The year was 2020, exactly two years after that night in the hospital. Lucas and I had been dating ever since then. Nothing much other than that had changed. I graduated college, top of my class, Mr. Lanping had been released from prison and apologized for everything, Precious and her boyfriend moved in together after graduation. Yep, everything was going great. Me? I was the new head director and photographer at Tritea Modeling. I was my boyfriend's right hand man, and I got to boss around a bunch of interns, as well as good looking models.
Bzzt bzzt!
How's my beautiful gf? Ready for the meeting this morning?
I smiled, looking up at my pink cat phone as I lay in bed. I still had my pajamas on and my messy hair sprawled out across my cute bear pillow.
I'm always ready! I'll see you there?
How about I come pick you up?
I cocked my head to the side.
When is that?
You're still in your pj's aren't you?
No! Maybe! Yes....
I'll be there in two hours. Wear something pretty, okay?
Got it!
"Em! Help!"
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
"What's on fire?" The purple haired cutie burst through the bedroom door like an angry gorilla, her golden eyes shifting worriedly. As soon as she saw me laying lazily on my bed, she huffed and crossed her arms. "What are you doing?"
"I was just texting Lucas, and I need some help." I smiled innocently.
"What do you need help with?" She asked reluctantly.
"I need to look pretty, but business-like too. I knew you were the only one that could help, so I screamed!" I put my hand on my forehead dramatically and clutched my phone to my chest. "Please Emilia, you are my only hope!"
"Enough. I don't have a choice, so get up. It's winter, so grab a turtleneck sweater. The grey one, yeah. I'm also thinking pencil skirt, the black one, and tights. And wear your platforms."
"Silver or pink?"
"Dumb question."
I pouted. "Fine."
"Does that help? Oh, go for a natural look for your makeup this time, yeah? And keep the natural wave in your hair. Don't straighten it, maybe Lucas will notice and say something."
With that, she left. I sat at my vanity and put on some powder and rosy lip tint. I brushed my hair, causing the fluffy waves to cascade an inch and a half past my chin. I smiled at my pretty reflection.
"Things sure have changed."
Bring~ Bring~
Be there in a few. <3
I looked at the clock and screamed. It had taken almost an entire two hours to do a natural makeup look and get ready. What could I say? I was still learning.
"Laurraine, your boy toy's outside!"
I exited my shared bedroom, eyeing my brother dangerously.
"He's not my boy toy, he's my boyfriend. Can you believe we've already been dating for two years?"
"Isn't it your anniversary too? I wonder if he remembered," Damon mumbled, walking over to the couch with his oatmeal.
"He probably didn't. I have to get to the meeting, so I'm off. Bye!" I called.
Emilia waved, her boyfriend's arm around her shoulders as they watched tv.
"Platforms! Not sneakers!" She called back.
"I know, I know." I giggled, sliding on the pink shoes, and left the apartment.
Outside was Lucas sitting in his red convertible. I walked over, my cute purse over my shoulder and my camera safely concealed in a camera bag on the other side. I hopped into the car and looked at my boyfriend's face. He looked especially handsome that day.
"Ready?"
"Yep!"
As we drove off, I noticed the air, although cool and pleasant, seemed different. It had almost a tension to it. I didn't say anything about it. Maybe it was just my imagination. Of course, it bothered me that he didn't kiss me when we got out of the car like he usually did, or when he picked me up earlier.
"Honey, we talked about this. No PDA at work."
"But we aren't even in the building yet. Can't you just give me on kiss?"
"No, sorry. I have a meeting with Mr. Singer in five minutes."
He hastily looked at his watch, then dashed through the glass doors. I sighed and walked slowly after him. The sets had changed over the years. Lucas had gotten so popular that he had his own room and designated dressing room. Matte became his personal stylist upon request, and I was manager, photographer, director, and girlfriend. A lot of other models joined the company as well. There was one in particular who I wasn't quite fond of. Monica Billings. Her silky hair and perfect complexion annoyed me, and her perfect body and her unmanageable height. Everything was perfect, just perfect — too perfect.
I met Matte in the dressing room. He was picking out outfits for Lucas's shoot. He turned and smiled at me.
"How's my favorite multitasker?" He greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. I held him close, feeling really down after the ride. "What's wrong, honey? You're not as happy as usual."
"It's Lucas. He's been distant today."
"Maybe he's just busy. I know this is your first relationship after a while, but you have to realize that men aren't as predictable as you may think. They have lives, you know."
"I know that, Matte. I've seen him busy and even with back to back meetings, he still found time to come and at least give me a kiss or text me."
"Maybe he's just nervous."
"For what? Mr. Singer loves him thanks to me. What does he have to worry about?"
"Well, you know your two year is today."
"I know. I've already got him a gift. I was going to give it to him after his schedule so we had time."
"Maybe he's being distant because he doesn't want you to find out what your present is."
A flood of endorphins washed over me. That's right, it was our anniversary after all. He must've gotten me suck a good present that it was super obvious. I suddenly felt so much better.
"Business mode, Yao. Ready?" Lucas said, bursting into the room.
Clearing my throat, I stood tall and stiff with a stack of papers in my hands. As he sat down at the vanity, I laid them in front of them. He took them in his hands and began to shuffle through.
"This shoot is for Vogue. They specifically asked for couple photos. Very bright, very romantic. A couple poses have been briefed to Monica already."
"Monica?"
"Yes. She's your partner today. We want bikes and bushes definitely. Maybe in the background we can edit in a cafe."
"I like it. Go set up the camera."
I nodded and scurried out. As I left I heard Matte whisper. I left the door slightly cracked and listened in.
"What's up with you, Lucas? You're treating Yao very different than usual."
"What does it matter? It's not like I have time to think about things like that."
"But still—"
"Are you going to do my makeup, or what? Are the costumes even ready?"
I scoffed, shutting the door. I walked onto set with a fuming anger inside me. Monica was already on the platform. She was dressed in a grey sweater dress and black knee high pumps. Around her waist was a chain belt accented with hearts, and around her neck a white infinity scarf. Her face was pale, bringing out the dark, smokey makeup she had on, and her dark brown hair was put up in a cute messy bun. Everything about it I hated. Nevertheless, it was my job to set up the shoots and equipment. As I did so, Monica stared at me with a snarky smirk. She knew something I didn't, I could feel it.
A moment later Lucas came out of the dressing room. He wore matching outfits; a grey, long sleeved tunic, black ripped jeans, white Vans, and around his neck was the navy printed foulard scarf I got him for our one year. It brought a small smile to my face as I saw it. He returned it slightly, walking past me and over to his fellow model. She clung to him like glue with a seductive nature. I finished setting up the camera as they introduced themselves.
"Alright, ready when you are!" I called suddenly.
They began posing according to the briefs they got. Business mode activated!
"Yes that's great. Try putting your arm around her. Yeah, like that."
Snap.
"Cling to his arm and point to your right. Yes, like you're trying to pull him that way."
Snap.
"Hey Penny, grab the cake. Okay, now feed each other the cake. Yeah, maybe get some on his face."
Snap.
"That's it guys. Great job." I turned from the set and began to walk off when I heard them start talking. I knew that eavesdropping was wrong, but Monica always made my blood boil.
"So, do you have a girlfriend?" Monica asked bewitchingly.
"Miss Billings I-"
"Monica is fine."
Lucas paused. "Monica, that's personal information. I really don't think—"
"I'll take that as a no."
I whipped around and gripped Lucas's wrist, staring Monica straight in the eyes. "Yes, he has a girlfriend. Come on, Lucas."
I dragged him away and into the dressing room. I sent him flying backwards into the tufted couch on the back wall and advanced angrily. I stood between his spread legs, my arms crossed and toe tapping impatiently on the floor. He stared up at me defiantly.
"What's with you?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Bullshit. Why didn't you answer her?"
"Because it wasn't necessary."
"It was completely necessary. She got the wrong idea and was going to hit on you. Stop it before it starts, ever heard of that?"
He was silent, staring at me with those faulting eyes I had seen only a few times before. With my head turned toward the ground, I nodded while taking a few steps back. With as much venom as I could, I looked into his eyes and I spoke.
"Happy anniversary."
I turned and walked out, accidentally bumping Matte as I went. Monica was there as well, staring evilly at me.
"Miss Laurraine? You were called to Mr. Singer's office right away."
I nodded at the small intern as she rushed up to me. With tears welling in my eyes, I advanced towards the elevator. I wiped them away as I stopped in front of the boss's door. Slowly, I opened it.
"Mr. Singer?" I asked the empty space. "He's not here."
"Boo!"
I screamed as the old man jumped out from behind his desk. I cocked my brow at his odd getup.
"What's with the Hogwarts cloak and the cheap makeup?" I walked in. "And are those fake fangs?"
"Why yesth. They are. They are for the Halloween photosthoot tomorrow."
"But Halloween isn't until next year?" I sat down in the chair in front of his desk. With a sigh, Singer removed the fangs and cloak. The atmosphere became darker, heavier. Out of the silence I inquired, "Mr. Singer, what's wrong?"
"Lucas is going to be leaving. He's going abroad for the remainder of his career."
My eyes widened and my breath caught in my throat. I couldn't believe it. No wonder he was so distant!
"Wait..." I forced. "Why didn't he tell me? I'm his girlfriend for God's sake!"
"You'd have to ask him. I just found out this morning."
"Where is he going?"
"He's going to France, and from there traveling to different agencies."
I scoffed. "And he didn't even ask me to go with him."
"You have to understand, Ms. Yao, that this is a very big decision—"
"'Big decision?' He seems to have decided pretty easily."
"Ms. Yao."
"Mr. Singer, if this is all you had to say, I'll be going now. I have to get home."
"Of course. You'll come to the farewell party tonight?"
"Tonight?" I averted my gaze from anything in particular in an attempt to stifle my tears. "I'll see. Thank you, sir. I'll be off now."
I turned and ran out of the room. Down the elevator and descended and out into the sets. The lights were dark and no one was around. No one I could see, at least.
"Lucas..."
I turned toward a corner of the room.
"Shh."
I quickly flipped on the lights. Pinned against the wall was Monica, a man's tie in her hand. I gasped, recognizing the man at once. My face went red with anger as he turned around. His face morphed in horror, realizing the situation. I clenched my fists and turned. That was the last straw.
I ran out of the room, past the lobby and the secretary at the front desk, and out into the pouring rain. I was instantly soaked from head to toe. It was pointless to go back for my umbrella, so I just kept walking. A few yards away was the bus stop. There was no way I was riding with him back to the apartment.
"Laurraine! Wait!"
I didn't look back. I crossed the street and took cover under the canopy of the bus stop.
"Laurraine Yao!"
I turned back in a huff.
"You lied to me! You said you loved me!" I screamed.
The rain hit the roof of the bus stop, rolling to the ground like my tears. Lucas ran up to me, a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He seemed colder and sad. It hurt me to see him that way, but after what I'd seen, I was glad. I was so angry that I could just die. I didn't want to ever see him again.
"How could you? First you're leaving, and then this. And on our anniversary!"
My boyfriend stayed silent, his eyes boring into mine. I hated that look. It felt like he was hiding something. He didn't even defend himself. Why didn't he defend himself? No, if he wasn't denying it, then it must've been true. I scowled and threw my camera bag at him.
"Say something!"
Silence.
"You never loved me!"
"Laurraine..."
"Why did you do that? You could've just said you didn't love me!"
"Laurraine."
"I never want to see you again! Just go back to your new skank of a girlfriend!"
"Laurraine, it's not like that!" He shouted and dropped the flowers.
"Then what is it? What could that have possibly been?"
"You'd never believe me like this."
"Like what, Lucas?"
"You're angry."
"You pinned her to the wall and kissed her! Of course I'm angry!"
Lucas took a few steps forward. Instinctively, I stepped back. He sat on the bench and crossed his legs. He exhaled impatiently and gestured for me to come closer. I stood still.
"Come here," he snapped.
I jumped at his tone. Fearful, I stood in front of him.
"I'm Monica," he said.
He grabbed the collar of my shirt and pulled me forward into a kiss. I braced myself against the back of the bus stop. As he separated from me, I looked into his cold eyes. He tightened his grip on my shirt.
"Look familiar?" He asked.
"It -- I --"
"She forced herself on me."
Oh my god, I was so stupid. I stood stark still, my cheeks flushing in embarrassment. I had no idea what to say. Maybe that was what Evan meant. I was hot headed, impatient, and I cut to conclusions too quickly. It wasn't that I didn't trust him, but the heat of the moment and the anger took control of me.
I noticed Lucas give me a small smile and stand up. I lowered my head. I had gotten everything wrong.
"I really am a bad girlfriend..." I mumbled.
Lucas grabbed the back of my head and pulled me forward. My forehead hit his damp chest, his hand stroking my hair gently.
"No, it's my fault too. I should've picked better hiding spot."
I looked up in shock.
"I'm kidding. You wouldn't think it, but Monica's stronger than she looks. It was like fighting an ox-leech hybrid."
I laughed, imagining the beautiful Monica as big as an ox with leech-like tendencies. Lucas must've been thinking the same thing.
"I'm sorry, Lucas. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."
"You're right." He kissed my forehead. "But thanks to you, I got away. Twice!"
"What?"
"You saved me again, Yao. Thank you."
I wrapped my arms around the man and hugged him tightly. He pat me on the back with a small chuckle.
"Promise me you won't ever kiss another girl again."
"What?" He teased, like he couldn't hear me.
I looked up with a pout.
"Don't kiss any other girl but me!"
He cupped my cheek and smiled warmly.
"It never even crossed my mind."
He wiped my tears and kissed my cheek, then gave a loud sigh. I looked back and around wondering what the problem was. He held my hand up, our fingers intertwined.
"There aren't any more buses at this hour. And with this storm the taxi's won't even be able to see us."
"What about a train?" I asked.
"The station's too far, but isn't your apartment just around here?"
My cheeks flushed. Was I finally gonna --
"It's right down this street," I said shyly, pointing down past the shops. It was somewhat of a walk, but it didn't matter if he was next to me.
Lucas pulled me toward the direction I indicated.
YOU ARE READING
Photo Finish
Romance"Laurraine Yao, you silly girl, Love is the best thing in the world!" Yeah right. The most love got me was a kick in the ass and a low self esteem. Being the confident, career based she-male is more my thing. Besides, I have a brother and a roommate...
