Shuffle Playlist: Helium by Sia.
Tia sighed and picked up a glass of juice to sip. ''What about yesterday? Did you notice any changes since being with him the whole day?''
''Mm! The timer moved forward by three months.'' Sabrina smiled.
''Three months were added to your life?''
''Yes! Darling, I don't think it's fair to continue clinging on to him. He doesn't seem to like me. Since I want to take part in the movie he is producing, I should create distance between us.''
''But…''
"No buts! Let's leave the rest to fate. Who knows? Maybe I might meet another man who can save me.'' Sabrina forced a smile. Her phone vibrated and she stood up.
''Enjoy your breakfast. I'm going to the bookstore to get some books.''
''Are you going alone?'' Tia asked.
''Yes, stay home and get some rest You've been running around for a few days now.''
''Darling, I didn't know you cared about me so much?''
''Tsk! Now you know.'' Sabrina laughed and went to her room.
While eating, Tia picked her phone and started going through her contacts.
...
The Grey café/bookstore.
Sabrina walked into the café/bookstore after parking her car. She made sure to cover her face with her green face mask and wore a pair of silver glasses.
Sabrina wore her favorite Jordan Air sneakers, a green fishtailed designer skirt and a pink top. She held her green purse tightly as she walked to the counter to order a cup of coffee.
''A cup of mocha, thank you!'' Sabrina said to the waiter.
''Just a minute.'' The girl replied.
Sabrina looked at the stairs where the books were situated. The books shelves were placed on each side behind the stairs. There were ladders placed at each side so that readers could easily get the books they wanted from the top shelves.
''Your cup of mocha, please…'' The girl said and Sabrina turned.
Sabrina paid for the mocha and picked the plastic cup. She sipped from the straw and smiled. She loved the taste of mocha in her mouth. Sabrina looked around and unfortunately, all the seats were taken and the readers were in pairs.
Sabrina continued to look around and finally found a table that one person was occupying. She decided to go over and to her surprise, she recognized the person.
''Paul Fernandez?'' Sabrina asked softly.
''Sabrina? Fancy seeing you here.'' Fernandez stood up.
''Same here. Can I join you?'' Sabrina asked.
''Do you even need to ask? Sit down!'' Fernandez offered.
''The place is packed today. This was the only table with an empty seat. I didn't know you were the one until I got closer.''
''I didn't think you would come to places like this. I heard you are not really a sociable person.'' Fernandez joked and Sabrina chuckled.
''That's not exactly true. I just avoid scandals like a plague. This is my favorite bookshop. They have a lot of classics. I usually come here to read a few books, plus the mocha here is really delicious.'' Sabrina said, rising her cup of mocha.
''That's great. So, what books are you interested in at the moment?'' Fernandez seemed genuinely interested in knowing Sabrina's preferences. He never took his eyes off her.
''I am currently obsessed with comics.''
''It's that why you went to audition for Vincent's comic adaption?''
''As I expected. Word has spread already.''
''I heard you are fighting for the role with Celia.''
''We are just competing, not fighting.''
''I see, but Celia is considered a veteran in the industry since she started as a child actress in Disney world. She has a lot of connections in the industry and a huge fanbase. As a voice actress, venturing into live action movies, it won't be easy on you, especially when you have someone like Celia as your competition.''
''I know.'' Sabrina appreciated Fernandez's honesty with her. He didn't sugarcoat his words.
''I know, but I won't give up. Even if I don't get to play Gwen, I won't give up. Unbridled Assistant has been my favorite comic since I was a kid. I've read all the recent adaptations and really would like to play the role of Gwen but it won't be the end of the world if I miss it.''
''I like the way you think. With such a mindset, you will go far in the industry. This is our second time of meeting and I must say I like how you think. You have a refreshing mindset.'' Fernandez complimented Sabrina.
''Thank you. I also appreciate your honesty.''
''My studio is also venturing into another live adaptation. I don't know if you are interested in the role? We have the lead actress already but the second lead won't be taking part anymore due to conflicting schedules.''
''Your studio?'' Sabrina seemed to recollect the name of the studio and asked. ''You work under UNB Records, right?''
''Yes. I am a producer at UNB and I also have my own studio where I manage musicians.''
''I see.'' Sabrina furrowed her brows. ''Isn't Director Alfonso also under UNB?'' Sabrina asked.
''Yes! Right, I heard about what happened between you two. Just to reassure you, he has nothing to do with this project. I will be the executive producer.''
'I see. Then, who is the lead actress?''
''Mimi. You know her, right?''
''Mimi? Was that why she was at the club with Alfonso?'' Sabrina mumbled to herself.
''Do you have a bad blood with her?'' Fernandez asked.
''No! Mimi and I are cool with each other. I have to get a book over there. I will be back soon.'' Sabrina stood up and turned towards the shelves.
Sabrina walked around the shelves picking a few new comics that had just been stocked. Reading comics in her spare time was what she enjoyed doing the most. She could spend hours reading comics and sometimes even forget to eat.
Sabrina found five new comic books that had interesting storylines so she picked them up. As she turned to go to the counter, her phone started ringing. Sabrina removed the phone from her purse and answered the call.
''Hi, please am I speaking with Miss Sabrina Van?'' A feminine voice asked.
''Yes, this is she.''
''This is Georgia, I am calling to inform you that you have qualified for the audition. But the CEO would like to meet you and discuss a possible role change. Please are you available?'' Georgia asked.
''A role change?'' Sabrina asked as she walked towards the counter.
''Yes, can you come over right now? The CEO will be going on a business trip. He only has a few hours to spare.''
''Sure! I will be there right away.'' Sabrina hung up and went to pay for the books at the counter. When she was done, she went to Fernandez.
''I have to go.''
''Did something happen?'' Fernandez stood up.
''Not exactly. I am going to meet the CEO of Tyme Magazine.''
''You are going to meet Vincent Maraj?''
''Yes, they want to talk to me about the project.''
''That's fine, but can I have your number? We still haven't talked into details about the role.'' Fernandez asked.
''Sure. Give me your phone.'' Sabrina took Fernandez phone and dialed in the digits before giving it back. She picked her cup of mocha and hurried out of the café with the books in a small bag.
Sabrina got into her car and drove off. Just now Georgia spoke about a role change. Did she fail to get the female lead role?
Sabrina shook her head and sighed. ''Whatever it is, I will find out when I get there.''
Tyme Magazine building.
Sabrina pulled over and got out of the car. As she prepared to go into the building, she saw a man forcing a woman into his car while the woman resisted.
''Get into the car, you bitch…'' The man yelled.
Sabrina turned and looked at them. People were watching from different angles but no one seemed to intervene. The man was clearly abusing the woman and it didn't settle down with Sabrina's spirit.
Sabrina cussed and walked up to them. She held the woman's hand and pulled her away from the man. ''She just said she doesn't want to go with you. Why are you forcing her to get into the car?'' Sabrina asked.
At the top of the building, inside Vincent's office which overlooked the parking lot of the company.
''Isn't that Miss Sabrina?'' Georgia stood in front of the tinted glass and asked. Vincent walked to her side and looked outside.
''She seems to be fighting with that man over the woman. What if she gets hurt?'' Before Georgia could finish her words, Vincent was already out of the office. 'CEO…'' Georgia followed suit.
''Hey! Go away from here. This has nothing to do with you.'' The man shot Sabrina a furious glare. He attempted to hold the woman's hand and Sabrina stepped between them again.
''It is my business because she doesn't want to go with you. Miss, are you alright?'' Sabrina asked the lady with a worried expression.
''I said it is none of your business, why don't you get lost?'' The man pushed Sabrina away. The books and her purse fell down. When the man tried to hold the woman again Sabrina intercepted and kicked the man with her leg.