BOUNDARIES
1396 Words
VIEVE PEREZ HILTON
There was no school today because it was Saturday, so I decided to stay in my room to study. While I was reading, Mom knocked on my door before entering.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I'll be home late, I have overtime. There's food in the fridge, heat it up, or better yet, order something. Go to bed early, I don't want you staying up late studying," Mom reminded me.
I frowned. "So you're saying I don't know how to cook, Mom."
"You really can't cook. Do you want me to remind you how you almost burned down the kitchen?" Mom said.
"Okay, Mom. I'll just order food. You should go, you might be late for work," I said.
"Okay," Mom said. She was about to leave when she stopped and turned to me. "Don't forget to take your medicine," she said seriously.
"Yes, I will," I replied.
Four hours later…
l felt hungry, so I stopped studying. I went to the kitchen, but the first thing I saw was Mom's lunchbox on the table. When I opened it, it still had food inside.
Oh, Mom probably left this. I need to take this to her, she has overtime today.
l changed into something to go out. I stopped by Seven-Eleven to buy some snacks for Mom and myself. While paying, the cashier talked to me.
"Hi, miss. Aren't you the student from IPA?" the man asked.
l was surprised by his question. I looked at myself before looking at him.
"How did you know? I'm not wearing anything from IPA," I asked.
"Oh, it's all over the neighborhood," the man replied.
"How did you find out? Who spread the news?" I asked again.
"Your mom, I think. She was so proud while telling everyone," the man said with a smile.
I forced a smile. Mom, really…
"Yes," I just replied.
"You're one of the elite students there. That's amazing," the man said with a smile.
My smile faded. "How did you know? Did Mom tell you too?" I asked.
"Yes, sorry. I couldn't help but overhear."
"It's okay," I said.
After paying, I was about to leave when he grabbed my arm. I immediately stepped back.
"Wait, sorry. I just wanted to know your name," he asked with a smile.
l hesitated to tell him, I had just met him. But it would be rude not to.
"Vieve. And you?" I asked.
"Angelo. Nice to meet you, Vieve," he said with a smile.
"Nice to meet you too."
Leaving Seven-Eleven, I looked at him through the glass door. He was still smiling, looking at me. So I hurried away, running a short distance from seven-Eleven.
He's creepy staring at me like that. But maybe I shouldn't judge him since I don't know him yet. But he's handsome….. Oh, Vieve, what are you thinking?
l boarded the bus to Mom's workplace. I saw that the company where Mom worked was huge.
l asked where the accounting team was. That's where I knew Mom worked in this company.
"Excuse me, miss. Do you know where the accounting team is?" I asked a woman.
"Yes, it's on the fifteenth floor, with the Functional Teams. Do you need something?" the woman asked.
"Fifteenth floor?!" I asked, surprised. "That's where my mom works. I'm just giving her this food," I said, showing her the paper bag I was holding.
"What's your mother's name?" the woman asked.
"Violet Perez," I replied.
The woman searched on her computer. "Okay, she works here. Please fill this out and wear this visitor's ID."
l did as she instructed, after that, I put on the visitor's pass. I went to the elevator and pressed the fifteenth floor button.
On the fifteenth floor, I saw them in chaos, everyone was extremely busy. I felt hesitant to disturb them, so I looked for Mom. When I found her in a room, they were in a meeting, so I waited for them to finish. I leaned against the door, observing the people working.
They're so hardworking, running here and there. Many are typing quickly on their computers. Is this what it's like to work?
I smiled. I want to finish my studies, work, earn money, and save up for Mom, before the time happens.
"What are you smiling about?" someone asked from beside me.
When I looked to see who it was, my eyes widened.
"What are you doing here?!" I asked in surprise.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that? What are you doing here?" he asked back.
"I asked first," I retorted.
"Well…" He hadn't finished speaking when someone shouted.
"The CEO is here!" a man shouted.
I was surprised when everyone turned, leaving their work, even those in the meeting came out when they heard 'CEO'.
Zephyr is the CEO?! So it's true he has his own company.
They showed respect to Zephyr. He smirked, looking at me, so I just glared back. When Mom saw me, she was surprised.
"Vieve, what are you doing here?" Mom asked softly.
I approached her and handed her the paper bag. She took it. "You left this. I'll go now," I said.
I was about to leave when Zephyr grabbed my arm, stopping me. I turned to him.
"Why?" I asked.
"Let's have tea," he said with a smile before taking my hand.
"Hey, what are you doing? Let go of me, Mom!" I shouted, trying to get away from him.
Mom could only give me a worried look. We went into his office, it was spacious, with a comfortable sofa, and his desk was at the far end. He let go of me and Zephyr sat on the swivel chair.
"What do you want?! I want to go home," I asked irritably.
"It's just that you're here at my company, so why don't we chat?" Zephyr said with a smile.
"I don't want to chat with you. You just want to show off your company," I said seriously.
I was about to leave when he stood up and stopped me. "Why are you so angry at me?" Zephyr asked.
"Because you almost killed me," I replied.
"I thought we were okay with that. I helped you."
"Tss, even though I've forgiven sir, what happened still bothers me," I said seriously.
I pulled my hand away, but he grabbed it again.
"Eat something before you leave," he said.
"I don't want to, I'll just eat at home," I said, but he didn't listen.
He sat me down, then sat himself. Zephyr made a call. In less than a minute, someone who looked like a chef arrived and placed food on the table. I was surprised to see a steak.
"Eat. If you don't eat, you're not leaving," Zephyr threatened.
"You're so manipulative," I said.
I looked at the steak in front of me.
"Why aren't you eating yet?" Zephyr asked.
"I don't eat meat, I'm not allowed to," I said softly.
It's embarrassing, he might think I'm picky.
"What do you want?" Zephyr asked.
"Just vegetables and fish, or either one," I said shyly.
He called again. While waiting, he didn't eat either. When my food arrived, Zephyr started eating too.
I watched him eat. Maybe he just needs someone to eat with. He seems lonely in his huge office… Do I feel sorry for him? He almost killed me. He wasn't the one driving, but the attitude he showed was annoying.
It was very quiet while we ate, so I suddenly asked a question.
"Why did you enter IPA when you have this company? Wouldn't it be better if you spent your time here?" I asked him.
He stopped eating and looked at me. "I just wanted to!" Zephyr replied.
Wow, the rich are really something, they do whatever they want.
When I finished eating, I took out my medicine and took it with water.
"Why are you taking medicine?" Zephyr asked. He had been watching me.
"Hmm, I'm sick," I replied.
"Are you sick? What is it??" Zephyr asked seriously.
l stood up and cleaned up my dishes.
"Thank you for the food. I'll go now," I said, avoiding his question.
I was about to leave when I stopped.
"I'm asking you, Miss Hilton," Zephyr said seriously.
I took a deep breath before facing him.
"Please, know your limitations, young master," I said seriously.
- Writer
