Liyana:
Walking in the kitchen, my nose followed the smell of freshly brewed coffee which now, I'm not only craving but searching in hope to survive the day by.
"Liyana? Is that you?" I heard from the other side of the large kitchen and thanked the lords that someone is awake so early in the morning, which might earn me a chance to some food.
I've been starving for ages now. Pulling an all nighter does that to you. Makes you tired, hungry and tired. I think it mades sense, I'm not sure. I need coffee before my brain starts to process things again.
"Yea, it's me. I just need coffee and maybe some food." I replied walking inside to see Céline as in Mom working inside.
"Why are you awake so early honey? Bad dre-" She stopped taking a look at me and then put out a small laugh.
"Oh, dear! You look...um. Did you stay up all night again?" She asked trying not to smiling.
"I know, I look horryfying. I had work to finish, okay!" I simply said sitting down on the stool by the kitchen island.
"You look like the reincarnation of death to me. When was the last time you had proper sleep, huh?" She said pointing at me before handing me the coffee.
"Not in this week, I guess." I said holding the coffee mug close and smelling it's amazing aroma.
By the first sip, I felt alive again. Sighing satisfyingly I turned back at Céline who was busy making breakfast.
"If that's for me, thank you so much. But why're you awake so early anyway? The sun's not even up properly." I asked drinking the coffee.
"Your dad has a bussiness meeting today, he's been annoying me since yesterday about how big it is and if it fails it will be catastrophic or something. So, he has to leave early to prepare for it." She explained which made sense but still, he won't leave until few hours later even if early.
"Um, okay. But you do realize it's just about 4 in the morning, right? He won't leave until what like 7 or something even if early? Obviously he won't go at 5, since as far as I know none of his employees would arrive until 8, even if it's urgent."
I reason which is a fact because my father has the only bad habbit of never waking up until called. I'm not sure how it has formed but never fixed in so many years.
She stopped what she was doing and finally turned to me and sighed. That was my que to know something is wrong.
"What is it? Go on." I asked sitting forward putting my mug down.
"Luci is landing in an hour. She'll be home in by 5:30." She said looking hesitanr. I can guess why.
"So what? You're reluctant because of me?" I asked laughing a bit looking sideway.
"Baby, its not just you. I know you both haven't been the friendliest and I just didn't want things to turn awkward." She said apologetically.
"Come on, she is after all my sister. Yea, we're not the best of buddies but we barely ever fight or argue. We simply don't care what the other does and mind our own bussiness. It's not like we're on war or anything. Just not the closest as people would expect. We've never been, you know that. We're just too different." I said looking into my mug.
This topic isn t my most faviorite one. But undoubtedly it's the truth none the less.
"I just love you both so much, it doesn't feel nice to have the only sisters being so far apart." She said as I smiled, wasn't sure it looked bitter or not though.
"We were never close to begin with."
I replied before taking the plate filled with breakfast and got up to leave as the front door brust open making ne almost drop everything.
"Hey, guys!" I looked and rolled my eyes, internally of course.
Speak of the devil, and the devil arrives.
"Luci, you're going to break a door someday." Céline laughed walking up to her as both engulfed eachother in a hug.
I stood my the stairs pondering if I should go and greet or just pretend I have seen nothing and go back to my room.
"Hello to you too, I'm fine." I heard my sister Luciana's high pitched strong voice while fell into a chuckle.
"You're much early." Mom replied ushering her in.
"Well, my so called delayed flight wasn't delayed anymore. So here I am." She said putting her coat down.
As she walked in, her eyes fell on me who was still standing my the stairs where it was pitch black. I hoped she wouldn't see the messy me. My sister was too posh for the messy me.
"Is that Liyana up at the stairs standing like a haunting ghost?" She almost whispered but I couod clearly hear it since the house was perfectly silent except their voices.
"Yea, her all-nighter version even looks the part of a ghost." Mom said as I decided I should greet her at this point anyway since she already saw me.
"Hey, Luci." I said loud enough to hear for them.
"Hey, are you going to sleep or go to work today too." She asked suddenly.
I thought we normally avoid eachother, whats up with her today asking something like this. Why does she wants to know about my work?
"Um, yea, I have work. But I might go in a bit late." I replied honestly.
"Around what time?" She asked which took me more by surprise.
"Why? Are you going out?" Mom asked my question thankfully turning around.
"Yea, I need to go back to the Agency for somethings. It's close to her work. And I'm sure my car is still out of service, so I might as well go with her." She explained as Mom smiled and nodded. I know what's going in her head.
"Is that okay, with you? You know, to take a detour." Luciana asked turning to me.
I nodded but relized it was too dark for her to see so I replied a yes and told her the time as she gave a nod, then left for the kitchen.
That's probably the longest conversation I had with her after months. And that's saying something with us living in the same house. Without thinking too much, I went to back to my room.
My alarm blared high at its tune which made me want to throw it against the wall. But I followed my better judgement and took it. Looking I relized I'm 10 minutes late to my given alarm.
With that I frantically jumped up from the bed and ran for my bathroom.
Those of us who work in the corporate timeline of New York are very much aware of the usual drill of working hour. We're always on the run, no matter how tired or exhausted you are, you gotta do what's you gotta do.
But thankfully, my boss knows how much I work and exactly how up to date I am, so me being late my 10 to 15 minutes isn't an issue anymore, since I work overtime to advance my work. Thankfully if not anything, god gifted me a good stable mind to work extra and still cope with life.
Walking out freshed, I turned to my closet right outside my bathroom to see if I can find something easy to put on in 5 minutes. Instantly my eyes fell on a white sweater top and a set of ironed fitted flared pants I keep aside for cases like this when I am too tired to go for a good professional look and just put on something comfortable. Tieing my dark blonde hair, I took a gpance at the mirror thinking if I look human enough.
Some might expect me to be out of style since I barely even shop properly and just buy anything works out with my body. But even I'm not stupid to dress like a unprofessional who doesn't know that wearing a polka dot dress with red pumps is asking to be pushed around. Oh, and that's not me saying this. It's my workplace where professionalism is everything.
Trust me, I know the term very well now.
Let me recap, I work at one of the top Magazines in the world as an Editor. Because of my top grades at college, I got good position too and since I worked my ass enough to keep up with their busy schedule, I stabalized pretty soon. Perks of being a nerd, I guess.
Walking out, I was just about to do down the stairs, I remember about morning. Thinking for a moment, I went back to hallway toward Luciana's room. Knocking twice, I waited for her to answer. When she didn't open, I knocked again and waited. I was worried that I might get late today even the time I expected to be. She isn't the most punctual in sense of timeline.
Before I can debate if I should leave, she flung her door open which scared me instantly making me jump.
"Oh, you're ready. Um, give me 2 minutes. I'll be down." She said in her night-robe and bed hair looking absolutely gorgeous before slamming the door on my face.
I just stood there dumbfounded thinking if I did the right thing saying yes to her. She just woke up, there's no way she'll take 2 minutes to get ready. She has always been late getting ready since forever. Even in emergencies, she's been late.
Walking down the stairs, I prayed with heart and soul that nothing I said about my boss being nice backfires at me and that hopefully I don't get fired today.
Thinking I decided to grab myself a coffee bottle to pass my morning with sanity. Before I reach the kiitchen, I saw my dad walking out in a hurry from the dinning room.
"Dad? You're leaving?" I asked as our eyes met.
"Yea, I'm late. You're going to work, right? I heard Luci is going with you." He said as he waited for the driver to bring his car up front.
"Yea, but she just woke up." I mumbled which he smiled a little.
"Best of luck with that." He said and left. I heard the sarcasm in that I tell you.
Céline packed me a bottle of coffee which I said she didn't have to do by herself. We have people for that. She's busy as it is. But she insists that she likes doing things for us personally. She says it gives her peace. Her logic is that coming from a humble home, she will never get used to having people do everything for her as long as she can still work perfectly fine.
"You ready?" I turned to see my sister who looked normal after a long time. Completely shocked at how fast she got down.
I should ask you that.
"Lets go." She said and left, just like that. As if I'm the one who is late.
Getting in the car she started ferociously typing in her phone as I drove us out of the house. It was just around when we entered deep into the city and she finally looked up from her phone.
"You're style sense have improved." She said and I noticed the small smirk on her lips.
"Well, work does that to you. But you upgraded from taking an hour to get ready too." I said slowly. I dare not piss her off, she's so much worse than everything I've faced.
"Well, life does that to you." She said looking out the window.
That made me look at her. She looked mature for once. Not like she aged or anything. If compared I'm more old looking than her depite being younger. In a theological sense she looks matured now. Trust me, she's not a philosophical person in any sense. I wonder what happened in the past few months she's been flying all over the world for work.
Stopping in front of the Next Management Agency's building, I still wonder what the inside looks like. Probably filled with posh and exciting people. Very different from my type of world, I believe.
"Best of luck at work." Luciana said before getting out of the car.
Oh, I didn't reply back because I'm still shocked. Did she just say best of luck to me. Me?
Let me explain, my sister Luciana does not say, sorry or thank you unless it benifits her. Best of luck is not even an option. We both barely ever exchange words if ever. We don't go to work together, we don't watch movies together, never even went out even for a single drive ever. All we do when our eyes meet is ask how is the other, if everything's fine and then leave like two strangers. Thats how its been like for years.
Now, after she left for work 2 months ago, she was still the same, she did told me bye before leaving but that's all. Barely any exchange, we don't even call eachother. I wonder if she even has my number. But now, suddenly she comes back without notice after 2 months acting the world has reversed. I just hope this is not one of her so called trap to lure you in. She's too clever for me and I'm too shy and dumb for her. Technically.
Driving to work was fairly smooth surprisingly with the New York traffic. The full on glass building that I've worked in for the past four years is yet to get old.
Walking in, I was greeted by the security who's now well aware of my overtime life. Getting into my office 15 minutes still late, I was worried how am I'd survive the day today.
"Liyana, boss called you 10 minutes ago." The head of secretary divison said as she passed by.
I guess I should consider looking for another job as big as this, I'd fail to be honest.
I knocked twice before entering as I heard a come in. Walking into the posh modern office my head automatically turn to see the amazing view of Manhattan.
"You're much late than expected and it looks like you're aware." He said looking grim.
Just pray to the lord, Liya. Just keep praying. Just keep playing. Just keep praying.
"Sit" He said as I followed.
"I heard you're sister's back in town." He said looking at this computer. I just wrinkled my brows in confusion.
She just came in this morning, litereally few hours ago, how does he know so soon.
"Yes, this morning. Um, how do you..." I didn't get to finish as he turnd to look at me.
"Have you forgotten where you work again, Liyana? We wouldn't be one of the top Magazines if we weren't efficient enough." He said as I simply nodded.
"Anyway, she made quite a show at paris this week. Her name will be all over magazines for a few days, I guess. Interesting how different you two sisters are." He said and chuckled.
I stopped caring when people say that. It's been ages since I've been made aware of this and it's the truth. There's no use denying it anyway.
"Take this case, its an easy one with a famous photographer's relationship. But since he's young and new, people are onto him." He said handing me a file.
"The information is given here but if you need more detail, contact the information division's Joy, she's handling it. You know the drill." He said as I nodded and got up.
As I was about to open the door, he stopped me.
"You know, you should toughen up more. Stop getting pushed around. You're too good to get drowned by other people's words." He said and smiled genuinely this time as I smiled back and left.
That is my so called good boss, Dan Wakeford. Our Editor in chief. He's really calm and cool as long as your work is good. But if you mess up, you might as well rethink your job perspectives. Although he is more concerned with my shy quiet nature than my work now a days. He says I'll be left behind like this even if I work efficiently. I don't exactly doubt his wisdom but I don't see myself changing anytime soon, so why care.
Sebastian Coal, a renowned artist knowns for his amazing photography skills. His paintings are exhibited all around the world and he's only 28. Have never been previously seen indulge with female, which made some consider that he's a gay. Obviously it was proved wrong the following year when the rumor of him dating Roqenna Rossling started floating around.
This guy got some of the top places in the sexiest man alive chart few times. His being an influencer got him more eye catching. Female reders practically eye rape him from the magazines. We even got some personal mails asking for his biography written. I guess, Dan just gave in this time.
Once done, I put in the draft and forwarded it to the template designers. Then sent me the complete set back before late afternoon which I knew I justed needed to edit a little bit before getting it reviewed by Dan.
Once I believed it was enough, I printed a draft set before going back to Dan for a check.
"This is why I say that you're good at your job, but you're so shy anyone barely know that." He said and I wondered if that's a compliment or just a sarcasm.
"Send them to the publishing team, get it reviewed by them. This should calm the raging female storm that's going on in the Mail's division." He laughed.
I nodded before leaving and I heard him sigh a little. Was that rude of me to not reply to that joke? I'm not sure. I rarely joke back if ever. I'm not good at it. Being stuck in book with close to no social circle made me a bit backdated on trendy jokes and humors. I don't mind, but people around me does.
I got home a bit late as usual, wonderimg if I'll ever finish my draft for my book in time. I'm reaching my deadline and I barely wrote even 5 chapters. My imagination have gone haywire since I started working. I get too busy or too tired to think about a story. Thriller moments or climatic scenes don't come to me anymore as it did when I was in college. I guess I'm just rusty now. Although I wonder if that sounds a bit rude being just a 24 years old while there are writer over the age to 60 with kids amd family.
As I was getting up the stairs checking my emails of another deadline warning, I heard sounds from the living room. I checked the time wondering if everyone's home now. Luci wasn't for sure since her coat is still gone.
"Lana," I called one of the maid passing by when I saw her.
"Yes, miss."
"Is dad home?" I asked pointing the living room.
"Yes miss. Madam is with him inside. They have been talking there for hours now." I nodded at her and she left.
But then it sounded a bit off when I heard Céline's alarmed voice. She sounded worried. It was clear by the way she was speaking, but being too far I wasn't catching what was up. So, I decided to check.
"Dad, Mom," I said comming in.
Both of them were sitting beside eachother with a worried expression.
"Um, what happened?" I said as they looked up at me, Céline looked troubled but dad looked horrible.
Worried, I sat beside him and asked again but he only shook his head which made me think if something went wrong at work. I turned to Céline who sighed and finally spoke.
"Remember the deal that was about to take place today?" She mentioned whoch I nodded my head at.
"The big important deal, yes."
"It didn't pass through and the company is at a huge loss. Many of our investors wants to pull away. It's that bad." She explained.
As I looked at dad to confirm what she is saying.
"It's worse than just that. The stocks have dropped miserably this week, all companies are on a tight schedule already. I dont know how we'll pull off after something like this."
I thought for a while wondering what to say. I normally never interest myself with the bussiness since I've never been much involved. Luciana may be able to help here as she already runs her own.
Speaking of the devil, we all turned toward the sound of door unlocking. She probably noticed something and came toward the living room searching for Céline as usual.
"Hey guys! What's up? Dad?" Her bright voice dropped seeeing dad.
I decided to get up and move as she sat in my place. She listened to everything and understood, which I obviously didn't few of it since I don't have a lot of knowledge about the deals that dad have been working.
After listening carefully, she decided that she'll help him out tomorrow. It seemed to calm dad down. I was thankful for that. Suddenly Luciana turned to me making me nervous.
"How about Liyana comes along too. Her works are amazing, she might understand the PR issue and help out. I'm not good at that." She said making be shift from one foot to another.
I have no idea what is going on in her head. I barely understand dad's work. How on earth will I do any good going there. Luciana is aware of this then I don't understand why she said something like this.
"Liyana barely understands our work, Luci. She's never been interested in the bussiness. She's very good at her work because like your mother, she's a perfect at literatures and stays stuck in the books. She's best at that. She barely has any idea about bussiness." Dad reasoned, which made me feel a little uncomfortable. But it's the truth, no matter how bad it is.
I am a nerd, I studied my whole life and have been stuck with book most of my life. Stories inspired me more than reality. And I prefer to befriend my characters than real people. I'd never be able go through bussiness because I barely socialise. It's already a miracle that I work in a big magazine and have managed to stuck by it for 4 years. No matter how much people say my work is amazing, I'm more than aware of my lackings. I've lived with them my whole life.
Not wanting to hear more, I decided to excuse myself from the room. I still have work to finish. It's better to utilize my time and everyone else's. So I stop Luciana when I see she's about to argue again.
"Luci, it's okay. Dad's right. Mom, I'd be up in room. I have to finish my work. And dad, don't worry, I'm sure things will look up. Luci is smart. She'll take care of everything." I smiled and left the room and went stright to my room.
It's best this way.
The next morning, nobody was home by the morning. I knew Luciana and dad went to company and Céline probably went to her perfume shop. I didn't feel like having breakfast for some reason, so I left anyway.
On the way I picked up today's magazine which included the topic of yesterday. Reading I suddenly realized they posted my name at the end of the page, I'm sure I didn't include that in yesterday's draft.
Wondering, I decided to ask the only person I knew who'd be aware of it.
"Come in. Oh, Liyana. I was about to call you." Dan said in a cherry voice. He looks mighty happy today if not just in a good mood.
"Um, yea. Sorry to disturb. I just wanted to ask about something." I said slowly.
"No, it fine. I guessed it already. Today's magazine, right? Knowing you, you'd never take credit for your work. So I decided to include your name. I hope it won't be an issue." He said smiling confidently.
Despite how uncomfortable I felt, I smiled and nodded. He is the boss after all. He makes the call. Plus, he meant well. So, I can't judge him.
"It's fine. I just wanted to confirm. You said, that you were about to call me?" I looked up asking.
"Ah, yes. There's a book review event in a few weeks, its a big one. There's this mysterious author who's been on the chart's top list for some time now. That person, he or she is expected to come there. I want you to attend it and find out about this person." He explained which took me by surprise because I've never taken a feild job before. And knowing how nervous I get around people, I never got offered one either.
"Um, but sir, I've never done feild job before. Shouldn't it be done by someone experienced?" I asked confused.
"Liyana, everyone have to start somewhere. You've been an amazing editor for the last 4 years. Your records are mention worthy. But here, people need more than just good efforts and work flow. They need experience. I have no doubt about your writtings, they are flawless. But you have zero to none experience in working in the feild. Magazine or not, your a journalist editor, your supposed to be prepared for everything." He said and got up.
"So, I decided to put you for this case. It's simple and effortless. All you have to do is find the person, talk with them a little and the people who reads the author's work. You can take anyone who's free with you if you wish." He said in conclusion which meant, I have no option to get my way out of this.
Sighing I finally asked what is the author's name.
"Yana Réver." Hearing that name made my eyes almost popped out.
I didn't check my email yesterday, did I?