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.

guessing...

“I knew it since yesterday actually.” Vi says as the smooth breeze touches our hair lightly. She’s wearing a nice knee-length black glittery dress, with a distinctive purple bow that wrap around her waist and she wears a nice purple high-heels that match the bow. It looks really pretty, especially with a glass of champagne to complete her perfect appearance

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask.

“I thought you’re still angry with me. About the whole ‘Sean knows it but I don’t’ thing.”

“How did you find out about our dad and Hayley’s sister?”

“He asked me what was my plan for today and I said I wanted to go to Heidy’s perfume launching. And when he asked where and when, he finally admitted that to me.” She states.

At first, it was hard. I thought of my dad and Hayley like ‘how could you?’ but then things don’t always fall to the place we wanted to. Dad was in a hard position as the owner of the company. He has to find a way to keep the business rolling. And one day, in a fashion show, he met Heidy, the fashion designer. Well, they talked and here they are today.” She sighs.

“Well…” I start, “Actually, I wanted to apologize about this to you….. It’s just not that easy you know, every time I want to call you, I was bothered by this feeling. I felt so small and….and not reliable enough…..”

“Ssssh!” Vi put her manicured index finger on my lips, “Don’t ever say that! You’re my best ever friend! Actually, I want to say sorry that I didn’t tell you about the guy in the picture.” She says. “It’s just that, I haven’t found the right timing to tell you.”

“That’s ok. I…I don’t really want to know about that guy either. If he is your ex-bf, that’s ok, I won’t ask.” I say, taking a gulp from my champagne glass

Then we’re both silent. I’m looking at the wide open city under us, we’re on the balcony of the hall, avoiding the crowd and cooling down our temper.

“Listen…” Vi starts.

“Hey ladies.” A voice makes us turn and it’s Sean. As handsome as ever, with a preppy brown coat and angelic smile. On his sides are Ian and Jeremy.

“Oh, yeah hi!” I say.

“Hey!” Vi greets.

“So, how you guys doing?” Sean asks.

“Well. I’m well.” I say.

“Me too!”

“It’s a nice surprise isn’t it? Having him here tonight. I haven’t seen him for ages!!” Jeremy rounds his arm on Sean’s neck and they do some “boys-friendly-gestures-but-its-more-like-a-fight-to-girls” things.

“Yeah! How do you do, bro?” Sean asks in a besties-to-besties voice.

“I’m great!” Jeremy brushes his coat to make it neat again.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seat.” A voice suddenly echoes around the hall, stopping Vi in the middle.

“Come on.” I say, grabbing Vi’s hand and we walk inside, where more people have gathered and they’re taking their seats around the round tables.

Hayley is waving to us in a distant, she’s put us together on one table. Me, Vi, Ian, Jeremy, and her. And so, Jeremy, who knows nothing about the whole “bitch-and-betrayer” thing, eagerly hops to the table.

“Hi! Jeremy greets Hayley.

“Hi! Nice seeing you here. And who is this?” she points at Sean.

“I’m Sean. Jeremy’s best friend.” He extends his arm and shakes Hayley’s.

“Well, we need more chair!” Hayley calls one of the waiters and asks for additional chair. “There you go! Come on! Sit with us!” she taps on the chair.

“Thanks.” Sean says, taking his seat.

And so, the 6 of us, sit together awkwardly. Although, Hayley doesn’t feel like it.

Mr. Freyson climbs up the stairs to the stage and clears his throat, then he grabs the microphone and opens his mouth. “First of all , I’d like to thank you all to come and join us tonight in this highly celebrated launching of me and my new best friend’s perfume.” He pauses, “although she’s nowhere to be found..” he looks around the room, pretend to search for Heidy and it makes the guests laugh.

“What?” Jeremy pulls a face. “What joke is this? Mr. Freyson? and Heidy?” his voice raise.

“Yes! Great isn’t it? Vi’s dad and my sister!” Hayley says in a bright face.

Jeremy turns to see Vi, who forces a smile to Jeremy.

“Whoa! You guys knew about this and you didn’t tell me! How could you!” Jeremy’s voice turns into more excited.

I pray a silent prayer that he will shuts his mouth until the end of the presentation and dinner, and speak nothing about the “new owners” that he didn’t know about. Well, we all, didn’t know! Except that brunette-haired lady in a red dress.

“…..Well, well, well. I am very pleased to tell you that this..” Mr. Freyson points at a big symbol of old Freyson Company on the projector screen, “..has turned into this.” The picture changes to the new Hey Son symbol with swirly motives around the Hey Son swirly letters.

“This doesn’t mean that I will change the favorite scents every body likes, it’s just a matter of new name and addition of owner. And…” he suddenly points to the entrance door, “Ah! There she is!” and all heads are turning to the direction he’s referring. Heidy is standing there, shocked that every body’s looking at her, then she clasped her cell phone shut and professionally climb the small stairs to the stage.

“I think, she can form better words than I do. So, ladies and gentlemen, Heidy Manson.” Mr. Freyson says, followed by polite claps and little laughter.

“I’ll go to the rest room.” Vi suddenly stands up.

“Wait. I also want to go to the rest room.” I say, following Vi, who thumps her feet in anger all the way down to the rest room.

After we’re both inside, she walks to the glass-made sink and open the tap to let the water flows. She then take a handful of water and splash it on her face.

“Sugar…” she starts in a dready voice, “Please tell me now, how to survive in this situation? First, my dad and mum. And now, this!”

I think she must hate me to do such bad thing! She knew it! She knew it from the start that it’s her sister and my dad! And she knew so well that I suffered in a situation where my dad almost went bankrupt, and he had a big fight with mum. And she was all lightly said in such excited face that her sister is going to launch a new perfume line. I was happy for her! I had no idea it’s my dad! Why didn’t she just tell me that her sister….and I thought she is on my side, I took her shopping and I was so grateful about her and you and Ian and……” She doesn’t continue, her throat is strangled with tears.

I quickly walk towards her and hug her tight. Then she cries like a baby. All big and loud and with lots of tissues, and tear-stained face.

When we head back to the party, dinner time is over. And they all chat and laugh together, especially Jeremy and Sean, Hayley is nowhere to be found.

“Hey! You’re back! Where have you two been? I thought you were in the rest room….” Jeremy asks.

“We were.” I answer shortly. He, then drifts his eyes to Vi, whose eyes puffy and she’s looking down with tissue in her hand.

“What’s wrong?” Jeremy whispers to me in a puzzled face.

“Nothing.” I reply even shorter than before. I’m not in the mood to talk to anybody right now.

Guests have stood up from their seats and wander around to kiss others cheeks and have fun meeting new people and old friends. It’s almost 9 p.m. and slow music is playing in the background, while louder laughter are coming from many tables and we’re trapped in this round table with sad Vi and not-in-the-mood me. Why should we be the one who are sad? And moreover, Mr. Freyson hasn’t even once came down to our table and at least, visit us and talk. He, on the other hand, is talking and laughing with other unknown men.

“Having good time?” Mr. Freyson’s makes me jump. He’s standing behind Vi now, his face is all red due to glasses of champagne.

“Yes, we are. This is great.” I respond automatically.

“Where is Mum?” that’s Vi’s respond.

“I don’t know. I thought she would come later. The last time I saw her at home, she’s dressing up.” Mr. Freyson says. “You two go have fun,ok!” he taps Vi’s shoulder and saunter away.

“Care to tell me what had happened?” Jeremy asks after some pauses.

I exhale and finally says, “Ok, come on.” I stand up, followed by confuse Jeremy. I lead him to the balcony, where people are less crowded although, of course, there are people here.

“Ok, what is it?” he faces me in a bewildered expression.

“Vi and all of us, including you, also had no idea that it’s Hayley’s sister and Vi’s dad who built this new perfume line. We had no idea that Hayley knew all this since long. And even Vi, didn’t know what happened to his dad’s company, other than it’s almost gone ruin.” I say without taking a breath. Jeremy’s silent for few seconds, to digest all the information carefully and he opens his mouth, “So…what you’re trying to say…is that….Hayley knew what had happened between Vi’s parents and she didn’t tell us anything about this?”

“Yes, yes, yes…” I nod.

“Wow! So, is that the reason why Vi’s sad?”

“Of course! You moron!” I say impatiently.

“Wow,wow,wow! Cool down!” Jeremy says, “ok, but, I know Hayley since long. There’s no way she would do that!”

“Well, but she has!” I retort.

“But…” Jeremy’s going to reply but then he closes his mouth. “…but she was so happy and light and got excited every time her sister called her to tell her about the new progress…ok, maybe she’s just being happy and afraid that if she told us earlier about this, we might got angry at her, especially Vi.”

“But I thought she’s a good friend! I mean, how could she? She knew Vi is sad and his dad’s company was almost gone bankrupt and it’s her sister who made the joint company and….”

“Wait, wait.. Maybe her sister isn’t that evil, you know. Maybe she’s just trying to save Mr. Freyson’s company by making a joint-company so that Mr. Freyson’s company can still survive the hard times.”

“But she’s no one! Remember? Vi’s dad could easily pull up a contract with some cool celebs like Halle Berry, or Madonna, or Megan Fox! They all use Freyson Perfumery products!”

“So, you think her sister had tricked Vi’s dad?” Jeremy asks.

“Well…it’s just a guess. But it’s still weird.” I say. Then we’re both silent, trying to figure out what’s wrong and what had happened and what’s the wrong part and why? Why is it so bothering? Like something’s not right.

My brain tells me so. And my heart too.

Bitch!

The sun has completely drowned by the night and more people are packing inside the mall. The twins were finally found by me and the ice-cream guy (I haven’t quite figure out what his name is). They were having really good time with those PS2 battle and people watched them and scream to support them.

However, at the end of the battle, both of them won. And they got quite a big sum of money and we all used it to eat ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s. Today turns up into a nice day after all.

And we’re sitting under the dark blue sky with a little moon dangling far in the sky. Breezy wind brushes my hair and cheeks, leaving a relaxing effect.

“Another cup?” the ice-cream guy asks.

“No way! I’m stuffed!” I laugh.

“I don’t mind another cup.” Says one of the twin but I don’t care who talks, I’m busy looking at the open pretty sky and I practically close my eyes to feel the relaxing sensation. Here I am, Sugar Dale, 16 years old, feeling more relax than ever. Wish Ian were here cos it’ll be so much fun, not mentioning the….

Suddenly, a “you got a friend” ring tone tingles inside my pocket. I quickly take it and see the caller, no way!

No way!

Vi?!

Should I take it?

Oh yes of course! Stupid!

“Eh…hello?” I greet formally.

“May I speak to Sugar, Please?” her croaky voice is heard from far away. And all of a sudden, a little flip is going inside my body. Dang! How I miss her voice. It’s been a week without her around.

“Yes, it’s me.” I reply, quite in a squeak.

“Oh, it’s you.” She let out a nervous laugh. “Well, I just call to ask whether you gonna come to the perfume launching of Hayley next week?”

What the hell is goin on? She talks like I’m her mum’s important business friend that she has to keep her manner and everything.

Oh, yea right.. She still thinks we’re not fine. Stupid me! She doesn’t call to make it up to me, or to apologize or else to explain. How could I even think of any of that?

“I think so. Maybe. Why?”

“Nothing. Just asking.” She says coldly but I can catch it in her voice, she misses talking to me, too.

“Ok.” I say.

“Ok.” She says.

There’s a pause before finally the phone clicks off.

And unexpectedly, I feel empty.

I feel like I’m close to tears, but no. I’m not going to cry in front of a stranger and my brothers.

“Ready?” Ian asks.

“Totally.” I reply, smiling at him with the best smile I can possibly give. I reach for my purse and dab my pomegranate lip gloss, then I tie up my Manolo.

“What do you think of my tie?” he grins.

“Perfect.” I reply.

“Ok, then. To the Ritz Carlton, please.” Says Ian and we’re purring away from my house.

In a limo!

Ok, to tell you the truth, this is limo is from the Limo Service, just for tonight. But I’m totally blown by Ian, cos he arranged everything, he called the Limo Service while I was busy thinking of my dress, and he paid for the Limo Service while I was busy begging mum to borrow her sexy Manolo shoes. He’s just so…..dependable!

And now as we move to Ritz Carlton, I realize why I love Ian, especially tonight with his suit and night blue tie. He’s so adorable, he’s handsome, tall, nice smile, dependable….

“What?” He’s now looking at me, meeting my eyes.

“Nothing.” I shrug, pretend to focus on the crowded street.

He snorts and says “Come here.” I shift towards him and I lay my head on his shoulder and he strokes my hair gently. I really want to put a pause at this moment, I want to keep it like this, forever. I don’t want this limo to stop and I don’t want to come out, I just want to be here, with Ian all night, driving along New York’s streets.

But somehow, we arrive at the Ritz Carlton, with its posh building and grand entrance waiting for us. A doorman opens our limo and Ian comes out first, then he offers me a hand so that I can come out of the limo gracefully, like all the movie stars do all the time!

And suddenly, I’m blinded by all the camera flashes.

Oh cool! Paparazzi!

Stupid me! Of course there will be paparazzi, how could I didn’t prepare for these?

And right behind us, a couple of stunning-looking people have just come down to earth. The woman wears a dark purple gown by Vera Wang and the man is wearing a preppy suit by Louis Vuiton. Guess who? BRANGELINA!

Oh my god!

And is that Halle Berry?

God, kill me for my sin that I finally see celebrities, go to a full-of-celebrities event, and….

No way!

As we enter the big hall, my eyes drift to a table, a big round table full of all the top class perfume-maker celebs. There is Nina Ricci, and there is Usher, and J-Lo, and this is too much!

“Hi! Glad both of you finally make it!” a sweet voice behind us says. I turn my back and there is Hayley, wrapped in Valentino’s red dress and black high-heels.

“Yes. We’re glad too.” Ian says.

“Yes. We’ve been waiting to come here. And this is….superb!” I say, smiling widely. “and by the way. Where is your happy sister?”

“Oh, she’s just there.” she points to a crowd of people. “well, in the middle of that crowd, somewhere there.” she says doubtfully.

“Well, we have to thank her for inviting us here,” Ian says.

“Sure. Come on.” Hayley says. Then she leads the way across the great hall.

Does she have any idea what we’ve done to their mother?

When we get closer to the group, I can see a pretty young woman in a knee-length pink dress in the middle. She looks really happy and bright. She laughs and drinks from her glass then she laughs even more.

“That’s quite a successful step! You’re going to be rich!” says a man in the crowd who wears a shocking yellow tie and gray coat. Heidi laughs lightly, “Hopefully!” she says, rising her eyebrow.

“Excuse me.” Hayley says, breaks in the crowd. “Sis, I want you to meet my best friend, this is Ian Somers..” Ian smiles.

“Of course!” Heidi beams and they both shakes hand.

“And this is Sugar Dale..”

“Nice to meet you. and thanks for inviting us here.” I say, shake Heidi’s soft hand.

“So…where’s the lucky man?” a man suddenly asks, grinning at Heidi.

“Oh, yes. Where is he?” Heidi gets out of the crowd and spreading her view. “Oh there he is!” he points to a man in a black suit, with his back on us. he’s talking in his cell phone.

“So…that’s the man that other famous owner of this joint-company too? How did you make the deal? I thought he already made a perfumery kingdom himself!” a woman in white dress asks.

“Well, just a little talk.” Heidi smiles modestly. Then the man we talk about turns his back and as he sees us looking at him, he waves.

Are my eyes normal?

But..

That’s impossible!

“Mr. Freyson?” I say, half-choked.

“What?” Ian asks, then he looks at him and his jaw drops. “No way!”

Mr. Freyson is now strolling towards us with a big beam on his face. “Hi all!” he casually greets. And suddenly, his eyes fall upon us, “Oh, hi Sugar! Vi’s there, why don’t you be with her?” he says, pointing at a pretty girl in a glittery black dress, sitting alone by the stage.

And I am too shocked to talk.

Suddenly I recall the situation back then when we were in the night club back in Birmingham

“my sister called me and she said she has signed a contract to a joint company with a perfumery! And she sounds happy. The company’s name will be Hey Son!”

I should have known! Hey Son! Heidy and Freyson! and my brain plays another episode of flashback, where Vi cries on her pillow after seeing her parents arguing

“…..They’re arguing about the company, Sugar! Dad’s sold half of the Freyson Perfumery and made it a joint company with some unknown woman!.....”

Damn!

It’s Heidy, the unknown woman!

And….wait….

Something’s not right….

Hayley must have known, she must have known about all this since long! When her sister called her all time in Birmingham, Heidy must have mentioned about “Freyson” and we lived with the Freysons under one roof!

Damn!

And now, as I look at Hayley, laughing with her goddess face, I don’t feel even a pinch of happiness for her. And as I look at the lonely girl sitting beside the stage, I feel a sudden rush of temper as I come to all the realization.

It’s Hayley all over this time! She didn’t tell us about this! She knew exactly what Vi’s parents were arguing at the living room about! She knows Vi is sad. Why didn’t she tell us that it’s her sister and Vi’s dad who own the joint-company? Why should she put all those happy face when we were sad about Vi's parents?

Damn!

Bitch!

Gadget Freak

I’m listening to my favorite song while sitting on my bed.

I can’t wait a moment more
Tell me quando, quando, quando
To say it’s me that you adore
And then darling tell me when…

I don’t know why I like that old song very much that I can hum it every second everyday.

As I look out to the window, the sun hasn’t come out yet, I know I’m too early this morning, but who cares. I was planning to do yoga cos I bought the book yesterday with a really cheap price and it’s completed with real person’s pictures step by step. It’s worth it!

I was on my way to stretch into a Snake Pose, when suddenly Mom knocks on the door. “Sugar? You there?”

“Yes!” I reply, putting both hands together as the end of this 4-steps-yoga due to the disturbance. I click the door open and Mum is there, wearing her suit, ready for work.

“I and your dad will be late today. I will be attending a wedding and accompany one of my client choosing cakes. Could you please take care of your brothers?” she asks in a concern face.

“What? They’re old enough to take care of themselves!”

“No. really, I want you to take care of them, or just make sure they’re not going out with your permission and you know, just look after them.” Mum insists.

“Okaay…” I say lazily.

“Good! Ok then, I have to go. The twins haven’t wake up yet. Breakfast is in the fridge, just heat them up. Bye, Sweetie!” she kisses my forehead and strolls down the stairs. I just realize, Mum looks more fashionable these past days. she even wears a white long coat today and boots! Dang! I will ask her later where did she buy it and how much, and of course, can I borrow it?

I wash my face and go down the stairs. All my senses wake as my barefoot touch the cold ceramics on the backyard porch. I sit myself down on the chair while waiting for the pizza to be ready in the microwave. And for now, I got this nice cup of coffee. And I should really enjoy this time because the twins will wake up anytime and if they…..

“Sugaaar!!!!!!!!” Nathan’s voice booms.

Damn! There they’re!

“Whaaat?!” I reply, standing up and get inside the kitchen.

“Where’s Mum?” Nathan asks, running down the stairs still with his pajamas.

“She’s left. Dad too. Why?” the microwave ‘ding’ and I reach for the plate and fork.

“She said she will take us to the mall!”

“Well, but she cancelled it. Ok, come on, have some breakfast, I have heated these pizzas. I’ll hunt you if you don’t eat it.” I say uninterestedly.

“Nichooo!!!!” he screams and runs upstairs hysterically. What he thinks I am? A monster?

At least, I’m a good sister cos we finally sit quietly around the kitchen table, reading magazine, playing PSP, and heating more pizzas for the whole morning that takes to 11 a.m. and both of them, annoyingly, beg me to take them to the mall. They say there’s this game festival or something that they should come. There will also be a launching of new gadget and if we buy the door prize ticket, there’s a possibility we can win the new gadget.

Honestly, I’m not interested. I mean, at all! I prefer to stay in the house or go somewhere with Ian, or with Vi….

Oh shit, now I remember the whole sucks feeling toward Vi. I can’t control it anyhow, it keeps bothering me! And about Mum’s advice, I think it’s not the time yet for me to really think that Vi never means to hurt me. Cos she must have known, it’ll hurt me! And like it or not, I am now really curious about the picture of the boy.

Is he Vi’s old boyfriend? but she doesn’t have to be really discreet and everything about an old boyfriend, isn’t it? Or maybe her parents want her to marry him? No, no, no, impossible. Or is that……

“Sugar!” Nathan cries from upstairs.

“What?!” I dry my hand on the apron after washing all the plates and tidying up the kitchen table while the twin took their shower.

“Come on! We must be hurry, or the bus will be full!” he replies.

“Alright, alright!” I say halfheartedly and drag my body to the second floor.

Mall.

I hate mall.

Because they’re bunches of people whirring around.

Not that I hate crowds, I love crowds more than anything.

But I hate people strolling around the mall. Why? Because they think they’re beautiful people! They dressed up like they’re going to Academy Award or something and sometimes, they’re more into….quirky.

And most of all, they always act like they’re some kind of popular people, which is not. They dress like fashion magz does! Not that I hate fashion magz, they’re brilliant, except that some people just dress from head to toe, exactly like how they do in the glossy pages. Yeah, right. Well, that’s my opinion, don’t get offended.

And now, we’re trapped in the middle of the crowd where they hold the Gadget Festival and I have to keep my eye on the twin so that they don’t wander off my sight or I’ll get into trouble. Moreover, I’ve been pushed by this woman standing next to me! She elbows me and hell knows how much she eats everyday! She can swallow three me, or maybe four!

“Nathan!!” I scream. Oh my god! Now, this will get me into trouble! He has gone! And Nicho too!

“Nicho!” I quickly turn to let myself gulped by the crowd, where are these naughty boys? I push my way among these “mall people”, dang! Those boys won’t let me not get to trouble, aren’t they?

I end up at the side of the main stage, where I can people are packing up in front of the stage. And I’m sweaty and tired and….thirsty! the twins can be just anywhere in this huge area of festival. They’re people lining up in front of a stand where they sell the grand prize ticket, and they’re also kids packing up and screaming in front of the stage and they’re lots of stands here!

Where might they be?

“A gadget freak?” a voice makes me jump in my worry. As I turn, I see a familiar face, the ice cream man I met the other day. He wears a t-shirt and jeans with a baseball cap and he’s eating his hotdog.

Dang! What’s his name?

I let out an easy laugh, “no. not me, it’s my brothers.” He raises one of his eyebrows interestedly, “ah, I see.”

“Well, you?” I ask while racking my brain, searching for his name.

“Yes I am. A gadget freak.” He says, biting his hotdog.

“Yea well then…I have to search for my brothers. See you around!” I wave my hand to avoid him before something unwanted happened, like for instance, he tests me what his name is? Which is a little impossible, but who knows?

“Your phone.” He suddenly says.

“What?” I stare at him blankly.

“Your phone.” He points to my pocket, “ringing.”

What?

Oh right! My phone’s ringing!

How could I be so stupid!

“Oh yeah. I was just going to pick it up when you mention it.” I say, taking my phone carelessly and push the green button before I see the caller.

“Hi!” I greet.

“Hi, Sugar!” Ian’s voice sings inside my ear.

“Oh, hi!” I say.

“Just wondering, what are you doing?” he asks gently.

“Oh, well, I’m searching the twin, they’re disappearing! I’m at the mall, actually!” I say.

“Oh, ok. Should I come there and help you?”

“no,no,no. I’ll be ok.”

“Ok then. By the way, Hayley called me.”

“What she want?” I suddenly become more alert.

“Easyy….she asked about the perfume launching event. It’s a week away. She just wanna make sure we can make it there.” he says.

“Well then tell her I’m not coming.” I say ignorantly.

“Why?”

“I just don't want to see Vi.”

“Oh come on, Sugar! Grow up! You two are best friends!” he cries.

“Alright. Well if you come, then I’m too.” I say at last.

“Ok, great! See you later!” he says.

“Bye Hun.” I reply.

“Bye my Cutiepie.”

“What? Cutiepie? I prefer to be….ummm….sweetheart?” I giggle.

“Sweetheart? It’s sooo old!” he replies, giggling too. “Well, I have to go. Bye Mrs. Somers.” He says and he hangs up the phone.

I stare at the phone disbelievingly. Mrs. Somers? Not bad!

“Your boyfriend?” the ice cream guy asks. Why the hell is he still here? And now that I look into his eyes, I remember Vi!

“Yu-uh.” I reply. “I hate to search for the twin.” I say.

“You seem like it. Why don’t I help you search for them?” he offers.

“But you don’t know what they look like!”

“Well, they must be two boys, with naughty face, and they look alike. And they look like you.” He says.

I roll my eyes, “Yeah whatever you say. come on.”