Chapter 9-Public image
560 Words
Days passed, the school was busy setting up for the event coming up. There were flyers and announcements made from time to time.
The school had forgotten about the slapping incident between Justin and Jenna. Jenna decided to give Justin some space since she realised getting too close to him would put her in trouble, the last thing she'd want is to sleep in jail because of that nonsensical being.
Justin didn't even care about Jenna at the moment, he's had a hard time at home. Last night he overheard his father and mother discussing about the new launch and it couldn't stop replaying in his head.
“The VELRÉ launch is in six weeks,” Shawn said quietly.
“I know,” Daniella replied.
“That’s why I’m worried. The press is already circling. They’re asking about Justin.”
There was a pause.
“They always ask about Justin,” Shawn said.
“Because you made him the future of the brand,” she snapped. “They expect a story. A clean one.”
“And right now,” he continued, unfazed, “the story has gaps.”
“He’s a teenager,” she said. “Not a campaign.”
“VELRÉ doesn’t care how old he is,” Shawn replied. “Investors don’t care. They want stability. They want to see that he fits the image we’re selling.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
Shawn’s voice dropped.
“Then the launch becomes a risk.”
Justin stood frozen in the hallway, the word risk echoing louder than anything else.
"Justin! Justin!" Richie called out as he pushed Justin
"What man?" Justin asked clearly irritated
"Why are you zoning out bro?"Richie asked as he helped him stand up
"None of your business..what do you want?" he asked
"Miss Sunshine wants to have a word with you"Richie said
"fine" just replied and walked out of the empty class room
In the principal's room, miss Sunshine looks at Justin and then smiled
"Justin.. I'm sure you are aware of the founders and scholars event coming up" she said as she gazed at his handsome face
Justin nodded
"That's great, I hope your parents will be attending that day" she asked
Justin nodded again
A knock came in "Come in" miss Sunshine responded
The door opened and Sofia walked in elegantly "You called for me miss Sunshine" she smiled as her she glanced at Justin
Justin didn't care about anyone's presence in the room, he just wanted to get out of this suffocating place
"Miss Sofia here is also one of our donors and I was hoping the both of you could practice a speech that would be given on that day"miss Sunshine said as she looked at the both of.
Sofia blushed she saw this as a opportunity to finally get Justin's attention, she was still in her dream world when she heard Justin's cold voice
"And what is this supposed to be? a date?" he asked flatly. Sofia looked up at him to see his eyes still on miss Sunshine, her hopes shattered and her smile faded but soon regain its spark 'No she can't let him dislike her, she has to give it her all" she thought to herself
"You're mistaking my presence for consent" he said as he folded the paper and put on the table untouched
- Writer
