DANA
I watched as people, (his employees were the many ones) said some words to him and shed some tears. I let out a deep breath. To be honest I wasn't prepared to be there in the exact position as they stand, saying the final goodbye. I don't want to have that last image on my brain of him behind the glass. I don't want to be stuck with that moment, remembering that as our last memory. Now that I think of it, I want to preserve him as alive and smiling. I want to know him like that, not like this, never like this.
"I'm out of here, Zy." – I said, standing up and storming out
I heard Zy's voice calling my name behind me but I didn't look back. Not even once. I wouldn't do it. I couldn't. He was the best thing to ever happen to me, and I cannot just let that memory slip away. I can feel the weight of the people's stares behind me. I guess everyone was looking, judging why I had to make a scene on something like this. Who knows, maybe some of them slanders me as a coward. It's just funny that I didn't care. This to me, is strength.
"Miss Dana…weren't you supposed to-" – his driver has now become mine
"shut it, bring me to the office. I have a company to run."
I slipped into the back seat and turned my phone off. I know they will try to reach me all day. Annoying, annoying, annoying.
IVOR
If looking at a picture would melt it, this must have been melting for a while now. It was a picture of that not-so-unknown girl as she was sipping her drink. She wasn't aware that I took a picture of her side profile. It looked perfect. She looked perfect.
That was one hell of a trip anyway. It was a nice way to get all the problems out of my system. All the laughter, the alcohol, the spontaneous skinny dipping. It was all worth it. Even when that trip cost me a lot of money, it was worth it.
"man, you keep staring at that picture like it's a national treasure." – Peter commented, putting his arm on my shoulder
"she has the most beautiful name, too. Dana."
Just saying her name made me smile. Peter chuckled.
"you like her, don't you?"
"what? No! I just find her interesting… and also, she's way out of my league. Are you familiar with Russel Clothing, Inc.? her father owns that. she's a famous businesswoman too."
"and you know this how?"
Peter was teasing. He likes doing that.
"I searched her name on the internet."
He laughed. Is he high or something? I don't think there's something TOO funny about what I said. It's just… basic? I mean if you met someone and you didn't talk well, you may get curious and find out more about them, right? I shook my head at him unbelievably.
He went back to his bed. The trip was too exhausting that it's already 2 pm now and we're still inside our apartment's beds. Peter's my best friend anyway. He's also my roommate. Since college we have this apartment to ourselves. It wasn't too glamorous or special but we have two beds, a huge window, a sink and a bathroom. All of the things a man needs and those were enough. We're making it work. It's not like two dudes can need more than those things.
The only difference between Peter and I is that now, I'm no longer in college. I dropped out this year. My family was having troubles and I failed to keep up with my scholarship. I had to work as a waiter on a local restaurant and I still do now, but those weren't enough to cover mine and my little sister's expenses. So between me and Ivana, I chose to let her continue her schooling. I can survive on my own. I'll find ways to succeed in a different means.
"are you working today?" – Peter asked. He was on his bed now, laying on his stomach, playing video games on his phone
"yes. I still have 3 hours left, though."
"sleep then. You need ample rest."
I guess yes. I had been staring at Dana's stolen picture for hours now that I forgotten to sleep. I placed the camera on the side table and grabbed another pillow to snuggle. I hope we see each other again.
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DANA
"Miss Dana, look over here!"
"here, miss Dana!"
"can you give us a nice little smile, miss Dana?"
"What can you say about people calling you one of the most successful businesswomen in the country, miss?"
"Miss Dana, here!"
I looked at the side of the cameras where everyone was looking at me. Not just the press but also the rest of the guests. They were looking at me too for some reason. Aside from the flashing lights, the press' shouts and comments are deafening. They should know when to control them, don't you think?
Anyway, two years has passed since dad passed away. I won't say it has been a smooth ride after that because I would be lying to my skin. It has been a roller coaster ride, especially for the company. Clients were affected of his death and turns out some of them thinks I was too young to be its new CEO. There are some who withdrew their investments and some who wished to sever the connection between their company and mine. I didn't mind that. I didn't chase. I let them go. If they don't trust me, they can get the hell out. Just that easy.
Some people say its hard to start over from scratch and I get that. Dad has always been the backbone of the company. He's the real powerhouse of it. I know it won't be on its place now if it weren't for him. That's the size of loss now only I have now, but of the company as well.