The Power of Beauty

Chapter 2

We left early this morning, and as soon as I got into the car, I continued my interrupted sleep. I would wake up occasionally due to the occasional jostling of the car over the rocky road and the narrow exit. Given how exhausted I was and the events from last night, I eventually fell into a deep slumber.

“Ma’am Myrthel.” I stirred from the tapping on my arm, slightly turning and leaning against the car window.

“We’re almost there,” Tina said. I immediately opened my eyes. I yawned and covered my mouth with my left palm. I could already see the many vehicles and smoking buildings in the surroundings. We were already in Manila. We had left Arberia at three in the morning with my co-models, manager, and production staff.

We didn’t even get a chance to explore and make the most of our stay there. I didn’t even get to swim in the sea due to the endless shoots. I knew we went there mainly for the scenic views, so I had no choice but to follow their wishes.

During our three-day stay there, I realized the contrast between the province and Manila. Now that we're back in Manila, I find myself missing that place. I hope I get to visit it again.

It was my first time visiting such places, so I can’t help but feel a longing to return. I looked up and noticed it was getting warm outside. Our journey had taken a few hours due to the distance.

“What time is it, Tina?” I asked softly.

“It’s ten o’clock, Ma’am.” I nodded while still looking out the window. I was already planning what to do once we arrived when I suddenly noticed something and asked Tina.

“Where are the other co-models and staff? Where did they go?” With so many things on my mind earlier, I just realized that it was only Tina, Manong, and me left in the car.

“Oh, they got dropped off earlier and have other important appointments, so it’s just the two of us left here,” she explained. I turned to her and asked further.

“Where’s Madam?” I squinted my eyes because, for the first time, I hadn’t seen her with us.

“Uh, she took another vehicle” Tina said. I squinted even more and simply nodded.

“Ma’am, we’re here.” Both Tina and I looked towards Manong.

I took a deep breath and got out of the car. Manong immediately went to the back to unload our luggage.

“Please take it inside, Manong,” I said. He nodded and was accompanied by Tina inside. I looked around the village where I live and didn’t notice anything unusual. Maybe it was just my imagination, so I shrugged it off.

As I turned to enter, I glanced behind me again.

One step and I felt something again; I was nervous and slowly looked back when suddenly someone appeared in front of me.

“Charaaaannnnn—” I punched his arm in surprise.

“You jerk! What are you doing here?” I hit him again in irritation. He just used his arms to block my blows while laughing.

“Chill, sweetie.” I stopped hitting him and gave him a disapproving look. I crossed my arms in front of him.

“Don’t you miss me, sweetie?” he pouted.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

“You’re so grouchy.” He ruffled my hair and pinched my cheeks. I slapped his hand, causing him to wince.

“Okay, serious now.” I raised an eyebrow again.

“Tomorrow night is Clarence’s birthday, right?” he said with a smile, his index fingers touching each other as if he were a child.

“Stop making that face, Jerome and just tell me why you’re here.” I insisted, wanting to rest and sleep. Maybe I still had jetlag. I think my sleep wasn’t enough, or maybe I just overworked myself.

“I’m coming along,” he said, sounding like a child.

“Okay? It’s definitely allowed.” I laughed because it was obvious he could come since he was also a friend of Clarence.

“No, Clarence thought you wouldn’t come, so he didn’t let me attend his birthday until I brought you along.” I burst into laughter at his explanation. I didn’t expect this. Usually, my promises don’t come through, especially with my hectic work schedule. Maybe I should take a leave; it wouldn’t be a big loss if I just rested for a few months. After all, there are plenty of people who can replace me, and I’m sure there’s something to return to. I’ll try to make it up to my parents as well.

“Okay, okay, fine. I’ll definitely attend because they expect me to be there.” I smiled at him and was about to leave when he hugged me.

“I missed you, my sweetie.” I let him hug me for a few seconds before breaking free, though he held on tighter.

“What’s with you, Jerome? Let me go, I can’t breathe.” He let me go immediately and patted my back.

“Seriously, I’m not a kid anymore.” I was about to leave when he added.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow night. Don’t bother Manong with dropping you off; he might stay up all night.” He’s more concerned about Manong than me. I just rolled my eyes at him and nodded.

“Fine, fine.” He agreed and left.

I went straight to the living room and drank some cold water. I opened the fridge to check if there was any leftover food. I prepared something to eat while searching for Tina, but she was nowhere to be found. I picked up my phone and dialed Tina’s number.

After a few rings, she answered. “Have you gone home?”

“Yes, Ma’am. Manong said I should leave,” she said.

“Why? Did something come up?” I asked as I took a bite of my food, waiting for her response.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am. I just wanted to visit Mama and Papa. Is that forbidden? I’ll come back if needed.” I felt sorry for her, knowing she had been working for me for months without a break due to my constant need for her.

“No, it’s okay. There’s still a long time before the next shoot, right?” It’s fine; it’s better for Tina to get some rest once in a while.

“Yes, Ma’am. I’ll come back when it’s closer to the date, don’t worry,” she said cheerfully with a hint of a smile. You don’t have to come back early because I’ll definitely take a leave.

“No problem, Tina. I’ll call you when I need you,” I said and drank some water.

“Thank you, Ma’am!” I frowned again at how she addressed me. We’re the same age, and I know she respects me because I’m her employer.

“Next time, Tina you can call me by my name,” I reminded her. I can’t handle this.

“Ah, okay Ma’am—Myrthel,” she said, and I ended the call. I stood up and went to the sink to clean up my dishes since I was alone. I can handle this, lol, it’s just like this.

I wiped my hands with a towel and went to my room to rest for a few hours. I needed to save my energy for tomorrow. Surely, it would be a big night for me.

In the middle of my deep sleep, I suddenly woke up.

“s**t!” I slapped my forehead a few times before grabbing my keys.

“I forgot to buy a gift, damn!” I didn’t even change; I was still in the same faded jeans and t-shirt I wore before leaving Arberia.

“Manong, can you take me to the mall?” I interrupted him. Damn, Myrthel, you’re really forgetful. I should have asked earlier. My mind was always occupied, making me forget things.

I scolded myself until we reached the mall.

“I’m just buying a gift, Manong. You can wait here,” I said, trying to hide my face with my cap as I headed inside.

I went around the store several times, unable to decide. My eyes landed on some watches. No, I’m sure Clarence already has plenty of those.

I glanced at the branded t-shirts and stopped in front of them. I didn’t know what to choose and what would suit his taste. I kept moving the shirts around to examine each one.

I couldn’t decide. I should have brought Jerome along. Duh! I have no idea about men’s clothing.

“Looking for a t-shirt?” I stopped my thoughts when a deep voice spoke from my side.

“Uh—yes,” I said, lowering my cap further to avoid being recognized.

“For a man?” I rolled my eyes; it was obvious it was for a man.

“Yeah, I can’t choose, so I’m stuck—” Before I could finish, he spoke again.

“Pick the black one.” He pointed to one in the middle. I noticed his tattooed arm. I looked at him for a moment, then at the t-shirt he indicated.

“Thank—” I was about to thank him when he quickly walked away. The guy was fast. Or maybe I just imagined it? Lol, probably.

“Miss, this one,” I called to the sales lady, who then handed me the t-shirt. I paid for it and headed back outside, clutching the paper bag tightly.

“Manong, let’s go,” I said. Manong immediately stood up and opened the car door for me.

With the paper bag in hand, I went straight to my room. I didn’t have time to wrap it, so I left it in the paper bag. What mattered was that I had a gift. I flopped onto my bed and, within minutes, was drifting off again. I didn't realize how much time had passed until my stomach growled. I groggily walked to the kitchen to prepare something to eat. I turned on the TV while eating and saw a news segment about myself and my fellow models. Although I’m not an international model, I’m well-known here in the Philippines, and that’s what my parents wanted for me.

After eating, I went back to sleep again. This was probably the longest sleep I’ve had in ages. I chuckled to myself and shook my head. At around six in the morning, I woke up and decided to go for a jog, a rare activity due to my busy schedule. After eating breakfast, I began preparing my outfit for the evening.

I must have dozed off again, as several knocks on my bedroom door woke me up.

“Sweety!!” I grabbed a pillow and covered my ears to try and block out the noise. Damn!

“Sweety!!”

“Sweety!!” I could no longer resist and opened the door, nearly causing the knocker to lose balance. I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Why are you here again? Can’t you see I’m resting?” I crossed my arms in front of me, glaring at him.

“Do you know what time it is, Sweety?” I glanced out the window and noticed it was already dark. s**t!

I pushed him aside and headed to the bathroom to shower and get ready.

“See? If I hadn’t shown up, you might have missed the event. Tsk, tsk, tsk,” he taunted.

Fine! If only I could rewind time, I’d take longer to get dressed. Of course, I’m late because I’m exhausted. But he might have a point.