Chapter 5
“Miss, where to?”
“To the International Airport. Thank you Uncle.”
After telling the taxi driver her destination, Jessica looked down at her hand. She had taken the strawberry and whipped cream ring with her as a reminder of Jonathan. She started caressing the ring, tracing the design.
How ironic. I can only wear this ring when I’m away from you.
But then again, I have never really been away from you.
Not like this.
Never like this.
Even though tears threatened to break her facade, she held them in.
Leaders don’t cry.
.
.
.
.
.
But I’m not a leader anymore.
No, Jessica, you are not a leader anymore. You stopped being one when you announced it at the press conference yesterday. But that doesn’t mean that you can cry.
No one ever told her that she is the weakest when she’s the strongest.
*****31 January 2013*****
With the help of the PR department, all the major newspapers and TV stations were gathered in one of the main conference rooms in Parker Building. They have also arranged it in such a way that no one, especially SMASH and The Bella members were in the building.
Jessica stood outside the conference room while she waited for the Head of PR to finish her explanation about why the media was gathered today. She didn’t go into details and instead introduced Jessica into the press conference.
Jessica clenched her fists and hardened her resolve.
Jessica Jung, you can do this.
“Sica ah, are you sure you want to go through with this? I could go in and announce that the reason for gathering the media today is to announce your solo album.”
Jessica turned to look at her boss, her second father and gave him a smile.
“Mike, you know you would be called a troll right? We do not have those plans and it will disrupt everything that you have planned.”
“I didn’t plan for this too.”
“Mike, we have been through this. I have told you two months ago when we got back from our tour and started on our promotion for our latest album.”
“Alright, just know that the doors at Parker Ent is always open for you to come back again.”
Jessica turned and give Mike a hug. She whispered a soft ‘thank you, Dad’ before releasing Mike.
Jessica mustered her courage and walked into the conference room. The cameras went crazy, the flash, the reporters started shouting questions at her. She gave the media a quick smile then walked to the center of the conference room.
“First I’d like to thank the media for coming out here on such short notice. I will make this short.”
She took a deep breath.
“I, Jessica Jung, will be stepping down as The Bella’s leader with effect from today. This decision was not an easy one to make because I really love my members and the whole Parker Family a lot. But I have decided to chase after my other dream of becoming a fashion designer. Please continue to show support to all the other members of The Bella as they start on their own journey and all the Parker Family artistes as well. I would also like to extend my thanks to my boss, Mike Parker, and my members for their understanding in this matter.
As to whether I would come back and stand in front of everyone again, I cannot say for sure right now. But know that my love for the stage, my love for my members and my love for my fans will always be there.
Last but not least, I would like to thank our fans from around the world for their support since day 1. I would really appreciate it if you can respect my sudden decision. Please continue to support the other members in whatever they choose to do.
Thank you very much.”
Jessica put down the microphone, stood up and did a 90 degree deep bow.
The media again went crazy with their cameras and questions were again being shouted. Jessica’s manager came in and escorted her out of the conference room and straight to Mike’s office. The others from the PR team tried to contain the media in the conference room.
The tears that she has been holding onto since yesterday flowed out continuously, like the current that had been trapped behind the dam for too long. She cried all the way from Parker building to the International Airport. (A/N: That’s about an hour)
When they arrived at the airport, Jessica wiped the remnants of her tears, checked her make-up then put on the huge sunglasses. The cab driver waited patiently for her to finish all her checks. When she was finally ready, she took a deep breath.
“Miss Jessica, everything will be alright. Whatever or whoever caused you to cry so much, it will pass. Take a good rest and find your way again. Fighting!”
Jessica was really surprised that the cab driver recognized her. She had kept her make-up simple and had darkened her blond hair so that she won’t be so noticeable.
“Erm, thank you Uncle but how did you...”
“How did I recognize you? How could I not? I picked you up from Parker building, plus, Kris from SMASH wasn’t it, shouted your name from the rooftop, and not to mention everyone in my family is a big fan of The Bella. In fact, if it’s not too much trouble, would you mind signing on your latest album for me? My family would be so happy!”
“Sure. Who should I address it to?”
“John Tan and Family . Thank you very much!”
Jessica took the album from the cab driver. It was their latest and possibly last album. Thinking about that, the tears started to form again. She wrote a quick message thanking the family for their support. Then she handed the album back to the cab driver and started to pull out the money for her cab ride.
“Jessica, please don’t worry about the cab fare. I’d be honored if you allow me the pleasure of thinking of myself as having given you the ride where you relieved yourself of your sadness and gave you strength to embrace the future. When The Bella comes back with the next album, I expect you to pay in full. We know you will come back but we will not pressure you. Take care of yourself. Your smile means a lot to your fans. Don't give up ok?”
“Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope to come back as a better person as well. Wish me luck and look upon me well.”
“We will do that for sure. Have a good trip!”
Jessica got out from the cab, straighten her Chanel coat and handbag then pulled her luggage to the departure hall. She stood in front of the departure screen and see when the next flight to Italy was. Once she found one, she went to get her ticket and then she checked herself in for her flight and only when she was seated in the VIP lounge did she take out the other thing she had taken out of her treasure box: her first hand phone.
She switched it on and sent out a message. After she did that, she switched it off again.
She wasn’t expecting an answer from the receiver anyway. She didn’t know if he had really kept the phone number like he said he did.
My Jon Prince...
Goodbye...
For now...
or ever...
Please stay healthy and true to yourself.
I..
Love you.
------------------------------------------
Author's note: Thanks for all the love! *muacks* Updates will continue to be regular since I have finished till Chapter 8. ^^v Continue to spread the love~
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