Headline Love

Yi Lin

'BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE'

My mind was pounding right through my skull because Alice and Oliver Ettie were RIGHT THERE! and they were settling down comfortably in their seats right across me

Alice's black tube dress stretched all across her freckled curves ommiting the the aura of the rich lady of the house meanwhile I sat opposite her dark glam appearance like a kindergardener with the bright pastels that clashed agaisnt her darkened elegance. Even Oliver had trimmed his white heard into a short fuzz that crept at the bottom of his chin just for this interview, not to mention he matched his wife with a blood red suit of his own. 'Shit', I muttered, plastering a smile to hide the wounds of embarrassment being salted across me

'Koan film properly alright?', Oliver instructed as I handed my thick bulky camera to him

'I don't have much of a choice', he answered gruffly, flexing his arm to rest the camera upon his shoulder

The curl of his bicep winked at my raised eyebrows and his sharp eye caught me glancing as I turned away immediately. 'L-let's start!", I announced too quickly, '3, 2, 1'

'ACTION!'

The camera washed a wave of confidence over me and my signature reporter smile plastered onto my face, 'I'm here tonight with Oliver and Alice Ettie in their grand chateau', I started off, 'Thank you both for having me'

They returned the pleasured smiles, seems they were familiar with this as well, 'It was no issue', Oliver spoke first, ''We're happy to answer your questions'

'Then let's get to it', I beamed

Little did I know that was going to be the start of a wondrous disastrous night

--

After what felt like hours, I threw my notebook now stuffed with notes back into my sling bag without a care in the world. The distant call of the night birds reminded me of how dark the sky was. '8pm', I noted watching the sun bid farewell for the day

'Dear'

I turned, 'How does she still look flawless?', I questioned staring into Alice's striking blue pupils, 'Yes?'

'Do you...want to join us for dinner?'

I blinked, 'You're not joking right?'

'My wife is as serious as I am', Oliver joined, 'It's late, it's dark and you're probably hungry. So please, join us, besides, we're rich enough to afford one more meal at the table'

My mouth hung open as I scrambled to put the words 'thank you' together. 'Koan will call you when it's ready', she added before her husband spinned her around back to his side

I watched them walk away with a pang of warmth, their fingers were wrapped around each others like coiled snakes unable to set themselves free. 'They're being too nice as usual'

The gruff voice of Koan Reed sounded from behind me, 'What is your problem?', I asked sincerely, 'You've hated me since I've gotten here'

He set the camera down and rolled up his white wool sleeves, again his bicep came out to say hello to my gazing eyes. 'I don't trust you', he answered, 'I've said that before and I'll say it again. Look the only reason they're being nice to you is because they've always wanted a daughter and you can fulfill their little dream temporarily'

My blood bubbled, 'What if I'm just likable?, that's why they're being nice to me?!'

'No one's that naive', he hissed back

'I bet you're just jealous I have a likable persona', I mocke, 'Plus I worked my way up to get here unlike those other more privileged reporters or even yo-'