Midnight Royale

Chapter 1: As time passes by, the shine has gone.

What the hell did I do in my past life, and all the unfortunate things are on me?

I am currently cleaning Farrah's shoes. The dirt just won't come off! What is this? She will be mad if she saw this tiny spot.

I've been cleaning her shoes for an hour, but it won't come off! It's frustrating!

My eyes watered.

I mean, I didn't do anything wrong right now to be this miserable! I didn't dare to talk back, be angry, or rude to anyone because I believe in karma!

Even I get wrongfully accused and played—I didn't tempt to fight back!

I believe that the Almighty gives challenges—but my life is just a complete disaster. My life is not a challenge anymore.

This is a pure punishment! Torture!

"Ah!" I shouted in frustration when the spot wouldn't get out.

I wipe my tears as I brush Farrah's shoes again.

Why life... is so harsh?

I unconsciously looked at myself in the mirror. My long brown hair is tied up in a bun. Baby hair is standing, and some strands are falling. The messy bun didn't look good because my hair is dry.

The dark circles on my eyes make me look more tired. My face is too thin. Not slim. But thin. It doesn't look healthy at all.

I have a lot of freckles too. It's cute on the other person, but on me? It looked like a speck of dirt on my face!

My chapped lips remind me to drink water. It was pale too. I look like a sick person.

I looked at myself in pity and then caressed my face.

This is not... what I dream of being like.

"Gennie!" Farrah shrieked.

Even I am in the dressing room; I can hear how annoyed Farrah is from the hallway. I wipe my tears and fixed myself. She hated it when I looked tacky or dirty.

I immediately opened the door for her—she just barged in and threw herself at her seat in front of a vanity mirror.

Oh... Why is she looking upset? There is a contest right now—and I am confident that she won! Farrah, the beautiful and talented pianist!

I looked at her for a minute.

I hate how I feel envious of Farrah. She is my best friend but sometimes, I envy what she has. I mostly think jealous and insecure when she has recitals or contests to attend.

I dream of that too.

But of course, I am proud of Farrah. I know how she worked hard for everything—and she deserves all the recognition and prizes!

Farrah's healthy, straight black hair bounce at her back. She is wearing a black dress with tiny black sequins on it—making her white skin more emphasize. Farrah's cheeks were burning... and she keeps glaring at herself in the mirror.

I slowly walk towards her side.

"How is the contest?" I asked my best friend and smiled.

She glared at me. "Are you laughing at me?" She shouted in anger.

My eyes went to her manager—asking why she is upset. Mr. Miller just shrugged, and obviously, doesn't want to open his mouth. Afraid that Farrah will vent her anger towards him.

I am her assistant, and Farrah has a temper... So what happened now?

I didn't dare to open my mouth again. She is glaring at the vanity mirror. What a scary cow!

I wonder what happened? I didn't watch her how to play the piano because I was busy cleaning up her shoes. She likes everything that shines.

Farrah is my best friend since childhood. We met in a music class. But things happened, and now, I am her assistant and cleaning some shoes.

"How did I only win second place?!" She smashed her hands on the table.

My mouth hangs open. What?

"How that happened?" I cannot help but ask.

It was a wrong and deadly move because Farrah glared at me.

"Are you mocking me, Gennie?! Really?!"

"I... didn't mean to mock you. I am just asking... Like how? You are Farrah!"

That... only happened now! Who beat her?!

"I don't know too, Gennie!" She squealed. I was baffled when she stood up and glared at me. "What?! Are you happy that I lose?!"

This is what... I couldn't get about her.

I step back.

"Farrah... I didn't mean anything like that—"

"Shut up! I know you're just waiting for me to lose! Are you happy?! I know that you're insecure to me!"

I bit my lip... I am insecure—but I will never imagine what she is accusing of me!

"You're such a two-face bixtch! If you wanted to be successful, at least you try on your own!"

I bit my lip. I am stopping myself from crying.

Where is her anger coming from? I get that she loses...

"Why are you playing my piano last night? You're such a thief!"

"I... play it! I didn't steal it!" I defended myself.

She rolled her eyes and then laughed.

"Play? What? You still want to be a pianist?" She mocked me. "Stop dreaming, Gennie. You cannot even afford a single keyboard. How dare you dream something fancy? A pianist? Are you trying to steal everything from me?"

"Farrah," Mr. Miller stopped. "You have an interview. Stop..."

I am...speechless. I guess her head is boiling right now. Maybe because she loses? I am convincing myself...

Farrah doesn't like it when I touch her piano... she gets upset. But I couldn't help it last night at her house. I miss playing—so I played a few songs!

I didn't expect that... she will be so mad like this.

"Stop acting like you care! Go and clean my shoes! Don't you even dare to imagine being my rival again!"

"Farrah!"

"Stop being so ambitious... you should know your place right now."

And then, there. She stormed out of the room... I wanted to cry—but I feel that I don't have any right to whine.

"Gennie," Mr. Miller called me. "Try to understand Farrah, okay? She lose the competition. Fix her luggage!" He reminded me before going out.

I immediately run out too and find Farrah. We were friends since then! I should make myself clear. I am not trying to steal anything!

I genuinely support her career! If I didn't make it, at least she did! She reminds me of my dream. Farrah reminds me how the way I shine before because of the piano!

I felt relieved when I saw her on the elevator. I smiled. I was about to step in when Farra talk.

"I am so tired keeping that Gennie on me! When can I fire her?!"

"Farrah. You know, you can't! She is willing to be paid at a low price! She is also diligent! Patient!"

"But I hate her! Acting nice is making me sick! She is still playing the piano! What if someone will hear her playing? And then she will be discovered?!" Farrah shouted in anger.

My heart filled with many such emotions. It was a sudden crash of feelings, so the pang was painful...

"That's why you keep her close to you. Okay? Why are you so scared of her? She is good for nothing right now. She is not the same Genevierre who is shining. Okay? You are the star now," Mr. Miller assured her.