Memories Brings Back You
Jeanne stared at Anne coldly. So she is the So-Called Ms. Stewart or Artistry Fashion. So, he also changed her workplace, huh?
"Ms Stewart, you have waited long, I believe?" said Aaron, breaking the silence.
"No, not really, Sir" replied Anne quickly with a friendly tone as she turned away her eyes from Jeanne.
Jeanne was silent in front of the door. Memories with Anne flashed in front of her eyes..
Anne was a good girl. They have been best friends since high schools. They attended the same fashion college. They even work at the same workplace. But, things turned upside down when Anne's attitude towards Jeanne changed due to Jeanne's continuous achievement. She felt that she also worked as hard as Jeanne did but she never got that kind of recognition. Then, one by one tragedy happened to Jeanne. Andy, who was Jeanne's best friend since forever was..
"Jeanne, make us some tea and join the discussion" Jeanne flashback stopped at the call of Aaron.
"Sure," Jeanne quickly went to the pantry and prepared the tea. Her eyes started to shed tears in the memory of Anne. She felt so angry that she could only shed tears. But, she wiped her tears quickly and gave the tea to everyone and took a seat beside Aaron.
"What do you think of these?" Said Aaron while showin Anne the summer collection design papers.
Anne look at it thoroughly and answered
"I think the color is not attractive. It's summer and we would want some bright, happy color. Plus the design seemed not convincing."
At first sight, all the drawing looks beautiful but at second thought of it, not everyone would buy a black collection in the middle of summer.
Aaron seemed to be thinking a while.
"Hmm, I get what you mean. Can you do something about it?" asked Aaron while indicating Anne to assist Jeanne with the apparatus.
"I will try" replied Anne shortly. She took the apparatus, new paper and color pencil and started drawing. First up, the mini dress. She's always a big fan of mini dress.
Jeanne started to design the mini dress. It was a yellow and white stripe with a medium sized strap. it depicts a bubbly vibe. Jeanne then did the final touch and
"I'm done" Jeanne broke the silence after 15 minutes.
Aaron, who is beside her, seemed quite impressed with Jeanne. He put a simple smile with a sign of proud.
On the other hand, Anne started to show an annoying face.
"I think this does not match our theme" said Anne to Aaron. Unfortunately, Aaron thought the vice versa.
"No, I personally think this is perfect. Our theme is "Forever Young". So, we needed some vibrant colours" explained Aaron, long.
Anne did not seem to agree with Aaron's opinion. Jeanne just remained silent.
"I've spent a lot of time doing all these sketches for the project. Don't tell me these will go down to the drain just like that" replied Anne with frustration and disappointment tone. Aaron detected that vibe in her voice.
"If that is for the better, why not? Well you choose," said Aaron.
Anne thought for a moment.
"This project is huge for our company. This will turn the table for us who are in the middle of a crisis company. I hope you understand. If you did not accept my sketches, then my company will be gone" replied Anne sadly.
"No, I think Jeanne can help you to improve the design. The designs actually, it's quite ok. But it lacks the midas touch. I believe Jeanne can help you with that. What say you Jeanne?" asked Aaron.
"I'm okay with anything," replied Jeanne short.
"Then, I believe we have a deal Ms. Stewart. Jeanne will be acting on my part and you will be assisting her. The collection show will be in three months time right?" said Aaron.
"Yes" replied Anne. with a jealousy rightly shown in her face.
Damn you, Jeanne. Why is it always you?!
Anne shakes hands with Aaron and Jeanne.
"You can start your work tomorrow. I will ask the secretary to prepare a room for your team" said Aaron.
They had a coffee chat for a while and then Anne left.
Jeanne and Aaron looked at each other.
"I'm so very impressed with your drawing. Did you learn designing?" ask Aaron out of curiosity.
"Yes, I went to the same college with her" replied Jeanne feelingless.
Aaron sensed a feeling of discomfort around Jeanne.
"Oh really, why did I not know that? No wonder you are so talented" asked Aaron.
Jeanne smirked while looking at Aaron. Aaron must have never read her resume that she gave. Jeanne looked at the floor sadly after that.
"Did something happen between you two? Hmm?" asked Aaron caringly while holding Jeanne's sweating hands.
Jeanne cannot think correctly when she remembered how humiliated she was before because of Anne. She fists her hands and starts crying heavily. Aaron was shocked seeing Jeanne and hugged her to console her.
"Okay, okay. You don't have to tell me now. Calm yourself first" said Aaron while patting her softly on the back.
Jeanne cried as much as she could on Aaron's shoulder. Teardrops soaked Aaron's shirts.
After a moment, Jeanne seemed calmed. She took the handkerchief passed by Aaron and started the story.
"I was fired from her company before. I was humiliated in front of everyone when she called me a whore because she claimed that I stole her boyfriend which was mine since forever" explained Jeanne.
Aaron just listened silently.
Jeanne then silent. She did not want to share the whole story as she did not want to be seen as someone who would talk about someone at the back.
Aaron seemed to understand.
"Then, will you be comfortable working with her?" asked Aaron caringly.
Jeanne thought for a moment. She indeed really loves designing clothes. Her passion for designing was a lot more than her passion to work as PA even though the PA job scope is more lighter.
"I can do it, but.. " replied Jeanne stutterly.
"If you don't like her, I can fire her" replied Aaron firmly, cutting Jeanne's sentence.
Jeanne thought again to arrange her words.
"I cannot really work with her, but when I heard that the company might go bankrupt, I think I needed to put that aside. A lot of my friends are breadwinners. If the company winds up, then what happens to them" explain Jeanne long.
Aaron listened carefully.
"I will do it" Jeanne decided.
Aaron smiled. That's my girl. Jeanne also smiled. Finally, she can again do what she likes the most. She looked at Aaron with fond eyes, holding his hands and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. Aaron looked giddy with Jeanne's action.
Jeanne then looked at her watch.
"Oh my.. it's past five already!" said Jeanne.
Aaron also take a look on his watch and said to Jeanne
"You may dismiss. Harry is waiting for you in the lobby with your car. I have to finish something" said Aaron.
Jeanne just followed. She took the cups during their discussion and took them to the pantry. She then washed the cup and wiped it to put on the cabinet.
Aaron came behind her back and gave a backhug. His hand lingers on Jeanne's waist. He gave a light kiss on Jeanne's shoulder.
"I'll miss you, you know" said Aaron with a sad tone.
Jeanne chuckled. She finishes her chores and looks at Aaron. Aaron loosen the hug a little. They now faced each other with a hug.
Jeanne corrected Aaron's hair and tie while looking at him dearly. She realized that she somehow loves this man in front of him but she just cannot get over the love of her lifetime, Andy yet. With her heart not fully not Aaron, she did not want to play and toy Aaron just to forget Andy. Let it come naturally.
"It's not that I'll be gone forever" said Jeanne seductively.
Aaron cannot seem to cope with Jeanne's touch. He tried to reach Jeanne's lips but was rejected by Jeanne.
Jeanne just laughed at Aaron's naughtiness. This man cannot be triggered at all! hahaha! Aaron smiled shyly, feeling embarrassed with his kiddo attitude. He patted his hair on the back and looked down on the floor.
"I said, I will give you more. But, I will decide the time" said Jeanne while smiling. She loosened the hug and went to pack up her things.
"I'll go first. Goodbye, Aaron"
Jeanne finally heads back to her home. Arriving at her home, Jeanned found Ma was happy gardening.
"Hello, happy lady!" said Jeanne from the garage.
Her mother then realized the small figure is finally home.
"My baby, you're back! I missed you!" said Jeanne's mother happily. They hugged each other before starting walking.
"What are you planting?" asked Jeanne.
"Just some random veggies. Go wash up yourself first. I'll cook something for you" replied Ma while wrapping up her gardening.
Jeanne just followed. Today is quite tiring, huh. She went to her room and took heartiful wash up. Then, she wore a jean, a collared shirt and a cap before going down.
"Come, let's eat" Ma said to Jeanne when seeing her at the stairs.
Jeanne took a seat and ate whole heartedly. Ma's cooking is never that delicious! Ma's looking proud seeing Jeanne's eating so much.
"I'm taking a cooking lesson now," said Ma.
Jeanne shook. No wonder she's improving quite a lot.
Jeanne lifted a thumbs up as her mouth was busy eating.
Ma chuckled at Jeanne's reaction.
After a moment, Jeanne finished eating.
"Thank you, Ma. That was delicious. I have to go now" said Jeanne while giving a kiss on her Ma's forehead before heading to her car.
Ma just nodded and accompanied Jeanne to the car. They waved goodbye at each other.
Yes! Finally! My jackpot!, Jeanne cried silently in her heart. She kind of loves to work as an e hailing driver as it gave her opportunities to meet new people and gave different challenges.
She then put on the mask and opened the app before leaving her house compound.
She opened new hits songs in the car to raise the mood. Sometimes, she sang and whistled together. Hmm, it's been a while without a passenger. She looked at the watch. It's 8 already.
Soon, the app gave a sound sign of people coming in. Finally!
Jeanne quickly accepted the request and headed towards the passengers.
Phew, first passenger done! Jeanne then wandered around to wait for the new passenger.
It was not until a moment later that she received a new request.
Request after request, finally it's past 12. Jeanne was about to head home but another request came in. She was quite hesitant to take the request because it's quite late but she just took it, pushing away all the negative feelings.
She then arrived at a bar with a man waiting on the side road. Jeanne seems to recognize the man but with his messy shirt and hair, there's not much guess Jeanne can do.
The man walked towards Jeanne's car.
Upon entering the car, the man smelled stink with alcohol. Jeanne tried to cover up her impression.
"Morning, Sir," said Jeanne, as usual to her passengers.
He did not reply. Jeanne then headed directly to the destination.
"Jeanne.." said the man slowly.
Wait! She recognized the voice! Jeanne corrected the mirror and caught Andy's eyes.
It's Andy!
Jeanne was filled with emotions. She tried to control it as much as she could. Jeanne appeared unreacted to the man.
The man then said nothing. He just slept at the back. Soon after that,
"We've arrived," said Jeanne.
But, the man did not move. Jeanne turned her body to the back and said to Andy clearly.
"Sir, we have arrived"
Andy seems to have woken up from his sleep. He tried to get out of the car with his drunk state and he can't seem to even stand up. Jeanne pitied the man. She went outside of the car and helped Andy with her small figure. Andy, who is as small as him, luckily did turn down the help and just followed Jeanne's lead.
Jeanne opened the gate and the door of Andy's home.
How she misses to spend her time here. This home doesn't look like what it used to be before. Andy is an organized person but seeing dishes were not done, junk foods was everywhere in front of the tv, smells of old rotten foods, this house has turned upside down!
Jeanne doesnt let old memories blur her sight. She quickly steps up to the bedroom with Andy's head on her shoulder and forces himself to walk.
Upon reaching the bedroom, Jeanne just let Andy go on the bed. She is too tired to put Andy gracefully.
"My money," said Jeanne, firmly.
Andy did not reply back. He just pointed to his jean's pocket.
Jeanne, who was always desperate about money, quickly reached the pocket as she did not want to spend a long time here.
However, things did not go in the favour of Jeanne.
Bam!!
Andy suddenly pushes Jeanne's body into the bed. Jeanne tried to wake up but Andy was already crushing her with his body.
Jeanne struggled to let herself go but Andy was quick to hold her two hands. Jeanne then tried to kick Andy's private with her legs and she did it. She directly woke up from the bed when Andy was touching his private part.
Jeannwe quickly reached the door. Seeing Jeanne trying to escape, Andy's adrenaline seemed to jump out high. He reached Jeanne's body roughly and threw her to the bed again.
Jeanne cried out due to the pain but still struggled to let herself out. She foresees Andy trying to do something bad to her.
"No, please let me go, please!" cried Jeanne with all her might.
Andy, who was under alcohol influence, does not seem to bother with Jeanne's beg. Jeanne was soaked with tears and Andy seemed to be acting like an animal. She struggled more and more and it pissed Andy off.
With a final blow slap on Jeanne's face, all went blank.