AMARE

One of the most memorable moments for every woman would probably be the day when she could finally walk along the stretched red aisle while carrying a bouquet of flowers complementing the finest white gown she wears. And that her whole appearance is enough to put any man from the other end of the carpet weeping in tears. I, too, dreamt about the same… Until some kind of a curse perched on me that makes me the most desperate bride-wannabe in our town. Now it seems like I will forever be just someone else’s bridesmaid and never going to be a bride on my own wedding day. “Mom, let me just remind you—again—that I am not the bride. So please refrain from putting so much color on my face, otherwise, I’ll be the center of a laugh once more.” I bluntly told my mom as she faces her make-up box. She appears like having the toughest time picking the perfect lipstick swatch that she wanted me to wear. “Just trust me,” she answered as she manages to decide on the peachy brown moist lipstick. I just sigh out of defeat. My mother then reapplied little to nearly visible glitters on my eyelids which adorn my hazel eyes. “Sweety, if you wanted me to stop making you prettier than the bride then just become the real bride on your own wedding day.” She suddenly said that perk my ears up. She took out a fan-like brush and glides it across both of my cheekbones. “As if it’s that easy,” I told her while my chin lazily sits on my left palm. My Mom gently slaps my hand swiftly and said, “Don’t crouch your face, you’ll ruin my masterpiece.” And as soon as she finished my make-up, I hurriedly went on to my boss’ wedding. I have a close relationship with my lady boss at Graphics Hub where I work as a freelance graphic artist. I believe having me as one of her bridesmaids at her wedding is just a solid bond for the web game we are developing. Regardless, I still feel happy that she finally found her forever in the arms of her business partner, Mr. Romne Chen. And just when the newly wedded couple was doing their traditional table rounds for the photo souvenirs, my dear lady boss immediately approaches me when it was our table’s turn. “Thank you, Sandy.” She said in a nearly modulate tone. “Karen, you’ve thanked me more than enough today,” I told my lady boss before the official photographer makes his cue. “I’m just happy you’re here. I mean I know the infamous lore about you being one of the bridesmaids and still, you accepted my invitation.” I wanted to give her an eye roll but she should be thankful that it’s her wedding day. I’ll get back on her for this simple kick.                                                                  *** Just a month after Karen’s wedding and here I am looking at how stress she is. I think I’ve seen enough revenge for what she did to me during her wedding reception. I just heard about their first proposal about the game they recently finished developing. Unfortunately, it was rejected by Powerhouse Company, and sadly, because most of the funds invested there have taken a toll from their own savings. “I’m done for, Sandy.” She said tossing all the folios of her rejected proposal aside. I took the seat in front of her and calm her down, “Come on, WesternSun and Berserk are still scheduled to review your proposal in the next months, right? Why don’t we just move on from Powerhouse and prepare for the two other big fishes?” “Sandy, if the other companies reject this game then all of my investment will just be put into waste.” “Be positive, Karen. Calm yourself, I’ll try to look into the folio once again and review the feedbacks from Powerhouse. Maybe we can use their comments to improve our proposal for the other two.” She just agreed with a nod and so I decided to go over the files after I head outside her office. I went to check on the design department and saw Leanne—one of my peer graphic artists and a good friend of mine in Graphics Hub—still sketching on her Wacom tablet. “Hey, we got some business.” I greeted her as I lay the folio beside her. “What?” She asks while not taking her sight away from what she’s doing. I took the folio and scan it for her, “Powerhouse suggested creating a more unique concept than this. Looks like they unanimously believe we copied our concept from mobile legends.” There was a silent snort when I told her this. “I agree,” she suddenly said that surprised me. “Huh?” my confused thought was just able to exude a short reaction. “Powerhouse is quite right. I’ve been telling Karen about this as a matter of fact, yet she still pushed through with her concept. Now, this company’s finance has cut down due to our loss from Powerhouse’s rejection.” She answered. “Can you keep it low? Karen might hear it.” I reminded her. “As if she’d even listen, otherwise she would’ve believed me in the first place.” “It has already happened, what’s best that we do now is to recover from the rejection right?” “You have any suggestions?” “I was actually thinking about recreating a new concept to submit.” “In two months? Are you crazy?” “No. but what I mean is we’ll still use this current concept. We’ll just maximize it though, utilize to improve and revamp a unique game out of it.” “How are you supposed to do that?” I suddenly gave her a puppy look which I hope she would easily understand. Her reaction was enough to guarantee me that she was able to decipher my passage. “If you think I’ll help y—” I didn’t even let her finish when I interrupted what she was about to say, “Just this one. I promise I will not decline if by any chance you’ll ask me a favor in the future.” I said. She became silent for a moment before speaking again, “okay, you promise you really won’t decline?” I swear in front of her as I raise my right hand and tell her, “I promise,” while beaming a smile too. She lightly shook her head before taking the folio from me, “Alright. Now let’s take a look at that.” I am just hoping that she won’t be thinking of any grand favor that would cost me so much fortune though.  I heave a silent and quick sigh out before explaining to her my idea. Above my other co-employees, Leanne was one of those reliable people whenever we need to troubleshoot something. In fact, if it’s only possible, we both can run the whole company with just the two of us, but that would take us years to finish one game. Leanne and I took an almost all-nighter just for the brainstorming of our ideas. It was evidently too late when we both finish the new idea for the game. When we finish the new ideas to be discussed for next week’s Monday general meeting, I decided to check on Karen to talk about the new ideas for the development but apparently, she had already gone home. Her office lights are already in low light mode and the glass door is already locked, too bad I won’t be able to leave the folio on her desk. I suppose I’ll just drop it off over the weekend in their residence. Since it’s already past seven in the evening, I went back to check on Leanne and ask her to have dinner outside. When I arrive back in the design department, she has already packed her things and was about to leave. “Going home already?” I asked. “Yeah,” she answered. “I was hoping if you could accompany me for dinner? I mean we’ve been exhausted and all so, do you want to have some Tonkotsu tonight? I know a good restaurant nearby—my treat.” I guess that was enough to convince her to join me. She paused and then she gave me that unease feeling before saying, Err…well, I actually have plans for tonight, Sandy. I’m sorry.” Now that was pretty bad timing. I quickly gave her an apologetic grin as I replied, “No. It-it's fine. You may go, perhaps next time, girl.” convincing her that I’ll be fine. “I’ll make up for this.” She just assured me. I can see the guilt from her look but it is pointless now, the damage has been done. “Oh come on. It’s no big deal!” I told her, pretending to hide my humiliation from my rejected invitation. “Perhaps next time,” I even added. Since we call it a day, Leanne and I walk outside the building. When I was about to head into my car, she just patiently stood at the front door appearing like she’s waiting for someone. I can’t help myself not to ignore and so I walk back to her side to ask, “Are you waiting for someone? I could drop you at your meeting place?” I offered as I would feel guilty just leaving her alone here when I ask her to work for extra hours with me. “It’s alright. He’ll be here in a minute.” She answered. “He?” I asked, somewhat curious and surprised. Leanne just smiled shyly before admitting, “My fiancé.” Her face somewhat blushed despite the dim light that the front door has. My mouth shaped a small ‘o’ out of wonder. She hasn’t talked about seeing any guy before and now she’s disclosing that she has a fiancé. Not a moment longer when an approaching car stops by the parking space. A man in maroon polo partnered by black chinos came out of the driver’s seat. I’m not sure if it’s my eye’s problem as I try to visualize the guy from a little far end. But to my horror, my jaw sank open when I saw this guy that’s making his way towards us. My chest keeps throbbing continuously, and when he stops in front of us. I was even more than horrified when Leanne cling her hand around his waist as she says, “Uh Sandy, this is Patrick—my fiancée.” I became short with a breath. Did she just say Patrick is her fiancé? Patrick Ramirez? My ex-boyfriend?                                                                                             *****