Free Wall

The CEO

    The fine wine tastes so good. It soothes the mind as it flows down through the throat. It calms the heart as it runs through the veins. It penetrates the body and gives relief. The fine wine, the fully air-conditioned huge room and the breathtaking view outside the glass window are enough to end the day. ENOUGH… is it really enough? When can you say that it is enough? Who can say that it is enough? How can someone say that it is enough? Deep… heavy… breath is the only answer that aired in the room. 

      “OMG She what are you doing? You’re not dressed yet? Oh, come on She it’s an hour before the time.” A loud inquisitive voice coming from a not so big lady wearing her purple sexy and elegant dress. Her curves, her lines are well formed and shown in her dress. “Stop looking at me like that”, the lady uttered as she picks up the towel then handed it over the her. She comes near her and took the wine glass from her hand. “Here, get this towel and shower up as fast as you can.”

“Is that a command or a request?” She asks in a well-tone voice.

“Both.” The lady answered back as she looks at the two elegant dresses in the mannequin.

“I don’t want to go.” This firm short statement makes the lady shocked.

“You’re kidding me right?”

“I’m not.”  

“My God She, here we are again. Will you please stop acting like that?”

“Why not?”

“This party is for you!”

“I’ve done my part. The party is for them to have fun and celebrate. “

“Enough of this nonsense She. Now get up and take a shower ‘cause you will attend that party.”

Enough. This word is heard again and her mind was again twisted by this. Why do people would always say this word as easy as they can. Do they mean it? Her thoughts stopped when she felt that lightly grip on her arm.

“Come on She please do it. For me... for us... we need you there in that party.”

She lets go of that deep breath again and nods her head firmly.  The lady holds her both hands tightly. Her eyes are full of gratitude as she looks at her. “Thanks She.” In her soft voice.

She gets the towel and goes straight to the bathroom. While the lady in her purple dress took the wine glass and sipped the remaining wine in it. She could not forget the day when she first met She.

        “Good morning ma’am, I’m Charlotte Evans and I’m here for my job interview.” The lady in her green tailored dress looked at her with an intimidating stare. Then, she looked at some papers on her desk to check the list of the applicants. Charlotte stood right in front of her waiting for instructions. She tried to look around the place. She was in a vast office. She walked passed by these 15 office cubicles before she reached her place. The place has its elegant look and it has its soothing smells of peppermint that is enhanced by its cold temperature.

“Take your sit first and wait here.” She returned to her conscious mind when she heard the lady’s instruction. She smiled at her and sat on the chair right in front the lady’s desk. The lady stood up and went to a private office near her desk. She was left there waiting for her turn. She is nervous as she can feel her legs shaking. Her hands are damn sweating. Breath in and breath out. She wants to leave the office and never mind waiting for that lady to come back. She knows everything about the company, she knows how enormous it is and that she knows that this company will never hire someone like her. So she needs to go home. “What are you doing here Charlotte? Are you out of your mind? How will a person like you be hired in this kind of company? You’re just a graduate of a not so well known college located in a far flung province. You better get off your shoes and leave this place now!” It was a command from her own f*****g thoughts, a wakeup call for her ambitious mind. She stood up and was about to leave the place when she suddenly stopped by the thoughts of her mother. The scene was so clear in her consciousness, her mother is sick and the doctor told her that she needs to support her with nourishing food and meds that she would be needing. She needs her medication and the only way to get this is for her to get a f*****g good job. She doesn’t have anyone to depend on, her only sister is still in junior high school and her Dad passed away three years ago. She is now the backbone of her family and with this, she badly needs this job. She needs this much so she goes here to apply and she should bring home the bacon by hook or by crook. These thoughts made her sit on the chair again and wait.

                She was waiting for 15 minutes already when the lady went back to her.  Her heart beats so fast as the lady walks towards her. “I am sorry Ms. Evans but the CEO is not available today for your interview.” “What?!! I am here and I spent my time and then you will just tell me that your f*****g CEO is not available!!!”, these are the words that she wanted to scream to her face, but she controlled her own self. Instead she just said, “But I came here all the way from Green Valley and it is a 5-hour drive ma’am. I just came here for this job interview.”

“I am sorry for that but rest assured that we will message you immediately for the next schedule.”

“Can you not ask your CEO again? Maybe she can spare me some time just to do this interview.”

“I am so sorry Ms. Evans but it’s impossible to do. You can just leave and wait for our call. Thank you for coming today and have a good day.”

She wanted to scream. She wanted to punch her and she wanted to enter that room to tell that damn CEO that she wasted her time for nothing. She should have just stayed at home and take care of her sick mother than being here in this office for nothing.  But she couldn’t do anything about this. She composed herself and fixed her things and confidently turned her back from this lady.  She walked slowly but her anger runs so fast in her nerves. She was so mad to whoever is that CEO and her mind is telling her not to come back here again. It’s a waste of time and she doesn’t like working with this kind of employer who never value the time of other people. But on the other side, her heart is reminding her of her mother. The thoughts of her make her so weak to the point that she will do anything for her.  She is her life, her happiness and her everything. She can’t live without her mom so she will always look after her welfare no matter what it takes.

                “Hey! Watch out girl!” she was surprised by the loud voice that turned her back to her being. She stopped for a while and she just found out that she is facing the entrance of this 25th floor building.  Her mind was floating for she could not remember how she reached the ground floor. She walked towards the exit of the building and was about to go when a woman walking so fast hits her.

                “Ouch!” she was really hurt that much. The woman looked at her and just said sorry. And she was about to call her attention, but she was that fast to go out of this building. This day is indeed her bad day she thought. She walked towards the parking lot to get her car. When she reached it, she hurriedly throws her bag on the passenger sit and get in. She holds the steering wheel that hard, then she starts the car’s engine and left. Her mind is off and still thinking of what happened today. The interview, that lady in her green dress who felt so sorry for her wasting her time, and that woman who hits her and still felt sorry for her. She smiles as she remembers how they felt sorry for her. This day was an additional worst day of her life and she should celebrate it. She looked for any fast-food chain where she can grab some food thinking that this could be the nicest thing she can do for herself. And there it is, a burger house! She drives to its direction and reach its parking space. The place is not that stylish it’s a cheap place but it’s still a good one to help someone who is really hungry just like her. She reached the counter and ordered for a cheese burger and soda. Then she looked for available chair to eat her meal. She found a vacant chair and table near the front glass wall of the food chain. She sits happily for she found one even though there are lots of people inside. She sits quietly and place the tray of her food on the table. She looked at her wristwatch and the time is 11 o’clock in the morning and she was so upset that she’s in this city for 4 hours and yet nothing good happen to her except for this meal right in front of her. Well, what else she can do now but to have this meal and leave right after. Her first bite of the burger was so relieving. It tastes good though the price is cheap. She was on her second bite when her stare glanced to the table in front of her. Her attention was caught by this woman sitting and looking outside the food chain with a glass of drink on her table. The woman with her long black (with a touch of magenta) and wavy hair, her hair is messy as her shades is on top her head, she is wearing a green polo shirt and jeans. She looks gorgeous in her ivory skin complexion which is neutral undertone. She has this perfect pouty lips that makes a woman more adorable. Her pointed nose adds more to her beauty, but her eyes, her pair of almond eyes looks so sad. Charlotte was amazed by her beauty but she was so curious why this woman wears this kind of sad eyes. She felt so sad for this, but at the back of her mind she was a little bit happy knowing that this woman is sad and she can never forget that face who hits her and just look at her and said sorry. Yes! that girl is right here in front of her and she should do something about how she treated her this morning. She eats her burger hurriedly and drinks her soda, then she stood up and walk right to the woman. She intentionally bumped her table making the glass fell and the liquid in it fell right on the table and flowed towards the woman’s shirt.

                “s**t!” the woman gets up immediately and turns to her bag to get some tissue. She wipes her shirt but there’s this stain on it. She keeps on wiping it when some staff of the food chain approached her for assistance.

                “Oopps, sorry.” Charlotte uttered in her most sarcastic voice. Her voice makes the woman lift her face and smiled at her. Then she grabs her things and goes off to the rest room.  Charlotte was left there and she thinks that it’s not enough to just let that woman go out her way as if nothing happens. She made up her mind and she’s gonna wait for that woman outside. She leans on the back of her car waiting for that woman to come out. After 10 minutes of waiting here comes the woman in her stained-green shirt and now she noticed that she is wearing ripped jeans and brown boots. Damn this woman was so sexy. The woman stopped right after coming out the food chain to wear her black coat and her mittens. Then she starts walking towards her direction. Charlotte thinks that she may be walking to her car, and this is the moment she’s waiting for. The time to teach this woman her lesson for being so rude and insensitive. She walks to her direction to block her way, “So… how’s the stain on your shirt?” she asked rudely. The woman stopped and then looked at her. She gives her a sigh and tries to walk pass her, but she again blocked her way. Then, the woman raised her head and looked at her and finally a voice comes out her,

“What do you want?”

                “You don’t remember me, do you?” Charlotte asked in a firm manner.

                “Of course I do.” The woman replied.

Charlotte gave her an insulting smile. Then the woman in her inquisitive face looked at her and said,

“You’re the one who intentionally bumped my table and help me get this stain on my shirt.” 

Charlotte laughs at her mockingly, but her laugh stopped when the woman said,

“You’re also the one whom I unintentionally hit this morning when I was about to leave that building. And I get it, I knew why you did this so I think it’s fair now for the two of us, so would you mind to please stay out of my way now.”  

This woman caught her this time. She was not expecting this coming from her. She has a good memory and she was surprised by her manner. Her voice was so calm but it’s firm. She sounds authoritative and it feels like there’s a full power of command in her calm and soft voice. That calmness was so intimidating and persuading. Charlotte, though surprised by this kept her composure, she looked at the woman straight to her face and said, “Well, that’s good you remember. May this serves as a lesson to your rude and insensitive manner.”

The woman gave her a short stare with her eyes wide open and then back to her normal stare as she walks against her.  She walks to the parking space for motorcycle and sits on the white big bike that really suits her. She puts on her helmet and starts the engine then she’s on her way, Charlotte was looking at her leaving this place and all she can say is that “wow! She’s awesome!” 

Charlotte smiles and her thoughts were placed back in reality when she heard her.

“Hey! Charlotte are you ok?”

“Oh! I’m sorry She I didn’t notice you’re done.”

“Well, you said I just need an hour so I need to do it fast.”

“Ok, so these are the dresses that you first picked and I intended to let you choose again between these two.”  Charlotte stands between the two mannequins wearing the dresses. On her left is a Jovani gunmetal off the shoulder sequin evening dress, while the other dress on her right is another Jovani blush off the shoulder beaded evening dress and both are elegant and stylish.

“So, which is which She?” Charlotte asked.

“I’ll go with the one on your right.” She answered firmly.

“Good choice.” Charlotte uttered with smiles on her face.

                The night was young and the guests are enjoying their photo opportunities. They are catching up with each other and this caused the happy noise in this well-designed venue, and the music is soothing to the ears which can make them dance rumba. This clamor in the venue quickly fades when they see this woman wearing that stylish dress entering the place. She has perfect curves and lines which was revealed in her dress. She is indeed sophisticated in her own modest way. Everybody looks at her with different emotions and this woman knows that quietly. But in her mind, one thing is sure, and that they are all looking at her because she’s a VIP in this special occasion. With this, she knows what to do she is good in giving fake smiles to those who deserve it. “It’s show time!” she thought as she projects that flirting smile. And these things are not new to Charlotte. She knows her well and she knows what’s her up to. This firm woman winks at her and she then ushers her to her sit.

                “Do you want something?” Charlotte asks.

                “No, I’m fine thanks.” She said in a fine tone.  Charlotte looked at her curiously and she hates that kind of look.

                “Why are you looking me like that again?” she asked.

                “You’re not part of the program.” Charlotte uttered.

                “I just don’t want to give speech tonight.” She answered back with her eyes looking to the emcees.

                “Why?” Charlotte inquired.

                “Why not?” she answered without looking at her.

                “You’re really impossible.” Charlotte commented.

                “You know me right, Charlotte?”

                “Of course. I know you very well.”

                “Then stop asking these nonsense things.” She said, and this means end of conversation.

Charlotte just had her deep breath and pays attention to the people on stage. She keeps on concentrating to what they’re saying but she can’t help it. Her thoughts before she reached this dwelling are now coming back.

                She was driving that fast going home and yet her views are about that woman. She was surprised by that kind of woman she met this morning and she was intrigued by her styles and her like. She couldn’t believe that she’s riding that big bike which she admits she didn’t see it coming. She was expecting that she will get in an expensive car which suits her beauty. Well she’s not a fan of big bikes, so she doesn’t know how expensive that bike is, but she was so sure that it is luxurious.  That fine woman rode her big bike. With that kind of woman, it’s impossible that no man gets attracted to her. She is so damn gorgeous and her face has its perfect attractiveness her lips, her nose and her eyes. Yes, her eyes her sad eyes. How in this world can a perfect woman like her has those sad eyes? These thoughts made her smile and a little sad for she feels pity for that woman.

                “Charlotte! You have phone call” loud voice from a young lady made her jumped off her bed and grabbed the phone.

                “Hello.” She answered.

                “Hello is this Ms. Charlotte Evans?” the voice on the other line was so formal.

                “Yes, speaking.” Her curious voice replied.

                “This is Tina from Courageous One Company, I would like to inform you that your job interview is scheduled this coming Friday at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. See you. Thanks.”

                Toootttt…. And that’s it she cuts the line. Charlotte just hang up and felt so upset in this manner. Are they like that? Are all employees there act like that? She placed the phone on the table and went to the kitchen to prepare her meal. She saw her sister, Beige, eating some freshly baked pizza.

                “Who’s that?” the young lady asked.

                “It’s the company” her frugal reply.

                “You mean the C.O.C.!” Beiges’ in her excited tone.

                “Yes it is.” Her reply in uninterested tone.

                “Did they hire you?” she asked.

Charlotte looked at her as her eyebrows met. Then she continued preparing her meal.

                “So what Charlotte? Did they?” another inquiry from her sister.

                “No.” she replied.

                “So, they called to dump your application.” She uttered in a sad tone.

Charlotte placed the sausage and toasted bread on the table. She sits on the chair facing her.

                “You really want me to be part of that C.O.C. aren’t you?”

                “Of course Charlotte! That company was huge it was so famous across the globe. Their products are awesome.”

                “How’d you know that?”

                “Well, my well-off classmates are all using their signature bags. The laptops that they produced are the number one choice right now of every schools. My teachers are all dying to buy their make-ups and other cosmetics even the dresses they have. That company really entered the life of every individual even their homes by their stylish and modern technologies. So, being part of that company is a must.”

She looked at her sister and she was amazed to know that her sister is more acquainted of the company’s profile than her.  She kept eating her food and thinking what her sister just told her.

                “C.O.C. is the best company, though the C.E.O. is known for being so private and so elusive.” This statement from her sister caught her attention.

                “What’d you say?”

                “You did hear me Charlotte. I know you that much.” Beige looked at her and smile.

                “Ok wait, let me rephrase my question. How can you say those things?”

                “Well, since C.O.C. is a well-known company of course people would like to know more about it. In every press conference during the release of their new products you can never see their C.E.O. it’s always their marketing head who introduced the product to the public. If there’s an occasion and you invite their C.E.O. for speech, the company would always send their Public Relation Officer as the proxy, and if there’s an issue that they should release statements it’s still the head of the concern department that would be there to answer the queries.”

Charlotte was surprised by this information from her sister, and how come she didn’t know all of these.  She looked at her sister in full curiosity and asked,

                “And why do you think the C.E.O. act like that?”

                “It was known that the C.E.O. of that company hates publicity. The C.E.O. lives a very private life despite the fame that the company has. And you know what Charlotte, the public doesn’t know the gender of the C.O.C.’s C.E.O except its employees.”

                “Wow! Sounds intriguing huh.”

                “Yes, so it’s much better if you were hired, but sadly you’re not.” She speaks in a sad tone.

                “So, you wanted me to be part of that huge company just to find out these things?” she said in her dismay.

Her sister just looked at her, and said, “Maybe, but it’s not completely like that Charlotte.”

                “Then why Beige?”

                “That company is huge and is known to be high paying one to its employees, and with that, you Charlotte, being part of that C.O.C. can help us complete mom’s medication.”

There it is coming from her younger sister. Reality strikes and it hurts once again, piercing her heart and making her wretched by the fact that they cannot support their mother’s medication. She looked at her sister and she knows that she’s worried.

                “I’ll leave tomorrow morning. I’ll drive off to Patterson.”

                “What will you do there?”

                “I have this job application interview at C.O.C.”

                “Really?! But you said…” Charlotte cuts her off.  

                “I didn’t say I was not hired neither I was. Just wish me luck sis.” She smiled.

                “Wow! That’s great! Promise I will.”

Beige smiled with hope in her face that she will be hired in this job. Her sister was right; this job is for their mom who needs her medication. She should have this job and again she’s here in this office facing this woman who is now wearing her neat peach blouse with a blazer and black skirt. She was told again to sit and wait for her time and she is waiting and hoping this will be a good day for everyone. She reached the C.O.C. building at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, and the C.E. O’s office is located at 20th floor. The building is equipped with high-end technology. Elevators are working fast, and with this she went up at 1:30 and still early for her schedule. This is one thing she learned in school never gets late. 15 minutes before 2’oclock the woman stood up and went to the office near her desk. After a few minutes she went back to her.

                “You can get inside that office Ms. Evans.” She told her in a nice manner and welcoming smile.

This is it. Finally, she will have the chance to be interviewed by the C.E.O. and she is here also feeling that same nervousness she felt when she first gets here. She walked slowly to that door and she first composed herself, fixed her hair and took her deep breath.

                After that three knocks, she opened the door and the huge office met her eyes. There’s an elegant sofa set in the receiving area. The place is fully-furnished of luxurious furniture. The scent in that room is relaxing that suits its cold temperature. The television set is big, there’s a place for making coffee, and the indoor plants are really stress relieving. She was not yet done checking the office when a woman’s voice caught her attention.    

                “Ms. Evans welcome to our office, I’m Marie the C.E.O.s personal assistant. I’ll lead you to her office, follow me Ms. Evans.”

She smiled to her while her heart was beating that fast. She wanted to back out, and just went off. Get out of this building as fast as she could. But the words of Beige are in her mind, and she should do this and that she will get this job no matter what.

She found herself inside this stylish office, and she is standing now alone with this person sitting on that classy office chair that person is looking down on the table and was so busy signing a lot of papers. She was still standing up until she heard this firm and calm voice.

                “Have a sit.”

She walks toward that chair in front of the C.E.O.s desk and tries hard to sit comfortably. But when the person sitting there on that C.E.O.s chair looked at her, her world shuts down. She wanted to disappear right at that very moment. She wanted to run out of this office, out of this building, and out of this city but her feet are stuck. They don’t have the strength to get up and carry her trembling torso. The C.E.O wears a tidy white blouse with a black blazer on it. The accessories match the clothes, the wavy hair is fixed and the gorgeous face wears simple yet sophisticated make-ups which makes her more attractive. But this face, the owner of this face is one of the faces that she can never forget. She’s the woman who hits her upon leaving this building three days ago, and this the same woman whom she stained her shirt. This woman has a very good memory and she is so sure that this woman knows her that much.

                “Good day Ms. Charlotte Evans. How are you?”

She raised her head shyly and tried to answer her in the best she can.

                “I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” She is stammering she feels like she wanna die at this very moment.

                “I’m She Henderson the C.E.O. of this company and I’m here to interview you for your job application. I’m looking for a personal marketing officer who will work close under my supervision, and you applied for that position. Am I right Ms. Evans?”

                “Yes ma’am.”

                “Hmmm.. ok so what can you say about yourself?”

                “I…” she clears her throat then continued, “I am Charlotte Evans 30 years of age from Green Valley. I am currently living with my mom and younger sister. I got my Marketing degree from Tennyson College in the same place. I worked as marketing staff in a small firm in our place.”

                “Your place is quite far from Patterson City. Why did you apply here?”

                “I want to be part of this company and I want to tell you that you will never regret if you will hire me in this position.”

                The woman smiled at her. It was a nice smile but she finds it annoying. She didn’t know why she feel this, but maybe she’s just guilty of the things she did to her three days ago.  She breaths in and out and speaks for herself. She wanna get this job by hook or by crook.

                “Look Ms. Henderson we both know that this isn’t the first time we met. So I want to tell you what I ought to say. I need this job ‘cause I want to prove that I am fit and I have place in this well-respective company of yours. I need this as much as other people need it, why? Because for some, your company is the best source of bread and butter, but in my case it is not much of that. I need to be part of your company because this can save life, a life that is of great importance to me. I know that our first meeting is not that good and I am in no position to explain my side but I am hoping that what happened on that day will never affect our meeting this day. But if it is, then it’s fine with me I know that first impression lasts and If it matters to you then I would accept that.”

There she goes, she finally said what’s on her mind and she could not recover those words. She looks at her; she was looking at her too. Charlotte can’t read her mind yet one thing she understands is that she will not get this job.

The woman looks at her once again and asked, “what was you first impression that time we met?”

She is not prepared for this question, but in times like this she knows that the best thing to do is to be honest.

                “You are insensitive, rude, and firm.” She answered in all honesty.  The woman gave her

                “Ok then, Ms. Evans we’re done just wait for the result of your interview.” The woman said with her eyes wide open in surprise and recognition.

She knows it’s not enough, and she knows that the C.E.O. wants to end this nonsense interview. She needs to leave now and forget this job.

                “Thanks for your time Ms. Henderson.” She said in nice manner. She turned her back and left.

She grasped for fresh air as soon as she stepped out of the building. She walked fast towards her car and leave this place. The things she said there still echoes in her mind as she is driving herself home. She wants to punch herself for being so stubborn there. Now she’s sure that she’ll loss the job just because of her mulishness. She wants to cry when the thought of Beige crossed her mind. What will she tell her sister?

                “I hate you Charlotteeee!!!!! You freak hardheaded stupid person!!!” she shouted this words to her own face.

                “Stupid.” This word was not meant to come out that loud and it was too damn late to recover.

                “Did you just call me stupid?” in a very warm yet inquisitive tone.

                “Of course not She... I didn’t mean it’s you.” Charlotte answered back.

                “Hmmmm..so you’re talking out of senses now Charlotte?”

                “I just remembered some stupid things, but it doesn’t matter.” She explained.

                “I want to leave now.” She stated in a very firm manner.

                “Are you crazy? We’re just starting and it’s not yet an hour being here and then you want to leave?”

                “I’m tired Charlotte. I just want to leave. Call Nante, tell him to meet me at the parking space.”

                “This can’t be She.” Charlotte mentioned as she shakes her head a sign of protest.  

                “I will go.” She said and stood up abruptly and left her table.

Charlotte stood up and followed her. She walked too fast and she needed to get close to her though she knew she couldn’t stop her. None in this world can stop her. She’s a woman of precision. Aside from her exquisiteness and elegance, she has her own mind and it helps her decide for her own self. She doesn’t need anyone’s approval in her life’s judgment.  She lives on her own and she knows what she wants in life and she will get it. She was so stubborn just like here, but She is indeed a real stubborn. Now she’s there standing and waiting for her driver. Charlotte dialed his number and gave him instructions, then she approached her as she waits for her car.

                “Don’t leave. You need to stay with them and make sure that everything is fine here.” She said in well-mannered voice.

Charlotte lets go of an inquisitive sigh. She noticed it and said,

                “I’m not into it Charlotte. Hope you remember that.”

She said nothing and just gave her a nod. They were in that moment when the luxurious car parked in front of them. She walked directly to its direction and then the driver opened the car’s door for her. Charlotte observed as the driver closed the door and She was in it. The driver ran towards his seat, opened the door, started the engine and left. She was there standing still until the car vanished. Again and again, she was always in this kind of situation during night like this, and all she can do is to do this as part of her job.

The night was young for this 33-year-old woman wearing her elegant dress, yet she was in a hurry to go home and do what she wanted. Upon arriving to her classy home, she went out the car and ran to her room. She changed her clothes in to a round neck orange shirt tucked in black jeans that revealed her sexiness. She puts on her pair of boots, then gets her black leather jacket and picks up her mittens and helmet. She runs fast down the stairs and goes to her big bike. She sits on it while putting on her mittens and helmet, and then there she goes as the engine starts she left. She was driving and enjoying the splendor of the night tracking down the direction leading to her favorite place in this city. Her mind was fixated on the road and she was happy doing this road drive. The night’s view of the city makes her alive during this kind of night-time, partly away from its busy road of its rush hours. She found herself in the forefront of her favorite dance club. She removed her helmet after she parked her big bike and walked happily towards the lighted narrow door of this earsplitting club.

I love it when you call me señorita I wish I could pretend I didn’t need ya but every touch is ooh la la la it’s true la la la…

This lyric from this dance hit aired the place as she walked down the stairs going to the front bar to have some drinks. The dance floor was full of its guests, who just like her, wanted to loosen up the hassle in them. She reached the front bar and asked for her favorite mojito. Her glance was attentive to the dance floor as her right foot keeps tapping on the floor. Her fingers are tapping on the counter and she can feel her body; it wanted to shake some booty.

“Mojito for this gorgeous chick!”  the bartender and his flirting smile.

“Gracias..” She replied with her flirting wink.

Bottoms-up as she would always do with this mojito. Then after that 1st round of drink there she goes shaking some booty as she joined the crowd of party people. She is a good dancer she knows how to shake her body well, and she knows how to rock man’s world whenever she’s on the dance floor. She raises her hands, shouts to the beat of this festive music, closes her eyes and lets the night takes over her. She was into the music and she was into the night. She is happy for she is her being; her real being.

It’s hot and she’s sweating when she went off the crowd to have another round of mojito. She brushed-up her wavy hair while waiting for her drink.

                “Having fun?”

She glanced on her right where the voice came from. And there was this man standing and looking at her. She could not see his face clearly for the dim and colored lights surround them. She didn’t answer back, instead turned her glance to the served mojito in front. She picked the glass and enjoyed it just like how she wanted this to be enjoyed.

                “Bottoms-up huh?” the man commented.

She did not say anything. She left some cash for this well-spent night and walked away from the front bar. She feels hot maybe because of the dance and the mojito. When she got out the place, she grabbed some fresh air then reached for her big bike. She hurriedly left and passed by the Patterson bridge where the silver lining park is nearly located.  She parked her big bike near the biggest tree and placed her helmet on the bench. She laid down on the lawn and looked at the stars up there. This made her so calm but her thoughts are floating and trying to forget that night. The night that changed her completely.

                “You need to do this She.” The woman in her late 40s whispered with her requesting tone.

                “I have a life mom and I wanna enjoy that.”

                “This is your life. You were born for this.”

                “No mom, this is not me. I have dreams I have my own life to make. Please do understand mom.”

She stood up and packed her things and left. The woman was crying and yet she could not stop her.

                “Where the hell you think you’re going?” the loud and commanding voice from the man echoed in the house. But this did not stop her. She continued her steps away from him up until she felt a painful pull on her hair. She stopped and the man pull her off. She faced his anger and before she could speak there was this hard slap on her face. The world stopped and the blood from her lips started to flow.

                “Stop it Edward!” her mom shouted as she went straight to her and hugged her tight.

                “Leave our daughter alone for God’s sake Edward!”

                “You’re not going anywhere! You will stay here!” the man in his anger pulled her arms.

She pulled back until he lost his grip then she ran away from them. The man ran after her and before she could cross the road he reached her arm and was about to hit her on her face when they heard that loud bumped. She froze for a long time when she saw her mother on the road with blood on her head. That scene on that night will never be erased in her thoughts, and every time these thoughts visit her; she froze in anguish.

                “It’s not safe for a woman to be in this place at this hour.” A husky voice gets her back to her being. She could not forget that voice, this was the same voice she heard in that front bar when she was waiting for her mojito. She wiped her tears and stood up hurriedly. She’s facing this 6 feet tall man with his manly torso. He has well-built chest and though he’s wearing shirt she can noticed his abs. His well-shaped legs covered by his rugged jeans. He has broad shoulder with masculine arm which she knows all women would want to be hugged by these kind of arms. His oval face looked perfectly by his cleft chin. The cleft chin, his cheekbones and his perfect jawline made this man so attractive. His top lip is not so full; his bottom lip is so damn right. She would agree that this man has his pinkish kissable lips. He looks so good on his roman nose, and his eyes is so powerful. His green eyes are so alluring which can make your world stops when he gave you his dominant stare. His eyes can speak his thoughts and his clean cut hair adds more to this appealing man.

                “Shocked or should I say attracted?” The man said once again.

She was caught up and a little shy of how she studied his physique. She hates how she feels now for she knows how she blushes every time she feels shy in front of this kind. The man smiled. She knows that she noticed her actions and this makes her turn her back from him, picked up her helmet and sat on her big bike. She is unlocking her helmet so she could wear it when the man comes near her.

                “Mute?” he asked.

She didn’t say anything but opted to start up her bike and left. She did not look back though there was a small voice inside her that wants to look back to see the man. With this thought, she drives fast for she hates the idea of giving importance to that man or to any one that might come to her.

The clock on the side table of her bed tells her that it is one o’clock in the morning. She always forgets the time when she is in her own self. Probably she spent three hours in the club and like an hour at the park. She smiled when she thinks of that park. The man’s face is in her thoughts. His smile and the way he stares at her is unforgettable. She smiled by the thoughts of the man’s reaction when she did not answer any of his queries and that he thought of her as mute.  She rested her tired body but her mind is awake and is now preoccupied of that man’s view. She smiles bitterly and she cuts the thought of him for she knew that this would be there first and last encounter. She closed her eyes and killed the thought of him. He will never own a single place in her mind; never again.

“Oh my God! You’re here!” Charlotte expressed in her surprised.

She just looked at her and smiled. She asked for the needed documents for the company’s upcoming board meeting and other events. Charlotte went to her office and after a while went back to her carrying pile of papers.  She remained her glanced on the documents. Charlotte was still there observing her and was trying to get her attention which she thinks impossible. She decided to just leave after her sounding sigh.

                “What’s with that sigh Charlotte?” she asked without looking her.

She sighed before she opened a conversation. “Last night after you left the party your father came.” She said in a very soft and calm voice. She did not stop what she was doing.

                “He was looking for you.” Charlotte continued.

She raised her head to see her and gave her inquisitive glance.

                “I told him that you just left right after him, and then he said fine. Then he asked for a schedule meeting with the board tomorrow at 10 o’clock in the morning. I told him you have other appointment but he said it doesn’t matter he will pursue with the meeting.” Charlotte stated hesitantly.

She looked at her blankly and just nod her head. She looked at her like she was waiting for other things she needs to know.

                “That’s all She.” Charlotte said and showed gesture of going back to her desk.

She nods at her and she was left hanging with mixed emotions. He is back and she hopes she could try her best not to see him nor talk to him. She doesn’t know how she would react again now that he’s here.  She is always in pressure whenever he’s here and this makes her really thankful when she decided to have her own house five years ago.  She lets go of a sounding sigh and picked up her bag. She wants to take some fresh air and a good snack.

                She informs Charlotte that she needs to go for an urgent matter. She also gave her instruction that she is not sure if she can still go back to her office. Charlotte gave her a comforting smile, as if she’s telling her to be fine. She smiled back and left. She went down the parking space and went to her car. She turned her phone off and drove. She went to her favorite café and ordered her favorite espresso. She would always love to drink espresso alone and she’s doing it for 15 years now. She doesn’t know it happened to her but yes it is, she was used to be accompanied by her own self for that long. It was 6 long years that she stopped seeing and talking to anyone. She closed her doors from any one. Fifteen years ago she changed in to the person she used to hate before.

                The room was filled of people from different companies and different organizations. They were all giving their heartfelt condolences to her dad. She was at the back sitting quietly, and crying silently. Her shades covered her sore eyes due to unending tears. She wanted to go in front and cry as loud as she can and hugged that coffin. She wanted to scream her heart out to say her deepest sorry to her mom, but it would not change everything. Her mom died because of her stubbornness. Her dad cannot even look at her; he was so mad real mad.

                “You’re a disgrace to this family!” the last words she heard from her father. She felt that much and she knew she is. She didn’t say anything for she can see the fury in his eyes. He left without even looking at her, and her siblings Jamie and Arthur followed their father. She ran off to the roof top of the hospital and there she cried that much, she screamed out her pain and she regretted wholeheartedly.  She wanted to die; she hated herself that much for being so stubborn and for being a big disgrace to her family. After her mom’s burial her eldest sister decided to study law in London, her brother went off to Australia to take over their company there, and she, being the youngest, was left in their house. Her father went off to Switzerland on that very day without even talking at her.

                “Hi She! How are you? I know it’s been a week and I am saddened by your lost.” The voice came from her best friend Emma. She was standing beside her offering a glass of soda. She got the soda and smiled.

                “So, any plans?” she asked.

                “It’s been a week Emz and I don’t know how long can I handle the pain. My family left me without a single word. I was all alone Emz. I don’t know what to do.” She bursts out in great tears. Emma hugged her so tight; making her feel not that alone.

                “It’s fine She just let it all out I’m just here for you.” She said in a consoling tone.

                “I can never forgive my self Emz. I was so stubborn and so selfish that caused this pain to our family. All the time I was thinking that I’m doing what is right, but it ended up just like this. I killed my mom.” her tears are flowing and it can’t stop; it will never be enough for the damage she did in her own family.

                “Stop it She, stop it. You did not kill your mom. She knows that She, it was an accident you did not mean that and nobody would think that it would happen. You need to forgive yourself She.”

                “I want to leave Emz. I wanna live.” She said in her teary eyes.

                “I’m going to Moscow this coming week. I chose to study have my college there. Would you want to go with me?”

She smiled and agreed. She just wanted to leave so she could live. She knew that she might find it hard to be alone in her own place she wanted to survive and she knew that this was the best thing to do. She needed to go to Moscow with her best friend. She stayed there to study and earn a degree. But the life there was not that easy for her, she worked there as a waiter and a cashier; she did caregiving job as well. She had 3-part time jobs to support her studies. She did not ask any help from her family. Emma would always tell her to seek help, but she didn’t try she wanted to punish herself in that way.

                Her life in Moscow was tough. There were times that she would still work though she was sick. She would walk along the cold late night after her shift with an emptied stomach. Emma was the one paying their apartment so she doesn’t have the heart to let her support her needs. She promised herself that she will get through this; that she will persist to still live by her all means. She took Bachelor in Taxation of the International Business and Cross-Border Trade. She chose this course for her mom. This was not even her prefer one, her heart belongs to art, but because of what happened she just took it for them; her family. She spent her four years in studying and working; she did not pay attention to other things that were not related to these two. She barred herself from making friends with other people, for she believed that Emma is enough for her. She did not attend any social gatherings in school, and she did not entertain any suitors or flirt gents. She imprisoned herself for four years in Moscow and that was never easy.

                “Happy Graduation to us She!!!” Emma screamed in all happiness.

                “Happy Graduation to us.” She said in a lenient voice.

That was the day when she felt that sweet fruit of her hard labor. Emma was so happy for her and she was so proud being her friend because She made it to the top among their fellow graduates. She was recognized as the summa c*m laude of their batch. Her friend was so proud and happy for her, but her heart was in deep pain during that day. One good thing about it was the fact that she knew how to kill her own self. She knew that she will never deserve any kind of happiness.

After that day, Emma went to Barcelona for a teaching job offered to her from the most renown Art University. While, She got a good job in Moscow. She worked hard in there for five years which made her acquire lots of investment. Then after that long years of stay in Moscow she went back home due to her grandma’s death. That was the day when she was reunited to her family after nine long years. She felt that it was great to be back in her hometown and this made her built the C.O.C which is her own company. Everything went well until the time when her sister Jamie talked to her. Jamie went to her place that night and asked for the things that she didn’t expect.

                “Dad decided to settle down to Switzerland for good.” Jamie stated in a clear and firm voice.

She remained quiet and sipped her wine. Jamie was looking at her decisively.

                “I came here to tell you that we agreed to sell Dad’s company to your C.O.C.”

She was surprised by this and she had a lot of questions that she would like to ask her but she knew she wouldn’t care for that. She was so confused and she wanted to know why they would sell the company.

                “If you will not be interested in buying that, then we would offer the company to the rest of the stakeholder, and don’t worry you will get your share there in monetary. We tried to offer it to you first because you have your share and besides your still our kin.”

The last three words strikes her heart causing the wound to bleed again after so many years. She’s still their kin. This sounded like no matter how they wanted to disgrace her from them but still she’s carrying their surnames and this the only thing that connects them. That was too painful and that was something to bear that they can never forgive her.

                “What’s the term?” she asked casually. She needed to manage herself even though she felt like she wanted to scream and cry.

                “If you will buy the company, your share will still be yours; I and Arthur agreed to sell all our shares but Dad will only sell half of his share, so it means that since Dad has 40% share only the half of it will be sold and he will still be part of the board for she still has the remaining half of it.”

                “Ok then. I’ll buy it.”

                “Ok great. We will prepare the needed documents and will just inform you when it’s done.” After this, Jamie stood up and bid her goodbye. 

She was left in pronounced heartache. She can sense that her sister was so disgusted by her presence and that she just did that for the reason that her father can never bear to see her. It was too long ago when she did that mistake and yet until that very day her family could never stand her presence, they hated her and they will be like this until the end of times. She knew that she doesn’t deserve this but she cannot blame them for she caused them these haunting pain.

                That day was casual and unusual day for them. She was with her siblings and her father along with their company’s lawyers. They met each other but it was pure business; after explaining the terms they proceeded to the signing of their Deed of Sale. Right after the short meeting Jamie and her father bid their goodbyes and left the conference room. Arthur stood up and stopped right in front of her. She looked at him and just waited for him to speak if ever he will.

                “Arthur come on.”

It was Jamie, she went back to call her brother and so he hurriedly went out the room. That day was the fourth times that her father killed her again. That was also the same day she died. She died emotionally making her numb for she hated herself more and she discerned the truth that she deserved to live like this for the rest of her f*****g life.

                Thursday morning, the day after she bought their company, she received that unexpected phone call.

                “Yes, hello.” She asked in her typical business tone.

                “Hi, its Arthur. Would you mind if I asked you for a lunch today?”

She was not expecting this and this was the day she prayed for.

                “Of course. Where?” she replied in a well-composed voice.

                “Italiani Restaurant at 11:30 this morning.”

                “I’ll be there.” Then the other line cut the call.

The time was 10:20 in the morning, she hurriedly packed her things and went off.

                She was just on time to their lunch date. She asked the waiter for the reservation and he ushered her to the table where the man was patiently waiting. When he saw her, she smiled and waited for her to join him. They ordered their lunch and the waiter left to get their chosen menu.

                “How are you She?” her brother asked.

                “I’m fine. You?”

                “I have my wife now and three kids. Sons and daughter. I’m managing my own company in Australia.”

                “That’s good to hear.”

                “You? How are you doing now?” his voice was concern.

She felt that her tears can burst out any moment now, but this should not happen. She pinched her arm to stop her tears from coming out. Then she replied in her relax tone.

                “I’m doing fine. Still trying to live life.”

                “That’s good to hear from you She.”

She smiled and sipped the wine that the waiter served them, and her brother started to eat the food that was placed on their table.

                “We will leave later this evening. Jamie is off to London and Dads to Switzerland.”

She couldn’t find any words to say, so she just nodded and continue eating her food. All the time they were so quiet; that was too awkward but at least she was there sharing her lunch with her brother. When they’re done they walked together towards the restaurant’s parking.

                “Goodbye She. Take care.”

                “Goodbye Arthur and have a safe trip.”

After saying these they went off to their own cars. That lunch was special for her, it was the kind of lunch she would want to have and though the conversation was short still that would be enough.

                “Welcome Ms. Evans!” the group of gorgeous usherettes met her and gave her bouquet of red roses. She handed it to Charlotte as she walks confidently. She kept looking around her and she can still remember everything about the place. This was the place of her childhood when her mom brought them here while waiting for their Dad to finish his work then all of them would eat together in a fine restaurant. Now she’s back here not as the little girl and the daughter of the owner but as the new C.E.O. of Evan’s Realty Corporation. The employees were all happy to see her and they were all welcoming her to the company. The company’s hall was filled of its people and other stake holders, and just like the other gatherings she attended there were no media allowed just the people of the company.

                “Ladies and Gentlemen our new Chief Executive Officer Ms. She Evans.”

Sounding claps were heard as she walked towards the stage. She stood firm in front of the podium and started to give her short speech.

                “Good morning to one and all. It is my honor and pleasure to sit as your new C.E.O., and with that I just want to let you know that just like the company’s motto: A home for everybody, rest assured that we will stand firmly on this motto as we offer only the best and affordable home to every family in Patterson. I am hoping for our success. Thank you and Have a Great day” 

Charlotte raised the wine glass and proposed a toast to all. People started to have the prepared lunch for them, and She went out the hall immediately to avoid photo opportunities.

The glass was empty of espresso and this made her go back to her present time. Now she was thinking about her Dad. Will she be killed again for the fifth time? She rejected the thoughts and decided to have another espresso for take-out.  The time was 5:30 in the afternoon and she made up her mind to go back to her office and finish her work. She needed to sign some important documents so it’s a must to come back. She sometimes sleeps at her office in times that she needs to work on urgent and important matters, and especially now that her Dad is here she should do things properly and that she should not give him reasons to say that she can never be the CEO of two companies. This time it’s not about pleasing him but to prove him that she changed a lot. She’s not the same She whom he knew. She is now the C.E.O. of her very own Courageous One Company and her acquired Evans Home Corporation.