Beautiful Lifetime

C H A P T E R O N E

Here's a toast for a wonderful negotiation, may our relationship with you all be stronger than ever." Said my mom as we raise our glass for a toast then drink the contents.

"And now for the celebrant's speech." My mom looked at me and handed me the microphone.

As I looked at everybody I began to raise the microphone and place it in front of my mouth.

"Wow. Gee thanks mom." I paused and looked at her. "I just wanted to say thank you to all of you that attended my birthday. Today is a very special day to me since now I am off to the real world. That's all I can say for myself. Now I want to thank you all for trusting my parents and our business. Without you all, we are nothing. To my mom and dad, thank you for making this happen with the help of my friends. Thank you all. Now, let's stop this dramatic speech and get on with the party!!!!!" as I said the last sentence people cheered.

'Business should always be involved', like my mom said. Business was never out of their sight. They include business as much as possible, them being well-known all over the world but mostly here in the Philippines.

Now that I'm 18 years old, my future is already set unlike others. Having Business man and woman as parents? You don't actually know what they have decided without your permission.

You might think, this is some crappy arranged marriage kind of story. Well maybe, maybe not. We'll never know what holds the future.

As people are partying at the dance hall, I went to the balcony and sit at the coffee table. I looked at the sky.

"The moon is shining. Wind is whistling. Trees are swaying.

And here I am finding a reason for my living

I never knew this would happen, but it did

Finding purpose in life was harder than thinking."

After everything I said I took out my small notepad and write it down.

People not just know my parent for being a successful business man and woman, they also know me as a famous author. I mostly write tragic love stories. Because to be honest, I don't believe in happy endings. There's the word itself, "end" so happiness will end not last.

"You know, I am so lucky to have a talented best friend." Someone said in the back. I turn around and found my best friend/cousin. Ellie.

"How long have you been in there?" I asked.

"Long enough to hear your wonderful poem. Why don't you put it in your novel?" she asked me back.

"I am planning to put it in my novel." I chuckled. " Oh." That's all she said.

Me and my cousin, we're inseparable. Where ever I goes, she goes and vice versa.

"By the way, why are you here? Don't you want to celebrate and party with your friends there?" she asked.

"Meh.. partying is really not my thing you know." I answered. " Come on Chloe! It's your party! Why waste your time here?" she asked.

" Ellie, you know me too well. I don't like parties. Everything that I have said earlier were genuine. But I really don't like grand parties." I said.

"there! You said it! You don't like 'GRAND' parties. But your enjoying in other people's party. Come on, just imagine that this party is not yours. Okay? " she smiled as she reach out her arms for me to grab.

I smiled and held her hand as we go back to the party and enjoy the rest of the night.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHLOE!!!!!" everyone yelled as the beat hypes up.

After this, everything will be different now.

----------------------------------------

My birthday party ended a week ago and everybody are back to their normal self. Even me. Back to my work being a secretary to my family's company and back to being an author.

I took a bath and wear my normal office clothes and went down to join breakfast with mom and dad.

" Good morning mom, dad." I said as I sit with them at the dining table.

"Good morning anak " my parents greeted me back.

"So dad, mom. Later at 8:30 you have a meeting with mr. Zhu about the possibilities of having them as a partner of Stellar Co. then at 1:00 pm you have a meeting with the Zamoras for the outreach program that'll happen next week," I pause as I looked at my phone and checked if there's any more schedule

"And your last meeting will be 2:45 pm with Mary Jane Tang from M.J.T. Flower Co. for the event that'll happen after the outreach next week. And the rest will be announced tomorrow since 2:45 is the last meeting." I said.

"Okay anak noted." Mom said.

"Also, dad is there anything you want me to do later in the office?" I asked.

"You need to re highlight some other files and some needs to be revised. Our client needs to be pleased with it. And, you're the one that's going to present next month for the new investors. I'm saying this to you early because I want you to be ready." Dad said.

"Noted dad." I smiled. They smiled back.

" My gosh, our unica hija is all grown up. Last time I remember you crying because you don't understand why the roses you took died the week after you took it." Mom chuckled.

My dad laughed so hard as if it was just yesterday. But since it's indeed funny I laugh along. We finished breakfast and now went to the car. We only use one car. Besides, we only have one destination. Though we have cars on our own, we want to be in one car as much as possible. Y'know, family quality time.

We use a gps so that we know where to go the shortest way possible to our company building.

Thirty minutes after, we have arrived. And as we arrived people greets us with much respect and to be honest I'm getting a little shy about it. But yeah, we greet them back good morning with warm smiles.

Here in our company, we respect them as much as they respect us equally. This is why our company is successful. Here in Stellar Publication Co., we don't degrade employees. Instead, we cheer them up and give them right amount of work load so that they won't be too tired when they go home.

As we go to our own offices we start doing our jobs.

Re-highlight here, re-highlight there. Revise here, revise there. And starting to make the business presentation.

"Good Morning Ms. Stellar!" I looked to my office door and found Ellaine holding two cups of caramel Frappuccino.

"Good Morning!!!!" I smiled at her before I went back to my own work.

Ellaine put one Frappuccino in my desk before she went to her own desk.

"So is there anything I can do to help you?" she asked.

"Hmmm. For now there's none. But later at break you're coming with me.

"Yay! Errands!!" she shouted excitedly. She always loves to run errands with me.

"But first you need to finish half of your work. Mr. Stellar put some of the paper works to you. You only need to check it then highlight it. And some needs to be revised. The clients aren't happy about the last proposal. Thank you." I smiled.

She drank half of her Frappuccino then shouted, "LET'S DO THIS!!!!" then we both laugh.

After 3 and a half hours of re-highlighting and revising, it's time for our break. Me and Ellaine went out and go to my favorite café.

We ordered our usual orders and went to my favorite spot. But it turns out someone is sitting in it.

"Hey Ellaine, let's find other seats. This one's taken." I said "But this is our favorite spot." She complained and she went our favorite spot.

"Hey mister, your sitting in our spot." She said.

The man turned his head towards us as I pulled Ellaine. "Sorry, I'm really sorry." I apologized to the man with sparky hazel brown eyes.

His eyes widen and stand up.

"You're C.M. Stellar... You're Chloe Stellar!"

Definition:

Anak- my child

Unica hija- only child (women)

"You're C.M. Stellar... You're Chloe Stellar!" the man said.

I looked at him confused. Have we met before?

"Ethan Drake Vandross, from Vandross studios. I have heard so much about you and your work Ms. Stellar. I must say, I am a huge fan of your work." He said as he held out his hands for me to shake.

I shake his hands. "So, can we sit? Or not?" Ellaine said. I nudge her to keep quiet. " Oh yes. Have a seat please." Ethan said. "Thank God!" Ellaine dramatically said. "I am really sorry for my 'associate' here who is acting very unpolite." I said as I glare at Ellaine playfully. She stick her tongue out at me before eating her food.

"So, this is your favourite spot?" Ethan asked. "Oh yes. In this very spot right here I can think peacefully. Inspirations are coming out to me all at once and I need to focus for it to write it down for my novel." I said.

"How about you? You have favourite spot in a café?" I asked. He chuckled. " I don't have favourite spots, at least not yet," he paused.

"I just got here in the Philippines a month ago. For work purposes." He said.

"Ooh what's your profession?" Ellaine ask. Ethan looks at her and smiled. "I work as a director from my parents company in the U.S. and now I am here to have negotiation with Stellar Publication Co. to make each Vandross Studios and Stellar Publication Co. a sister company. You know, the more connections, the better." He said.

" Oh really?" I asked. "Yes. But sadly the company haven't called me yet." He said with seriousness written all over his face. " If it's okay with you, may I see the email you sent to the company?" I asked.

He nods and bring his phone out and showed me the email.

"Ooooh I see the problem here." I said. "You emailed it to the old company email." I said. I pulled out my phone and dial something.

"You know too much about Stellar Publication Co." Ethan said with great admiration. "Let's just say, I know them too well." I said. And the phone answer.

"Yes hello Stacie. I would like you to tell the CEO that there will be an urgent meeting. Make it after lunch break.." I said and ended the phone call.

I looked at my time and it's almost 12:30. "Come on let's go. Ethan you'll come with us." I said we stand up and leave the café. While walking I said. " the company building is only 5 minutes walk from the café so it shouldn't be that long." I explained. "So, how come you know the Stellar Co. that well?" He asked

We had a moment of silence as we reach the building and we went straight to the elevator.

"You'll see." I said as I pushed the floor number 15. As the elevator door opens, we went straight to my dad's office.

And there I see my mom and dad watching a movie together.

"Oh anak! You're here!" mom said as I went close to her and kiss her cheek.

I went close to dad and kiss his cheek. "Dad," I said as I went back to where Ethan is standing.

"I would like you to meet Mr. Ethan Drake Vandross, from Vandross Studios in the U.S. and he's here to have negotiation with you." I said as I lead Ethan to a table in front of dad.

"I'll go get you guys some coffee." Mom said then walked to the coffee maker.

"So, Mr. Vandross from the Vandross Studios. What exactly is the reason for your visit here in our company?" dad ask.

" Well since your company is a book publication company, and our company is a film making studio, maybe there's a way to make each other, sister company." Ethan said as he handed dad the proposal.

"Our company is one of the most famous Studios in the US and to some other countries. And yours is too." Ethan continued.

" Hmmm. How much will our shares be?" dad asked.

"Well sir it depends. If you would like to be only a part of the company, the shares will be 10/90 and vice versa. But when it comes to a sister company negotiation, the stakes are high. Let's say, 30/70 and vice versa? We'll have 30% shares from your company, and you'll have 30% from ours. It's a win-win situation, sir. Not only both of our companies will rise more than ever, it'll also gain more popularity. Not just here in your country, but also in the U.S." Ethan smiled.

"Here are your coffees." Mom said as she came back holding two coffee. " Awe why don't we get a coffee?" Ellaine complained.

"Because your old enough to make your own coffee and I only do coffee for the CEO and to one guest." Mom said with sas.

Ellaine huffed and move closer to me. "Now I know where your sassiness came from." She mumbled to me and I just shrugged.

Dad took a sip to his coffee.

"How can we assure that your company will never betray us?' dad asked. I looked at them as calmly as ever since dad has been always asking these kind of questions to other companies proposal. While Ellaine here, looking all nervous because of my dad's stern voice. After many years of her working here in the company, and her being dad's niece, she never get used to dad's stern voice.

"I knew you were going to ask that. Don't worry sir, our company never made any scandal just to have more power. We assure you that our company is much nicer and better to negotiate with." He confidently smiled.

I looked into his eyes, he looked so familiar. He got this very familiar hazel brown eyes.

I only focused on his face when were already talking to my dad.

"Well, let me think about it. My daughter here is just going to call you for another meeting. If there will be any. " dad said as he stand up and shake hands with Ethan.

"I sure hope so sir." He smiled.

I kissed my mom and dad goodbye and the three of us went out of their office.

And we went straight to my office which is also in the same floor as them.

"This is my office. Please make yourself comfortable." I said as I guide him to the sofa.

"Hmmm not bad." Ethan said as he look around the room.

"Uhhhh thanks. Now about what you said earlier. You wanted to talk about something?" I asked.

"Wha- oh yes. About your wonderful work. I am impressed about your work. Though may I ask why does it always end in tragic endings?" Ethan asked. So he's been reading my books. I thought he only read one.

"Uhm well, I don't believe in happy endings." I said as I go to the coffee maker and make myself some coffee.

"Oh and why is that?" He asked. "Soon. I can't tell you the reason yet but, soon." I said and he nodded with satisfaction.

"So my favourite story that you have written is 'Once In A Lifetime'. And I'm want your permission for me to turn it into a wonderful animation." Ethan said.

"Hmm, what are my perks?" I asked. "Well, when the movie was made, it will be premiered and you will be more famous than ever. Think about this. Hollywood will know you for your wonderful work. Also me. And not just that. Both profits of the book and the movie will rise." He said.

I stared at him for exactly a minute.

"I'm in." I smiled.

"Well," he paused and stand up and held out his hands.

"It's nice to negotiate with you ms. Stellar." He smiled.

His smile...... is also familiar.

I stood up and shook his hands and smiled.

"My pleasure." I said as I guide him out of my office.

"You know the way out?" I asked. He turn around and smiled, "I think I got it. Thank you ms. Stellar. Oh" he said as he pulled something out of his pocket.

"Here's my business card. We'll be in touch." He said and walked towards the hallway.

"See you again Ms. Stellar." He smiled as he hopped in the elevator before it closed.

I went back to my office and sat on my chair. He really looked familiar. I don't know why but he is.

I continued working. Re highlighting and revising. Same goes Ellaine.

Hours later, it's already in the evening. And probably mom and dad already went home.

"Hey Chloe, it's getting late. Wanna go home together?" Ellaine asked. I look outside and saw that yeah it's indeed getting late, but city lights shine so it's not that hard to see.

"You go ahead I'm still going somewhere." I said "Oh okay. Take care though." she said as she head out of the building door.

"I will." I whispered.

as I went out of the building I noticed some people are enjoying parks and such.

I went to the park and sit on a bench.

Then I saw a teen age girl crying. She has this beautiful brown hair with big curls.

I went to her and handed her a handkerchief.

"You okay.?" I ask. She didn't answer but she took the handkerchief.

As I thought. I rubbed her back with one of my hand to calm her down a bit from crying. I kneel in front of her and lift up her face and wiped her tears. Her eyes, are full of sorrow and mystery.

"It's okay, I'm here. You can tell me your problem." I said as I keep rubbing her back to ease her.

But instead of her calming down, she wailed much more. I tensed up and hug her and keep rubbing her back for comfort.

"What happen here?" someone said from afar. I turned my head to the right and saw Ethan.

"This girl is crying and I tried to ask her what's wrong but instead she cried even more." I said as I keep rubbing her back and still hugging her.

Then suddenly a not so heavy weight weigh down on me and the girl quiets down.

"Shoot she fainted." Ethan said. I tried to carry the girl but Ethan moved me aside and he's the one who carries her.

"Get my keys from my pocket. my car's over there." Ethan said as he went towards his car after I took the keys and unlocked it.

I open the car door so that Ethan can lay the girl in the car seat. I went to the passenger's seat as Ethan went to the driver's seat and we drove off to the hospital.

I looked at the girl behind and she is still unconscious.

" Ethan we need to hurry." I told him. every minute I am getting worried for the girl.

Ethan opened his hazard light and keep honking the horn so that everybody can understand that this is an emergency.

Few minutes passed and we have reached the hospital. Ethan carries the girl in the emergency and I follow them.

A few seconds later, Ethan came out of the E.R. and sat beside me.

"who's that girl?" asked Ethan.

"I don't know, but I saw her crying in the bench so I went to comfort her." I muttered than only Ethan can hear.

Then my phone rings.

"Hello?" I asked. "Hey it's getting late. You should go home now." Ellaine said on the other line.

"Oh I'll be home late. I'll tell you later." I saide as I ended the call.

"My cousin called me saying it's already late at night." I explained to Ethan.

He nodded.

The emergency room door opened and the doctor came out.

"The girl is fine now. She fainted cause she's been crying since this afternoon."

The doctor said.

Oh. That's why.

"Why is she crying?" I asked.

The doctor sighs, "Well, her mother has been here since yesterday because she's been awfully sick. The girl is the only one that takes care ofher mother, " The doctor paused.

"Then earlier this morning the girl ran through the information desk to get help. Many nurses and doctors went to the room where her mother is. Then it was announced dead after 10 minutes of checking her." the doctor explained.

I was shocked because at such a young age she suffered through all this things.

"Just come by tomorrow to check on her. The nurses will take care of her."

As much as I wanted to stay, I can't. It's full of patients at this time of the month.

Me and Ethan went out of the hospital.

"Good thing we took her here as fast as we could." He said.

"Yeah." I said.

"Let me give you a ride home." Ethan said.

I accept his offer and really did gave me a ride home.

*/sighs

This day isn't boring alright.

C. F. M N E M O S Y N E