The Non-sleeping Beauty

Chapter Two

Just when Tess and I arrived in the reception area, it was her turn to present her speech. I could tell that she is not that much of a public speaker because she mentioned before that she prefers writing than becoming the crowd's source of entertainment as if she's a dish either swallowed or spewed. Although there is a need for her to vocalize since it is probably 73 % of her job as I observe, she'd rather do it in her private office or in the client's crib than appearing on TV shows just like what other psychologists do.

"Tell me, how are you acquainted with Aunt Therese?"

So that must be her real name. Therese. She never emphasized that to me and suddenly I felt betrayed. I will get back to her once she's done but now, I guess I have a male brat to chit-chat with.

"And tell me, to which organization do you belong, agent? Charlie's Angels, Totally Spies, what did I miss?"

"Actually it's what you call Family-Matters Incorporated," he gave me wry smile then continued while offering a handshake, "Jose Cuervo Bacardi, and you are?"

Right at that moment I don't know how to react, whether to laugh because it sounds so alcoholic or get insulted of where his manners are while introducing his invented identity.

"Oh, and I am Johnnie Jack Walker Daniels by the way," I immediately ignored him and walked out, leaving the bastard in thin air. The moment I first saw him, I knew that he was trouble and that a precaution is to be made. With his Spanish eyes and Latino charm, there is a need for a transformed woman like me to distance, that is because I am aware of the danger this could possibly bring. Or maybe I am just being a paranoid and that's what I get from missing a mental session with Tess right now. Either ways, I don't want to betray Matt.

"I'm sure your brother is overwhelmed to see you in his big day, Mrs. Clarkson. And now for the best man, the groom's travel compadre who just arrived from Barcelona, Don Jose Cuervo Bacardi."

After it was announced, I suddenly want to go to the toilet room. Not because I want to pee or poop, or maybe I do want to pee and poop the embarrassment that I felt now. To distract myself, I just strolled around the area contemplating. I checked what the Clarkson's could feed me since I am a vegetarian and murdering animals is not my fascination. The usherette in coconut bra and grass skirt accented with flower crown led me to Tessa's table. From how the events hall was decorated, I could effortlessly hypothesize that it is of a Hawaiian theme.

I was sitting alone and I could see Theresa talking with her clan in the other table, she looked at me with a face saying, "Are you good?" so I just gave her a thumbs up. She needs time to be with them especially that she is usually alone if not with me.

"Are you a Clarkson that we don't have any knowledge of? Because that would disappoint me. You came with Tessa, who is she to you by the way?"

Great. Another male brat. The same question. "To which alcoholic name could he be classified?" I thought to myself while recalling the ones that I usually drink months ago.

"I am not tasked to answer your either doubts or accusations so if you excuse me Captain Morgan, I'm hungry."

"Negative. You are not a Clarkson, because Clarkson's are polite. Very amusing. Now Stephanie, Emily, Annie...whatever name you possess, this is my calling card and my address is included there as well so it won't be hard for you to find me if you're bored. Choose a day between Tuesdays and Fridays because those are only the time I could offer for a busy bee like me. I know you can't probably relate, hon but I'm the Grey dude you usually see on movies. If you know what I mean."

If there is something that I am gratified to have, that would be my dignity. It is neither for sale nor free and here is this asshole sitting in front of me, as if he's offering me a job of a lifetime, consuming my patience. Patience consumed.