Chapter 48: Chapter 48

Chapter two.

When I enter into the house with my spare key, I slid my bag off of my shoulder onto the couch. I gait straight into the kitchen to pick a bottle of water. Taking out the bottle of water, I drink it to half, while resting my back against the sink's frame. I feel refreshed from the chilled content, soaring down my throat... divine.

I drop the bottle inside the sink abruptly, causing it to make a rebeverating, and somewhat clattering sound. With a groan from me, I take a bowl from the cupboard, and fill it up with strawberry ice cream. I walk back to the living area, before sitting, I turn on the TV, after taking the remote from the center table.

I drop the remote beside me as I take a sit, feeling all tired from the inside. I should get a drink, but then, I recall we don't have much drink stored at home — we only drink when at the club as it's something Steph loves doing mostly on lucky weekends, or when there's something to celebrate.

I start to watch a random American, romantic movie from a random channel, as I eat the ice cream.

About an hour and some minutes later, Steph comes in, walking tiredly as I'm no doubt I had when I came in. She slumps into the couch beside me. When she realize she's sitting on my bag, she lessen her weight, taking the bag away before she sits again.

"Welcome home. You look very tired."

"And you sound very tired." She teases me. I can't believe she's doing so at this condition of hers. Isn't she the typical Steph? My inner-self tells me. Oh, she sure is.

"I bet we both are in the same condition." I laugh sharply. "How was work?"

"Same old thing, but at least it's interesting today. I've been selected among those who are going to feature in the next movie that the crews are going to do." She explains, smiling in between her words. I return a lazy grin back to her.

"That's great news."

"Yeah. What are you watching?" She asks, as she sits up.

"Don't insult me because I don't really know. I can't even narrate the latest scene." I chuckle and Steph joins in.

"Wait. You told me about being selected, or something by the Triplets. Oh, my gosh. I'm so sorry. I totally forgot. I can't believe it. That's the greatest news ever." She's grinning lucidly, her white teeth are out.

"I know. Why were you so moody earlier?"

"Oh, don't mind me. It's just the stupid me. Never mind that act of mine. I was just being tensed-"

Tensed!

"You are never tensed at work." It wasn't a question. I know Steph well to know she can't be tensed for any scene.

"Well, while waiting for my name to be called amongst the selected group."

"Oh." Realization dawns on me.

"We should celebrate. Where is the champagne?" She ask despite standing, and ready to stride to the small bar around the corner of the dining room's wall.

"The wine is for us to use to celebrate when both chosen for the Triplets stuff. Not only me." I disagree.

She waves me off with a flip of her hand. "Pfft. It means nothing. More so, I've been dying to drink that awesome thing. And we both are on a happy mode, expunging the fact of being tired."

"Go get the drink, then... girl."

Steph whoops, wailing as she jogs on her way to the kitchen. She's happy. I can tell by the look on her sharp face.

She gleams with an award-winning smile on her way back to me. The champagne is on one of her hands, while two glassy wine cup are on the other. I stand up, and collect the cups from her.

"Thank you." She mutters in a sing-song tone. I smile a satisfied smile.

"Is the opener with you?" I ask, feeling much rather lively than the last two hours ago — excited and on top of the world at the same time.

"Oh, trust me. I get sharper at things like this." I nod in response to her statement.

"Ready?" She ask, pausing after she's pinned the tip of the metal tip of the opener into the cork.

"Let's get this party started. Yeah." I whoop, feeling ecstatic and all bubbly.

Steph jacks up her hand, yanking the cork away from the bottle. It releases a pop sound, as just as quickly Steph makes a sound in sync with it. It makes me laugh in return. The liquid, in form of foams cascade down the sides of the bottle, staining Steph's hand along. I step back when the liquid gushes to my side.

"Yay. Bring your cup, Claire!" Steph is twirling her hair around like a crazy person. I am laughing off my ass, almost tripping over my stance.

I lean my cup to her and she pours me the wine. I take the cup close my mouth, making it evident for Steph to see me. She glares at me, and points her index finger at me.

"Don't you dare?"

"I knew you'd burst. I was only kidding." I lower the cup to my waist's length.

"You better. Don't drink ahead of me." She's not asking, nor requesting. It is rather an unavoidable command.

"Yes, ma'am. Be fast."

"Yeah, yeah." Steph pours herself a filled-up cup of the wine.

"Wish." She tells me. I'm surprised, but recover quickly.

"To my success at becoming an author of the Louis' company in the Triplets, and to my bosom Steph, to become a famous actress at her line of work." I smile broadly.

I clink my cup with Steph gently and we drink in sync. Hm. Refreshing. Rejuvenating.

Steph makes a sober face to me. "Come here, Claire."

She pulls me into a tender, loving hug, making me want to cry.

"I love you baby girl." She uses the bosom-nickname she gave me as a gift of friendship from her.

"I love you too, Steph."

Stephanie pulls me away from the hug to pick the remote, and change the channel to a rather soothing, slow music channel. The sound plays in a muffling rate, at the background, lightening up my mood by ten folds.

After the first cup, we pour ourselves another row, followed by another, and another, and another, until when I find myself in a much, lower state of thinking. I'm sitting on the rugged floor. The couch helps in supporting my back, making me able to sit up. Steph is laying on the couch in an uncomfortable state but she isn't minding.

"Best friends for life, Claire."

"For life, Steph." I say back. Now I can feel the sleepiness, drifting into every veins in my body. The TV continuously plays the soothing music in the background. My lips are in a smile form as I sleep off into a dream-less slumber.

The next morning, Steph and I wakes up early. Hurriedly, not to get late to our places of work, we clean up the messy stuff our celebration spirit had caused. Within hours, we finish with washing, wiping the dried wine on the floor, and cleaning the living room, and other chores.

In my bedroom, I take out my phone from my bag and call dad instantly after typing in his contact. On the second ring, he picks up.

"How is my dear doing?" He says. His voice is coarse, maybe he's just woken up from bed — recalling that as his usual voice when he just wakes up. His tone contains amusement nevertheless.

"Fine, dad. How are you? Good morning."

"Hey, morning. I'm fine and great even now that you have called me." His amusement hasn't fade.

I laugh. "O-okay. You slept well?"

"Yeah. You?"

"Mh-hm. Very well." I reply, smiling on my side.

Silence takes place as dad chuckles into the phone. He sounds much more happy today.

"Um, dad. Do you remember the Triplets stuff I told you about when I came here — that I submitted my CV to them along with Steph." I jump straight into why I'd called him. For some reasons, I decide to give in as much details he would need to quickly understand me.

Thankfully, he grips, humming. "Hm. I remember."

I sigh. "They are considering me, dad. By that, it means I'll sign their contract and probably in two to three weeks, or a month, I will start working for them. I'm so excited."

Silence takes place for a short moment.

"But—"

"I understand, dear protective father." I say, knowing what's worrying him. "I'm going to come home before anything like traveling takes place. More so, the company will need to ship my belongings so, there is no how I want to do things without coming home."

"Well, that's calming to hear. I will be expecting you sooner than later, then. We can also gist about the family business." His cheerful, earlier tone seems to sound through the line.

"Dad, I don't want you taking subject about me, working in the bakery business. You own it, not me. I can't do a full-time or whatever time thing there. I will only come home to see you. I hope you understand? I mean no offence." I say hurriedly, putting down my conditions.

"I get."

"I love you — need to get to work. My boss doesn't fancy late comers."

Father doesn't know that I work in Thomp's place. Rather, a pastry shop where bakery takes place. I didn't want to tell him so, he wouldn't be thinking that I have an interest in the work. I do have an interest, on some accounts, but not as a job. Instead, as something I just do to get busy or at leisure time. I only work at Thomp's Pastry shop because I'm a good baker, and he needs workers, while I need money to support myself.

"Go to work, darling. I love you too." He says.

"I love you more." I didn't give him a chance to say anything more before I hang up the call.

I drop my phone without aim into the bed, making it bounce onto my bag. I walk to the mirror that's opposite to the bed.

My warm-ivory skin beams more clearly under the clear light, passing through the openings. My black hair is less wavy, becoming plain straight till the last few centimeters strands, downwards where the wavy still exists. Amber eyes stares back at me, less radiant. You need a thorough bath. You stinking... human. I bet my subconscious wanted to say pig instead, but realized we are of the same flesh. Caught me? Nope.

With fast strides, gaiting to the bathroom, I have a quick shower, realizing time hasn't been waiting for me while I'm busying wasting it. Finishing, I hastily clean myself, drying off my hair and body.

When I'm through with those, I walk back to the mirror — unlike before, my skin's more radiant as well as my eye colour, and hair, looking ravishing. I presume for myself.

From the reflections, I see Steph's laptop on my study desk, lying comfortable on it. Without thinking much, I occupy the seat, open the screen, and turn it on. Seconds pass, waiting for the booting system. When the desktop comes alive, I refresh the laptop three times — an old habit of mine — then, opens the mail box. All anxiety, and somewhat anticipation of what I've been thinking fades off like a ice cream on a cooking plate. I sigh, bracing myself from the disappointment of not seeing any message yet from the Triplets.

What was I thinking? That they would have answered me? You're not the only selectee, Olivia Buchanan is consulting for. My subconscious finishes the remaining for me. I can't fight her this time, knowing I'm at fault.

Hibernating the laptop, closing the screen, Steph knocks lightly. Without waiting for an answer from me, she walks in as I'm now standing next to the bed, glaring at her for her act. She doesn't look any perturb, and I think I should have gotten used to the typical Steph.

"Hey, you're going to be late for work. I'm ready already. Join me in the kitchen." She tells me, .

"Okay, I will. I'm through too." I say, while I look around the room for anything I might be forgetting without realizing. When I'm certain I did not leave anything behind besides my bag. I yank it off the bed in an hurried manner, and gait towards Steph.

She takes it as let-us-go-to-the-kitchen-together-now, and turn her back, approaching the kitchen. I follow behind her until we reach.

When I get to the worktop, I see a takeaway plastic, likely to be containing food. Steph is at the fridge, taking out a carton of variety-mixed, fruit juice.

"Oh, thanks, Steph. I don't know what I'm going to do without you." I pick up the takeaway, while she laughs.

"The appraisal is flattering."

Flattering. I push her away as always.

"Flattering?"

"Yeah. If not, I wouldn't be letting you to eat all the rice when we are supposed to share." She says, glancing at me through the rim of the mug she's using to drink the juice. Oh, I didn't know we are supposed to share. Thank goodness, I haven't even opened it, nor eaten a scrap.

"I didn't know."

"Don't worry. I have eaten a little while cooking." She says, dropping the mug. She opens the faucet, and cleanse the mug, putting it back into the cupboard. "Now hurry. You are late."

"I know." I say, muffling from the spoonful of rice.

"I told you about my new job, right?"

Unable to answer with comfortability, I just nod, staring at her sharper-than-mine features. Damn! Her nose looks sore straight, lean, and sharpen from the angle she's in to me.

"Well, it requires that I travel out of town with the crews. I'm to be the leading heroine. You know that's a lot of work, especially with the kind of movie." She grins. "A werewolf movie. I'm so excited since that's something I love like crazy. I'll have to leave Victoria in a week or less."

I gape, the food almost fall down helplessly from my mouth. She's leaving in weeks? That's not fair, not on my side at least. I chew up quickly.

"What about me?" I raise up my hands." I'm not being selfish, but my dreams. What if, you know, I need help?" I can feel the scariness, creeping in like a shadow.

"Don't worry. You will be just fine. I'm sorry, but I can't leave this job." She pauses as I go back to eating. I'm almost through. "What about Thompson? Aren't you going to tell him yet?"

I snicker. "I'm only being considered as of yet, not actually and technically picked. Bam!"

"Okay. The poor, handsome guy should know before weeks you'd have to leave his place, you get what I mean?"

"Mh-hm." Standing up with an empty plastic, I drop it inside the dustbin. Steph watches me. "Now, let's go."

Steph drops me at the usual place — three blocks away from Thomp's Pastry shop. With fast strides, I walk inside the shop.

Work at Thomp's like the same, repetitive thing. Just that the work is more overwhelming this time, that Thompson had to join me in meeting the needs of the customers. He takes the booth most of the time, while I take the customer's order and serve them.

It is afternoon already. Thompson has went out to go and get some baking materials in the usual store where he used to get them, just minutes drive from here. The restaurant is oddly silent, and for the first time, I think, I'm wishing he had leave his dear radio behind so, I can play good music from it. I look over to the regular customer to ours at her table, and decide to go and have a talk with her.

"Thank you, Mrs Buckingham for patronizing us. Hope you are enjoying your vanilla slice napoleon?" I ask with an award-winning smile, broadening my lips — something I am accustomed to. Mrs Buckingham raises her gaze from her table, peering at me with same adorable smile.

"Oh, yeah. Thanks Claire. The food's goin' well. How ya doin'?" She speaks in her unusual-to-me accent which I'm still failing to decipher its lineage.

"I'm fine. Thanks. And what about you, Mr cutie, little doggy?"

I smile, leaning my forearm close to her puppy, having all white furs, soft to sight. Her puppy wiggles its furs, letting me brush my palms against his furs. As I have expected, its soft to touch as well.

"He's so handsome."

"Yea. I know. He is Commodus by the way." She says, looking from me to Commodus.

"His name is cute too."

"Shake Claire, Commodus." I gape, totally unable to hide my emotions when he raises his paw for me to shake. I raise my palm and shake him. You should get a puppy. I think I might have to agree with that thought after seeing this adorable puppy.

"He's very listening, and obedient. I should go. Thanks for the nice gesture, Commodus. See you, Mrs Buckingham." I say, hugging the serving tray as it crossed against my chest, my arms are holding it in place. I start to walk away when Mrs Buckingham greets back.

"Yup. See ya, Claire."

Time hurries past, giving me more jobs to do; I continue to serve as much customers as I can. Six hours has passed since I've talked with Mrs Buckingham, I assume. Thomp's back, enlivening the whole place with romantic songs from the radio.

Looking at the watch on my wrist, I see it's seven already on dot. I jump down the barstool behind the booth to address Thompson of my closing time when he opens the door to the office lightly. His frame covers the opened space as if he doesn't want me to see what is beyond.

"Thompson—" I start to say as I'm walking out of the booth with my bag across my shoulder.

"Just don't take my apron home." He state, dryly; an habit of his to me.

"I hope your next worker last two minutes of working on the first day." I mutter, enough for his ears to eavesdrop.

"I heard you."

"I wasn't hiding it from you. More also, I said your, not Thompson. So why are you concerned?" I state, glancing at him before I open the sill door.

Chill air brushes my hair, sprawling it messily around my face. I take the same routine — call a taxi, give him the GPS, and drive home without talking much, looking out the street, and enjoying the whatever scenery is placed before my sight.

Opening the front door, I notice Steph isn't at home as the lights are switched off. I drop my bag onto the chair as usual, take a bottle water to drink, and relax back on the chair, playing a random movie. I take my phone out, realizing it has been mistakenly put on silent mode. Many messages pops on the screen, but when I see Steph's, I click right away.

Hi, hope work isn't that stressful? I'll be late to come home tonight. I'm not sure of the time yet, because we have a scene to take at night so, I might come home around two in the morning. Be safe without me. And don't have any wild dreams. Be happy. Don't drink any wine. Night.

Steph.

I laugh at her sense of humour. Does she really have to add the wild dream part into it?

I exit from her message to another. I stop myself from scrolling more when I see a message from the Triplets, rather, from Olivia Buchanan. I don't know why, but maybe for a better sight to the mail, I punch the on button of the laptop. In a minute, the screen is alive. I search the mail box, tapping the enter button when the pointer is placed on it. I walk into the Triplets message, and read.

Subject: Contracted agreement between the selectee and Triplets.

From: Olivia Buchanan

To: Claire Swan

2 hours ago. View details

Dear Claire,

This is only a sample of agreement of which the contract will entails. Read carefully, and understand each words.

Employee is someone close to the selectee's residence, who will help to getting familiar with the Triplets and questions related to us. Employee will sign a contract of non-disclosure terms with you and us, in which your private questions will be kept hidden. Employee is simply a loyal person to the selectee.

1.1 Your employee will be an intermediary to help you ensure that you get a nice relocation package from us, and your compensation covers the new cost of living.

1.2 Your employee will not only help you to obtain an appropriate visa, but in making us offer relocation support to you in form of temporary housing stipend, payment for packing, and shipping of the selectee's belongings.

1.3 Our company will take good care of you when it comes to understanding local laws, taxes, and language barriers ( all will be referred to in latter info).

2.1 Being that the language French is mostly spoken in Paris, however, we will not indulge you to learn the language since we are expecting your works to be in fluent English.

2.2 Vacation packages — For comfort, due to stress of traveling and other issues the selectee may have ( which mustn't contain health issues). Our vacation system is seven days maximum, and ten days minimum. If you will need more, contact your employee to inform us as soon as possible.

2.3 Work lifespan — there will be a contracted time of which the selectee will be working for us as starters. However, as a starter, you will be given at least a month to prove yourself hardworking. More info on this part will be referred to in 3.2.

3.1 Taxes in Paris are different from your home country's, but for convenience. We'll make this easy through your employee and our selectee-belongings program in which we will cover all the expenses.

3.2 Your employee will explain your type of work visa. Understand that you may have to return to your home country if you resign, or are fired. By this, not meeting up with what your CV had proven. We strictly do not adhere to cheaters.

3.3 Since your employee will be at a close distance from you, he/she will provide visa at the Triplets local airport that's near your residence.

Every unclear questions should be refer to the selectee's employee, who will visit for physical discussion.

Sincerely,

Olivia Buchanan

Olivbuchanan@Triplets.com

862-781-2250

Reply in three business days. Visit this page to schedule an appointment for questions.

Copyrights@2021, all rights reserved.

When I'm done reading the sample, I reread again to understand things I might have misunderstood. Knowing that my assigned employee might come anytime from now, I now understand what I've gotten myself into. My journey to becoming the Triplets' author is starting to unwrap.