” he greets back. He’s looking good in a loose grey jacket and casual jeans.

“Come in.” I shift to the side to let him in.

We’re silent for few seconds before he comments, “I thought your mum’s gone to Hawaii.”

“Oh yes, she is.” I reply awkwardly. It’s weird to have him here.

“But this house is clean and tidy?” he looks around the room.

“Well, I clean them” I modestly say.

“No way!” he turns to me.

“Oh yes I do.” I proudly say.

Then he walks closer to me that I can smell his manly fragrance. “Ok, tells me about that job.” We sit on the couch and I show him the number, then he calls the number right away.

I listen to the conversation finger-crossed. I hope he can get a summer job there.

He talks businessy with a do-not-disturb-this-conversation tone. And after waiting for those nervousing minutes, he puts the phone down and looks at me, grinning “They say maybe they can put me into a branch not quite far from here.”

“Oh god!” I say in relief and automatically get up and jump to hug him. “So where is it?”

“Not far. I can go there by bus.” He replies. But weirdly, he doesn’t want to let me go from his big, loving hands.

“What?” I ask, laughing.

“Nothing. I want to hug you and not letting you go.” He says.

And we don’t know who starts first, we ended up kissing. And he reach for my shirt, pulls it off and I catch his shirt, unbuttoning it. He brings me down to the carpeted floor and God knows what happen next. Mmm..

the short story of Daniel Freyson

Mum has gone to Hawaii this morning and she has granted me the house key and things mum usually does after she’s back from her office. Yeah, it’s pretty….how do you say it? Demanding? Yeah, it’s very demanding. It takes hours for me to finish all the chores. Here is the list.

~ Laundry all clothes, and dry clean it

~ The twins should water the plants and flowers

~ tidy up living room and kitchen

~ Cook dinner or at least order pizza or Chinese food.

~ Iron all clothes

~ tidy your own room

~ ….

I don’t have guts to read further. This is overwhelming! I can’t even tidy up my own room! And she expects me to cook dinner, iron ALL clothes, etc etc etc. I think this whole week will be a complete disaster, not to mention making breakfast every morning which means I have to wake up earlier than usual. God!

Paste the paper carelessly on the fridge and take my coat then leave the house. The twins are playing in their friend’s house and Dad has gone to work. I take the first bus that takes me to Vi’s house and when I get inside the bus, it’s utterly full! Plus, I should stand near a flyer guy with a really nasty smell. Dang! I should’ve waited for the other bus.

“Could you please move a little? My leg seems to have stuck.” I say. my feet wiggles hopelessly between 2 chairs.

“Of course.” Says the flyer guy. And as he shifts a little, I catch a glimpse of familiar face. “Hey.” I greet the guy beside flyer guy, he stand with his back on me. Then he turns his back to face me with a struggle due to the crowded people in here.

“Hi!!” he greets me back. It’s the ice-cream guy. He tries to change position with the lyer guy and it almost makes the flyers drop and luckily it doesn’t. They cautiously balance their selves and finally they make it.

“Hey! Where are you going?” the ice cream guy asks.

“Oh, me? I’m going to Vi’s house. You?”

“I’m going to a supermarket, do some groceries. My mum is away.”

“Really? My mum too. She’ll be back in a week.” I say.

“Oh. My mum doesn’t.” he replies shortly. Then with a sudden movement, the bus stops and some people get off the bus and they left us 2 empty seats.

“So, where is your mum now?” I ask, shifting in my seat to get the best position with my new pink bag on my lap.

“She’s gone.” He answers lightly.

“Where?”

“I don’t know. Heaven?” he smiles as he says it. What the hell is wrong with him? Does he really mean it? “For real.” He adds as if he can read my mind.

“Wha….what do you mean? Heaven? Has your mum…” I pause, feeling uneasy to say the word

“Dead? Yes, she had been dead for 3 years now.” Says the ice-cream guy lightly. Then he smiles.

“Are you nuts?!” I automatically move back a little. I mean, is this guy sane? Coz I never seen anybody so happy talking about their dead mum!

“Wow, wow, wow! I’m not crazy, ok?”

“Then why did you smile?” I ask impatiently.

“Ok, the truth is….I never know where she is. As long as I can remember, Mrs. Reyes is the one who raised me. Even I don’t know whether my dad is my real dad or not.” He says.

What?

“So….” I gulp, trying to digest all the information. It’s overwhelming! He is raised by someone who is not his mother and he isn’t even sure does his dad is really his dad. “So….how could you stand it?” I blurt out my thought.

“Well, you’ll get used to it if you’re 18 years old and have lived with it your whole life. But really, Mrs. Reyes is the best woman I’ve ever met in my whole life and my dad, well, he isn’t the best guy, but he’s ok. He rarely stays at home so I only get very little time to know him.” He answers.

“Wow..” that’s the only word pops into my mind and I stupidly staring at him in pity and admiration.

And abruptly, the bus comes to a halt and as I look outside, I come to realization that it’s the road to Vi’s house. And so I stand up, “Well, I have to go. See you later.” I wave goodbye and he gently waves back with an angelic smile.

“Oh! Actually, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you. Shall I come to your store today, later?” I say as my mind recall the work for Ian.

“Sure. Anytime.” He says. And with that I leave the bus and walk to Vi’s house with my mind still trying to figure out the ice-cream guy’s life.

Hilda, the head of all staff in Vi’s US house says that I should just go upstairs and I’ll find Vi in her room. And so I walk pass the living room and climb up the stair when I bum into Mrs. Freyson. she wears a nice dress and high-heels, “Hi Sugar!” she greets.

“Oh! Hi Mrs. Freyson!” I reply back.

“Vi is in her room.” She says.

“Ok.” And as she passes me by, I can still see that she wears lots of make ups on her face but still, perfume company owner’s wife always smells good.

As I walk the long aisle to Vi’s room, I can hear loud music from Vi’s room and when I open the door, Vi’s dancing and jumping on her bed with loud music of Good Charlotte blares from her audio player. I throw my bag on the floor and snap the volume button to turn it down. As the music disappears, she stops jumping.

“Oh! It’s you.” She turns to see me and she loses her balance. She falls on her bed, exhausted with her breath pacing up with her.

“What the hell happen to you?” I ask.

“Oh, exercising?” she shrugs.

“No you didn’t. Where’s Ruby?” I take my bag and sit myself on the side of the bed, where Vi is flooding with sweats, still in her pajamas and her face is all hot pink.

“I don’t know. Hilda took her, she said it’s her schedule to go to dog saloon.” She walks to her bathroom unsteadily and I can hear she opens the tap as the water runs.

“And…?” I ask even more. She walks out of the bathroom with towel dabbed on her face. “Let’s talk downstairs.” She says. And so we sit in her dining room as she enjoys her late breakfast with a pretty view of peaceful backyard.

“So… what had happened?” I ask, taking a bite of chocolate croissant.

“Oh, it’s a total mess. And my mum has left to see her lawyer and everything. This is terrible.” She says, gulping her milk.

“And?”

“And, well, Sean told me to listen to rock music and jump around the room. It’d soothe me a little. Well, it works!” she shrugs.

“Oh, right…” I say.

“Oh, yea, about that picture….” She starts.

“You don’t have to tell me I you don’t want to.” I immediately say.

“No, I have been willing to tell you since long but I never had the right time. ok so listen….” She leans forward to make sure nobody other than me, hears this.

“That guy in the picture isn’t my ex-bf or something like it. He’s my brother.” She whispers.

“What?!” I automatically say, Vi clasps my mouth straight away. “Shhh!”

“Brother? You mean, like, genetically?” I ask. My eyes bulge out in desperation of knowing more.

“Well…” she gulps, “..kinda.”

“And where is he now?”

“I don’t know! I never saw him! Never ever! When I was old enough to realize, he had gone. That is the only picture left and mum was trying to hide it. But Mr. Badge told me everything that I should’ve known and well, that’s all.”

“Whoa! Do you think he’s still in England?”

“I….don’t know.”

“What’s his name then?” I ask incredulously.

“His name was Daniel Freyson. But since he has gone, there are lots of possibilities that he has changed his name or maybe the woman who took him changed it.” She says, “I’ve googled his name several times and I even went to every place that seems to have Daniel Freyson there but none if them even looks like me.” She finishes.

“You mean, you’ve tried to find him your self?” I ask doubtfully. I mean Vi has always been all careless and happy and free-spirited! There’s no way she gonna travel somewhere alone to search for someone she barely knows!

“Well, yes. But I took Sean along. It was last year when we’re still together and it was only twice.” She says.

“But you said, several times?”

“Yea! Two times is several times!” she insists.

Oh, right. Whatever.

“And so….why did you mum gave him to somebody else?” I know I’ve crossed the safe zone but I can’t help it. I gotta know the answer! Who knows the Freysons got tons of secrets behind the rich and happy family?

“I don’t know. Mr. Badge said it’s because my dad doesn’t want him. An old staff at Birmingham said it’s because Daniel is the result of an affair done by my mum. She said mum and dad ever had a big fight about him and it turned out that my mum had sex with random guy she met a week before her wedding day. Crazy isn’t it? But I prefer not to know. Well, maybe I want to know but later. Not now.” She explains.

“Maybe it’s true that my mum had sex with a stranger, that would be fun isn’t it? To have sex with other guy because it’d be the last time you would ever had sex with different partner other than your husband!” she exclaims.

Oh, well. The crazy-normal Vi has back. Glad to have her as the normal one, not the all-serious-full-of-mystery kind of Vi.

Affair: New Scent

After 9 p.m., seems like the crowd has melted away. They’re going home after having glasses and glasses of champagne until their face are pinky and they talk non sense things like their companies, their friends, and the guy on the next table is talking about his great aunt, he must have drunk too much champagne or is it the Golden Rum Cake?

And so at 9.30 p.m., we all go home. Ian and I ride the limo again and the paparazzi haven’t dispersed a little. They are all still at their same position, lining up the entrance door to get the closest pic of celebs. “Where is the car?” I ask Ian when we’re in the lobby, loaded with paparazzi that shot their cameras non-stop.

“It’s on the way. Are you okay?” he looks at me intensely.

“I’m ok.” I say as my head sways a little.

“Hey! You’re Sugar, right? You come here too!” a woman voice suddenly calls. I turn to see the owner of the voice and I see a tall, slender-bodied woman in her 20s. I racked my brain trying to think where I'd seen her before. And to my horror, she comes closer. “How are you doing?” she shakes my hand gently.

“Oh, I’m good. How about you?” I ask her, struggling so hard to remember her name or where had I seen her. But my head gives a little nudge back that means ‘don’t disturb me! I’m light, and dizzy and stuffed!’

“I’m great! So how was your parent’s perfumery business? Was it this big?” she tilted her head back to the huge poster of Hey Son!. What the hell is this woman talking about?

“Oh, yeah. It will!” I reply in an assuring voice although I’m doubtful inside.

“Ms. Willis!” suddenly a bearded man walks towards us. “It’s really nice to meet you!” he hugs the woman and they kiss each other’s cheeks.

Ms. Willis?

Where might….

Oh!

Oh my god! My whole body freezes as I come into consciousness.

It’s the woman from the charity evening! I don’t even remember her anymore! And what the hell is she talking……damn! I lied to her, didn’t I? I said that my parents got a perfume line, and it’s a joining company with Earl…Gavin?

A moment later the bearded guy has gone and Ms. Willis turns to me again. “So? Are you enjoying the night?” she asks.

“Oh, yes, very much. Thanks.” I say.

“Well, where is your friend? The lucky daughter of the Freyson Family?”

“Oh, she’s inside. But she’ll be back home in no time.” I say, trying to smile.

“Oh, I see.” She says, raising her eyebrow elegantly. Suddenly, the bearded guy back again, this time with another man in a dark brown suit. “This is the famous Ms. Willis. Ms. Willis, this is Pierre Beau, the guy I once told you.”

“Oh, sure! Nice to meet you!” Ms. Willis shakes the Pierre Beau’s hand professionally.

“Enchanté!” says the French guy enthusiastically.

“So, are you the well-known reporter of Jalouse Magazine?” Ms. Willis asks him.

“Yes, I am.” He replies proudly.

Ian has now listens to the conversation, too. “Who the hell is this woman?” he whispers.

“She’s a fashion designer.” I reply quickly, don’t want to miss the conversation. I know I’m eavesdropping, but I can’t help it.

“And have you know about the…” Pierre looks around cautiously and I quickly look away to the busy road. “…I heard from a friend that Heidy and Mr. Freyson has an affair!” he says dramatically and Ms. Willis and the bearded guy are gasping, including me actually.

“Did you hear that?” I nudge Ian silently.

“Yes I heard it. But it’s no proof.” He says calmly.

“…and Mr. Freyson is having an uneasy home condition right now. I guess he and his wife are having a fight, you know. I looked at their only daughter just now and she’s terribly sad. It’s on her face and Mrs. Freyson doesn’t come today.”

Ok, this is over the limit.

How could they find out about that?

And suddenly our limo appears and stops in front of us. A doorman opens the door, “Oh! You’re going home! Well then, see you later, Sugar!” Ms. Willis says.

“Sure! See you next time!” I say, waving my hand and as the door closes, I’m plunk into a deep relaxation, away from the crowds. It’s just me and Ian. And the street lights and the traffics. I practically close my eyes to feel the silence and peace.

“So.. are you going to tell me or not?” Ian suddenly asks after we’re silent for about 10 minutes.

“What?” I ask without opening my eyes. I’m perfectly settled here.

“About the perfume line your family had?”

“Oh. I was lying.” I say without much thinking.

“Lying? Why did you lie?”

“Well, I thought it’d look cool and I would be more fitted in the group. Besides, people at the Charity Evening won’t really ‘see’ people unless you got tons of money.” I say honestly. Ian chuckles and says, “Well, about Vi’s parents and Heidy…”

“I hope it’s not true.” I cut in.

“Yeah. You don’t have to believe it, ok? It’s just a rumor. Magazine people use to make rumors.”

“But…how did they find out about the fight?” I ask, opening my eyes and all I can see are just blurry vision of lights from shops and cars passing us away.

“I…..I have no idea.” Ian replies. “What time is it?”

“9.40.”

“It’s too early to come home.” He says. Ok, I know this is some kind of a sign, this will make a mean that he wants to take me to other places, some cool places!

“Well, where do you want to take me to?” I ask to-the-point-ly.

Ian laughs quietly, “How do you know I’m going to ask you to other places?”

“Girl instinct.” I reply.

“Well, in that case, does your girl instinct says you’re hungry?”

“Hmmm, let me ask her.” I say and I really talk to my belly about it and Ian laughs. “Well, she says ‘if it’s just a little donut or a cinnamon pretzel, then it should be ok’.” I announces as if my belly can really talk.

“Ok, how about La Bergamote?” he suggests.

“Where the hell is that?” I ask blankly.

“It’s in 169 Ninth Ave. not far from here.” He rolls down the partition between us and the driver. “To 169 Ninth Avenue, please.”

“Sure.” says the driver. “They say it’s a good place there.” he adds.

“Really?”

“Yes. People are always mounding up that place. It’s really delicious. I have ever brought my wife there once and after that night I proposed her and she said yes. It’s like the most beautiful thing.” He says.

“Whoa! How romantic!” I say.

“Yeah. So, what’s the place like?” Ian asks.

“Oh, it’s pretty. You just have to look at it yourself. Well at that time I was a taxi driver, I don’t have much money. Taking my wife to eat there was like cutting my salary into half! That was pretty crazy. But at noon, many people come there, they say the napoleon is crazily delicious. Must-try.” He explains.

“Whoa! Sure!”

“Ok, here we are.” He says, stopping the car on the side of the street ad it looks hugely “too much” for this place. It’s a nice place with restaurants and galleries lining up the street and this limo, just doesn’t fit in.

“Thanks a lot, Marco!” Ian says. “You can go home now.”

“But I haven’t taken you back home!” he says.

“That’s ok. I’ll take bus from here.” Ian says.

“Ok then if you’re sure. Have a nice meal with your nice girl!” he says, rolling up the window and sends us a wink. We wave him goodbye and everybody is staring at us with these formal dress and suit.

“Shall we?” Ian offers his arm and we both walk inside the comfy little place.

Ok, this place is sooo irresistible. I had a chocolate mousse and a cup of cappuccino but the napoleon are so demanding that I had to order more. Same goes with Ian, he had a chocolate croissant as a starter, but then he wants fruit cakes and in the end, we are both stuffed and happy and light and totally relaxed.

“So…. Are you going to get a job again some day?” I ask, fiddling with my spoon.

“Well maybe. Actually, I was thinking of getting other jobs as waiter or newspaper guy, but I don’t really like the idea of waking up too early and have to go to work I don’t like. I know being a newspaper guy pays a lot of money but so is baby sitting. But the thing is, I hate both ideas.” He replies.

“what would you like to do, then?” I ask.

“I don’t know. I must find the right job to know it fits me.” He says lightly.

“Ice-cream man?”

“That sounds fun! Driving the ice-cream truck with kids chasing you. But I don’t like the idea of sitting in the truck until my flat ass glued to the seat.” He says and we both giggle to the image of him, driving the ice-cream truck with a really terrible face.

“My sister got a job in an advertising company. It’s just so unfair! She is the smart one and I’m more like…..”

“The stupid one?” I puts in.

“Yeah kind of.” He says, laughing.

“I let you know what is unfair. My mum is going to Hawaii and she doesn’t bring her kids along with her! Dang! I’m dying to go to Hawaii!”

“What she do there?”

“She’s a wedding planner. She will organize a wedding there for a couple of superrich people. Mum says they are “kind of” celebrities just because they bring LV bag. My mum is like soooo plain. She has no idea who is Johny Depp! Mind you!” I say and we both laugh.

“Oh! I know this guy who works in Ben and Jerry’. Would you like me to ask him if there is a position available?” I suddenly recall the ice-cream guy.

“Ok, sure if you don’t mind,”

“Of course not!” I say.

“Ok, it’s almost 11 now. We should go home or your parents will get angry.” He stands up and holds my hand.

“Uh. Ok.” I reply vaguely. Then we take a nice walk before stopping at the halt to feel New York’s cool night breeze with night life. Then we get in the bus and ride back home.

I’m all stressed-out when Vi calls this morning. Why can’t my life be just fine for a day? I sometimes wonder if God would let me be stress-free even for just a moment. Well, my life used to be like so “safe” but since I knew Vi, it all changed. My life is a big chaos, full of stresses, parties, dresses, shoppings, clothings, and a dog. It’s not that I hate it, it adds colours to my life actually. The thing is, sometimes, it’s overwhelming. And my life sometimes looks more like a story than a real one.

“Sugar… I need to see you today.” Vi’s shrill voice echoes in my ear.

“What happened?” I rub my eyes and stretches.

“I heard my parents arguing again. This time is not about the money my mum gave, it’s about my dad having an affair!” my heart skips a little as she tells me in a desperate voice. “Oh god Sugar! I’m scared!”

“Clam down, ok? Calm down….” I say soothingly, “that can’t be true. There is no proof to that.” I say, remembering what Ian told me yesterday.

“But Mum has got proofs!” she cries.

“What?”

“She has got proofs! It’s in Dad’s e-mails and text messages! They’re calling each other ‘Hun’!” she furiously says.

“Welll….maybe it’s a common word for people that work in a perfumery and clothings business? You know, sometimes, they’re gay and they like to….”

“My dad is not GAY!” Vi says harshly.

“I know, I know. Ok, you know what, I’ll be there.” then I click the phone off. This is starts to go scarily nuts. Affair? A man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s? This is a total scandal! The press will all get excited if they know about this and there will be headlines like “Affair: New Scent” in no time.