Top Note

Chapter 5

Eriantha

"Anders, do you even know that you are scaring us?" Vivan was the first one to speak, as I was hardly breathing, it has been like this ever since we have learnt about the loan sharks. Whenever Anders goes out I am worried that they might do something to him, or whenever he says things like this, or when looks riled up I feel as if we are in danger.

We have deliberately kept the loan shark issue a secret from Vivian, that's because we both know if she learns about it, she will try to help us, using her family's money or her connections.Its already a problem for her that she has been coming here everyday hiding from her family. We don't wish to pile up on her problems. There was no point in tarnishing her with this dirt.

"That's because it's a bit of a situation here" Anders quipped while grinding his teeth, he was trying to subdue his pent up frustration. My brother doesn't like my best friend and I am the reason behind it.

"Are you going to sit like an snow man? Didn't I tell you to come up right away?"

I stood up immediately, as I was in the habit of always following his orders. Vivian grabbed my arm, "And are you going to speak cognizable sentences? Like, where do you want her to go and why were you so relieved to find me here, because that's really very shocking."

Anders closed his eyes and exhaled, something which he has been frequenting recently to get a grip of himself. My poor brother! Fortunately, he has stopped drinking ever since father's death, but I am afraid too much stress might bring back that habit.

"Mr.Karwitz is here, and he wants to meet you."At this point I thought Anders was talking to Vivian, so I turned towards her right away, wondering why Leonel was here to meet her? She looked slightly pale, but, held up her mask of composure.

"It's not Leonel Karwitz, it's... it's... Mr. Darcel Karwitz. You...you know him right Vivian? He just came asking for Eri...I...I... really don't know..."

Vivan relaxed momentarily, but now  a frown appeared on her forehead.

As for me, I froze.

'Who doesn't know him?

Darcel fuckinghandsome Karwitz!

He is here! Looking for me?

Did I just die? Is this heaven?

The youngest CEO in the perfume industry,  the head of  second best brand in the market after Cedine. I literally worship him like a fan girl. I have a collection of his interviews, looking  at his cover photos in magazines is my guilty pleasure. I can literally write an essay on him at any given moment.
It's not like I haven't seen him before, he was there briefly on the day of Father's last rites,but at that time he simply offered his condolence to my brother and left right away. My father was head of the Reux Perfumes. Not many remembered our history, but of course great men like Darcel Karwitz don't become great for nothing. They know how to touch the sky by staying grounded. That's the impression I have had of him even when he had just started off in his first year, and had received the youngest entrepreneur award.

I still remember, there was a a perfume making competition where I had participated under the pseudonym 'Sobriquet' which became the inspiration behind my own online brand now. He was the jury in that competition. I was the winner, but I didn't attend the award ceremony because I had to keep my identity hidden, but, I clearly remembered his words:
"Perfumery is a science blended in art. Know your science well but don't forget your art."

I had etched those words in my heart and mind.

"Eri..." Anders almost shouted to bring me back from my reverie.