Writing Camp A little politeness

Chapter 4: A little attention

Solaris worked out some kind of schedule with the hospital telling them that she was left with a business by her father that is needed to be attending. She requested cooperation from Logan: She called him asking if she can work more hours at the hospital but the man only reiterated that she needs to give her services at least two hours before she goes to the hospital. And she had to make sure that she’s back by five in the afternoon. The hospital agreed with this for a few days until Dr. Khan questioned the reasons for her being short on time for the hospital.

He has hopes that she can further advance and later on he was planning on persuading her to take additional training. Before Dr. Khan can dispute this schedule, someone from management backed Solaris’s request.

Solaris was never sociable enough nor does she has any interest in knowing prominent names such as Logan’s. Before all the squabble that she had with the man. The hospital walls were already filled with news about him. There was news of him being one of the hospital’s potential investors. What made the news so striking for Solaris for her to remember the name is the reaction of her female co-workers about the name, which she never gave attention to, but now she gets to go home to the rumored subject.

She never saw the man after their last conversation. She felt that he only set her terms to follow so he can slack on taking care of his family. She does not feel burdened by the family, but every time she tries to start a conversation with Arthur, the infuriating child, the only child of Logan. There is also Olivia, Logan’s mother. Their responses are enough to make someone cringe.

Arthur never needs supervision. He is well-mannered and self-motivated and always has initiative, but when Solaris tried to talk to him, the child literally disregarded the offer for a conversation and he even makes this trivial requests to her like “Can you bring me water?” as if he is of her age. It is not the request that makes Solaris boil, but the delivery. She tries to bury her resentments knowing that the child lost his affectional mother Carmela.

The help within the house maintained the same demeanor as their boss. The only one who can accommodate a conversation with her is the three men that debased her. She later found out that so-called Eddie, so-called Richard and so-called Norman runs errands for Logan sometimes and comes in to fetch something or to escort him.

On Monday morning they came and shocked the wits off Solaris, but compared to the first encounter that they had, the three were less distressing to be with at that moment. They were the ones who warmed up to her.

“Ms.  Arbezo, I never realized you would be able to return, but as long as the boss wants it that way.” So-called Richard greeted after seeing her in the kitchen preparing breakfast. He then took the breakfast that Solaris just finished preparing.

“I hope you are not here to cause trouble for the boss...” So-called Eddie sarcastically exclaimed, while picking food from the breakfast plate so-called Eddie took.

“I am stuck here and if you think I can cause trouble for your boss, you are barking at the wrong tree.”

“You know what Ms. Arbezo, I will accept that from you, as I have dealt with you first-hand, and I know hurting is not within your nature.” So-called Eddie remarked as he tries to leave the kitchen pushing off so-called Richard, who was blocking his way out intentionally.

“Your boss is a real prick for leaving me here to attend his son and mother.”

“I am sure that Arthur is not challenging and effortless to babysit and Doña Olivia only sleeps. You are a real whiner to impose that they can be troublesome girl. I bet you have not done or even have to do much for them.” So-called Eddie stated while heading to the living room.

“They are not troublesome. What I am saying is, your boss does not need me here.” Solaris insisted.

“You can charm boss, if you’re bored, maybe you can replace boss’ former love.” So-called Richard suggested. Giving a squint towards so-called Eddie.

“There will be no talk of that, you know boss loved Madame Carmela.” So-called Eddie remarked.

“A little fling can do them both good.” So-called Eddie stated while munching.

“Excuse me (angrily voiced out) Who do you think you are?” Solaris retorted.

“You don’t have much to do being forced by the boss to live here, if you ask me, might be, the boss might have found you attractive.” So-called Eddie continued as if he never sensed Solaris to be indignant to the remarks.

“Again, excuse me! I don’t have much!” Solaris has shown a consistent glare towards so-called Richard.

“Madame Carmela will be the only woman for the boss.  She was a perfect wife to the boss and she is a perfect mother.” So-called Eddie kept on stating as if there was even a basis for so-called Richard’s notions

“She is gone. I am just thinking boss may lighten up on things if he is open to having another woman.”

“Enough(shouted). I am not here for that”

The three busted out laughing. Teamwork is evident within the three and it seems that they are used to each other’s games. 

 “Lighten up girl he is just messing with you.”  So-called Eddie affirmed.

“You keep talking to me like we know each other, I don’t even have your names yet.” Solaris bitterly remarked.

“But you already know, I am Richard, this is Eddie and this is Norman,” Richard said as if he never mentioned anything contrary to it. Eddie smirked and grinned towards Solaris.

Solaris was frazzled by the whole conversation. She decided to leave, resentful, towards Richard and Eddie.

“Girl we are just humoring you. Honestly, did someone open up to you other than us ever since the boss took you in? No one here will tell you those names, so, be happy we can give a few words. We don’t mean to gossips here. We just want to enlighten you and give you a heads-up. Madame Carmela was Arthur’s mother. She died when he was just two. You best remember the name because the boss and this family value it, that’s why nobody would tell you.  Make the best out of this, boss and everyone else in this house will not make good with you, you have to make good with them.” Eddie empathetically told Solaris.

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On Friday, Solaris returned to the mansion. He immediately attended to Doña Olivia. The woman was found by Solaris in the living room, sitting in her wheelchair, holding what seemed to be a picture frame. She tied to get at least a glimpse but Olivia hid it as soon as she heard her footsteps nearing her.

“Can you please help me to go upstairs, I want to take a nap.” Olivia requested tucking the frame in her wheelchair’s sitting pad.

Solaris guided the wheelchair towards the elevator constructed next to the wall of Eugenia’s previous room right next to the kitchen. The lift was specified for Olivia’s weight and built for a single person only. It had a safety door and the flooring or base was solid metal.  The lift is operated by remote control, which is always left at its specified slab on its door.

Solaris took the stairs and headed to the lift exit. After helping Olivia to get on her bed. She checked on Arthur. Arthur was home-schooled and was always with a scheduled different tutor every after two hours. The boy would always remain in his room the whole afternoon after his tutoring sessions. Solaris found him standing by his west window staring outside. When Solaris neared the boy she noticed him staring at the easement she and July used to enter the house while he is playing with his rainbow-colored fidget toy by his palm. In the middle of the silence, she took the opportunity to offer an exchange of thoughts to him.

“Have you been there before?”

“Father told me, he would cement that part.”

“I used it as my...”

“You used it to escape.”

“Yes, I did.”

Dinner was served every six, which is only attended by Solaris and Arthur. Logan hardly eats or even stays in the mansion while Olivia is served dinner in her room. Solaris went down to the dinner table and was surprised to see that Arthur is not yet seated there which is the usual scene Solaris sees when she comes for dinner. She waited a while and after thirty minutes of waiting. She tried calling for him and going to his room and searching for him, unfortunately, he is nowhere to be found. Solaris felt escalating anxiety within her after few searches and still not finding the child. She then asked for help, but still, he is unfound.

After only an hour of searching, with the number of people she had helping her, Solaris already arrived at the dreadful thought: Arthur is missing. While others are continuously searching she gathered her thoughts and tried to recall any piece of information that Arthur said before he went missing, then she remembered about the easement. She then ran towards the easement and noticed fresh shoeprints on the ground possibly of a child. She followed the creased grasses and leaves scattered to spot anything that can tell if Arthur did go there. She looked around and found Arthur’s fidget toy laying on the ground. She was stricken by pure fear as her mind flashed a forecast of what Logan’s reaction might be. She kept looking around, frantic and in panic.

After few steps of the same turn she kept on doing while she is looking around, she noticed something in Bart and Lena’s garage. It seems something kept on wriggling inside that whatever it is, its shadow kept on struggling inside. She walked closer to the garage and she heard a child crying. She instinctively hit the garage door, banging the door continuously shouting Arthur’s name. She heard someone else was inside. After a moment, she saw the garage door move and open. She was shocked to see Bart and Lena inside with Arthur whimpering by the side. Arthur ran towards her, and she immediately shielded the child from the two. Bart and Lena walked slowly towards them, showing their hands, and slowly raising them simultaneously as they come nearer.

“It was a moment of weakness, we thought of keeping him just to hurt his father, but we don’t intend to hurt him, Sol, please, believe us.” Bart explained bearing guilt on his face.

“Are you out of your minds? He will kill you both.”

“We lost everything and when he ran past our house, we thought, well we thought (Lena whimpering)”

“You thought to take him, to make him pay for his father.” Solaris angrily retorted to scold them both.

“Please! Don’t tell him.” Lena said after kneeling on the ground. Bart rushed to her to help her to stand.

“We never saw each other. Go, leave, hide.” Solaris shouted while pulling Arthur closer to her and walking him back towards the mansion.

After a few steps, she looked back. She saw the two rushing to their car and speeding off. She then squatted to Arthur and while caressing the child’s face and then she melancholically looked him in the eye.

“Those people are confused. Your father did something to them and...”

“I don’t care I will tell dad.”

“You can (pausing intently), then your father will hurt them again. You know he will. Although, they regretted and apologized for everything.”

Arthur pouted and shrugged his shoulders and stepped back.

“Please Arthur! They are good people. They were just driven by the moment.”

Arthur then stepped forward, not responding, then he looked at Solaris with an earnest expression. Solaris embraced the child and whispered in his ears “It will be our little secret.”

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Upon their return, Solaris and Arthur were greeted by the whole frantic household. The three miscreants were the first to welcome them. 

“Where have you been?” Eddie asked while screening Arthur from head to foot.

“I found him outside,” Solaris responded, intentionally walking past everyone while holding Arthur.

“What do you mean you found him? Where was he? What happened?” Eddie inquired insistently on answers.

“He was out on the streets and I found him there.” Solaris obscurely voiced out while carrying

Arthur inside and walking him from the front door, past the living room, and then speedily taking him to his room.

Eddie followed and before Solaris can void him further, he grabbed her by her arms then showing his phone. Solaris glanced at the phone and saw that it has a live call. It was under a contact's name showing as “Boss”. 

“Boss wanted to know. He will be coming home today. He is on his way now.” Eddie exclaimed while trying to press the phone to Solaris’ face.

“Hello!”

“How is Arthur?”

“He is fine. I took him to bed. I am going to take dinner to his room.”

“Leave it, I want you at the Rosela within an hour.” 

Logan hung up leaving Solaris dumbfounded. 

“What did the boss say?” Eddie asked.

“He wants me at the Rosela in an hour.”

“That settles it then, let’s go.”

Eddie grabbed her and walked her downstairs. Solaris struggle to get off his grasp and finally was able to be free.

“What is the Rosela?”

“Rosela is an exclusive restaurant owned by boss. He uses that restaurant to conduct his meetings.

"This is the first day he came back from his business in province S. Every time he comes back he conducts a meeting for all his partners, people, contacts, everyone under his influence.” Richard explained seeing the struggle between her and Eddie.

“You are going there.” Eddie stated now trying to pull Solaris over.

“You need to come, as boss instructed, which reminds me, we might need to change your clothes.” Richard mentioned.

“Let’s be safe and dress her formally. The boss might not like it, Rosela is for the fancy anyways.” Eddie stated in agreement.

“What? I am not going.”

“Be sensible, would you. Boss would just ask about Arthur and he needs to check on you after leaving you here for days. It’s just for a few minutes. Now, come on, do you have any fancy-looking dress?” Eddie retorted

 Solaris was still adamant on the matter, but knowing who she might disobey, she obediently nodded. The day she returned to the mansion she did notice that all her things were still there including her formal dress which she never dared wearing anywhere, but they were considered gifts from her father.

Solaris returned to her room and rummaged through her wardrobe. She was able to stumble upon a formal and decent enough Moroccan silk lace cocktail dress. She thought to herself that it is not that eye-catching “isn’t it?”. 

The Rosela is an extremely extravagant French-style restaurant with mahogany furnishing. The one hundred seventy square meter restaurant is designed to accommodate the richest and the most prominent of Logan’s contacts and acquaintances. The restaurant holds a high table at the furthest end of the dining hall opposite the entrance. That table is exclusively set for Logan and his chosen company whenever he is at the restaurant. Those who will sit with him will be screened by their business. He accommodates everyone that requests an audience and his company, but only accommodates before midnight. 

The dining hall was known to have a unique scene. It was dubbed to be a “gentlemen’s convention” given the fact that most of the attendees are gentlemen. There are times that the restaurant is visited by beauties but, whenever Logan reserves the whole restaurant, most of the attendees are gentlemen and their security escorts. Some distinguished ladies attend these gatherings requested by Logan, but their numbers are hardly noticeable, and most of them are with aged status within the other gentlemen attending.

It was almost ten when Solaris arrived together with the three. She stepped out of the car as if she is one of the distinguished guests. Her pedestal hills glide of golden ebony, something she borrowed the three was able to sequester from a midnight visit. Her dress glimmered more underneath the bare night sky. Her perfume was something chosen by the three. Although it was a peaceful arrival, the three did manage to get o her night continuously suggesting something to add to her presence or appearance. They seem to agree, all of a sudden, to the idea of her presentation. “She should not appear unpresentable.”  They collectively agreed to. They never accepted her usual plain maid appearance and requested for her to wear make-up and simple jewelry.

She intended to explain at the entrance for them to let her in, but she seemed to have enchanted the valet, the reservation staff peeking at the front door from the inside, and the security. They were so astonished by her beauty they cleared the entrance for her. 

Solaris was stricken by insecurity as soon as she is at the dining hall entrance. Even before she can be allowed entry in the dining hall, she already caught the nearest eyes, and when she entered she immediately lit fireworks of admiration. Her steps became heavy to advance for her, but after noticing where Logan is she mustered the confidence to proceed. 

Logan, together with everyone in the dining hall, was greatly mesmerized by Solaris. He never noticed it before that he harbored such a mystifying beauty. 

Solaris walked towards Logan so casually. This triggered a chatter on each table, but regardless of this change in the atmosphere, she needs to talk to him. She thought of only having a seconds’ worth of conversation then immediately fleeing the scene, but this is countered by Logan. As soon as she is by his side one of Logan’s company immediately stood up to give her a seat, Logan would then give her a condescending look, for a split-second, to urge her to sit. 

As soon as she sat next to Logan she sparked further curiosity in the air towards her identity. It was Congressman Villamora who gave in to his urges and went straight to their table to request her identity.

“Who might you be young lady?”

“She is Solaris Arbezo, she currently lives with me.” Logan instantly responded giving Cong. Villamora a piercing gaze.

“I am just wondering who this beautiful lady is. Thank you, Mr. Russo. I will wait for our little chat later.”

Congressman Villamora returned to his table, satisfied of himself being able to lay his play with Logan’s attention. 

Solaris is aching to speak with Logan, but she became the golden bird kept by Logan. Logan continued with his conversations with those who can secure a sit with him. After failing multiple times on striking a conversation with Logan she felt alienated enough to just sit and observe. She noticed most of the men from the outer table have a more luxurious suit than the ones that Logan is speaking with right now. She listened to their concerns for him and was amazed to hear that they are shop owners, farmers, and small-business owners. 

The way Logan spoke with them is exuberant with a friendly tone and he seemed so gallant with his choice of words for them. Logan also kept on filling the table with different dishes. He even serves a dish for Solaris himself. She was filled with an unusual amount of respect for the man as she watches him maintain his lively portrayal for the whole evening. She did notice as well that he hardly gave in conversation riding on huge amounts. He only gave them some consideration statements compared to assurance, which is what he readily gave to the crowd of small business owners and farmers. 

For a moment, she thought she can go ahead and be curious about Logan’s character, but that moment of gazing at Logan seems to have attracted him to respond the same way. It was a moment of both of them locked within each other’s eyes being each other’s center of attention. A waiter came in between them. It broke the silent interaction between them. The waiter served dishes enough for taste but not too fill. She was served as soon as she empties the last one. The sumptuous dishes served were enough to satisfy Solaris and occupy her thoughts.

Solaris lost the advantage of Logan’s attention to quickly tell him what happened with Arthur. She aims to request leniency as well as a pardon to Bart and Lena. Logan flung her name out in the silence of the crowd. 

“Solaris”

The way he called out to her is enough to be heard by nearby tables. It drawed out all those attentions that rested from pondering about her. They only have few gossip-worthy notions of what she is to Logan, and now all ears that can hear lay waiting for the words Logan would choose to converse with her.

“How is Arthur?”

“He is fine; he is resting when I left. He wandered off a few distances. That’s all.”

“It seems I can keep him in that mansion as long as you are there.”

“Don’t give meaning to it that don’t need to be there. I just noticed that’s all.”

“You must give me this privilege of pushing assumptions. Since I met you, you managed to save my mother and fine Arthur, after straying away.” 

“You can choose someone else. It’s just a matter of me being close.”

“I don’t want anyone being close.”

Logan gave her a discerning smile with a look that shun a falling star's brightly falling blaze, in an instant, before it subsides back to being the night sky’s high moon. These unfamiliar looks aroused doubts within Solaris.

Meanwhile, from the walls, tables, and untouched glasses, the air resonated with his words. That he has assumptions about her, unwelcomed ones, and he “doesn’t want anyone close”, but “her” and more importantly, it was clear to everyone, she lives in the same house as Logan.

The night continued heavily seasoned with business subjects, like partnership, expansions, investments, and the likes. Solaris almost dosed off, if not for the minute glances Logan throws now and then to her. All night, she had been contesting her presence at Rosela. 

After Logan’s final night deals and talks, he finally stood up and escorted Solaris towards the middle of the dining hall, where he made his final courtesy greetings. After they went past the entrance and while waiting for their car. Solaris noticed the indentions of his fingers roaming by her hips to her backside. The touches were in the borderline of gallantry and unintentional slippage of physical indulgence. She doesn’t know him enough to make out anything of it though, as to which is which. She felt undue questioning of this physical interaction, what’s more to it is, it seemed that time favored it by prevailing enough to entice response from her, and she did allow herself a mild wince; tilting her head towards him, but not proceeding to it, withdrawing, being able to feel his eyes by her side waiting for hers. 

She looked away, but he smoothed his index finger by jaw pulling her face gently towards him.

“The car is ready.”

They walked the steps with her right arm forward laid by his. Solaris was unaware that her palms slightly gripped his. By the end of the step and into the car, while he opened the back seat for her, she stopped to look towards him, it surprised her the most, it did give an ounce glimmer in his eyes. She bravely vomited her words “Thank you.”

She entered the car leaving Logan to follow her with seconds of perplexing. He then asked, after sitting by her side. 

“For what?”

“For this evening.”

“Why did you wear something like this?”

“It was for you (awkwardly looks at Logan). What I meant is it was suggested by Eddie, Rick, and Norman, that I have to wear something like this.”

“Arthur is he really okay?”

“He is, he just wanted to wander off (looks away while rubbing her palms to her feet).”

Logan notices her fidgeting and intentionally refuses to look at him. He leans and brushes off her hair from her ear, to shock and make her feel more disoriented. She jolts and backs away from him sensing his mischievous behavior.

“What are you doing?”

“So you are not afraid (intently looks at her while gliding closer). Again, I would like to ask why did you wear that dress? Why would you suddenly ask for attention?”

“Your mistaken (leans to the car door and fidgets with her hair)”. I am not asking for any attention.”

“You arrogant, after we just fully gave you our attention. Did you enjoy yourself?”

“It is not for enjoyment. They suggested I become more presentable.”

“Those three strangers to you?”

“It was just a loose moment when I… when I suddenly agree to others ideas if you really are looking for any explanation. (Gives a condescending look away from where Logan was seated) I’ll make sure this will be the last time, and no, I did not enjoy my evening there.”

“What could I have done for you to have enjoyed that evening?” Logan mellowly asked.

“I… What are you doing?”

“Have you seen yourself, after you put on this presentable form of yourself?”

“No, I did not.” Solaris mellows down.

“I see. You may hide at as much as you can Ms. Arbezo, but please when you tell of the Rosella, tell your tales of it as you honestly felt at the moment, as I have made sure you would all throughout the evening.”

“What do you mean, you just sat me there, putting me on display while you conduct your business.”

“I never would have thought you’d be that demanding, but duly noted, you would have my full attention, the next time we are at the Rosella. Since you ask this of me, can we agree to equate favors?”

“Equate favors?”

“I’ll give you my attention on the condition you always wear what you think would please me?”

“I never thought the sort and I will never agree to it.” Solaris timorously exclaimed.

“The dress you wore, which was something I already saw within your wardrobe, looked astounding, on you. I think you should try wearing those dresses you wore more often (charmingly looks at her). It would be a waste to leave them rotting.”

“You really should not look into others' belongings.”

“What can I say, I am just a simple man, beautiful and treasured are very attractive and intriguing to me.”

They paused and eagerly waited which one would halt this mutual exchange or would stir it forward. While Solaris anxiously anticipates Logan’s next word the car stopped and the door swung open. She felt an ounce of dismay being forced to act within the moment while she gets off the car. She felt frozen and her feet seemed glued to the ground wanting to move back. As her feet points back towards the car, Logan guides her right hand placing it by his, and leads her to the front door.

“I will be dining out tomorrow. I will be expecting you to be ready to join me then for dinner.”

Scattered and dumbfounded by his words Solaris pushes his arm away and retorted to him.

“You can’t set things like that.”

“Why are you so against it?”

The statement paralyzed all her self-imposing instincts and crippled her of her words to retaliate.

“You don’t disagree? Then that is settled. Good evening Solaris.”