Deception

Chapter 9

    Kris Morgan studied Fine Arts at the University for the Visual Artisans in Hosefa City, the place where she grew up. Though full of potential and talent, she was a shy girl when she first entered the university. College was supposed to be fun and exciting, parties and booze; but because of her introverted nature, she rarely went out.

    It was on the last year of college that she met Eliza. She remembered being dazzled by Eli’s composed and level-headed nature. In Kris’ view, Eli was not shy but not outgoing either. And because they share the same passion for arts, they soon became the best of friends.

    They kept their friendship even after graduation and they decided to move to another thriving town, Sta. Maria. From then on, they were part of each other’s lives. Gradually, Kris’ shy nature was replaced by confidence because of Eli’s influence. The shy Kris no longer existed and what replaced her was a bubbly and driven woman. This made opportunities knock on her door. 

    However, with all the success, Kris started to notice the change in her friendship with Eli.

    “What do you mean the Lapis Corporation contacted you?” Kris asked in bewilderment.

    “Well, that’s it. They wanted to include me in the team that will be working on an exclusive nine-month project. Isn’t it great?”

    “Yeah. But I thought… Never mind. So, where will the project be?” Kris asked. She was confused because she was called back for the contract signing but then the company retracted it yesterday, apologizing, because she wasn’t the one that they were looking for. And now she knew why.

    “I am so excited! It will be…” Eli replied in excitement.

    But her reply was deafened in Kris’ ears. What the hell, she thought. That nine-month project was also Kris’ target. Even though she had some ongoing assignments, she submitted her portfolio a month ago because it was one of her dreams—to work in such a prestige company. She just didn’t know that Eli was also pining for the same job.

    “Well congratulations, Eli!” she couldn’t help feeling bad about not having the project for herself, but she was proud that Eli did it.

    Kris knew in her heart that Eli had a more unique art style than hers. Though Eli majored in interior design, she could easily outrank any fine arts major. That was how excellent Eli was. And that was also why Kris’ heart broke; realizing that the Lapis Corporation incident was not a fluke. It was actually a start of many projects that should have been hers but only remain as that—‘should have been’.

     “Oh my gosh Kris! I was asked by our Alma matter to be the guest speaker for the graduation.”

    “Don’t be surprised but I got in!”

    “Kris, I’ve got to tell you this big news. The board of the Paints Co. wanted me handle their upcoming event.”

    “They called me back and said that they want me in the team!”

    “I can’t believe they accepted my painting. It will be displayed during the Artiste Gala! Can you imagine it?”

    No. Kris could not imagine it. She could not imagine that almost all the places that she aspired to do her projects, turned her down. It bothered Kris that whenever she was about to sign the contracts, she would later get calls that withdraw them.

    Kris was not short of projects, but the thing was, so was Eli. So why would Eli bother to apply for all the places that she applied to? Eli was aware of her brilliance and that she would immediately get any job she wanted. So why wouldn’t she give a chance for Kris? Instead of stepping aside or supporting Kris, Eli would rather apply too and happily talk about them later.

    Kris considered cutting ties with Eli, but only ended up with a heated confrontation. They made up after and it surprisingly turned out well for them.

    Also, Kris decided that if she could not be accepted in several projects, then she would create projects of her own.

    “When are you going to tell me about this? This is huge Kris!” Eli exclaimed.

    “It was a surprise to everyone. You’re actually the first one to know that I registered a company under my name. I need human resource first, and then the projects and logistics would follow,” Kris explained.

    “Wow. Just wow… I don’t know what to say. I guess congratulations?” Eli said in a way that excitement was laced with uncertainty. But Kris accepted her greetings because she could see the sincerity in Eli’s eyes when she congratulated her.

    Kris thought that Eli’s competitiveness against her would stop after that and after  Eli became one of the chief executives of the Lapis Corp.— no time to build her own company, then. But Eli’s insecurity shifted towards their personal lives.

    “Eli, this is Alan Cortes, my boyfriend,” Kris introduced.

    “Boyfriend? But I thought you’ve only known each other for weeks?” Eli asked in confusion.

    “Actually, we’ve been getting to know each other for months now. And I’m glad Kris agreed for us to try an exclusive relationship,” Alan clarified while gazing lovingly at Kris.

    The week after that, Kris should have guessed that the next event was bound to happen.

    “And since when did you meet this Jairus guy?” Kris asked skeptically.

    “I met him a month ago actually, because of some business. Then last week, I saw him again and finally, I had the courage to ask him for coffee,” Eli casually narrated.

    “Last week?”

    “Yeah. Last week.”

    The same week that Kris introduced her boyfriend, she thought. “You know Eli, I get this weird feeling that you’re seeing this as a competition. Don’t get me wrong, ok? I don’t want you to feel pressured to have a boyfriend just because I have one.”

    “It’s just the timing, Kris. Swear, I don’t feel pressured or anything. I honestly like the guy and I hope it works out for us, just like how it worked out for you and Alan.”

    Kris didn’t ponder more meaning to Eli’s sudden decision to dive into a relationship. After all, no real harm was done to her. Months passed, and she sought for a nutrition expert. Because of the stress brought by the company, she hadn’t been eating right and lost so much weight.

    That was when she met Lee and became friends in an instant. However, Eli demanded more attention from Lee after the two were introduced. It was clear that Lee was more comfortable with Eli in just several days of acquaintanceship. Kris wondered if she should feel insecure about this, but immediately scolded herself. Kris thought that she should be happy that her best friend was branching out especially after the fresh break-up with Jairus. Also, Kris supported Eli’s friendship with Lee after the Diabetes diagnosis several months later.

    Then one day, all the resentment that Kris harbored, in which she thought were already gone, came back with retribution.

    “What do you mean you got back with Jairus? I just saw you last week with someone else. And don’t get me started with the guy you were kissing at the party the other day,” Kris reprimanded.

    “Please don’t yell. I’m having a massive hang over.”

    “I’m not yelling, Eli. But I demand answers. Imagine my surprise when Jairus called me this morning saying that you hadn’t been answering any of his calls. When did you and Jairus got back together?”

    “Two, three weeks ago, I think.”

    “Are you in an open relationship now?”

    “What? No.”

    “Eli, we both know you went home with some guy last night. If I had known that you had a boyfriend, I wouldn’t have let you… Arghh!” she sighed in    frustration.

    “It was a mistake, Kris.”

    “Mistakes, with an ‘s’. This cheating has been going on since last week! If you won’t tell Jairus, then I will,” Kris threatened.

    “Who do you think you are? Don’t you dare mind my business,” Eli warned.

    “Or what, Eli?”

    “Or I’ll steal your happiness again.”

    Kris’ eyes were wide as she heard Eli’s admission.

    “Yes, I sabotaged your early career. And I will have to do it again if you meddle with me and Jai.”

    “I can’t believe you! You were my best friend, Eli!”

    “But you weren’t supposed to prosper Kris. You were supposed to be my shadow, that’s why we were best friends.”

    “Oh god. You’re lying! You were kind Eli, I just know it. What the hell happened to you? You almost ruined me. But I can’t let you ruin someone else, Eli. I’m sorry, but I have to tell Jairus,” Kris said.

    “Go ahead then. You wouldn’t like the consequences.” she challenged.

    “Someday, I’ll have my revenge for all the pain you caused me. Remember that.”

    A week later, Eliza Sarmiento was found dead in her own bathroom.