Amber halted as she reached the doorstep of Summer's house. It was around 3 am and she had just gotten home after a short stroll with Tristan.
She saw Summer soundly sleeping on the couch—with scattered pieces and a scissor on the floor.
Amber looked at the beautiful locket around Summer's neck and immediately walked toward her to slowly open the necklace.
Amber caressed the picture inside of it, then softly gazed at Summer's sleeping face.
"All your life... You've always got what you wanted." Amber whispered. "And until now you're living with everything you've got."
Amber's tears streamed down her left cheek. "I'm jealous, you know?"
"You have a wonderful upbringing. Experienced a happy and loving family... Promising career... Outstanding talent... Stable life... Everything."
"You're even surrounded by people who adored and cared for you... Such a perfect life."
"While me... I strived to death but, still... I couldn't get everything I wanted just like you did... I failed."
Amber closed the locket. "So, now... I don't want to fail on this one... I... I don't want to let my chance slip away. I want to fight for it."
Amber's voice was raspy, and her cheeks were now wet. Her chest tightened and her body trembled in discomfort.
She cherished Summer so much but, the feelings she has was way too strong to let go.
Amber bit her lower lip and weakly stared at Summer, who was still deeply asleep.
"C-Can I just have her?... Please?" Amber whimpered and buried her face in her crossed arms. "Can she be mine, Summer?"
Amber flinched as Summer slightly moved. Summer's half-closed eyes landed on Amber's bowed head. "Amber. What are you doing?"
Amber shook her head at Summer's question, then she started picking up the scattered pieces on the floor without lifting her gaze.
"I'm just cleaning."
"Oh." Summer raised and sat properly, then helped Amber clean. "Sorry, I fell asleep."
"It's fine. I know you're tired. Uh. How's your necklace?" Amber was still looking down, not wanting to show her swollen eyes.
"It's good! Look." Summer excitedly open the necklace and leaned toward Amber to show it off.
Amber realized her question was a mistake, now she needed to lift her gaze. Amber took a faint sigh before raising her head. She faked a smile after. "Yeah. It's pretty."
"See? I told—hey. Did you cry?" Summer's brows were now knitted. Her gaze was pierced at Amber's like she was asking for an explanation.
Amber just shook her head with a forced smile carved on her lips. "I'm just sleepy."
"Do you think I'm dumb? Didn't you see your face in the mirror? That swollen eyes and pouted enlarged lips, you even resembled my deceased fish! What happened?"
"Uh. I... I saw my ex with his new." Summer's eyes narrowed at Amber's reason.
"Amber. We both know that's a lie." Summer told. Amber averted her gaze and bit her lower lip tighter which caused it to bleed a little.
'"Give up on her. I like her. I want her mine" Those were the words I wanted to say. But my tongue wouldn't move... I just couldn't say it. Not to Summer.', Amber thought with a pain seen on her face.
Summer noticed her difficulty and discomfort. Looking at her expression, she knew it wasn't the right time to squeeze the real reason out of her. Whatever it is, Amber wanted to keep it for the meantime.
Summer sighed. "Nevermind. Just rest and stop thinking about it."
Amber nodded and was a bit relieved. She stood up, then headed to the guest room.
'I'm sorry... Summer'
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3 days had passed in just a snap. Tristan took several sighs before lifting his 2nd large luggage into the trunk.
"Tristan," Whifler called, carrying another large luggage. "Here."
Tristan's one brow raised. "I thought we're only staying there for 3-4 days?"
"Yes," Whifler responded, putting the luggage himself inside the almost full trunk. "Why?"
"Those are too much for those days. Can't we just bring enough?"
"Those are enough." Whifler turned to look at Tanya calling, also bringing 2 more big sling bags. "Put that in the backseat."
Tanya immediately followed it while Tristan just gaped, couldn't believe the amount of stuff they'll bring. "Seriously?"
"Stop worrying about things. Get in now so we can leave." Whifler told, opening the driver's seat door. Tristan didn't say anything else and just got into the car.
All of them were silent until they arrived at the airport. It was exactly 9:00 am, and Whifler scheduled their departure at 9:30 am. (They will board a private plane).
"We didn't forget anything, right?" Tanya asked, checking their luggage.
"I think so," Whifler responded, also thinking if they actually forgot something.
"You forgot to bring the whole house." Tristan sarcastically remarked which made Whifler glare at him.
"TRIIIIIIIIIISHHHH!" they all jolted up as they heard the familiar enthusiastic voice approaching.
They confusedly stared at her as she came closer to them while breathing heavily. "Thank God, I caught up with you."
"Uh. Summer... W-What are you doing here?" Tristan asked, baffled.
Summer stood properly while grinning. "Well. You told me you're going overseas today and the results were out today, too. Sooo. I came here myself to tell you that... I—GOT—THE—ROLE!!!"
"Really? Congratulations!" Tristan genuinely smiles.
"Congrats, Summer!" Tanya added.
"Thank you. Thank you! What about you? Aren't you going to congratulate me?" Summer playfully looked at Whifler.
Whifler just clicked his tongue. "The moment you joined the audition, the result was expected. No need to congratulate the obvious."
"Wow. 'Congratulation' is just one word... I appreciate your effort for saying a lot more."
Whifler didn't say anything anymore and just sat while glancing at his watch. "We have to go"
Tanya and Tristan stood up and grabbed the luggage. Tristan looked at Summer and smiled. "We're leaving. Be careful on your way home."
Summer just nodded, then they walked away. She glanced at the bracelet that Tristan was wearing. It was the bloodstone bracelet she gave to him.
Summer automatically smiled. "Trish! Wait!"
Tristan halted and turned around to look at Summer.
"You're still wearing that... I'm glad." Summer smiled. Tristan couldn't explain the emotions in her eyes but, he felt something different about it.
"Don't take it off, okay?... And always remember... I'm always by your side... No matter what." Summer smiled.
Although he was completely confused, Tristan nodded as a response. "I will."
"Hey. Why do you sound like you'll never see each other again? Quit being a drama queen, Summer. We'll be back in three days." Whifler deadpanned. Summer rolled her eyes.
"I know. Stop ruining the mood. Tsk. Go on... Have a safe flight!" Summer grinned and waved at them until they were out of her sight.
Her smile was swiftly gone as her tear fell from her left eye. "Damn. What is this?"
Summer wiped her tears. "Ghad. Why am I feeling strange? Aist. Is loving someone make you go mad like this? Psh."
Summer paced towards the exit of the airport. "I missed him already." She pouted.
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The ticking of the clock was the only sound you'll hear in the quiet living room where Heidi was sitting.
She keeps on glancing at the wall clock; it turned 8 pm, turned to 9, turned to 10, and now it landed at 11:52 pm.
She was starting to get annoyed while waiting for Reign. Today was their monthsary and they agreed to have dinner at her place. But unfortunately, just a little turn of the clock, their special day is over.
"Where the hell is she?!" she mumbled, deeply upset. But, her mood changed as she heard a knock on her door.
She swiftly stood up and opened the door. She smiled widely when Reign stretched her hand, handing her a bouquet of pink roses and a mini box of cake.
"Thank you!" Heidi enthusiastically said. "Come in"
Reign took her shoes off and went inside.
"Are you alone? Where's your roommate?"
"Jowanna returned to their province, but she'll be back tomorrow." Heidi put down the bouquet on the couch and the cake on the center table. "Wait for a sec, I'll just reheat the food."
After Heidi put the food in the microwave, she went back to Reign and looked at her furiously. Well, she almost forgot she was upset at her. "Why are you late?"
"I was just taking care of something."
"Taking care of what?"
Reign fell silent and just coldly look at her. Heidi understood her gaze immediately.
"Are you still looking for proof of who really sent those evidence?" Heidi asked but, Reign didn't respond. (We all know that sometimes, silence means yes.)
"I told you not to bother anymore! I wasn't convicted, you see?"
"You were forced to be on hiatus because of those. I just want to give that someone a lesson." Reign coldly uttered. Heidi just sighed.
"I'm okay about it now. Besides, I've accomplished my goal. That's enough for me."
Reign nodded. "I know. Don't worry, I'm done with it too."
Heidi was confused by her last statement and was about to ask further, but she stopped as she heard the ting of the microwave. "Wait a minute."
Reign nodded, then she picked up her phone and powered it on. She purposely turned her phone off while taking care of something earlier.
She scanned the messages and the missed calls displayed on her phone's screen. She ignored them all but there was one message that pulled her attention and boiled her blood.
[From her manager: Summer got the lead role. You'll play Jade Wesley. The second lead.]
Just a second after, her phone flew.
"What the. What's going on?!" Heidi told as she heard the banged of something and saw Reign's phone at the far corner. She put down the hot dish beside the cake on the center table. "Reign. What's wrong?"
"That bitch! Why it's always her?! What is so good about her?! And why the fvckin hell I always get the SUPPORTING ROLE?!" Reign yelled. Heidi came closer to pacify her.
"Calm down. What are you talking about?"
"Summer got the lead role again!" Reign gritted her teeth.
She was furious. So mad, to the point that she wanted to destroy everything in front of her.
Heidi sensed it so she instantly find a way to appease her anger.
Heidi held both of her hands. "Calm down. Don't be too worked up about it. Any roles don't matter. You're a good actress. I know you can grab the spotlight."
Reign stared at Heidi with those ballistic gazes. "But, I worked my ass off just to get that role!"
"I know. I understand. But, it is what it is... All you have to do is to focus. It's not just the leads who got more admiration and appreciation, Reign. You can acquire it in every role. Just play your role well and snatched people's hearts." Heidi gripped her hands. Hoping her words were getting through and calming her down.
"Also, please... Not now... It's our special day. I want this day to be stress-free."
Reign was taken aback. Heidi's pleading eyes made her cool down. Although she didn't show it on her face, she validated Heidi's feelings.
Reign glanced at the clock. "Our day is over a while ago."
Heidi frowned and harshly threw Reign's hands. "It's because of you!"
Reign just sighed. "Right. Let's eat before the food gets cold."
Heidi flipped her mood and was now enthusiastic. Reign was being gentle to her today, and this was a rare event! So, she didn't want to ruin it. "Aren't you hot? Take off your coat."
Heidi helped Reign take her coat off. As she was about to fold it, Heidi halted, staring at the bloodstain on the coat's one sleeve.
"Reign? Are you hurt somewhere?" Heidi worriedly asked while checking Reign.
"No."
"Then, why there's blood in your coat?" Heidi showed the stain to Reign.
Reign just glanced at it then she started preparing the food and utensils on the table. "Oh, that. My sister's elbow hit me, so my teeth bleed and I used my coat to wipe it on impulse."
"Ah." Heidi nodded then sat down across Reign. "Let's eat!"
Reign just slightly smiled. But, deep within her, she was raging. Her demons were wanting to burst out. Curses were flashing in her mind nonstop. Her thoughts were filled with resentments.
Behind that cold and expressionless face, was a soulless exasperated fiend, wanting to retaliate.
'Sucks all of you. I will never accept this!', she thought gripping her spoon.