Charlie bounced around in my office and a smile that had been there since she got here was still plastered on my face. She looked so happy. Well, she always looked like that and I wondered if I knew when something was wrong with her. She never complained about anything, never wanted anything except the things that I gave to her.
looking at her now, I wish I give her more attention than I used to. there was still time, I knew I could do it. since I met Charles, there was always the irking feeling somewhere in the back of my mind that he would take Charlie away from me if he got to know about her. If he did that, I don't know what I'd do. How I'd survive if he took my only hope away from me.
She had no idea what she did for me in my life. she is the reason I am still alive. she gave me purpose when I had none. losing her will be like losing a part of me. the best part of me at that.
"Mum, are you okay?" her question brought me back to the present and I discovered that she was right in front of me. I smiled quickly to cover up the worry I had on my face.
"I'm fine darling." I pushed the bangs that she had on her forehead away from her eyes so that I can see eye pretty eyes well. Ones that reminded me of her father. Guilt wrenches my guts at the fact that I knew where her father was and did not want to tell her about it.
"No, you are not. I know when you are not fine." she pressed. I totally forgot that I had a smart kid. She could catch on to things as fast as the snap of a finger. she was too wise for her age.
"Okay, fine., you got me. I have issues with business, that's all." a smile drew up on her face.
"You'll be fine mummy. You are good at what you do. My friends at school say it all the time. They always say that their moms would do anything to have your clothing brand. I am so proud that I am your daughter." tears stung my eyes as soon as those words fell from her lips. I pulled her to me for a hug. she was divine. I was not lying when I said that she was the best thing that happened to me in my life.
the words she just told reassured me of that.
"Thank you my love. I love you so much, Charlie." I muttered and I did not hold back the tears again as they fell from my eyes.
"I love you too mummy. So cheer up." she scolded the last part and I laughed out, even in the midst of the emotional turmoil I was going through. I nodded at her.
She left me to continue whatever it was that she was doing and a smile was left on my face as I continued what I was doing. I felt refreshed and knew that I could face anything for her. Even if it was Charles.
**********
Everything was set. I made sure of that. and it was to my palate. I did not regret the amount of money I spent on the decor and the theme of the hall, because I knew that it would complement the dresses when they came out.
"You rock girl." Tam whispered in my ears and I smiled.
"We did this together. This is us, Tam." I said not looking at her but concentrating on the buzz that was going on around us. People were filtering in with impressed expression on their faces as they took their seats, since they were all supposed to sit according to the number on their invites.
"We should start soon, no?" she asked and I nodded. As usual, I was behind the curtains. No know would know that I was the brain behind everything that was going on. They will think that I was just on the guests that came. And that was fine by me.
I've always loved it like that. No drama and staying low-key. Even though the main reason I was doing so already found out about me, I still wanted to keep the low profile. I continued to mingle with the people that were around listening in on their conversations.
There was a sudden commotion at the entrance. not the entrance particularly, maybe the whole hall was focused on whatever was going on there.
When I looked well, I discovered that it was Charles, in all of his glory. Standing tall amongst all the men that was around him, it was hard not to spot someone his height. Did he get taller in the last few years? I stopped myself before I went any further. That was definitely none if my business.
But what was he doing here? Why was he here? He shouldn't be. He is a busy business man and should have actually sent in another person if he wanted to show up. The only answer to that question is that he wanted to torment me. He definitely still knows that he has an effect over me.
I did not want to turn myself to one of the women always fawning over him. But, I can't seem to help myself.
My eyes was glued to him, taking in his feature and the aura that surrounded the man. I know I should it admit this, but he was hands down the most attractive man I've ever met in my life.
Not like I have noticed many, because he ruined that. He made it impossible for me to look at any other man in a romantic way. He took that away from me.
Things that I thought I would never feel again started brewing from somewhere within me.
What the fuck!
After all these years, just looking at him made my insides churn. And he was not even near me.
As if knowing I was staring at me intently, his eyes landed on me for. across the room and it was like air was slammed out of my lungs.
I could not think, I could not move and I definitely cod not take my eyes off of him. It was like I forgot how to breath entirely.
His eyes had me in a choke hold. I could not drop the gaze even if I wanted to. He did not stop staring too. if not because of the commotion going on around, people around us would know what was happening.
The booming of the mic brought me back to the present and I immediately dropped his eyes. What just happened? The space in this hall, with how big it was suddenly felt small.
No, no, this should not happen now. I can't have an attack when my show was about to start. After a few minutes of regulating my breathing, I calmed down.
I looked back to where he was standing before, but he was not there. I guess he had picked his seat. Tam was the one that was anchoring. She's done this a million times so she knows what to say and do. I definitely did not need to worry about that.
In a few minutes, everywhere was in order and it was in full swing. The models came out in their dresses and the whole place erupted in claps and comments of appreciation flew around the room.
I was happy. I knew Astrid would have sent someone to watch, that made me proud to an extent. And this would be hitting the headlines tomorrow. I really wished I had brought Charlie along to see this. But I cannot risk putting her in the spotlight.
In the middle of the whole thing, I needed to use the bathroom so I stoop up from the place I was sitting, somewhere at the back and made my way to the bathroom.
The smile I had on, was still there not leaving for a second. I was happy.
I entered the bathroom and thank goodness it was empty. I don't like it when ladies were much in the bathroom. Gossiping about what nots.
When I was done with my business, I came out of the stall and washed my hand a the sink. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled at what I saw.
I did it.
I really did it. And the highlight of the show was not even up yet.
"Whatever have you done that makes you think you deserve to smile, Miss Shivers?"
My whole body froze as soon as I heard those words and I swung my face to look where the voice came from.
There stood Charles, standing there, in all of his glory, like he had no care in the world. The hard expression on his face gave it all away though.