Ring, Rang and I'll Run with You

Chapter 1: Acting like the problem is not a problem. I spat at myself in the mirror. My exhaustion is all I can see. My hair is starting to be tangled because of the fluid coming out of my body, and my face is full of sweat. Makeup is a mess. Gross. "I’m such a freak, I whispered. I washed my face several times as I wiped out all the makeup on my face. Gladly, I have lipstick in my pocket so that I can hide the paleness of my face. I shake my head in dismay when I remember how I lost it. I drank champagne, had a sip, laughed, and it was gone. I’m pretty sure the people around me are wealthy enough not to take an interest in the ring. I met one of the guests that came earlier, and, of course, we had a little chitchat. It’s my delight to have a conversation with a long-time friend of mine. Also, I’m pretty sure Ralph will not take that ring. He is a man, and a man doesn’t take an interest in diamonds. "I will find it. I have to. I will," I chanted. Being here in the comfort room, alone, as I talk to myself, is comforting the hell that I am living in for a few minutes. My gosh, how can a 23-year-old girl lose a million-dollar engagement ring? "Ugh!" I shouted in exasperation, hoping no one would hear me. I do not know how I should feel. I want to puke badly. I feel hot and nauseous, but also like I can’t breathe. I cannot tell anyone that I lost my engagement ring. Worse, I just lost it. Some people might take it away when they find it. No one must know. Tears started to swell in the corners of my eyes as my breathing became ragged. Luke will certainly not like the idea of me without that historical engagement ring. It was given to him by his grandmother. It passed on three generations, and now it creeps the hell out of me to know that losing that ring will be proof that I am not worthy to be part of their family or to be Luke’s wife. "Oh, my beloved Luke." I heaved a sigh. Luke is a gentleman, well-off, and responsible. "Dreamy," I murmured. I remembered how badly I wanted to be married at such a young age, yet now that I have been engaged for 3 months now, everything is crippling. I’m full of doubts about myself. What if Luke finds out? What will his initial reaction be? Will he call off the engagement? Will his well-known family call it off? "Oh, Lord. Please help me find that ring.” I made a short prayer before I went out of the room. When I opened the door, I was so lucky that no one was around. "Thank God." There was an event going on in the hotel that I am working for. I’m wearing formal attire; a blazer, and a pencil skirt. I’m in charge of helping the guests and other personnel figure out how to accommodate the people. The Manager. "Lorelai," Amanda said as she heaved out a heavy sigh. "We are looking for you, where have you been?" She asked worriedly. “Sorry, I just got out of the comfort room," I replied without an ounce of energy. I fumbled with my fingers, hiding my ringless finger on the back. Amanda knows I am engaged. Almost everyone here is. "Oh, are you okay?" she asked after eyeing me suspiciously. I gulped as I tried to hide my nervousness. “Uh-uh," I nod fervently. "You are flushed. Are you sure?" she asked again, not bringing down the suspicious look. "Oh, Amanda, believe me. But why are you looking for me? Is there any problem going on?" I answered her, of course, trying to divert her attention. Amanda is my closest friend in the field. I can trust her. Although this problem that I am having right now is something I shouldn’t tell anyone, especially because I do not want to be a burden to her, since she never tells a lie. "Oh, right. Well, people are coming, and we do not have enough rooms. All are booked," she said calmly, with no hint of a problem. I hope I can be as calm as her in the middle of chaos. And chaos is leading me. "How can you do that?" I asked, intrigued. If I could act the way she could, Luke might not have found out easily that I lost the ring. That will give me more time to find it. I’m sure it’s just here in the hotel, although I'm not sure which part exactly. You know how five-star hotels are: neat, clean, and big. This hotel is a two-tower building. Just great. To much space to look for. "Do what?" Amanda profusely retorted back. "Act so calm in the middle of chaos?" I snapped my head toward her as I waited. She frowned and looked back down. "Uhm, is that a curious Rory or a sarcastic one?" Her eyes narrowed as she asked. I laughed at her confusion. "Curious Rory, of course," I quip. Assuring her as my eyes shift from left to right. I saw her lips form a smile. "Well, all you need to do is act like the problem is not a problem," she said as she started walking and moving her hands like she is showing me something. I followed her and took mental note of her first remark. But can I do that? Nevermind. I have to. I cannot even imagine how his family would react. They will probably disapprove of me as part of their family. They will remember how crazy I am for not giving care to their heirloom ring. "Got it. Second?" I tried to mimic her pace while walking. The place is full of people, a very normal setting for this time and place. "Second, you have to think of something nice. She quoted the nice part, although I find it weird that she mentioned that one. My frowning face paid off when she looked over at me and smiled. "You know what I mean by that, right?" She wiggled her eyebrows at me. I chuckled at the mere mention of it. "Oh, right. Nice," I replied as I quoted the last word. Yes, Amanda likes boys a lot. Even though sometimes I don’t understand how he likes boys but has never had a boyfriend, what a walking contradiction Amanda is. "Hmmm, lastly," she slowly stopped walking as she looked at me with an inch of dignity. "Solve the problem," she finished. I yielded back at her remark, cautious that she would see through my eyes the problem that I was having. I can feel my face losing all the blood. My hands turned cold and jittery. I pinch my hands, trying to remain placid. I opened my mouth to say something, except that I cannot find my voice to say something, so I closed it again and nodded instead. "So, what are we going to do with a fully booked five-star hotel, ma’am?" She kidded, changing the topic. That brought me back to reality. I guess I have to do my work first. I inhale sharp breaths as I close my eyes and exhale. Relax, Rory, I told myself in the back of my mind. "Alright, there’s still a suite we can count on when times like these happen," I said gently as I looked at the computer showing the hotel’s information. Acting like the problem is not a problem. Done. "Wait, is that Luke?" Amanda jest.