Six years later,
"Use the kabuki brush after the blush,"
"Eh? Can't we highlight it first? --"
"It's not possible! You need to do the basics first. Simple make-up won't suit the model, and then you add highlight? You should do the blush using kabuki, "because that's my favorite brush.
"O-okay miss, I'll do it again." He went and approached the model.
"No, that's okay for today. Just make sure next time you listen to your director. " I smiled at her. I don't want to make her feel nervous.
They were breathing deeply. Because I can feel his nervousness, I know he just wants to give his 'best'. Of course, as a director and supervisor, I'll make sure they do it clean and neat because it's their responsibility as a make-up artist. I didn't intend to get mad at them or shout, I didn't mean to. It was just part of my job.
"I know, you did your great work these past few days. So, I'll give you a break. " Happy announcement to everyone.
Everyone took shelter. I checked my watch and it was six o'clock, but one member caught my attention.
"Abby?" She looked worried. I was surprised; she always came home at five o'clock.
I approached her and tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey, Abby." I opened. She hasn't packed yet. "What's wrong?"
"A-ahm Miss." She was a little surprised, "M-miss, I-I was skeptical."
I frowned, "Where? Can we talk now? "
"Miss Song," she covered his palm and headed. "I-if it's possible--I'll back out of modeling" In the tone of her voice, sincerity can be heard. But why?
"Is there something I don't know? Since you've been training for eight months, are you still going to back out?" I said, "But what about your Mom and brother? If you leave, do they know? Do they like it?" I was worried about her.
She suddenly bent down, she statued staring at the floor, as if I had said something wrong.
I didn't know what to say when tears suddenly came to her eyes. I was surprised, so I quickly approached her, "I--I'm sorry Abby." I hug, I don't know because that's what came out of my mouth. Maybe she is struggling to something, but I don't know where.
I never saw her like this. I met Abby last year, a cheerful and determined woman. Maybe a family matter?
"I'm sorry Abby. You can talk to me whenever you want." and rubbed her back.
Little by little, she is settling in. I pulled away and she immediately wiped her tears, I chuckled, "You're a cry baby by the way" and smiled and patted her head.
She laughed and turned to me, "You don't need to apologize, Miss. Sorry," she said sincerely. I don't know what it's for because I don't know how to find out his problem because I don't have the right to force her to "and thank you."
"Don't be sorry, I'm just here. Approach me anytime. Whatever your problem is, I'm a shoulder to lean on, so hold on. " She smiled again.
But I thought again about her intention to leave. Like I said Abby is a determined woman, I see myself in her when we first met, even though I was three years ahead. I was about to speak when she preceded me and I was suddenly surprised by what she said. It was as if I was chilled by what she said. My chest was pounding and my knees were getting soft.
It was as if I was hearing a loud and shrill voice and the surroundings suddenly began to spin.
"A-abby" I try to get closer to her, but my whole body is shaking and I am trying to call Abby's name, who is now lying on the floor.
"Miss song?!....Abby?!" a voice from nowhere.
"Miss Song!"
I looked at the person shaking me,
"N--Nick?"
"Abby!" he shouted, so I was back to normal.
He suddenly carry Abby and turned to me, "Let's go miss song!"
I immediately stood up and followed them.
We headed our way to St. Florence Hospital, Abby is next to me here in the backseat, and Nick is running fast. I couldn't get rid of my hug from her and kept calling her name.
"Nick please hurry up" I couldn't feel anything but nervousness and sadness.
The car stopped, and I didn't realize that Nick was picking up Abby. We entered quickly, and the nurses acted quickly. They took Abby to the ER. I went to Nick who was worried and didn't know what was going on.
*********
St. FLORENCE HOSPITAL
2ND FLOOR
ROOM 47
I couldn't leave until Abby was transferred. We were waiting for the doctor's signal, but the door hadn't opened yet. Nick went out for a while to buy food, and we are also trying to contact her family, but they are out of reach.
That's why Nick gave up and said that he would take care of it. After a few minutes, the female doctor and the two nurses came out.
"Doc, how is she doing?" I speak.
"As of now," she looked at the chart and looked at me again "The patient is in a dangerous state, she needs immediate treatment," and he stopped again and frowned at me,
"Are you her guardian?" she asked.
I looked at her gently and smiled, "Yes, I'm her friend. Her family is unable to contact right now, doc. " I said directly.
"Do you know or are you aware of her condition?" she asked again, which made me stop.
Again, remembering what he said before she passed out, I swallowed.
"Miss Song, I'm sick. I have breast cancer stage 2. Do you think my dream of becoming a model will come true in this condition?" she smiled.
"Y-yes, doc," I came to a halt and looked him in the eyes."Breast Cancer, can it be removed, right? She will recover doc." I feel sad.
"I need her parents here to discuss her treatment plans. The patient is extremely tired by now. You can go inside now. " she said and lightly patted my shoulder before leaving.
"Miss Song!"
I turned to Nick, who was running now. I closed the door again but glanced at the sleeping Abby for a moment and then met Nick.
"I met Abby's doctor earlier. Too bad I didn't catch up with you." he said, looking at the bedroom door "How is she? Is she okay Miss song? What happened earlier?"
"He said he was too tired from work," and he smiled and sighed again. She's not that lazy, I'm in awe of Abby. She hid the pain without letting it be known, and not even a sign of fatigue was seen in her.
"It's a good thing I went back to the studio," and I thanked him there.
"Nick, have you contacted Abby's family again?"
"Ah yes Miss! They are on their way here." he said happily.
"That's good then."
I looked at my watch; it was almost eight o'clock. I remembered Ganna. That's why I called Nick.
I said goodbye to him, and he agreed to watch over Abby while her family waited. Later, I went out, and I was even surprised that there was a man yelling at the staff. His back was turned, but he looked familiar. I frowned when he suddenly leaned over.
"Where is Mori Abigail Flores?!" he shouted, to my surprise.
But I was even more surprised when he suddenly faced me and looked at me. I-I can't! We stared at each other, I could see the shock in his eyes, but I was shocked.
"Gianne?"
I seem to be stuck in my place, I don't know what to do. I want to leave, but something seems to be stopping me.
"Russel," I whispered,
I was startled when he suddenly took a step... towards me. Suddenly, my chest pounded with fear, I couldn't do this, not now nor ever. He was getting closer and closer, and suddenly,
"Sir? "The 2nd floor, room 47," the staff said. He looked at him, so I took that chance to leave.
I got on the nearest boat. When I got on board, I leaned back and closed my eyes. I can't imagine what I was seeing earlier and what I learned and heard at some point that day.
Next time I have to be careful; it's dangerous and I don't want that scene to happen again.
I was overcome with dread at the prospect of meeting someone again, especially the people I avoided seeing again.
I immediately took the cellphone out of my pocket. The young angelic girl with a very innocent face appeared on the screen. I just smiled and put the phone back and closed my eyes again. Mommy is coming, my daughter.