Treasure

She grew up having everything she could ask for. Servants serving her every time and is already on their feet despite the wee hours of the morning. Being an only daughter, all eyes are on her. Her movements are carefully watched by their relatives, even the words coming out of her mouth. Never have they heard her curse or say something inappropriate. She grew up with a high regard for etiquette and tries to influence those who displays behavior she cannot accept.

If they choose to wear jeans, she would prefer skirts. For semi-formal occasions, expect her to be like a porcelain doll - good to look at, but, fragile to the touch. Despite all the pressure she is expressing, she is keeping a secret. A secret only her friends know, or else her family would force her to move abroad.

She is an event photographer, and not just those convention or serious type of events, but concerts, gatherings, competitions etc, a place where she meets people from different society status and befriends them. A group of basketball players – members of different teams with the same thinking of playing just for fun – informs and invites her to the competitions. Sometimes an eye catcher because of her clothes, some coordinators ask her if she can be a muse or a host, sadly she has to refuse to avoid being seeing by someone close to her family.

-

One of her friends caught her eyes and she wanted to be close to him. With every possible way to communicate with him, she did it. Considered to be known as a snobbish girl, she tried to clear that impression by talking to him first – adding him on facebook and getting his number to text him first. Luckily, the guy is friendly enough and soon they’ve become friends.

How can she be close to him if she is experiencing a problem with her family? She tries to keep her problems to herself; however, he would sense it and tries to comfort her. Slowly, she allowed herself to open up to him.

Everything was going okay, until she was caught sneaking out of the family reunion just to go to the game. She hated going to their family gathering, she barely knows anyone and her cousins don’t understand her – leaving her to enjoy her trusty camera, iPod and mobile phone. Her grandfather forbids her to leave the hotel they were staying and told her to stay inside the room they reserved.

“I can no longer go. I wanted to support you, but my parents found out and I’m…” she sobbed on the phone and curled up on her bed like a cat. Her brown and softly curled hair sprawled all over the queen size bed and her 6 months old dog, Chubbi, beside her and keeping her company. The pillow he gave her is the only thing comforting her that moment as her tears continues to stroll down her pinkish cheeks.

“You are what…?” the person on the other line asked. Worry is present in his voice as he waits for the answer of his friend. He is currently waiting for her in the usual meeting area so they can go together to the venue. Somehow, his heart broke the moment he heard her voice. He wanted to ditch their game and rush to her place to comfort her, however, doing such his friends might get mad at him and her parents might get mad at him.

Sniffing once again, she got a tissue from her night table to wipe her tears, “I’m so sorry. You know how badly I want to watch this game and to see you guys play for the first time.” She started hugging the pillow and somehow it managed to comfort her breaking heart. Ending the conversation, she wished him luck and turned off her mobile phone.

-

A soft knock was heard followed by a pair of footsteps, “Claire?” a soft voice asked. Apparently, it’s her mother checking up on her. “Are you asleep already?” she asked again upon receiving no reply. She saw Claire sleeping peacefully on the bed with Chubbi and hugging the pillow, a small smile formed on her face as she sat down beside her to caress her hair. “I hope you understand why we are being strict to you…” her mother began explaining softly, looking at Claire’s face as she does so.