I took a sigh of relief as I heard Patricia's voice, and said as a smile spread on my face, "Hey, finally got the time to call."
Patricia replied, "Hey, I didn't want to disturb our love-birds. So, how was the night, and no fillers. I want full details."
I didn't realize I was in a daze, as I barely heard her on the phone saying, "Jessica, Jessica, are you there? What happened? Are you busy?"Realizing she's on the line, "Sorry, actually Patricia let's meet at the office. I've completed the drafts. We can begin on the second draft. Be over in an hour."
I was dumbfounded, how did I forget Patricia. She still didn't know anything, and we have been friends since college. After graduation, I began my own company, and Patricia joined me as my chief designer. And for me, Sandy and Patricia are the only family ever since Aunt Debra passed away. Matter of fact, Patricia's mother still makes sure I meet her every weekend and she cooks personally for me.
I went to my room and got ready and then picked my bag, purse and keys and came out. As I locked the door, I got into my car and drove off for work. As I parked my car in front of the building, the watchman came over and greeted me.
As I was entering a man standing by the side, said, "Oh, who's she? The watchman actually greeted her."
The other man standing beside him told him, "She's the owner of the building."
Yes, this twenty-three floor building was mine. The top floor is my office, next three are the designing departments, next four are the production departments, and then the rest I have rented out to other businesses.
As I got into the elevator and tapped on the button of the top most floor, it took me a few minutes to reach. As I entered, everyone got up to wish and congratulate me. Obviously, I also wished everyone and thanked them as well. Though, in my mind I was thinking whether it would have been better to announce I've divorced so I won't have to accept thanks for something that is over.
As I entered my office, Patricia was already busy with her work and on seeing me, she chirped like a bird and said, "Oh, you finally came. You know I was expecting you would take an off today, you usually do, anyways, how are you and."
She didn't take his name as she saw the look I had and came over, "OK, tell me what's the matter. Did he say something?"
You know, that's the thing with Sandy and Patricia. These girls really know me more than I do myself. I took a sigh and said, "Patricia, he came around ten thirty-eleven. And, handed me duly signed divorce papers. He said I can write any amount for compensation. I wrote zero and signed them. Then I left him standing alone and came back home."
One difference that Sandy and Patricia have, is their mentality. Sandy is soft, whereas Patricia is frank.
She instantly said, "That's my girl! You should have thrown the papers on his face."
For a while I was confused if she heard what I said, "Ah, Patricia, I just said, 'I signed the divorce papers."
Patricia replies saying, "Jessica, I heard you, and if this is what he did, he doesn't deserve you. You deserve someone better. And, it's his fault for losing you, after all you're the best he can get. If he can't understand that, even after three years, it's best to leave now then after six years." She comes over, hugs me and says, "Hey, I'm sure you'll find a new hubbie soon."
Like I said, Patricia is always a frank person and is always optimistic. Just then my secretary, Veronica came and said, "Jessica, there's a Mr. Jerome here to see you. He says, 'He's from your college?"
OK, I was as shocked as Veronica and Patricia were, but still manners are manners, "OK, let him in and three cups of tea."
As she leaves, a gentleman probably around thirty or thirty-five years old enters and says smiling, "Miss. Jessica, it's an honor to meet you. I'm the new PR from Grand Ridge University. My name is Jerome."
Though I was still confused, I still remained calm and said, "Oh, please take a seat. So, sir, may I know how I can help you?"
Jerome smiles and says, "Miss Jessica, actually I came personally on behalf of Grand Ridge University to invite you to attend the college reunion of the 2012-2016 batch. The reunion will be held at the Silver Baron Hotel and will begin around seven."
As he handed me a card, I took it and opened it. A small smile appeared on my face as I saw a picture of my college friends. "Mr. Jerome, it's my pleasure to attend, and thanks for coming personally to invite me. It's really an honor."
Robert smiles and says, "Miss Jessica, today you're a renowned fashion designer. Even today, you're the role model. They all look up to you. You really have lived up to our college's motto, "Grand Ridge University makes hidden gems, and you are a rare gem of our college."
I smiled as he said all this as I really don't like bragging and never really think I did something extravagant. For me, I just do what I love, and as for my business being successful, like my mentor said, it runs in my blood.
Replying, I told, "Oh, no sir. I prefer being a hidden gem of the college like the uncountable gems the university has made, is making and will be making."
Just then Robert says, "OK, Miss Jessica, I'll take my leave, and hope to meet you at the reunion once again."
As Robert leaves, Patricia says, "Wow! Now that's our topper. You know I was going to ask you about the invitation. The rest of the students, me included, got an invitation on the college Facebook page."
OK, though it's a silly thought, I still asked her, "What? You're following our college page?" Patricia smiled and said, "Of course, why not? Jessica, you know it's good to keep an eye out. You may not know, but twenty percent of our employees are from our college."
Realizing the fact, I also said, "And, I presume you found them."
Acting like a saint, Patricia says, "Of course not, I just found their profiles and sent them a job opening. And, of course, since they are from our college, how can they fail the interview against other colleges?"
"OK, let's get back to work. Here, (I removed the drafts I made) look, these are the drafts I made. Look at this one, this is the white satin dress they wanted for the fall collection and this is the autumn fall collection is beige."
As Patricia looks at the drafts, she says, "Hey, we can add some sequins here, and how about a light off-yellow lace here on the white dress?"
"Patricia, what's the matter? Did you forget, they said they want the dresses as simple as possible. Now obviously we can't make plain dresses, so I made some flowers of the same color leaves and flowers and added them. Look at the size, I've kept them small, so they don't stand out from the dress."
"I know, that's why a few sequins and a little lace. Look, (She picks a pencil and draws on the drafts) what say?"
Though they did look nice, for some reason I knew this client wouldn't accept it, but I still wanted to take the chance, "OK, call Heather in."
As Heather came in, I called her over and said, "Heather, please fix my makeup. I have an online appointment."
Heather is my personal hair and make-up stylist. Though I like my hair open and practically no makeup, but since I have to meet so many people and with all the pollution, a little touch up is not bad.
Heather comes over with her make-up bag and does my makeup and then says, "Jessica, your skin is a bit dry. I'll send you a face mask. You can apply it at night and keep it on for five minutes and then wash with luke-warm water, OK."
"Sure, I'll do as you said. Patricia, have you uploaded the drafts?" I asked as Heather was doing my hair.
As Patricia says, 'Yes, I switch my web-cam on and make the call. As the client comes online, "Good morning, Mr. Lorenzo. My chief designer Patricia has sent you the drafts. Can you please check if the designs are up to your requirement."
Lorenzo replies saying, "Good morning Miss Jessica. (As he was looking at the drafts on his tab) Miss Jessica, honestly after my friend Emilio suggested your name, and now I understand why he did. They are perfect, but are the sequins and lace added in the second draft?"
"Ah, one second please, Patricia please send the first draft." As Patricia sends the first draft, "OK, Mr. Lorenzo please check the first draft."
As Lorenzo checks the drafts, Lorenzo says, "Miss Jessica, the first drafts are exactly what I'm looking for, but you can add the lace. You see my wife, she likes laces. So, fine, when can I see the final dress?"
I was happy on hearing the deal was finalized, and it felt really good to feel happy after all that has happened. Actually after the divorce, I felt like being happy was not in my fate. "Ah, Mr. Lorenzo, the final dresses will be ready by Monday. Today is Thursday. I'll go and personally hand the designs to the department and let you know as soon as possible."
As the call disconnects, Patricia says, "Jessica, after getting off work, you're coming with me back home."
I tried to decline as I really wanted to be alone. I don't know why, but after the divorce, I realized my life revolved around Kyle and I never thought I would ever be alone. But, now that this day has come into my life, I want to live a life that's meant for me and only me.
"Jessica, Jessica?" Patricia was calling me but once again I was in a daze. As I came out of it, "See, that's why you are going with me. I am not leaving you alone. And, before you say anything, I already told mom you're coming. The food is already planned, by now she must have made half of the dishes."
I sighed as I knew there's no way out. Though I can reject her offer, Aunt Claudia, after Aunt Debra's death, she has treated me like her own daughter. She never forgot my birthday and made sure to send me a gift as well. So, I had to accept.
After finishing the drafts, I went to the Design draft department and went to meet my garment technologist, David. After I handed him the drafts, I told him to begin and let me know.
By the time I came back, Patricia had already packed everything, and was waiting for me. I realized I had no say in this, so I decided to go along.
Patricia's home
As we reached Patricia's home, Aunt Claudia was waiting for us at the door. As she came over and hugged me, I also hugged her back and said, "I hugged her, "Aunt Claudia, I missed you so badly."
Aunt Claudia smiled and said, "Silly girl, how many times have I told you this is your house? You can come any time. Come on, dinner is ready."
As I entered, I was fearing she would ask about him, and I felt hurt.
Yes, I do know I should move on and after all, he's the one who left or betrayed me, but I don't want to hurt the ones I love, and I know she's going to be heartbroken on hearing, but I have to tell her one day, so why not today.
As I sat down, Aunt Claudia asked me about Kyle, so I told her everything that happened.
OK, I was expecting she would be in a state of shock, but what she told me was not what I was expecting.
"Jessica dear, don't worry, I'm always here for you. Though I'm not taking any side, maybe he was struck by some lightning and when he comes to his senses, he'll come back."
As I let out a soft laugh, I replied, "Actually, Aunt Claudia, he told me to wait for him, as if he will come back, but I think I'd be a fool to wait for him."
Aunt Claudia sighed as she said, "Jessica, do you know why he took this step? I mean from what I know, he really loved you, then how come?"
I was literally laughing inside as I'm still trying to figure this out for myself, as I don't understand just the night before we had a lovely conversation and the next night he came with duly signed divorce papers. "Aunt, I really don't know, but after what happened, I have realized I want to live my own life."
I was still speaking with my aunt when my phone began to ring. I saw it was from the nursing home. "Ah, Aunt Claudia one second, it's from Aunt Debra's nursing home."
Aunt Claudia also looked at me surprised and said, "What? Didn't we clear the bill before taking Debra's stuff with us?"