One More Day (H.S.) #wattys2016

Eighteenth Day

Dolly

   
"Explain this!"

Sir Jones vehemently slams the newspaper on the desk.

"What is this huh?" He clicks his tongue at the roof of his mouth. "What a remarkable woman you are! Going around with another celebrity."

I gave the newspaper a quick glance. There in the photo... was me, with Hunter holding my hand with his left while his right one was around my waist.

I need not think hard who is behind this.

Those girls really were watching me.

"It's not what you think." My own words made me close my eyes in disappointment with myself. I just told too many people the same thing: It's not what you think... It's not what it looks like.

"Did you know how hard it was for our neighboring agency to cover this up?" I can see the vein pulsing in Sir Jones's temple. "Did you know how your every action is being scrutinized by the public?"

"I... I will take full responsibility." This was the only statement I came up with. I mean, what do I say? Like usual, I am not given a chance to defend myself before these news writers attack.

"How? Tell me how!" He shouts in anger. I've never seen him deranged like this. "You were supposed to be facing the guidance counselor! But I said that I will talk some sense out of your head."

For my bruised ego's sake, I shot back "I don't see why all of you think that this is true."

"This isn't..." Sir Jones exasperates his hands in the air. "Ugh! This is not just about you Deveroux!"

My confused countenance made Sir Jones explain what he means.

"Your name in the papers has a chain connection with other people." He sighed in frustration.

"I don't--"

"Do you have any idea why our show is soaring up in the sky?"  He elaborates, not letting me finish my sentence. "Because of those five lads, people left, right and center are flicking on ECS Channel just to see them."

So, this is about them.

"Now if you are only here to ruin that; if you are here to play around, you may as well leave this building. Otherwise set your priorities straight. I let you off the hook once, and now is the second one. I won't let you go that easily again." He raises his brows as if to say "Am I making myself clear?"

Is he telling me that I'm ruining the show's glory?

"I'm hoping that this will be the last time I'll summon you to my office." Sir Jones groans in defeat as he sinks back to his seat. "You can leave now."

I stand up from the wobbly chair I was sitting on. I thought of just shutting my mouth, but then the urge to defend myself got into me.

I stop myself before I can step out of Sir Jones's office.

"Yes. This isn't just about me." I say, my back facing my boss. "This is about you, and the show too, right?" I cast my eyes on my boss who looked quite taken aback.

"But isn't it somewhat unfair on my part?  Shouldn't you be at least helping to clean up this mess not just lashing your anger out on me?" I goad, fuming in anger.

"You're talking back now?" He gives off a forced laugh.

I take hold of the newspaper. "This photo... It only shows a millisecond of what really happened."

Sir Jones is just the same as those girls I met in Los Angeles. I am certain he thinks that I will end his glory days once Harry Styles broke up with me or it may cause the band to leave the show.