Chapter 9: He's actually far off from my ideal type

L A I L A



"Ms Condes, what was it that made you want to be a writer?" Lola asked. She's conducting an interview about me and if it wasn't for all that had happened I wouldn't agree to it.

I asked Clarisse for help with the whole issue with Jeremy not to make it worst. I almost killed her and Henry for creating another thing that will make people talk more about me.

I had no idea what Henry was thinking blurting out something like him liking me and actually doing crazy things Clarisse thinks of.

"To be honest, I wasn't a writer at first but I had a rough life and had experience things. I guess it is one of the reasons I pursue writing is that I wanted to live in a totally different world where things get wonderful. I always wanted to put beautiful dreams for a lot of people that is why I want to create a different world for them. Giving them a hope that things will get better."

"That is true. Your works do seem to be a bit of reality and fantasy. Maybe that is why everyone is so addicted. Anyway, aside from writing you also do modelling?" she seem surprised about the last part that which sounded more like a question rather than a statement.

I chuckle at her confused look together with her cameraman. "About the modelling, I had no choice about that. Henry put me through it as he was directing a music video a few years back. The model that was supposed to do the shot and acting didn't show up and I was there with him helping with the storyline he got that stupid idea that I do it instead since I have experience back in college. Then after that all of a sudden I got calls that they needed me for some modelling. You can blame Henry for all that."

We all shared a good laugh.

"I must admit you look like a real model. We can hardly recognize you here. People may see it all the time and not know it is you." Lola stated.

"Yes but I don't take it seriously."

Lola's eyes suddenly lit up, she gave me this weird look as if she just notice something I didn't.

"You say Henry was the one to put you in modelling. You have known each other for so long and there was this last event where he confess to liking you. So is it true you guys are officially dating?" of course one way or the other the subject will be brought up.

"Henry and I have known each other since college and worked on so many projects together. We helped each other out. I've always lent a hand whenever he needs me and he'll do the same for me I guess. He hadn't said anything to me personally and I know that he did that because of a dare our friend made him do thinking it would help me with some issues." there was dissatisfaction look on her upon hearing my answer.

"So is it Jeremy Malarkey then? There were photos of you two together and one where you came out of his office. I've been on a watch looking for hot gossip like this from Mr Malarkey but he had kept such a low profile you'll get bored of him. There were few flings but you'll almost never hear it."

So there was someone else he held hands with. Someone he put his attention to. Someone else he liked. Thinking of another girl with him made my heart ache. Why? You are in no position to be hurt. Not after what he did. Especially not after what you did.

"But when you came, Mr Malarkey was on the front page for the first time with a girl by his side. Are guys secret lovers? I won't put this on the interview if you like." she looks really curious about my relationship with Jer.

Think Laila, think. You need a good answer to this one that will make all those issues he made to a stop.

"I will admit I know Mr Malarkey, his mother had shown support in my works and I'm proud to say she is a fan of mine. But sorry to say, I have no relationship whatsoever with Mr Malarkey. We both attend the same university but he is such a high rank than me. To tell you a secret," I playfully gestured for her to clean closer and in a whisper, I said, "He's actually far off from my ideal type."

Lola and I laugh so hard at my last statement. I know she can tell that I wouldn't tell any more stuff related to that issue and I'm glad she finally wrap up our interview.

"So I'm guessing your name will be off the news now," Tina said as she came inside my waiting room with an Iced coffee in one hand.

I took the coffee and drink it to finally ease my beating heart which I doubt it will do.

"Mrs Malarkey called again, asking if you can have dinner with them. I already told them I'll check with your schedule if you'll have time." I just let out a deep breath as my response.

Tina knew already that I don't want to do anything with any member of the Malarkey family though she still is clueless about my past with them.

After my meeting with Jeremy's mother, she keeps on calling me from time to time like she used to even send food not only for me but for everyone in the office. It is like she's courting me for her son.

Jeremy on the other hand made sure that the story of us keeps floating around until Henry's big reveal that it finally stop. He still keeps on sending me flowers that I'm starting to wait for it every morning which is a bad thing.

"This is the reason I never wanted to reveal my identity back then. Neither did I want to take the spotlight because I know things like this will happen. There will always be something bad that people will perceive." I complained to Tina.

"Well, that is how this industry works. You have to be tough to fight through everything. And I suggest whatever you have going on with the Malarkey family will end with just the mother being your fan nothing else." Tina goes into full mom mode again. She only used that tone of voice every time she feels like I'm about to go into ruins.

My phone rang startling both of us.

"What?" I hissed and though she can't see me I know I'm making a really annoyed face of mine. My eyebrows almost touch each other as my lips pout.

"You didn't forget about today's show right?"

Shoot. I did forget. I bit my lower lip as I got up from my sit and collected my things. Tina raised an eyebrow at me.

"I'm actually on my way." I immediately hung up not waiting for her response. "Sorry, Tina I forgot about Clarisse's show today. She's launching her new collection and wants me to be there."

"Go, but remember you have to be here early tomorrow. It's your first book signing and I want things to go without a hitch. The lead actors will also attend to boost promotion". Tina reminded me. I wave goodbye and hurriedly went out of the building.

My right foot kept tapping on the ground as I wait for a cab. I kept glancing at my watch hoping time would just freeze because I know Clarise took it seriously whenever I don't go to her fashion shows. Who knows what she'll make me do with that guilt she has over me?

The last time she made me go on different dates all because I overslept and didn't attend the show.

Minutes passed and a cab finally arrived. It took me twenty minutes to get to the place and luckily this time she chose to stay in the city for the venue as her brand is making a tie-up with one of the local stores.

"What the hell are you wearing? You're in a fashion show and everyone here knows we are friends so what do you think they will say about me? Not dressing you up!" She was literally fuming and I can almost see smoke coming out her nose.

I didn't actually have the intention of coming in here so I only wore a blue blazer over a white blouse and a high waist shorts.

Calm down, calm down

I'm already used to this side of Clarisse, she goes into war-freak mode whenever her show will start. She's just anxious for it to do well.

Knowing she can't do anything about what I'm wearing she just rolled her eyes at me before stomping off going around checking everything. She's putting a lot more force than have to do things she touches that she almost ruined a piece which I find funny.

I look over at one of the mirrors, what I'm wearing is not that bad and it's not like I'll be the one walking on the catwalk. I didn't even go to the entrance so no one will actually know I'm here not until the end.

Five minutes before the show, I help around checking other details and making sure that the models are ready to go out.

"Laila, I need your help. Can you clear your schedule on Saturday next week?" It sounded more like a command rather than a request.

Without even thinking I just agreed that I didn't even see the devilish smile Clarisse had on her face.