The Curse Of The Evil Queen

I know a lot has happened in the past few days, but work won't understand that. Based on experience as well. The industry would continue without me. That is the real-life in this industry. You have to be the monster or it will eat you up. Everyone is struggling, but your clients won't care. 

The most important thing that I'm sacrificing fir today is my time. Being with Danica who is sleeping around in our apartment. I can actually just ask Danica to run errands for me, but I need to it myself. 

I remembered that I need to call my financial adviser and my agent about the money coming into me and into my accounts. 

It's a usual go-see. We were asked to sit in monoblock chairs as we wait for the call in a bare room with the clients and their judges. After calling my agent, I almost forgot that this is for a local brand. Aish! My thoughts are getting mixed up now. 

"What should I do? Should I save the digits?"

"No, please. This is just a temporary number. Sorry. Uh, can I have the number of Mr. Garcia as well?" I said after explaining to my agent about my weird sudden change of phone. 

There were familiar faces near me. While on my phone, I noticed how the other models were looking at my side every minute. I get that maybe they have a prejudice against me for being a model of a famous and prestigious agency. 

I took a deep breath. I honestly think it's better if I socialize, so their negative prejudices of me will go out, but I'm really kind of busy. The fashion show will include big local artists and the models will only serve as backgrounds. The offer is huge, that's what my agent said and maybe because of my credentials as well. 

"Celestina Reyes," A sudden voice called me even though I'm still far away from the line. 

"I took a glance over the entrance but I found no one. 

"Umm, Sir, sorry to interrupt.," I said to the financial adviser. 

"Oh. Sure. Sure. No problem, Are you busy?" 

"Yeah, I'm in the middle of an audition. Are you in Makati? Can we just meet instead? I think I can squeeze in a lunch meeting with you. But, If you're not fine with it, then it's alright."

"Sure, where?"

I smiled widely, hearing what the person I'm talking to answered. 

"I'll text you the details. Thank you so much!" 

"You're welcome!"

Keeping my phone, I walked towards the room when someone called me again. It was a bare black room with some cameras, lights, and green background. The one who was watching us in the owner of the local brand, some renowned actress ambassador,  big model stars, and the creative staff. Miss Anicca Lopez was there, and she greeted me merrily. 

I know those people. The owner as well because my Mom knows her. The renowned actress stood up and greeted me. 

"You're just on time hija!" It was an old woman's voice that greeted me. 

An old lady came to kiss me. I awkwardly smiled back. Even though she was smiling, I was feeling in doubt. She looks unpleased in my eyes. Maybe because of her eyebrows and eyes. Her pointed nose and curvy lips told me that she was once a gorgeous lady when she was my age. She's still more elegant and beautiful than anyone her age. 

"How are you hija! Do you still know me?!"

"Of course, Miss Anicca." I smiled and nodded, hugging her back. 

"What about the other things, were you informed?" 

I don't know how to react. I don't know what to do actually. I only know that this was offered to me, so I did come.

I smiled and shook my head, chuckling to lighten up the atmosphere. I kissed the owner, as well, and hug some family friends in the crowds. The owner, jokingly, slapped my arm. He's a chubby middle aged man who's wearing an all gray attire,

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Your Mom is cruel! She should have come in here with you! Oh, by the way, when did you get back here in the Philippines?"

"Last last week, Auntie," I smiled as we walked towards the huge sofa in the living room. 

I am wearing a white floral dress partnering it with strappy sandals. My hair is down. I tried to hide my fast-beating heart by smiling. 

"It's been a long time since I last met you. It's been what? Four or five years? But then, look at you now!"  She chuckled and looked at me from head to toe. 

"You slightly resemble your Mother now. Except that your eyes are not…" Her face distorted. "As chinky as I remember. Well, I know that those physical features do change over time."

"I hope you're not that tired yet,"

I nodded and smiled at her. 

"If your agent didn't call us, then we wouldn't know you are waiting outside! You should have just come here directly."

I laughed and smiled widely at what she said.

"No, It's okay, Auntie. I'm always prepared for the waiting. It's part of my day."

The owner laughed at what I said. Moments after, I was introduced to a male actor who was staring at me awhile ago. He became a household name. I don't watch TV, especially our local shows but these names are hard to ignore when they are at the top in their fields.

"Celestina, have you met Harry Legaspi before?"

The man, probably in his late twenties, stood up and held out a hand. He's a bit taller than me and I can see why everyone is talking about him. He's good looking and charming – that means he's pleasing to the eye… nice to look at… friendly to look at.

"Actually, no. But I've heard of him. Of course. I'm Celestina, by the way."

"Harry. Nice to meet you. I'm actually a fan of you. I'm following all your social media accounts.

"Really?" I'm quite shocked at what he said. "I didn't know, I'm sorry. I'll check it later."

"That's okay," he said charmingly.

"Oh, the Chemistry! That's good!"

~~

"You know what darling, you should meet one of my business partners. I heard that he's still single. Maybe you can talk to him, and who knows? He might like you!"

"I'm not interested with it, Auntie. And also I just came here for vacation. After maybe a month or two, I'll return to New York again." I chuckled and leaned on my side. 

A maid went to our side, giving us some teas to drink with. I smiled and said my thank you. I remember that I had a plan to go to Nana's house tomorrow. And maybe stay in there for a few days or weeks. 

"Auntie, I'll go out for a few weeks," 

"Do you want me to accompany you, dear? Or I can call our driver to drive you on where do you want to go."

"It's fine, Auntie," I smiled and closed my eyes. 

It was still early in the morning and we still haven't eaten any breakfast. Thinking about what to do with my free time later. I should go and visit Danica in our apartment later. I already talked to her yesterday, Nodding, I let out a yawn and opened my eyes.

~~

I'm busy packing my clothes when I hear a knock on the door. I get up from where I was seated and take a look at who's knocking.

Ohh! It's the thing that I bought online. I'm planning on giving this to Nana and her family once I go back to their province. Maybe after a few weeks. What good timing, I guess.

I quickly opened the package and see if my orders are complete. When I saw that it's complete, I put it in the new suitcase that I just bought yesterday at the mall.

I'm excited to see Nana's reaction again. I giggled at that thought.

I'm thinking of not bringing too many clothes. I can always buy in the Mall since the apartment is in the city part of the country. It's also less hassle for me since I'm going alone. I'm excited and at the same time nervous. I really don't allow myself to travel alone. I'm accompanied by bodyguards every time since there are a lot of people who already know me.

When I saw that it's okay and I did not forget anything I finally go out to our Mansion and waited for the driver that Auntie Ray has given me.

I saw two people waiting for me. I give them my suitcases and talk to them.

"Hi! Can we go to some local restaurants here? I'm just going to buy some food. Can you wait for me for about 30 minutes?" I asked them cautiously.

They look at each other for a while before answering me

"Sure miss, there's a nearby restaurant around here, We'll take you there first.. "I smiled back at them before turning my back to enter the car.