Whimsical Perfection

28. Turning Point

"She will outstrip all praise
And make it halt behind her."
-Prospero, The Tempest

~♤ ▪︎ ♤ ▪︎ ♤~

He didn't call. That mystery man turned out to be a total prick who ghosted me like never before. After waiting for any contact from him all weekend, I finally gave up on the third day. Maybe, he must have done it out of courtesy, not because he was smitten by me.

It would be understandable, that no man would want me more than once. Once the darkness of the night fades, and by body is no longer under the shadows as a sexy silhouette, everyone knows its an ugly, good for nothing body. Although, I wasn't as chubby as I was back in high school, I still had considerable fat on my body, and prominent stretch marks that came with trying to get rid of my chubby self.

Loving oneself doesn't come so easily when everyone who has ever seen me comments on my body as if it were their own. I'm sure he too would have thought I wasn't good enough for him. I mean, he was a lean, muscular man with a God-like body, and I, well, I was just my ugly self.

Fuck him. I was much smarter than him. And I didn't need anyone else in my life to remind me of my awesomeness. I was enough for myself. I tried thinking of more positive and empowering thoughts this morning, as I stared at myself in the mirror. Applying blood red lipstick to my plump lips, I gazed at my reflection, those stormy eyes staring back at me. Those eyes that were closed off completely, that seemed empty, still carried great determination and a stubborn will to survive.

I might have been bullied by everyone before, not respected enough for being a chubby woman, been dragged down my entire life, but I never gave up. Not then, not now. My confidence wouldn't falter just because one man didn't come back to me. So many others would stand in line tonight.

Today, there was no rehearsal, just a long meeting where we would discuss all the topics of feedback we got from the producers, and plan our next steps ahead. It was like a midpoint evaluation of our work so far, and a planning of how to move forward. The cast was a bit tense today, more so than usual. Maybe they caught wind of the trouble the disagreement between Isaac and I had caused, and they were afraid of what would happen if it wasn't nipped in the bud immediately. I too, was most worried about that one detail, but it looks like I had worried all weekend for no reason.

As soon as that matter was brought up in the meeting, an icy silence swept over the room, with everyone holding their breaths in anticipation of more drama. I too, stayed silent, waiting for the outburst of the main lead, but he just sighed and asked me in his usual professional voice, whether it was absolutely necessary to include that damn kiss. I replied honestly, and told him that I wouldn't go to such lengths for a stupid kiss if it didn't throw a positive impact on the relationship of the main leads. I honestly, wasn't that petty. With one simple, logical conversation, the problem was solved as he agreed to the kiss.

If only he would have controlled his anger and suppressed his urge to lash out at me because of his blind prejudice, it would have been solved ages ago. Stupid ignorant asshole.

The meeting was about to finish, when someone knocked on the door. I trained my eyes at the door, puzzled. Why would someone attend the meeting so late? Was anyone else missing? To find that out, I told them to come in.

I was seated at the far end of the table, which was opposite to the door of the office. It meant that anyone who came through that door would notice me first. I didn't know this seating arrangement was shitty until I actually had to face a man I never thought I'd have to.

The door opened, and in came John, whose office we sat in, followed by a mystery man whose face wasn't clear yet. I could still see his tall built, broad shoulders and narrow waist which disappeared behind the chubby frame of my favorite producer. He was also taller than John, and seemed to be dressed in some slacks and button down shirt. It was a simple attire, yet it made him look quite handsome.

But then, as John moved away and his face came to view, I wanted to dig a hole right there and bury myself forever. No scratch that, I couldn't even think of what to do when I saw who he actually was.

My eyes roamed his features shamelessly, taking in his light brown curly locks, those honey colored eyes that danced with mischief and amusement, that insanely pink bow-shaped lips which I had no recollection of, coupled with that amazing jawline which would make any sane and straight girl fall to her knees.

And that's exactly what he was doing right now - making everyone in the room gasp at his beauty. This man was the mystery man whom I had slept with on Friday night, the one who fed me a scrumptious breakfast and asked me for my number but never called.

And I couldn't even deny that it wasn't me, when his eyes caught mine, and he smiled that wholesome smile after a moment of shock. He recognized me instantly, and I couldn't think of any excuses after that.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this young lad right here, is the son of an old friend of mine. He really wanted to meet you all, so I brought him here. He also has an announcement, so please give him a few minutes."

Everyone in the room subconsciously leaned towards him, eagerly waiting for his words. He raised an eyebrow at me, and I realized everyone was waiting for my permission. Nodding my head, I silently told him to continue.

He smiled again, and started speaking in that honey-like voice of his, instantly entrancing everyone with his grace and manners.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you all have had a great day today. To introduce myself, I'm Oliver Brown, son of John's great friend, Tom Brown. You all must know him too, as he's the main producer on this play.

I normally live abroad, but since I'm here, I wanted to invite the cast of the play to a grand party at my place. It's nothing at all, just a small token of gratitude from my side to each and every one of you who have worked so hard on this project. I will leave the invitations here, and you all are welcome to the party. Especially you, Miss Scarlett."

He concluded, and everyone's eyes danced between us, tentatively waiting for my positive answer. Some of them must be totally convinced I would refuse, and I wanted to do so too, since I was embarrassed to face him again. But I couldn't do so, when I caught him staring at me so fondly and smiling at me expectedly.

And I unknowingly dug my grave that very moment, as I nodded my head and said yes to his invitation. Might as well shoot myself with a gun too.

~♤ ▪︎ ♤ ▪︎ ♤~