UMBRELLA IN THE RAIN

CHAPTER THREE – WIPE YOUR TEARS

A wine bar at Quezon City

Sheila and Tisha were seated at the front of the bar counter while the bartender give their wine ordered. They were regular customers at this place.

Sheila received a call and when check its Mr. Kim, the CEO and owner of KNJ and her brother in law. And took the call.

"Yes, Hello"

"Sheila, I already spoke to Bianca." Mr. Kim said with a sigh

"And?"

"She was crying and explain to me what happen earlier, and.."

"Wait, did you watched the news?" as Sheila asked him

"There is a video that was viral right now on what happen this afternoon, so I think you need check that one first for further instructions." she was concerned.

Mr. Kim open the television and he was on right timing as the reporter were airing the viral video.

"I will call you back once I check this to her. And by the way..."

" If we are going to continue the commercial to launch right now, our brand is at stake Sir!" Sheila reminding her brother in law.

" I know! Let me discuss this to her Father first. Bye!" Mr. Kim end the call

Sheila end the call and Tisha smiles a bit

"Cheers!" Tisha said and they were smiling while drinking.

Sheila POV

Bianca was known as have a prima-donna attitude. She has a short tempered and wanted everyone to please her. And based on my other friend that is working to AD agency if there is someone that she doesn’t like she will everything in her power to fire the person.

That is why I asked Tisha prior the said schedule to have some camera on some parts near to the makeup room. Because I will never allow that happen on my own team.

To my surprised, Tisha told me that Jenny known Bianca since Middle School and seems that she is not happy seeing her. That means Jenny is Bianca's target and I messaged Tisha to send me any updates just in case.

When Tisha saw that Jenny stumbled and all the clothes were on the floor and Bianca was shouting in anger.

After the event, when Bianca leave and Jenny was at the restroom. Tisha asked the staff to get the camera that was near to the scene and get it.

Bianca call me, she was shouting at me and telling me to fire Jenny. Because of what she did, and she will be called Mr. Kim and complain what happen and reminder me that Mr. Kim and her dad was close.

As we expected.

When Tisha came to my office, we watched the video and save it to USB.

I texted my friend in one of the famous Broadcasting Company. And told her that I have a big scoop. We are friends since our College days that is why I trusted her.

I don't know how she post if first to the internet, and then after that she reported it to the evening news.

And the some of her previous staff also started to come out and interviewed on she was so mean to them.

Pak!

Bianca's father slapped her, and while she was crying and mom was trying to protect her.

" You were always giving us problems to this family!" her father shouts due to frustration

"Your stupid video were all over the places right now! And I also received a call to your Manager that they were trying to stop and take care the situation, because once the Ad agency you were working at Paris found out. You were done, no one will hire you as a model." her Father sit down and so upset.

" How will I face Mr. Kim after this incident!!!.You were a disgrace to this family!"

"I know you can fix this... Honey? right?" her mother asked her husband.

" Pack her things and leave tonight! Haist! why did I have a dumb daughter!!"

Bianca was still crying.

"Jenny, you will never get away from this!" Bianca was clenching her teeth in anger.

8:30 pm at KNJ

Jenny was at the main lobby leaving the office. And saw Nathan again waiting for her in his car, and look at her and open the passenger car door.

"What else do you want from me this time?" Jenny look at him and seems irritated

"Get in the car, I will tell you why."

Jenny looks at him that seems serious, and decided to get in the car, close the car door and put her seatbelt.

Nathan started to drove the car.

After few minutes, Nathan was still silent. And Jenny looking at him to ask

"There is a viral video right now about the model named Bianca, go and check it out." Nathan told her and still looking at the road

Jenny decided to open her cellphone she was so busy that she didn't even check her phone, and found out that there is so many missed calls from Rose and Nathan.

She was shocked as she saw the video of her and Bianca. And try to watch some of the other videos with others staff of her before as well.

Nathan saw Jenny's knees with some small scratches.

after 20 minutes they were at the convenience store

Nathan bought the food, while Jenny was seated on the table and watching the news from her phone. He also bought betadine and band aid as well.

He sits at the chair beside Jenny and try to put some betadine and band aid as well. That is the only time that Jenny realized that she has it and she is also confused on why acted like that today.

" Thanks! " she smiled

" Let's eat I'm hungry. " Nathan started to eat.

" I'm still wondering who took that video and how did the press find out about it?" while she's chewing the food.

Nathan still eating his ramen.

He gives Jenny a ride he stops the car at the front of her house.

"Thanks for the ride! And sorry for bother you."

"Ms. Sheila asked me to make sure that you come home safe because of the viral video." He said and still serious.

"Oh I see... Sorry taking so much of your time." Jenny went outside the car

"Bye!" she waves and went inside.

While Nathan staring at her went inside the house before he started the engine.

Nathan arrived at his house tired and saw his Dad at the living room again.

"Can you explain this to me." Mr., Kim throws the picture to the center table and Nathan came near and saw it. It' him and Jenny eating at the convenience store.

"Aunt Sheila told me to make sure that Jenny was safe, because she already knew that Bianca will do this. This is the true personality of the lady you wanted me to marry? Are you still wanted me to marry her?" Mr. Kim clear his throat and leave.

Nathan sigh, and get the pictures and went to his room.

Bianca receives a call and she was at the airport right now.

"Did you make sure that Mr. Kim received it? Okay that is great I will send you the money." Bianca end the call.

She was so furious as she saw Jenny with Nathan together, she hired that person and  send her a soft copy of the pictures through her phone

"Why you were always on my way... now she's flirting Nathan? " Bianca was gritting her teeth in anger.

She has no choice she needs to leave for the Fashion week and to subside the scandal as well.

Jenny were home and she told Rose what happen than make her shocked and furious at the same time.

"Don't she ever let me see her, or else I'll make sure that I will all of her hair until she gets bald!"

Rose hugs her.

"Don't you ever let others belittle you, Jenny. But I'm happy as well that beside me there is also other people trying to protect as well. "

Jenny nods and teary eyed.

After Rose as her best friend she doesn’t trust others. She always watched her words and action to others because in the end they might use it against her.

After few months.

Jenny's come back again to her usual routine. And she was curious as Nathan avoiding him in the past few months. But she doesn’t mind since she was a very busy.

They haven't received any updates at Bianca if comes back or not yet.

One morning...

"Good Morning Mr. Kim!"

All the brand managers were shocked as this is so sudden.

"Where is Ms. Sheila's office?"

"This way Sir." Bobby one of the brand manager lead the way. While Tisha is worried at Sheila.

Bobby knocked at Sheila's office and opened it.

"Ms. Sheila, Mr. Kim is looking for you."

Sheila stand up and give her chair to the CEO and he seated.

"Bobby asked Rica to prepare tea."

"Okay Mam." Bobby leaves.

After almost 30 minutes Mr. Kim open the door and went out. He was looking to all staff assigned on this floor.

"Jenny?"

"Yes Mam!" Jenny went near her

"Scan this and then send to me the soft copies and file it after okay?"

"Yes Ma'm"

"Thanks! Jenny."

And she immediate went to the photocopier. Mr. Kim as still staring at her. And the he looked to the glass room where he can saw Nathan from afar and he was busy typing.

Mr. Kim looked at Sheila again and then leaves.

"Thank you for visiting us Mr. Kim." Bobby said with smile.

"Haist! such an attention seeker..." Tisha was glaring at him.

5:15 pm

Everyone was preparing to leave the office. Ms Sheila went to Jenny's workstation.

"Jenny, please stay a bit"

"I have a dinner meeting and I need to you to come with me."

Jenny was confused since Rica is her Admin Assistant and why she needs to be there. She texted Rica.

" I don't know either." Jenny saw the reply

Ms. Sheila and Jenny was already in the car on the way to the meeting.

"Mr. Kim told me to bring you for this meeting." Ms. Sheila was serious and looking on the road.

"May I ask why? Did I do something wrong?"

Ms Sheila shook her head.

"This is about the incident happen with Bianca. Do you still remember?"

She nods and seems worried

"Don't worry I will be there, if there is something that you can't answer just look at me okay?"

After 15 minutes, they arrived at one of the finest hotels.

And entered at the elevator and Jenny started to get nervous.

"Just relax, I will be here."

Jenny deep sigh and getting anxious

They already entered the private room and Jenny saw a familiar face, a face they she doesn't want to meet again.

"Oh! my Jenny, Good to see you again." Bianca's stand up and hug Jenny with a fake smile.

Jenny was silent and didn't return the hug.

"Sit down here next to me" as Bianca's mother insisted and Ms. Sheila sit next to Jenny while observing her reactions

"Good Evening!" she bowed first before she seated on the table.

"I think we need to eat first?" Mrs. Kim looks at Bianca's mother and they agreed.

"Bianca told me that you were working at KNJ right now?" Bianca's mother talk to her while eating.

Jenny nods a bit.

"You know Jenny was Bianca's best friend when they were in the Middle School?"

"Oh really..." Mrs. Kim looks at Jenny and smile

"And when her parents died due to car accident their friends started to fall apart. She has a very tough time. I'm sorry for you lost Jenny." Bianca's mother holds her hand and you can see on her eyes that it was so fake

Jenny started to remove her hand and looked at Ms. Sheila.

"We came here because Mr. Kim told us that Bianca will apologize to her." she said and looked at Bianca's mother.

"She was still at Paris, because she was so busy with her scheduled. That is why can't be here but let me call her okay." Bianca's mother glares at Ms. Sheila, and seems annoyed

"Hello Bianca? I'm with Mr. and Mrs. Kim right now, and with Jenny?" Bianca's mother explaining to Bianca

"Since you mention to me that you wanted to apologized to Jenny that is why we are here for this dinner. I will put you on loud speaker okay?" it seems she was reminding her daughter what she needs to do.

Bianca seems did not hear clearly what her mother says because she was at the middle of her makeup

"Why would I apologize with that bastard!!!" All of them were shocked and Bianca's mother were shocked as well so she turns off the loud speaker.

"What is wrong with you dear? Her schedule was packed right now maybe she was tired?" explaining to all of the and since Jenny was near to Bianca's mother, she can hear that Bianca was shouting and cursing her.

Jenny stand up.

"My apologies but I should go now, this is a family gathering and I don't want to spoil the evening. I'm sorry!" Jenny bows a bit for respect and Ms. Sheila stand up as well.

Mr. Kim was staring at both of them while leaving.

As they entered the elevator, Jenny was tearing up and her knees were weak and shaking. And Ms. Sheila hugs her.

"I'm so sorry... for letting you come here." she was worried.

Jenny started to cry.

As the elevator opens, Tisha was already there waiting at them.

15 minutes later

They were at the small bar, Tisha ordered beer and food as well since Jenny didn't eat properly.

"The food will not go to your stomach by just staring at it." Tisha looking at her and then drank the beer.

Jenny look down

"That woman has a very bad personality! Haist... I wish I can slap her just once... a very hard slap." Tisha was in verge of her anger.

"After what she did, it is end of Bianca as part of Kim's family." Sheila smiles and drink her beer.

Tisha looked at Sheila.

"She was in arranged marriage at Mr. Kim's one and only son." Sheila looked at her and then started to eat as well.

"Huh! That's the end of her dream. Hahahaha" Tisha was smiling

"Jenny, sorry that I allow you to enter the den of lions, I have no choice... But Mr. Kim told me that Bianca's parents keep telling them about you. And Bianca told him to fire you as well before she leaves for Paris." Sheila explaining

"What the F@ck!" Tisha shout a bit.

"She will never let me live in peace... That is why I wanted to have a life away at her. All I wanted is a quiet life." she started to tear up again.

Tisha hugs her.

"As long as we are here, she will never do that to you okay?" Tisha looks at Sheila.

"Are you drunk already? You started to get so loud?" Sheila was in disbelief.

"Who the hell! I don't care about them..." Tisha shouts!

After an hour

They were all at the front of Tisha's condo unit and she was so drunk and she can't even work properly.

"I ask you to come to comfort Jenny not making yourself a mess Haist!" Sheila and Jenny holding her and Sheila put the password to the door so that it will open.

Once they already in, they put her on the sofa and Jenny and Sheila were all exhausted and catching their breath.

They took her shoes.

"Don't she ever let me see her face again....or else..." Tisha still loud

"Shut up! Go to sleep!" Sheila shouts a bit.

"Sorry! Sorry.. I will sleep now.. Good night!"

After few minutes Tisha were sleeping and Sheila went to the kitchen and get some water so that she and Jenny can drink.

"Don't tell to others how noisy she was when she is drunk. She will get mad at you." reminding her

"So many things happening to me. Ms. Sheila, I don't have any time for that."

"Good!"

Jenny wanted to ask her

"We were best friends since Middle School as well, Tisha came from not so well-off family but I was so jealous of her, having a happy and supported family beside her. I'm always at her house and they considered me as their part of the family. One day she started to avoid me, even to school and I really don't know why. I found out that there is a gossip all over our classmates that the reason why she keeps me as friend because I'm rich. That even my parents talk to her at school without me knowing and told her to stay away from me." Sheila drink the water again

"She never did that, and she never even allow me to buy her anything besides from the ice cream that we eat after leaving the school." she started to tear up since she remembers.

" I talked to my parents and get mad at them by confronting her without even asking me first. Of course, we are just teenagers how can she say or explain her side...She is the only friend that I trusted. And I will never let go that friendship so I try many ways so that she will trust in me again."

Jenny smiles as she remembers her best friend Rose

"It's late now we better go; I will drive you home." she stands up and Jenny follows.

Jenny insisted to Sheila just drive her up to the convenience store

"Thank you for the ride. Ms. Sheila!"

"Okay!" she stared the engine and leave

As she enters the convenience store

"What are you doing here?" Jenny was in shocked as he saw Nathan bought some ramen and hotdog sandwich

" What should I suppose to do here? And as you can see here?" he's pointing out his tray with food

"But your home is far from here. there were so many convenience stores near to your house why here?" Jenny looks at him while he went to the table and seat.

"I like it here, why is it bad to come here?" He started to open the soft drinks in can.

Jenny started to leave when Nathan hold her arm to stop her.

"Since you were here, can you stay a bit. Just let me finish eating it's lonely eating alone." Nathan smiles like he was being cute.

Jenny sit down at the chair in front of Nathan, and he was smiling while eating.

"The ramen here was so good, and the sandwich. that is why I really to come here."

"Do you know that eating too much ramen is not good for your health? " she explains to him

"Knock knock.... hello?Let me remind you just in case you forgot that you also have options to eat on a fine dining restaurant since you have money, or ask your maid to prepare you a delicious meal, a proper dinner meal." Jenny trying to let him know that she was aware that he come from a well-off family.

"I'd rather eat ramen every day or for the rest of my life rather than eating dinner at home." Nathan answers as he slurps the ramen.

Jenny look at him and remembers what happen a while ago, and looking at him reminds him what her Dad says, that the money can’t make you happy.

And then they saw from the glass wall that they were sitting in, the rain started to pour.