At last, the house was perfectly finished. It's so refreshing to see the result of all the hard work and patience that I have overcome just to build my tiny house. I informed my family that I'll be moving and living independently. At first, they were all worried as they kept asking me where I'm going to live. I refused to tell them, because I want my privacy. I'm just trying to assure them, especially mom, that everything is alright. That I will call them, as soon as possible, if I'll be needing their help.
"Hey, mom..." I casually called her as I was laying down the couch.
"Lia, how are you? Are you alright? I miss you so much. You should take care of yourself, right." I have sensed the eagerness on her tone. I'm pretty sure, it will eventually break her heart from the moment I drop the news.
"Mom, I am good. I'm alright. And I do really miss you, too and dad so much. I'm perfectly healthy and in good shape. Mom, I actually called to tell you something," there was a pause between us.
"What is it then?" She sounded confused on the other end of the line.
"I... Mom, I'll be retreating from the industry." I managed to utter, feeling a bit uneasy waiting on how she will react.
"Malia, have I heard it right? You actually want to retreat right now? Lia, if there's something going on, please don't rush into making decisions. You suddenly left us here, and now you wanted to end your modelling career. Think of it. Think of it a thousand times. Do you really want to leave after all these years? You have gained your fame and you're still at your peak. Why did you suddenly want to leave? This is the path that I have prepared for you, and now you are willing to give it all up?"
"Mom, it's final. My contract with Knights Entertainment is done by at the end of this month. I hope you'll understand. I have thought of it for a thousand times. I really do want to start anew, that's why I moved out. I'm trying to find myself, mom. The real me..." I tried explaining in the calmest way as possible.
"It seems that you have really thought this through. Fine, if that's what you want then. I just wish that you'll find your happiness by doing this," from the tone of it, she seemed to be somehow a little disappointed.
"Thanks, mom. You're the best. I'll make sure to drop by soon. I'll notify you then. I love you. Take care, mom and dad." I ended the call, leaving the uplifting statements as I felt guilty for upsetting my mom. I have seen all her efforts in helping me achieve all for what I am today. She's been with me from the very start, that's why I know that she would be heartbroken.
"Alright then, bye." Upon hearing those, the call immediately disconnected.
"Lian, please inform Mr. Robbs that I'm not renewing my contract, and I'll be leaving the industry." I stated firmly, as I watch her rummaging through my stuffs.
"Huh? Why are you leaving?" she stopped and turned to look at me.
"Personal Matters. I want to have a fresh start. I just want to live a simple and normal life." The simple answer I give out to explain my retreat.
"Okay. I'll be going to Knights Entertainment after this shoot. Are you coming?" she asked hesitantly.
"Silly, of course. I need to see them in person." I ran to the studio. Just then, the photographer's voice echoed in the room as a cue for the start of the shoot. The photoshoot lasted for 3 hours. After the shoot, we went to Knights Entertainment to meet with Mr. Robbs, and settled everything for my retreat.
I was planning to announce my retreat in an interview, but I didn't have a schedule for any. I also didn't want to waste the reporters' time by arranging a press conference and just simply informing them about my retreat. After my last photoshoot, I decided to just post a video announcing my retreat on one of my social media accounts. Some were disappointed, while some gave me all their warm support. Finally, I'm free from the entertainment world.
Dylan still has a month left in his contract. He still hasn't told me about his plans. My phone rang aggressively on the counter. I accepted the call upon seeing the caller ID.
"Hey! Lia? What's about this video that you posted on Instagram? Why haven't you told me? Where are you now? You better see me now." Terra complained on the other line.
"It is what it is, I'm leaving. I'm home right now. Where are you? I'll be in the city within an hour and a half," I answered walking towards my wardrobe to prepare my outfit.
"Where do you exactly live? In the middle of nowhere? Taking an hour and a half you seem really far. Okay then, same mall. Bye, see you," she nagged, still complaining as ever, but still agreed in the end. A typical Terra Stark. After spending an hour in the long drive, I finally reached the destination. I pulled out my phone to call Terra, when I felt a slight tap on my shoulder. I turned to look who it was.
"Trey? Oh God! Long time, no see." My lips automatically curved into a smile, upon seeing the familiar face.
"I saw you walk past, and thought it'd be nice to greet you. Anyway, it's so nice to see you again, Malia. How have you been?" he composed himself in a delightful manner. Way too different from his aura when we first met. He's much composed now, maybe because we instantly clicked.
"Well, you should drop by the lake sometimes. I've been good and I stopped modelling. So, I really have a lot of spare time. Anyway, I'm here to meet up with my bestfriend," I casually answered.
A shrill voice called out my name as I saw Terra running towards us, which caught the attention of some onlookers.
"Missed you so much, Lia" She shoved me in her warm embrace. I returned mine and slightly tapped her back. She turned to face Trey after the hug.
"Aye, sorry for being rude. Now, who's this oozing hunk, that you brought in today? You didn't tell me you're bringing a date" She spoke as if the guy is not present, then rolled her eyes. This girl, it's like I betrayed her or anything.
"First, the oozing guy you're talking about has a name and it's called Trey. Second, he is just a friend, not my date. Lastly, we just bumped into each other and everything is just a pure coincidence." I explained, which kind of cleared Terra's foggy little brain. Trey laughed at the situation. Terra smiled awkwardly as she scratches the back of her head.
"I-- Sorry my mistake. I'm Terra, by the way, this little lady's bestfriend. Sorry about that. You know how women's mind works. Since you're already here, might as well join us?"
Terra invited him to regain herself some face.
"I'd want to, but maybe next time. I have a gym class to attend. It was nice meeting the two of you. I'll be heading now." He showed off his goddamn sweet smile as he spoke.
"Alright then. Nice meeting you, too. See you again." We bid our goodbyes before he left.
"Well, that was awkward. Damn, this brain of mine. Where did you meet that freaking Adonis? Don't tell me you didn't notice the way he looks at you. He's practically all over you. I can already foresee the brewing romance between the two of you. You're finally getting into a relationship. I'm so happy for you," she exaggerates on my seemingly normal friendly relationship with Trey.
"Terra, you're exaggerating. We're just friends," I stated truthfully.
"Well, technically you are friends, that is as for now. You woman, haven't you heard of the possibility in taking things further. You'll never know, maybe for now it's impossible, but change happens." I fell silent over her response.
"Okay, so back to our main issue here. Why are you quitting?" After she spoke, I met her crucial gaze. I immediately avoided her eyes. I felt my throat dried, as I thought of an answer.
"I just got tired. I think I fell out of love. I don't enjoy everything anymore. It was getting too stressful for me. I'm also trying to find my passion. I can feel that modelling is not where my passion lies." I kept looking at the floor with my head down as I speak.
"Okay, Lia. If there's something I can do to help, don't hesitate to call me. I just want you to be happy and contented." She connected our hands. I felt at ease when I looked up to her, to be met by her radiant smile.
"Of course, you know I will. Out of all the billion people in the world, you are apparently my only bestfriend, right?" I said reassuringly.
We spent the whole day gossiping, trying out some outfits, and shopping. A normal hang out with my Terra.