Love and Cigarettes

Chapter Four

Ever since I started working as a personal assistant to Sir Lars Altaria, my days were fleeting and spent productively. I could barely go out to enjoy myself, but I didn't mind. It was fulfilling.

For the first time in my entire existence, I was actually doing something for my future. It was the first step in sorting out my life.

"Put your phones into silent mode." paalala ni Sir Lars na noo'y mukhang hindi na naman maganda ang gising. "Refrain from doing anything that could distract the models. If you have no assignment in the shoot, leave the studio. Hindi namin kailangan ng sagabal."

In my case, I was assigned to provide the needs of the models such as water, tissues, pins and the likes. I had to be on standby from the start of the photoshoot until the end. I was also tasked to keep the food prepared clean and to distribute them to the entire crew when lunchbreak comes. Other than that, I had nothing else to do.

"Listen to my stomach, Aria. It's growling by eight counts."

Tobi, who loved pestering me for no reason, kept lurking around the table where all the packs of food were placed in an orderly manner. Kanina pa niya ako tinatanong kung anong ulam.

"Bawal pa bang kumain?" pangungulit pa niya.

I nervously bit my nails. "Maaga pa. Hindi pa tanghalian."

"I'm so hungry! Kahit pakurot lang konti sa ulam?"

I sighed in relief when Miss Kyla noticed that he was bothering me. Lumapit siya sa amin at piningot niya si Tobi palayo sa akin. "Sorry about this ignorant boy, Aria. He was an earthworm in his past life."

"What kind of insult is that?!" Tobi exclaimed in disbelief.

She glared at him. "Don't wait for me to kick you out, Tobi."

I watched them go back to their own business. When I tilted my head to the right, I saw Nami alone in the corner. She seemed troubled and pensive so I decided to approach her amicably.

"Hi." I politely greeted our copy editor. "Are you okay?"

I was taken aback when her eyes watered with tears.

"Oh, gosh." Her lips quivered. "Lagot ako kay Sir Lars."

Nataranta naman ako. "Ano bang nangyari-"

All of us were startled when the rack of clothes nearby collapsed. Or rather, it was kicked down by somebody. Lahat kami ay napatingin kay Sir Lars na noo'y nakapikit at tila nagpipigil ng galit.

"Who's in charge of the wardrobe?"

None of us dared to speak.

"I thought I made myself clear that this is supposed to be a one-day shoot and there's no room for mistakes or malfunctions." Sir Lars remarked, his voice dangerously calm. "One of the most important props is missing. Now, tell me. Who's in charge of the wardrobe?"

I returned my gaze to Nami. Nakayuko siya at labis ang panginginig ng kanyang mga kamay. My eyes widened in realization. Don't tell me... she's actually the one in charge of the wardrobe?!

"The hair wreath meant to be worn by the main model is missing. Saan napunta? Ano, kinain niyo?" he stated with sarcasm. Mas lalo siyang napikon dahil sa katahimikan. "Tell me who the fuck it is!"

Hindi na ako nakatiis. Hinawakan ko sa kamay si Nami kaya nag-angat siya ng tingin sa akin. I was extremely nervous, but I gave her a reassuring smile. I had my qualms, but I still did it anyway.

"It was me, Sir Lars." I made a small step forward.

He gave me a cold stare. "Don't lie to my face, Moya."