Veteris Imperii Diaries: Tiernan

Chapter II: Maldita Sea Nueva York (Lana)

"How are you doing there, Lana?" I heard Mario ask through the phone.

"I'm doing fine Mar. No need to worry," was my answer.

"No need to worry? Jesus Christ, cariña, you went all maldita sea New York, I'm outta here!" Mario exclaimed. I contained my laughter.

"I'm not that dramatic you know."

"That may be true but it doesn't mean that the thought is wrong. What happened? We used to tell each other everything." I can hear the sadness in his voice.

"Then you shouldn't have divorced me!" I snapped, instantly regretting it. "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for, Mario."

"We were both unhappy Lana. And we both know the truth." He spoke resignedly.

"I know Mario. I'm just being an ass." I sighed. "Look, I've got to go. I don't want to be late two days in a row on my first two days at work." I got a little snicker from him at that.

"I see you're still living up to your 'queen' moniker. Always the last to arrive yet the only one that matters. Okay, I'll let you go. For now." I can hear the warning in his voice. This isn't over yet.

"It's not like I actually planned it Mar." We both chuckled.

"You know I'll always be here for you Lana." He said in a kind voice before saying goodbye and hanging up.

The guilt of not informing him of what happened weighed heavily on me. I just shook my head and got out of the house to go to work. Mario's concerns were founded though. Moving to the Philippines is a huge deal considering my past. I was an award-winning actress. I was once the 'queen of glamour' for heaven's sake. Not that I'm saying that the Philippines is not glamorous. But compared to the New York and Hollywood life, it's a big jump to make. I just had to get out of there. Too many memories. Too many heart breaks. There's one thing in the Philippines that New York or Hollywood won't be able to offer me, a fresh start.

***

"That's all for today. Class dismissed." In a matter of minutes, my morning class has vacated the room. I squeezed the bridge of my nose to try and alleviate the headache I've had ever since the talk with Mario. I headed straight to my office on the faculty wing of Engineering building. I was just about to sit down when a knock sounded from my door. I sighed, frustrated. I schooled my face and let the person in.

"Ms. Velez." The university board president greeted from where he was standing by the door. I stood up to shake his hand over my desk.

"Mr. Ramil. Is there anything I can do for you today?" I asked as I sat down on my chair and gestured for him to seat, he remained standing.

Mr. Ramil is an elderly man who looked somewhat like my father. His hair has turned gray through the years. Kind eyes that makes you feel safe and a kind smile that comforts you in your darkest days.

"Actually I'm here to ask how has your experience been so far?"

"Oh. Everything's going well for me. The facilities offered here are very similar to what I'm used to and both the students and the faculty have been very helpful."

"I'm glad to hear that. How about your accommodations? I heard that you're still looking for a more permanent place to stay at?" I raised my eyebrows at that. The older man blushed, embarrassed that he'd admitted to listening to rumors. I took pity and smiled.

"Yes. I've been staying at the hotel. Although the service is great, I can't really stay there forever. Not factoring the expenses, it's not really helping with my main goal: a new start." He figured out that I'm trying to get past something when I accepted his offer to teach in another country. So I just told him that I needed somewhere fresh to collect my thoughts. He agreed.

"I know someone who might be able to help you. She's one of my trusted here in the university and her family owns a few residential buildings near here. Would it be okay if I sent her to you?"

"That would be great. When should I expect her?"

"When would you be available?" I looked at my planner.

"I won't be free until 7 this evening. Would that be okay?"

"I think so. I'll just tell her to come to you at 7 then."

"It's settled." I smiled at him, relieved. It's been a month of me staying in the hotel. Money is no problem for me but I wanted something that I could call home.

"I will be going now then. I'm glad you're doing okay here, Lana. I can feel that this place will help you do whatever you need to do." Move on, I thought to myself when I heard the president's words.

"Thank you again Mr. Ramil. For everything." He just nodded and got out of my office.

After an exhausting class with freshmen, I flopped down on my chair. The headache I was nursing since morning have lessened, but a dull ache still remained. After grading a few papers, I gathered my things and readied myself to drive home.

Home.

I remembered my conversation with the university president. I looked at the clock, 7:15PM. She's late. Thinking that whoever was supposed to come forgot about the time, I just shrugged it off and headed for the office door. Upon opening the door, I saw a woman with her right hand raised as if to knock. She was breathing hard as if she just ran from somewhere. Her face had traces of tears although she tried to erase it.

The senior.

It hit me then who the woman was and why she was so familiar. She was in my first ever class. And the one who bumped into me. What was her name again?

"Ms..." I prompted. She sniffed a little and tried to smile. She didn't succeed.

"Guevara Ma'am."

"Ms. Guevara. It's past 7. My office hours ended 2 hours ago. Whatever it is you need, you may come back tomorrow morning." I said as I turned around to lock my office door.

"I...Mr. Ramil said to meet you here at 7PM. Are you not expecting me Ma'am?"

"Mr...Oh, you're the one who's going to help me find a place?" I asked, confused. I thought it was another faculty member Mr. Ramil was talking about.

"Yes Ma'am. My family owns a few condominiums within the area. It's not much but it's a decent place to stay. Safe too." I thought about it. I could just decline and head back to the hotel to rest. But just thinking of the hotel and staying there for the foreseeable future had me agreeing to go with Ms. Guevara.

***

"This. This is not much for you?" I asked the senior student from the door of the open condo. The place was spacious.

"I just thought that with being who you are and doing what you do, you would be used to a much larger space than this." The student replied.

"And who am I Ms. Guevara?" She seemed startled by the edge on my voice.

"I-I just mean that you are an actress Ma'am. I assumed that you'd want a more high-end buy." She stuttered.

"Let me get this straight. Just because I was an actress, you automatically assume that I want luxury?" She just nodded. "Just to clarify Ms. Guevara, not all actresses are prissy little princesses who loves to party and wear pretty, expensive dresses. And yes, I may be born with what you call a silver spoon in my mouth, but I grew up learning that things do not come just because you are famous or you are rich. You have to earn it. I value what I have and I won't ever spend money on things that do not make sense." Her face was comical. If I wasn't so angry and frustrated, I might've laughed. "You do not know me. You don't know my life. So don't assume you do." With that, I turned around and left.

I was about to reach my car when I heard my name being called. I turned to see what more the senior wanted.

"I-I'm sorry if I offended you Ma'am. I did not mean any harm. And I'm sorry for assuming." With my anger still running amok in my veins, I just scoffed, opened my car and drove away.

A/N: Feedback is welcome. Thank you!