Whirlwind

3. Guilt and Heaven

Baby now that you’re gone, 

I can’t stand dumb love songs, 

Missing you is all I’m thinking about, yeah 

Everyone’s tellin’ me, 

I’m just too blind to see, 

How you messed me up, I’m better off now, yeah 

***

ODETTE’S POV:

“Odette, you’re totally going to love this place!” Dominique squealed, tugging my arm as we go upstairs.

Dominique promised to bring me to the place she has recently discovered, a place where notable people usually hang-out and lounge privately, as some sort of celebratory treat for my latest success, since I got the role I was praying for.

She’s more than relieved that I chose her as my publicist for my fresh-tracked career because recently, she has been bashing me with some guilt-tripping remarks about how ungrateful I would be if I wouldn’t choose her to be my publicist, after all the things she did, especially after the little stunt she has created on her birthday for me.

At first, I thought that I would like to keep her going and let her do her daily dose of guilt-tripping comments. After all, she still made me undergo the trouble of nervousness and panicking. If she could’ve requested earlier, maybe I would’ve handled the situation smoothly; maybe without the tension and anxiety I experienced in front of the anticipating crowd.

But it can’t help cross my mind at times, what if Dominique did ask me earlier? Would the outcome still be the same? Would Director Cifarelli still notice me without the apprehension and anxiety building inside of me, and maybe got the impression that I could put all my nerves together and perform with a bit of confidence?

“Odette,” Dominique jerked, panting a bit heavier, “We’re already in Floor 4, two more floors to go and then there goes heaven. I assure you Odette,” She inhaled, “that place is worthy of all these flight of stairs.” I nodded. Without any sign, I follow her rushing up the stairwell.

Returning to my wandering thoughts, I still agreed to her offer to become my publicist. The stunt she featured on her birthday was like a big blessing in disguise, the ultimate gateway to my biggest break. Plus, she’s my best friend. How could I even say no?

Dashing upstairs, my sight focused with effort on what’s ahead our way. With the fast pace we’re both in and the blur caused by the encompassing wind, I thought my senses were playing tricks on me. I see no wooden or glass doors to unlock wide open at the end of the steps. I hear no ravaging music, no loud people. Instead,  to my surprise, I was greeted by the chilly wind. 

When Dominique said heaven, I didn’t expect the location to be literally heaven.

The striking night unfurled, blanketing folds of clouds and patching constellations of stars in the night-lit sky. My eyes skimmed panoramically in the cold night, not breaking my view of the city lights. Even I could distinguish River Thames from here, noticing the gap between two parted groups of city lights, both connected by the famous London Bridge.

One word: Breathtaking.

Dominique has a really good taste, which is her expertise.

Instead of witnessing blinding white spotlights bouncing around, lamp posts were rather scattered, giving the place more of a mellow and a romantic light.  Beautified by yellow Christmas lights, a building erects in the center, like it was the main attraction of the whole rooftop.