The Queen & I (WLW)

Chapter 11 : I Wanna Fly Away

"How come nobody had any lead on what team Philippines was doing?" an angry Thai national director asked her staff. "You need to do a better job asking around next time! We don't have anything planned to counter their release today. Preen, what's our best option?"

A woman in her thirties answered her boss, "we can run a PR about Amanda's number of outfits. I think that's enough to bring the attention back to our court at least divide the attention."

"Good job, Preen. Tell the PR and social media teams to make a draft for the release. We need to announce that this week. The Philippines are being stealthy this time" their director said. "Let's get back to work."

The staff in the meeting dispersed from the room like a plague. Somchai walked past some of them and turned his head and asked one of his co-workers on what happened, "Dragon spitted fire again?" he asked.

"As usual. Got ballistic when Philippines posted bombs back to back, said we weren't doing a good job countering their releases" one of his co-workers said.

Amanda's assistant shook his head, "that woman is impossible. She'd do anything to steal someone's thunder."

Just as he was about to extend his chit chat with his co-employees, Amanda walked in the Miss Universe Thailand office, "Hi. Good morning." she greeted the MUT staff with a warm smile.

"Someone's having a great day" Somchai teased Amanda.

"Why not? Because it's a beautiful morning. Nice weather, good coffee" she raised a stainless coffee jug "what's not to love?"

"Your dragon boss is what's not to love" her assistant joked.

Amanda laughed then whispered "you really do want to get fired, huh? Anyway, I have to talk to the dragon".

"Just don't bring up Philippines. It's a hot topic - but of course it's a different kind of hot for you" Somchai poked fun at the reigning Miss Universe Thailand.

"Shut up Som!" she giggled and walked away to see their national director.

—————

"I'm really bringing a hundred and fifty outfits? And that's final?" The beauty queen asked.

"Yes, Amanda. That's final. The suitcases are being prepared and customized for you. You should be grateful that the organization is doing everything it can do give you a grand send-off despite the pandemic——— we aren't doing it low-key like what Ph—nevermind." the older woman dismissed the thought.

Amanda just gritted her teeth.

"I appreciate what the org is doing for me that's also why I'm here giving more than a hundred percent and pouring everything I can give just to be pageant ready. I will give a good fight, but I don't want to turn this journey of mine into a circus" the Thai-Canadian queen honestly said.

Her national director furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Amanda, "I'll pretend I didn't hear you say that Amanda. Be careful of your words" the older woman straightened her back, "It's not just your journey. It is also the journey of the sash you're carrying. Think about that.  Not everything revolves around your personal journey. The problem with young people nowadays, they keep on wanting to have too much liberty doing things according to their will" she looked at Amanda from head to toe.

The younger woman was fuming inside, but kept her grace.

"If you don't have anymore questions, you can resume with your Q&A training now. Brush up on how you answer questions - you look helpless in your recent live with Philippines" her boss mocked.