All I Ever Do

Chapter 1

"I am impressed! Very impressed. This is an absolute go Ms. Clarke." Mr. Chen said while beaming at the interior design for his hotel. I am thrilled that they confirmed my interior design. This will be my newest project for this year.

"Thank you Mr. Chen." my team sharing wide smiles as the excitement floods us for our soon to be project.

"I hope we can immediately start the project. Can we start by let's say, um, next month?""As long as everything goes smoothly Mr. Chen we can possibly start by February," I said. My mind going haywire for another confirmed project. 

This project is one of the biggest that I've handled. It will be a 4-star hotel that is set to be built in the center of town. Mr. Chen stood up and shake my hands as he continues to congratulate me and my team.

"Oh my gosh Selina this is amazing! Our first project for the year!" My co-worker Shay squealed as he squeezed my shoulders while jumping on his feet excitedly. I can't help but laugh at what he is doing. His silver hair is styled perfectly on his head, ensembled with his posh style makes him look like a boss rather than an employee.

"And that is all because of our brainiest lead senior interior designer." Kate said as she pointed at me. Her cereulean eyes are sparkling with amusement as she teases me. Paired with Kate's auburn hair with natural curls makes her look gorgeous and totally on the boys' list.

"No way. This is a team effort and it's not like it's just me who designed for the whole hotel." My teammates clapped enthusiastically while I am sure my face is red as a tomato by now. Still not used by their compliments.

"Well, I say this calls for a celebration!" Shay said as the others agreed but I have other plans."As much as I'd like that I have to go home early. I haven't started to pack and my flight is early tomorrow." I said as I collected my things. A couple of groans were heard.

"Aw c'mon! Even just 2 hours. Just a dinner and a few drinks that's all." Shay pleaded while trying to remove my bag on my shoulder. I looked at him apologetically and with amusement as I hold on to my bag tightly, refusing to let go.

"I know what you're doing and no. As much as I'd like that I really have a lot to pack for Boston." I said and waved at my friends goodbye.

It took me years to earn the spot where I am now. Working for this company for three years and executing every effort in my works has brought me nothing but pride. That is why after two years of hard work I have been promoted to be a senior interior designer on my department. This is a great feat for me because I am slowly starting to establish my name in the interior designing world.

My phone rang as I am packing my things for my flight tomorrow.

"Hey, mom." I answered in a happy tone. Mom's calling has been an everyday occurrence and never missed a day. I pinned the phone between my ear and shoulder as I brought my luggage on the bed.

"Hi honey you goin' home?" my mom's soothing voice seeped through the other line.

"No mom I'm actually home. I took an early leave so I can pack since my flight is early tomorrow. I finished our presentation today and guess what? It is approved!" I squealed while walking to my closet and pulled my coats.

"That is great! Congratulations honey! Oh wait Francine wants to talk to you." my mom's voice was accompanied by some shuffling in the background and I can hear my sister grunting.

"Sel! Are you coming home this weekend?!" my sister's cheery voice was loud I grimaced and pulled the phone away from my ear.

"No need to shout I can hear you just fine and yes I'm coming home. I'll be taking a connecting flight tomorrow." I opened my luggage and folded my clothes one by one neatly inside.

"You should have worked here you know. The long flight sucks. You're like at the other end of the world." My family lives in Boston while I decided to work here in Australia since my Aunt Rebecca recommended me here and I can't just pass up for the opportunity of work. It is literally at the other side of the world but I can't just let the freedom slip through my hands.

"I know. Hey, I'm going. I'll finish packing and then call you when I finished, ya?" I held the phone properly this time.

"Sure. Call back after. Stay safe. Oh and Mom says love you." before I could answer 'I love you too' back, Francine ended the call and I just rolled my eyes.

Tomorrow I'll be going back home and I'm not sure if I'm excited or not. I'll see my mom and Francine which I miss so much but also dad. We are still not on the best terms since I decided to work here and not on our company. He always tells me that when the time comes I'll be inheriting his position in the company. And everyone likes that. I mean, everyone but me. I lived with the family name Clarke stamped on my back and forehead and everyone expects me to be this smart and obedient girl that will continue our family's legacy. Never have I made a decision where my dad butts in or contradicts. And when I chose Interior Designing as my chosen course he almost exploded in anger back then because he was expecting me to choose business. I know he still holds a grudge about it since every family dinner he always insisted that I should have chosen a business course as it secures my place in the company. But that's not what I want.

Freedom.

The one thing that I crave more than chocolates and sea. Living in a well put- scratch that, a rich family you can't have anything you want which is most people are mistaken with. My father's tight grip on my life is what drives me to jump at the opportunity when Aunt Rebecca suggested working at Australia. That is the perfect getaway for my sensitive life and father. Telling him my plans on working at the far continent as anyone would expect, did not go well. Let's just say that after that long night I'm just satisfied that he did not disown me. And now I'm coming back after three years. I never went home to visit and always came up with an excuse that I am busy and the flight is long. But I know that is bullshit. I can't just face my father's disappointment when he sees me again.

Will he still be mad? Well, I'll now very soon.