2nd December 2015
A few days have passed since the magazine was published. Nothing changed for the business so far, and I'm starting to doubt whether the short partnership was beneficial.
Fathima barged into my room with no warning, the magazine in her hand and a smile on her face.
Fathima: Oh Saamm... Look what I got.
Samuel: The magazine...
Fathima: That's right. Look at you; being a professional model here. Isn't this amazing?
Samuel: It's not that special.
Fathima: What do you mean? Just look at this handsome man right here. Sarah was the lucky one to have worked with you.
Samuel: Get to the point already... I know you have something planned up.
Fathima: You're no fun... But I thought we could go out to celebrate this together.
Samuel: Celebrate what exactly?
Fathima: You know... Your first time going out in years and making new friends.
I get out of bed and leave the room while telling her.
Samuel: Mhm... Right... Well then, I'll join you on your date.
I turned back to see Fathima flustered as she began to yell.
Fathima: This is not a date! We're just going as friends!
Samuel: Yeah, yeah... I'll be ready by ten.
The conversation ended, and we got ready for the outing. I waited for Fathima in my car and wondered how she'd look without her uniform. It didn't take long for my curiosity to be answered.
She's wearing a black dress and holding a white handbag, and he hair is untied. It did seem to me like she tried to stick to the theme of her uniform but did not do so. Fathima did not like to have her hair untied either, which made me wonder.
As she entered the car, I asked her.
Samuel: Trying something new?
Fathima: What do you mean?
Samuel: Well, this is my first time seeing your hair untied.
Fathima: Why? Do I look bad?
Samuel: No, no, you look good.
Fathima: Thank you...
I start to drive towards the town and continue the conversation.
Samuel: So where are we going?
Fathima: There is this new restaurant called Crab Harbour that I think is worth trying.
Samuel: I've heard of the place, but isn't there a long queue, which takes hours of waiting?
Fathima: Don't worry, I reserved a table for us.
Samuel: What was that?
Fathima: I reserved a table for us...
Samuel: And how much was it exactly?
Fathima: Why are you asking that?
Samuel: Maybe because that's a first-class restaurant that charges a lot for reservations.
Fathima: I didn't pay a buck, though.
Samuel: Just tell me.
Fathima: It's... Seventy-five dollars...
Samuel: You must spend some time wondering how lucky you are to work under me, huh?
Fathima smirked and remained silent for the rest of the ride.
Upon reaching the restaurant, we were ushered to our table at once. The place smelled strongly of seafood and was themed like a harbour. The table that we reserved had already had the food ready. Fathima seemed overly excited, and it was obvious that she was trying to hold it.
We sit down and start feasting. I haven't eaten seafood ever since they died... Having another taste of it again reminds me of Mother's cooking. If only they were here to celebrate something with me for one last time.
I looked over at Fathima, and she looked timid. I can't tell whether she's nervous, but I know she's trying to say something.
Samuel: Hey, you alrig-
Fathima: Sam... I've wanted to tell you something for the longest time now.
Samuel: What is it?
Fathima: I... I-
Before she could finish, she got a call, which she said she had to answer. Her face turned more tense as the call kept going. She put her phone down and told me.
Fathima: There is trouble in the business. We need to go there now.
Fathima and I rushed back to the car, and I drove as fast as I could. Upon reaching the building, we saw a large crowd at the entrance, so we moved to the back entrance, which had the same issue.
Samuel: Why are there so many people?
Fathima: They're all protesting your appearance in the magazine.
Samuel: Wait, what? Why?
Fathima: They believe that you're leaving behind your father's business.
Samuel: Father always had all the support in the world...
Fathima: You're not wrong.
Samuel: So how do we enter now?
Fathima: We could use the door on the rooftop.
Samuel: And how are we supposed to get up there?
Fathima: Just follow me.
Fathima grabbed my hand and ran to the back of the neighbouring building. She then climbed up the fire exit stairs to get to the roof.
Samuel: What are we doing here?
Fathima: We can use that bridge to enter the business.
Samuel: Wait... There's a bridge?
Fathima: Of course. Your father built this for occasions like this. I was confused when I first heard about it, but now I see why he thought about it.
We crossed the bridge, and she unlocked the door using her key. We rushed to the front entrance, where the mob had filled the lounge area. Having spotted me, a man yells from the crowd, followed by the rest.
Mob: Why are you leaving this business? Your father worked so hard building this business, and you're here to ruin it.
Samuel: Woah, woah... Everyone, please calm down... I would never abandon this business.
Mob: Then why are you in this magazine?
Samuel: Firstly, just because I was featured in a magazine, it does not mean that I will leave my business behind. And secondly, I already rejected their offer to become a full-time model.
Mob: So, you're not leaving?
Samuel: Yes, this business will be mine till the day I die. You, people, wasted too much of your time on this. But, hey, thank you all for defending Father's work. I appreciate it.
The mob slowly cleared out with a hundred embarrassed faces. I made sure that they all got a gift for their efforts, as I didn't want them to feel too bad about themselves. Once it was over, Fathima and I drove back home.
Samuel: Hey Fathima, I'm sorry that the celebration got ruined.
Fathima: No, don't be, it's fine. I made sure that they packed everything for takeout so we could celebrate at home.
Samuel: You always think ahead...
Fathima: That is because I'm the best.
Samuel: Also... What were you about to say before the call?
Fathima: Hmm? I honestly don't remember.
Fathima smiled at me, but she looked sad or disappointed about something. If only I knew what was going on in her mind.
YOU ARE READING
Life is a Deception (sample)
General FictionSamuel William, a man in his twenties who had lost his parents at a young age, had finally begun exploring life, which led him to experience a series of events built to awaken him. From the pain of his parent's death to the happy and melancholy new...
