"You still do not have everything figured out, do you? Why do you think something that has never happened before has occurred today?"
These words have been stuck in my head for days now. The clock on the side of the bed is ticking; it is almost five in the morning. My eyes are tired, but I cannot fall asleep, while I can hear Felix's rhythmic breathing beside me. This suspense is slowly killing me. Why is he not allowed to tell me everything that happened on the day of his death? But it's strange, too. Why are things suddenly happening? My father had never been involved in a scandal like this before. I never thought this was possible when you get back to the past. Much has changed since Felix came back, and although I am happy that he is alive, I can't help but feel confused. Then my eyes landed on my phone that is resting on the table. I dialed my mother's number, and I was not surprised to know she is awake at this hour considering what had happened today. It is going all around the internet, and I wonder how many have called our home. How is my mother coping with this, and where on earth is my father at this moment?
"Sweetheart," my mother whispers to the phone. Her voice sounds tired and hoarse; this confirms that she had spoken to people from the media. They had probably even set up camp around the neighborhood and in front of our house. "I'm fine; don't worry. Why aren't you sleeping?" A sigh escaped my lips as my feet dragged me outside of the room where Felix was peacefully asleep. I sat down on the cushioned couch, head down low, and licked my lips. "Your father and I will take care of this, Hope. This will be over soon."
"None of it was true, right?" My fingers combed my hair. Father had been in the business industry even before I was born, and nothing has ever damaged his image and reputation as an artist. My birth was never a threat to his acting career; instead, they said it was good luck. Drama directors and producers were all coming at him faster than the speed of light, and even though he had politely declined their offers, they had anticipated his big comeback, and it happened three years after my birth. My father's name is on everyone's lips; his face is on every billboard in the city. That's how big he has become after having me, even today.
"Your father is an artist, and a famous one at that. Rumors about him will never stop going around; it's unavoidable. Although it has lessened since we had you, it doesn't mean people will let your father be just because he's married." Mother has a point. It is not like I am ignorant; for all the years I've lived, people have referred to me as "Bryan Yera's daughter". I was three years old when Father brought me into one of his interviews, and the host asked if I wanted to become an actress just like him. Mother ended the call quickly, saying that I must get some sleep and that everything will be fine and done with before I know it.
"You alright?" Giant, strong arms enveloped me in a hug. I know it is Felix; he must have felt my absence, and it woke him up. His warmth passed onto me as his hands rubbed my arms softly. "You know you can talk to me about anything, babe."
"Don't lie," I chuckle. "You can't even tell me a single detail about your death." Felix released me from the hug and sat down on the couch beside me. His eyes landed on the tablet that was on the table, showing the latest article about my father. Felix locked it. "Do you know anything about this? Did the gods tell you that this would happen?"
"Taz.."
"Oh, I know, I know." I sigh. "They told you not to spoil. Is the truth going to hurt me or something? But you know how strong I am, Felix; can't you just not mind them and tell me everything that happened on that day?" He remained silent with a hunched back as he fiddled with his fingers. I waited for the words to come out of his mouth, but there was nothing. So I stood up from the couch and made my way back into our shared room. It must be really serious if it meant for him to seal his lips. Felix and I never kept secrets from each other until today.
The morning came as the sun peeked in through the window curtains. My arm reaches out, only to find the other half of the bed empty. I sprang up and saw a note written on the table. It was from Felix; today's meeting needs his presence and approval, it said. I grabbed the phone beside it; there was one missed call from my secretary. It must have something to do with the ongoing theme project for this year. Vic has also sent me a text message; we are going to give his proposal a go. The bosses approved of it, and we will start working on it immediately. The target date is October 24th. Now that I think of it, I have not mentioned to Felix yet that I will be working together with Vic this year. I wonder what he would say; Felix doesn't really like him that much. Shaking my head, I get myself off the bed and into the bathroom. It did not take me so long to finish my entire morning routine, and now I am walking into the building where I work. Deia greeted me with a smile and a small bow. As soon as I sat down, my phone started going off. It is Felix.
"I apologize for leaving early."
"It's okay; I understand why you had to. Have you eaten yet?"
"I haven't. "What about you?"
"I bought breakfast from the cafe near the building. Oh, that's right. I have something to say. I will be working together with Vic starting today, alright? This project must be done before October 24th this year."
"Vic?" Here it comes. I hope he has no one in the office right now. "Sure, yeah. Will you be coming home late tonight? Do you need me to come and pick you up?" That's strange. This is not the kind of reaction that I thought about. Felix was burning up with jealousy of Vic just a few days ago. "Tazanna?"
"Oh, no. You don't have to. I'll be fine on my own."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I can just take a cab home, Felix. I can't have you come here every time I get off work, you know? You're already exhausted."
"That's true. But I can't just let you be alone, especially at this time. You know what happened, Taz. It is not safe for you to be alone."
"Fe—" I was interrupted by a knock on the door. Vic's head pops in from the door with a playful smile across his face, and then I gesture for him to enter my office. He sits in front of my desk as he nods, saying that I could continue on with my call. "I'll call you later, okay? I need to work."
"Of course. Tell me if you need me to pick you up, alright? Please, I need to be sure you're safe."
"I will, Felix. Let's talk later." I pressed the end button and almost threw the phone into my bag. The man sitting in front of me was wearing a mischievous smile; his hands were in the form of a prayer as he glared. "Where should we start? Are the teams for this project aware that this must be done before October 24th? Should we gather everyone in the meeting room?"
"Was that your boyfriend?"
"Are you even listening to me?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, everyone knows you're engaged but never really seen the lucky guy. So, I was wondering."
"Is my love life an entertainment to all of you?"
"That's right. How are you coping with your father's scandal? Wasn't he caught with another woman dining in a restaurant? I bet people have been unnecessarily tagging you in random posts. Oh, poor you—" He jumped when I smashed the papers on the table.
"Are you done talking?"
"I'm sorry.."
I sigh. "If you're only going to spat nonsense, and that are not related to work, you can leave my office. I do not have time for gossip." Vic did not move a muscle. He turned his eyes away from me but he remained seated. He should have kept his mouth shut if he was going to talk about the scandal of my father, or was he so insensitive that he had to ask me? I turn the chair around. I do not wish to see him or anyone right now. But then I heard a soft thud on the table and the door to my office closing. It was a cup of hot coffee. A note was stuck on it: "I wasn't thinking. I apologize for being a jerk. You can call me whenever you're ready to talk about the project." He also left his number. I appreciate this kind gesture. Vic did not push me to talk; instead, he let me cool down and gave a little something as he was feeling guilty of his actions. I had better text him later to give thanks and finally, talk about the project.