Me and My Manager!

Chapter 9: Pack it Up!

Meanwhile, in America, Lara was wrestling with her luggage, her room transformed into a chaotic battlefield of clothes. "One of the things I hate is packing," she grumbled, searching for her missing jacket amidst the clutter.

A pang of regret hit her. "Should have listened to Mom," she sighed, adopting a dramatic pose. Her stomach growled, reminding her of her basic needs.

"First fill the stomach, then the suitcase," she declared, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Leaving the mess behind, Lara headed to the kitchen. "Mom, what's for lunch?" she asked.

Lauren replied from the living room, "Have you packed your stuff?"

Lara's response was swift and confident. "Oh yeah, yeah, only a little bit left," she lied, a nervous smile playing on her lips.

Lauren narrowed her eyes, sensing something amiss. "Fine then, there's pastry in the fridge. Eat it up, I have to do laundry," she said, turning her attention back to her chores.

Lara breathed a sigh of relief. "Hehe, she believed me," she whispered to herself.

Unbeknownst to Lara, Lauren had already started making her way up the stairs. She opened Lara's room door and was greeted by a scene of utter chaos. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and the open suitcase contained a haphazard assortment of items.

Anger flashed in Lauren's eyes. "This girl," she muttered through clenched teeth.

Lara finished her pastry, savouring the last bite. She glanced at the clock, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Two PM already!" she exclaimed. "Let's pack the stuff now," she declared, pushing herself up from the chair.

As she leaned back, she caught a glimpse of her mother's disapproving gaze. She gulped and sat up straight. "I was just about to pack," she lied, a nervous smile plastered on her face.

Lauren crossed her arms, a look of disbelief etched on her face. "Just about? You have to reach the airport at 9 PM and you haven't even started packing yet?" she scolded.

Lara joined her hands in a gesture of apology. "Sorry..." she mumbled.

Lauren sighed. "That's why I didn't want to send you alone."

Lara nodded enthusiastically. "I promise I'll pack it all now!" she declared, springing to her feet.

"I already knew you wouldn't do it until the last moment, so I already packed your stuff," Lauren revealed.

Lara's eyes widened in astonishment. "What? You did?" she exclaimed, her face breaking into a wide smile.

She threw her arms around her mother in a tight hug. "Mom, you're the best! I love you!"

Lauren returned the hug, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, yeah, now go and clean your messy room," she instructed, pulling away from the embrace.

Lara's smile faded as she realized the unfinished business. "Ha? You said you did!" she protested.

Lauren's arms crossed firmly raises her brow in mock surprise "I said I packed your suitcase, I never said I cleaned your room,".

Lara's jaw dropped. With a heavy heart and defeated expression, she climbed the stairs, her adventure to Japan temporarily overshadowed by the daunting task of cleaning her room.

The day had flown by in a whirlwind of cleaning and packing. As the clock struck five, Lara collapsed onto her bed, her body aching from the unaccustomed exertion.

"Ah, my back hurts," she groaned, reaching for her mobile phone.

Unlocking her phone, she found an email from the studio. Her eyes scanned the contents, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Dear...bla bla bla...will be picked up by your manager from the airport...he will assist you in your..." she read aloud, the words echoing in the quiet room.

"My very own manager!" she exclaimed, her excitement reaching new heights.

She hugged her pillow tightly, her imagination running wild. "My manager, handsome, lively, funny, joyful, flirty...oh my god, oh my god!" she squealed, burying her face in the pillow.