LISA

Through the car ride, I got to think about how to keep my mind under the anxiety that craved my whole body. I didn't know what felt right and what to believe anymore.

I parked near the huge building and made my way over to the building with a huge sigh.

"Hello, may I help you, ma'am?". The receptionist asked once I was in sight.

"Uh yeah, I came for a job interview". I answered her with unease.

"What's your name ma'am?".

"Lisa. Lisa Manoban". She looked in between her computer and me with raised eyebrows. She slowly trembled under my gaze, "I'm so sorry ma'am. I didn't know you were the photographer Mr. Jon assigned for our next photoshoot".

I shrugged it off as she beamed a professional smile at me and commanded, "Follow me".

I did as told and followed her into the elevator.

-

She turned in the right direction as I followed her into the photoshoot. My breath hitched in my throat as I saw a model with a white outfit, that showed her back and stomach perfectly. She was smiling at the camera, as the cameraman kept on instructing her. "Yes, be a bad girl".

"All done Ruby". He husked and licked his lips as I was struck with the sight of Jennie in a Chanel white sport's bra, and white pants. It made my eyes buckle with my growing feelings.

She rolled her eyes at the guy who kept on looking at her, and then stopped in her tracks once she saw me.

"Lisa?".

"Hey, Jennie". I husked as she smiled and then embraced me.

I hugged her back enough to smell her strawberry scent. I looked down and then checked her out. "You are looking, miss". The annoying cameraman glared at me.

Indeed, I'm looking.

Jennie pulled away and turned to him, "Paul, don't put your nose on everything". She glared back as he huffed and looked at his camera. I smiled in victory.

"Miss, won't you follow me?". The receptionist asked. I mentally facepalmed myself and apologized, "My bad".

"Where are you going with her?". Jennie crossed her arms and asked with an unreadable expression. I switched my eyes between her and the receptionist, who awaited me patiently.

"The job interview-". I tried to say but the receptionist stopped me, "It's not really an interview. But more of a question by a question thing that Mister Jon will do".

Jennie nodded and pushed me forward with an evil smile, "Don't be late Pokpak".

My heart jumped at hearing my childhood nickname. I faintly smiled and pulled myself together and gave her a nod before following the other woman.

-

"Have a seat Miss. Manoban". The CEO flashed a smile to me as I awkwardly sat in front of him. "So tell me more about you".

I chuckled, "There isn't anything interesting about me sir. But all I know is that I do my job with patience, I work hard, and earn what's the best for the company I work for".

He nodded and proceeded with asking, "What kind of gear do you use?".

I bit my lip in thought, "Camera body, Lens, Tripod, And Filters".

The old man clasped his hands together, "In the field, what are your settings?".

"Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO— White focus, but sometimes I prefer the Focus, to be Manual or Auto. Last but not least the image format". I answered genuinely as he smiled.

"Impressive, So when you go in one of your travels, what all you take with you? And why?".

"I don't find using as many weapons, or carrying as such expensive materials, could matter sir. It's something that is about skills. So yeah, I just carry my camera with me around, and look for something that hides away from the sun, and capture the beauty of the hidden". I smiled awkwardly and then looked back at him.

He had the posture of satisfaction, "That's one of the most genuine things I've ever heard".

I nodded and thanked the man, "Thank you, sir".

"No worries but anyway, that's all for now. Thank you for giving me your time Miss. Manoban". I nodded.

Someone suddenly knocked as Mr. Jon said, "Come in!".

"They told me you have requested me in your office Sir". I blinked a few times, recognizing Jennie's sweet voice.

"Oh yes, Jennie please. Have a seat".

Jennie flashed me her gummy smile and then sat down, crossing her legs in a sexy manner.
The CEO handed a contract to me and then turned his gaze to the now frightened woman.

"Jennie, I just want to inform you that our photographer Paul. Won't be near you again". He said with a wicked smile.

"W-what?". Jennie muttered with confusion.

"As you heard Ruby".

"B-but tomorrow I have the Chanel-". He cut her off with a shrug, "Jennie, I know that we assigned him for you. But we found someone better, someone, that will get the job right". He grinned and looked at me.

"What?". I blinked at the CEO.

"You are Jennie's new photographer. You get to follow her around and I heard that you girls already know each other". He admitted.

Who told him?

Jennie shied away and then answered, "Yeah, we were close back in my childhood".

I chuckled and signed the contract, handing it over to the businessman. "Anyways, Welcome to my company Lisa". Mr. Jon moved his hand for a handshake. As I shook it with no hesitation.

"Thank you so much, sir".

"Just call me Jon". I nodded at his humbleness.

I got up on my feet as he ushered us both out the door since he's a busy businessman.

"I can't believe you are going to work for me". Jennie smirked and leaned in closer.

"Correction, not for you. For the company".

She pouted, "But even though, you will do it for me". I nodded and we started to walk to her photoshoot.

"You will start from now by the way ma'am". I heard the secretary say from behind.

"What? Now?".

"Yes, Paul will tell you what you should do for this photoshoot and then leave immediately".

I smiled and entered the place that is filled with models, who were leaving and flashing me a smile, I licked my lips. Turning my gaze to the side. Jennie rolled her eyes and then said, "Don't be too eager".

Paul saw me and huffed, "Anyways, since you are the new lame photographer or whoever you are-". I cut him off. "Lisa, I'm Lisa". With sarcasm I uttered.

"Here is my camera". I declined and pushed his hand away. "I don't need your dirty camera".

"What? But how will you take-". I huffed, don't worry. I got my own".

"Whatever". He placed a monitor, next to the huge flashlight on the top right.

I was about to walk away when Jennie's voice stopped me. "Hey, where are you leaving?".

"Oh, I'm just heading to my car, to grab something and be back". She nodded and with a smile said, "Don't be late!".

"Yes, ma'am". I winked and held my thumbs up, walking away with a smile to the elevator.

-

My mind was racing back and forth, still not understanding Jennie's blunt actions. A mystery has surrounded my vision of my childhood bestie. And it has been years since I last felt this small excitement. Years, since I felt silence break off by seeing her.

I smiled and walked back to the photoshoot.

My breath hitched in my throat as I saw Jennie pinned against the wall by the annoying photographer. I gritted my teeth and marched towards them.

"Oh, how I want you, Jennie". He husked.

"Let me go, Paul!". She tried to push him but struggled aimlessly, as he stared at her with hunger. "I can't Jennie, I tried to stay away from you. But you are just too hot..".

With that, I pulled him by his shoulder and punched him with rage.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?! And who gave you the right to put your hands on her?". I asked and was about to furiously jump on him but Jennie grabbed my arm and rubbed it in a comforting manner. "Hey, it's okay".

Paul wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and held a brave smug, "You have a savior now, Jennie?".

Jennie looked down, but I wasn't a coward to back up from being here, from saving an innocent soul.

"Yes, and I dare you to put your hands on her you filthy animal!". I roared back.

"For years, she didn't care to ask about you! And now you want to save her Lisa?". Confusion embraced me as he spoke, "She never really cared about you, Lisa".

I gulped and gave him a straight look, pulling Jennie closer to me. "Jennie isn't any of your concern Paul. Now leave".

"Fine! But this won't be the end". He pointed at us both and soon left.

I sighed and turned to look at Jennie, who was embarrassed and scared. The look in her eyes soothed me, made me want to hold her close. Maybe run my hands along her face and try to remember why I've loved her for so long.

"Hey, are you okay?". I asked with concern.

"Y-yeah, thank you". She lowered her head again just as fast.

I raised her chin by the tip of my fingers and smiled, "Why are you thanking me Jennie? This is my job, this has always been my job". Her eyes returned into hopefulness as I spoke, "I've promised Jennie. I've promised that I will protect you with my life, remember?".

"But we were only kids, Lisa..".

"Kids or a bunch of idiots, I'm now, here". I chuckled as she smiled, and it was at this certain moment. That I saw her eyes beam the future with hope. But, was I wrong?

She pulled away as the smile soon faded away, I wanted to ask what's wrong but I didn't want to push her either.

I proceeded with changing the topic and prepared my camera, "Are you ready?".

Jennie looked in between me and the empty space, "I'm sorry, I just need to make a call first".

I nodded as she dialed someone's number and smiled brightly. "Hey, baby".

Once I heard the pet name, my heart sank with her voice that vibrated but was soon trailing off as she left to talk to her lover. Her lover..

Yes, he's her lover. He's something that can't be replaced. Maybe, his place was my wish. But who cares when she's happy?

She's happy. I reminded myself and smiled through the tiring pain.

Just another wish that will never be fulfilled.