Someone That I Used to Love

Chapter Two

Victoria’s POV

After showering, I changed into my office clothes. I am not really feeling well but I have this important meeting. Plus, dinner with Margarette later. We need to discuss something important personally.

I need to finalize the spring-summer collection two weeks before the launch. My team and I have been working like a dog now. I want it to be perfect. Not just okay, but perfect. That’s how I work.

As I arrived in the office, the employee greeted me good morning. I always love the people around me. Working environment is very important to me. There are plants surrounded by the office, fresh flowers and most importantly, the best coffee maker in the world.

“Good morning, mademoiselle. How was your sleep?” Samantha greeted me while handing me a bouquet of red roses. I smiled reaching for the flowers. “Good morning, Sam. I slept well, a little bit of headache but I can manage. How about you?” I said on my way to my office.

I put the fresh flowers in a vase. It is an everyday routine for me. To have a fresh flower inside my office too. Fresh flowers around my office to have a pleasant day at work is what I love the most. Every living thing in the world. It feels refreshing to me.

I occupied one floor of this building for my own business. The rest of the floors are my father’s Real Estate and shopping mall business offices. So, I can always visit him and my sister Julia. They are currently out of the country for business meetings and innovation. It’s been 3 weeks since I last saw them. I will visit my mother one of this day.

‘’Meeting with the organizers will be at 10. I have arranged all the documents needed. If you have some additional instruction, just let me know.” Sam said disturbing my thought.

“Alright, let me settle in then I’ll let you know. Thanks Sam.” She went out of my office and I started to boot my laptop and start working before the meeting.

After the meeting, I had my lunch and drink some pain killer for my headache. Despite not feeling very well, my day in the office was very productive.

Dinner time arrives and I am on my way to the restaurant Margarette reserved.

After parking my car, I went inside the restaurant and look for Margarette. She saw me and waved. “Nice to see you again, darling. How are you feeling?” she asked since I told her that I am not really feeling well on the phone this morning.

“Same here, Margarette. I’m feeling better now after taking paracetamol and more water. I may not stay longer though.” I said while giving her a kiss.

We both took our seats and started talking about the day while choosing our meal.

“Darling, is it okay for my son to join us?” I stopped looking at the menu and frown.

“I know it’s so sudden, but.” I smiled and nodded my head. “It’s okay Margarette. I am just shocked?” She signed and gave me a sweet smile. “I’m sorry darling. I just wanted you two to meet. He’s living next week so we don’t have time.” She added. I nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. Deep inside I’m nervous and I don’t know why. It’s so sudden. I am not prepared. Why would I prepare to meet him though?

“So, where is he?” I asked after five minutes. We ordered appetizer and waited. I noticed Margarette kept on looking on her mobile.

“I texted him already. Stuck in a traffic maybe?” Margarette said worriedly.

“It’s okay, we should start while waiting for him.” I said reassuringly. She nodded but still worrying. I held her hand and smiled at her. “Relax, he will be here soon.” She smiled and we started our meeting.

After almost half an hour, her phone suddenly rang. “Where are you? Why? Okay. Talk to you soon.” Margarette signed disappointingly.

“I’m sorry darling, he couldn’t make it tonight. He needs to fly to Bangkok urgently.” She said defeated.

“Oh, I see.” some son she has. Looking at Margarette gloomy aura, I called the waiter for our main course.

“So, the schedule for our interview with Vogue were set. I’m sure it will help our business more. Plus, the release of your new collection two weeks from now. I am so proud of you, darling.”

“Thank you, Margarette.”

Our meeting ends up perfectly, minus the MIA son.

“See you on your Spring-Summer Fashion Show, darling.” we said our goodbyes and I drove home. What a day!

My thoughts went to Margarette’s son. I forgot to ask her his name though. We seldom discuss about his son, but I heard a lot of things about his husband but had no chance to meet in person because of his condition.

……………..

Sunday came smoothly. I need to pick up my friends Vanessa and Carl from the airport. They came from a business trip to Australia. They founded their own company together after graduation with the help of their parents. It’s a software company which starting to make its name in the market globally.

We’ve been friends since college. We do have different courses though, but we clicked instantly. Next thing we knew, we lived in one apartment. Carlos is gay and proud of it. Then Vanessa is Vanessa.

Upon arrival at the airport, I parked my car and walked at the arrival area to wait for them. I am thirty minutes early after checking the monitor where the flight status shown. I was playing on my phone to kill the time when suddenly, I felt this feeling when you are being stared. I lifted my head and look for anyone suspicious or anything.

Everyone were busy with their own things and I don’t see anyone looking at me. I ignored it and get back to what I left, playing on my mobile phone.

When I heard the announcement of the arrival of their flight, I gathered my things and stood up only to freeze on my spot. I never expected to see the person again. I stood up frozen and didn’t know what to do or say. After seems like forever, I hurriedly went to the exit door.

“Victoria! Wait!” I ignore the call and exited the door in an unbelievably speed. I looked behind and thank god I didn’t see anyone chasing me. I went inside my car breathing heavily. I placed my head in the steering wheel and closed my eyes tightly. No. This can’t be. I buried the past a long time ago. Don’t go there, Victoria. You are okay now. You are okay.

The ringing of my phone brings me back to reality.

“Hello girl, where are you? We were expecting a warm welcome from you!” Vanessa said on the other line. “I’m sorry. I am here in my car. Can you just come here?”

“What? Why? Are you sick or something?’’ I hummed and told her my location. I went out of the car and looked around just to make sure. I sighed when I didn’t see anyone that I know aside from my two best friends approaching.

“Vanny and Carly, welcome back!” I hugged them both and they did the same.

“I sometimes don’t get you Tori girl. Are you sure you’re alright? You looked like a fake Tori I know.” Carl said giving me a questioning look arching his perfect eyebrow.

“I’m okay, Carly. Do I look like I am faking it? We also had a video-call this morning. You know how ecstatic I am that you two were coming back.” I said giving him an eye roll.

“You sure?” Vanessa added not buying what I said.

“Yeah! Let’s go and have an early dinner at Romano’s. I already made a reservation as a welcome back for you guys.” They shook their heads and thank god, no more questions about my sudden mood.

……………………

“And after that, he took the knife and chase the snatcher. I just stood there frozen. Carl can be so macho sometimes.” Vanessa said telling me the incident at the café in Australia when they had their meal on the first day.

We all laughed. “I couldn’t let him steal my pouch. All my cards and identifications are there. I’d rather kill him than let him get that.” Carl explained exasperatedly.

“You should be careful, what if he had a gun? Your life is more important than those cards.”  I said while sipping my wine.

“Anyways, when is the launch of your new collections again?” asked Vanessa. “

“Ten days from now. I have already reserved a seat for the two of you.”

After dinner we decided to walk along the park nearby. We had a coffee along the way and talked a lot of the six months we were away from each other. Inevitable questions also discussed but they knew not to push my buttons. I didn’t tell them what I saw in the airport.

After dropping them to their home, I decided to retire early to bed.

I thought I won’t see him again. The pain comes back when I see him at the airport. The wall I’ve been build up collapse.

Victoria, you are far from being weak. Seven years is enough for all the sleepless nights making your pillows wet.

I signed heavily and turned off the bedside lamp. After an hour, my thoughts still linger into someone. I sat up and open the night lamp. I pressed my head against the headboard as I cried for the feelings, I buried years ago. Everything came back in a flash.

Those bittersweet memories of falling in love made my heart ache all over again. I hardened my heart for the past years, blocking all emotions inside me.

Everybody has a past to tell. Especially the very first love you have.

…………………

Seven Years Ago…..

Eight days in this university, I would say, I found my heart’s desire. I mean everything is wonderful. I am enjoying my stay here. The place is magnificent with trees everywhere, fresh air, the professors are all approachable and kind, students are friendly, and I already make friends in just eight days being here.

Being freshman taking Bachelor’s in Fashion Design and Visual Arts, I didn’t expect anything. My mind set is to study and to become successful.

I met Vanessa and Carl on my first day and became comfortable with them. They both took business Administration. The two of them were friends since grade school. Since then, we became close instantly and promise to stick to each other until we finish uni.

I was waiting for Vanessa and Carl at the campus bench when I heard loud voices nearby.

“Hey bro, are you going to attend the Acquaintance Party on Friday night?” I heard someone asked. “I’m sure there will be a lot of hot freshman present.” He added followed by whistles.

I looked at the direction of voices and I saw a group of senior students in a nearby bench under the tree.

When I turned my head to the person in question, I gasped not because of the way he’s staring at me, but by the way he looks. Wow is all I can say. He was flawless even in a distance.

I came back to the present when someone spoke. “Hey freshman. What’s up?” One of them asked. I didn’t notice they were all now in front of me. “I..ahh. I’m sorry?” I said with a trembling voice. I turned my head to him and averted my eyes in different direction immediately. I felt my cheeks are burning. I couldn’t look at him in the eyes. I have this feeling of being shy suddenly. He is more handsome in person that I blushed.

I am not used to be approached like this by a group of guys. I wish Carl and Vanessa arrive sooner so that they can help me here.

“My name is Mike. This one is Frank, the guy with a beard is Jason, this is Ethan, Peter and that one is..” he didn’t finished his introduction when that guy interrupted him.

“Dave, my name is Dave. And you are?” that guy finished the introduction offering me a handshake. His friends laughed and hoots. “Way to go, brother.” Mike said smirking.

“Victoria. My name is Victoria.” I answered shyly shaking his hand feeling the lightning volt that made me jump a little. I felt him squeezed my hand in a gentle manner and I blushed again.

That moment, I told myself, I think I am in love.