Malicious

2007-02-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

Malicious.

CD stores in different shopping malls were packed with people. Specifically, the fans of two rising stars from different reality singing shows. They were Andy Md and Sarah Nabilah. A few months ago, both of them emerged as the champion for their respective competitions and today marked the release of their debut album. No doubt, they were the hottest thing in town.

A lot of people could be seen rushing around the mall to get to the stores as quickly as possible because posters were given for free to the first 50 customers. Of course there were people who tried to peel the posters off the wall once they realized that it was already out of stock. However, most of them ended up having just a part of Andy’s face or the top part of Sarah’s face or anything except the whole poster.

As much as being popular, Andy and Sarah never knew each other. Well, at least they had never met each other in person before. However, personally, they both thought each other was pretty cool. Sarah preferred soft and laid-back guys, like Andy, who doesn’t go on stage just to jump around and strum the guitar as if they wanted to pluck the strings out of it, and Andy preferred quiet girls who dresses and speaks decently just like Sarah, who made it a point to wear a head-scarf as part of her religious practice. They kept a deep wish in their heart that they would meet someday and get to work together.

Countless magazines and newspapers wrote articles about them, which, in a way, helped to promote them and their albums. Those articles attracted the attention from different concert producers, song composers, and even film directors. Mr. D, short for Mr. Dennis, an award winning director and film producer, decided to try his luck by offering both Andy & Sarah to co-star in his latest film, Revenge, and duet the soundtrack for the film. Knowing that the chances of them accepting the offer was very slim due to numerous concerts and tours to be done , Mr. D did not give much hope.

He left both of them a message on their answering machine and prayed hard that they would accept the offer as the movie would be a huge hit if they were to star in them alongside top actor and actress, Ferdinand and Andrea Saralina respectively. To his utmost surprise, both Andy and Sarah called him that night to accept the offer. He was over the moon as he text-messaged them to meet him at his office tomorrow for a short meeting and briefing.

He was not the only one over the moon though. Both Andy and Sarah felt really excited that they finally had a chance of working with each other. They were really looking forward to tomorrow’s meeting.

“Have a seat,” Mr. D said with a grin as he motioned Andy to sit on one of the chairs in front of his table. “Sarah will be reaching in a few minutes time. Hope you don’t mind if we wait ‘till she arrives ?”.

“Oh! Sure! No problem,” Andy replied with a smile as he straightened the chain around his neck. He glanced at the files on the shelf behind Mr. D. He wondered if he would ever be like Mr. D, directing and producing films, being a mentor instead of a protégé like himself. He surveyed the room. Not bad at all. Brown marble floorings which glistened, brown wooden furniture without a speck of dust, 2 air conditioners with absolutely no penetration problems and even some artificial potted plants. Andy felt a pang of satisfaction as if the office was his. He looked around the room once again and noticed a blown-up snapshot of a man who looked pretty much like Mr. D, near the window panes. The picture looked very old. The lines of the man’s face resembles melted crayons. The colors in the background of the image swirled into a blur. “Very artistic,” Andy blurted out without even realizing it.

Mr. D was clueless about what Andy was talking about at first but later, he realized it. He gave a huge sigh. Mr. D took his spectacles out and placed it on the stack of papers before him. “He is my father. He wanted to be a film producer so much but he died from an accident at least a decade ago. So today I am here to fulfill his dreams for him.” He explained and beamed slightly. His eyes were fixed on the shot as if he could figure something just by looking at it. Andy could not find the right word to say. Luckily, the office phone beside Mr. D beeped. Mr. D pressed one of the button and waited.

“Sir, Ms Sarah is here,” A voice came out. Andy assumed it must be the tall, slim, bottled-blonde secretary outside who sent him to Mr. D’s office earlier. She made it obvious that she fancied Andy by that constant hair-flicking that models for shampoo advertisements did and short sighs which was supposed to make her look cute but unfortunately, it did not

“Sent her in now. Thanks,” Mr. D’s voice was soft and sweet. Andy wondered if it was due to the conversation about his Dad earlier or was it meant for Sarah ? Hmmmm…

Andy heard shuffling noises from outside and looked at his reflection on Mr. D’s glass window. He had to look good for Sarah. He slid his fingers through his hair to make it stand and gave a weak smile at his own reflection.

“Hello and good morning Sarah. Good to see you,” Mr. D greeted her. Sarah thanked the secretary who led her and walked towards Mr. D’s table.

“Good morning to you too, Mr. D,” Sarah replied his greetings with a tender and soothing tone. She was about to ask how he was doing when Mr. D introduced her to Andy. Andy stood up and turned towards Sarah. But as soon as he did that, he was speechless and motionless. In fact they both were. They were both scrutinizing each other’s eyes, gazing deeply into it. Sarah was simply mesmerized by Andy’s soft, brown eyes with thin double eyelids while Andy was spellbind by the delicate look in Sarah’s large eyes with the long and thick black eyelashes. So tender and reassuring that it melt both of them.

Mr. D gave a slight and soft cough as a form of signal. Sarah and Andy came back to Earth. Both smiling and blushing when Mr. D teased them, “Good! Good! That’s what we need in the movie and it seems that both of you have master it pretty quickly.” He chuckles softly. He sat down and told the two of them to do so too. They began their discussions about the movie and the film soundtrack. The secretary, Janet, came in a short while later, to serve some coffee, not failing to turn on her charms towards Andy while Andy pretended to be oblivious.

Mr. D went into the details of the movie and what was expected. Finally, he gave both of them their sets of scripts and told them that he was really glad to have them starring in the film. Andy and Sarah left Mr. D’s office after the final de-brief. Andy invited Sarah to have lunch with him to discuss more about the dates and details. Sarah was more than happy to accept the offer. Anything, she thought, for those eyes to die for.

Andy and Sarah met frequently in the next few days to practice their lines and also begin working on their songs for the film’s soundtrack. They had most of their meals together, either at the café where they bought the food from or in the studio. They had to work all day and night and would usually finish their work at around 11 plus. Andy would send Sarah home every night as he was pretty sure that she was as fatigue as he was after a whole day of work.

Of course the public had noticed the both of them together for the past few days and some of them expressed their disappointment in newspapers and TV interviews as they felt that Sarah was tarnishing the good image that she had. The public felt that she was supposed to show good example to the others and not be spotted hanging around with other male artist until late night.

At the same time, the close relationship between Andy and Sarah had caused top actress cum main actress in Revenge, Andrea Saralina to turn green with envy. She was jealous of them as they got to play the couple role in the movie and duet the soundtrack for the film while she had to be a widower who fell in love with the, well, average-looking, Ferdinand. Obviously, Andy and Sarah would get much more attention compared to Ferdinand and herself once the film hits the silver screen.

Andrea thought hard about her situation and decided to meet Ferdinand that night.

She sent him a text-message which included the time and venue. She put on her makeup, a bright pink dinner dress and matched it with her heels before setting off.

Andrea reached the small café and spotted Ferdinand waiting for her anxiously at the corner seat. She walked towards him feeling rather confident. They started ordering drinks and snacks as they catch up on each others life.

“Actually, I don’t know how to say this. I mean , erm , you don’t really like acting do you ?” Andrea noticed the confused expression Ferdinand wore as soon as she shot that question. Ferdinand was about to answer when Andrea caved in, “ I mean , you wouldn’t pursue acting if it wasn’t for money right ?” Andrea felt stupid. Get to the point ,she thought. “Erm, okay. Would you continue to act if you can earn thrice as much money just by not doing anything ?” She hoped the words had come out right.

Ferdinand chuckles as he sipped his drink. “Of course, I wouldn’t . Who would ? I would have been dead rich by now if that’s the deal. As you know, I’ve not been doing anything since my last film which is about 2 years ago. I have to return to the big screen or I’ll be bankrupt.” He leaned on his chair as he toyed his straw.

Andrea smiled as she knew that this lad was simply short of money while she had, well, too much of it.

“Hmmm, are you serious you wouldn’t act if that’s the deal ?” She asked as she leaned forward towards him.

“Of course. Obviously,” Ferdinand replied with a laugh as he stuffed the food into his mouth. “Why ? You have a deal huh lady ? “ He mumbled jokingly.

“Actually yes. That’s the reason why I came here to meet you.” She took out a cheque-book and scribbled something on it. She tore the page out and hand in the cheque to Ferdinand.

“What ? You serious ? But.. but.. .” He couldn’t believe his eyes. That value was thrice as much money as his salary if he were to star in Revenge.

“No buts no maybes. And don’t ask me anything.” Andrea raised the corner of her upper-lip and her expression changed. ”You can go home with that cheque tonight only if you do one simple thing.” Ferdinand sat up straight and looked at her. Andrea leaned towards him again and lowered her voice. “Only if you withdraw for Revenge’s cast list and cancel your contract to act in that movie.”

Ferdinand relaxed a little. “Well, that’s simple. But what should I say to Mr. D and well, you know, the press ?”

“Just tell them that you have some medical problems which are confidential and you wanted to spend more time with your family. Got that ?” She widened her eyes and added, “Now, listen, don’t you ever dare disclose this to anyone and if you do, you’ll get it from me. I’ll expect you to pay me thrice as much as I’ve given you today. So make sure you meet Mr. D tomorrow to cancel all your contracts with Revenge okay ?”

Ferdinand nodded as he blew a quarter inch of dust off the corner of the cheque. They both stood up and shook hands before leaving in separate ways. Andrea felt smug.

One down, she thought as she raised her left eyebrow.

Andrea had been waiting anxiously outside Mr. D’s office for about two hours. She felt uneasy. She was afraid that Mr. D might disagree to Ferdinand’s proposal. She walked up and down the lift lobby facing Janet’s table. She cupped her hands and tapped her fingers silently as she gawped at Mr. D’s office’s door.

Finally, after a few hours , Ferdinand came out of Mr. D’s office. He wore a vivacious expression as he walked towards the lift lobby. He held his right thumb’s up and flashed a fatuous smile towards Andrea. Andrea got what he meant but she demanded a confirmation. He stood in front of Ferdinand and blocked his way. Ferdinand nodded as he whispered, “All done.”.

Andrea stepped aside and pressed the lift button for him. She tidied up her dress and informed Janet that she wanted to meet Mr. D. Janet made a short phone call and then led Andrea to Mr. D’s office.

Andrea entered Mr. D’s office after Janet left her at the entrance. Mr. D looked different. He was glum and sullen. He held his head in his hands and faced downwards.

The room felt different too.

Andrea coughed a little and masked an altruistic expression. “I am sorry about Ferdinand’s withdrawal. I didn’t know he was ill. Such a pity for a young man like him. But whatever it is, please don’t look so down Mr. D.”. Andrea took a seat and faced Mr. D.

“How can I not be sad ? We are so close to our filming dates and he just gave everything up like that ? “ Mr. D stretched his arms out.

“I understand that, really. You don’t have to worry coz I have a suggestion.” Mr. D did not reply so Andrea added. “ You can take Andy as the main actor because Miller is the understudy for Andy’s role. Andy can play Ferdinand’s role while Miller plays Andy’s role. I’m sure Andy won’t have too much trouble replacing Ferdinand. ”.

Mr. D spun his chair around and faced Andrea. His face lit. He placed his thumb and index finger on his chin and began rubbing it slowly. “You’re right ! “ He raved. “ I didn’t think of that before. I forgot that I have put understudies for both Sarah and Andy in case they are too busy to film this movie. Thanks a lot Andrea.”. Mr. D patted Andrea’s arm and began scribbling some notes into his file.

“My pleasure.”. She peeled out her cuticles. “Oh and if you don’t mind, I will inform Andy of this change, myself.”.

Mr. D stopped writing. “Erm, I don’t think so Andrea. I need to talk to him about it in case he doesn’t agree.”.

Andrea pouted her lips and said, “Please! I’m sure he wants his best friend to break the good news to him instead of his director.”. She shot him a pleading look.

“Oh all right then! But make sure he gives me a call once he has agree, all right?”

Mr. D sighed.

“No problem,” She chuckled as she stood up and pushed her chair in. “ Well, better get going, Bye!”. She winked at Mr. D and walked out feeling rather pleased of herself.

Andrea headed to Andy’s studio which is a good 10-minute car ride from Mr. D’s company’s building. She knocked on the hard, sound-proof door and entered the room before his manager could come up with a series of Andy-Is-Busy excuses.

“Oh Hi, Andrea!” Andy stood up once he saw Andrea entered the room. He was visibly busy though. “ What brings you here ?”.

“Hello Dear.” Andrea replied and took a seat beside Andy. “ Erm, I’m here to offer you some good deal.”. She leaned towards Andy, who stood up and move to another chair. Andrea shrugged. Andy noticed her expression.

“Hmm, sounds interesting ? What’s up ? Another film ? No no. I’m dead busy now.”

“Not exactly another one.”. Andrea tilted her head and shot him a seducing look. “You see, Ferdinand just withdrew from Revenge’s cast list because of err, well, some illness that he’s got. So Mr. D decided to have you as Ferdinand’s replacement. Don’t you worry about your role coz’ Miller is replacing you. He has been practicing your lines and would love to get that role.”.

Andy was puzzled. “Ferdinand’s sick ? I didn’t know about that. What disease or illness or whatever you call it, has he got ? “

Andrea shrugged again and changed her sitting position. “I don’t know but that’s not important. He already went back to his family to spend more time with them. What’s important now, is the film and you. So you are gonna accept my offer aren’t you ?”

“Erm.. No. Not really.” Andy searched for the right words to say. “Err.. see the thing is, I’m not a good actor and its impossible for me to switch roles in such a short time. I’m doing fine with my current role so yeah… hope you’ll understand. I’m sorry okay.”.

Andrea forced herself to sound casual even though she was burning deep inside. “What about Mr. D ? He has high hopes for you Andy. Please don’t let him down like how Ferdinand did.”

“I’ll talk to Mr. D tomorrow and we’ll discuss about it okay,” Andy saw Andrea sighing from the corner of his eyes. “ Okay fine. I’ll think about it and who knows I might change my mind by tonight. I’ll give you a call okay.”.

Andrea smiled vaguely. “Okay then. But please don’t let him down again okay. I know you can do it.” She stood up and left Andy’s studio. For once in such a long time, Andrea felt like a failure. You will regret it Andy, she thought as she walked towards her shiny, silver Nissan 350Z sports car.

That night , as usual, Andy sent Sarah home in spite of all the bad comments they received from the public. Andy told Sarah about Ferdinand’s withdrawal and Mr. D’s offer.

“You declined the offer ? Oh man! Why on Earth did you waste such a big chance like that ?” Sarah sat up straight in her seat and faced Andy. “ If I were you, I would take up that role. A main role, mind you.”

There was a long chilly silence in the car. So quiet that they might even hear each other’s heart beating. After what seem like an eternity, Andy broke the reticence. He turned and faced Sarah.

“Actually, err , I would rather be a supporting role instead of a main one.” Andy noticed Sarah’s puzzled expression. “ As long as I’m with you. It would be much better having you around and … and.. because I love you.”.

Sarah stared at Andy. She must have open her mouth so wide that Andy had to reached out to close it for her. “That’s so sweet of you. I never knew anyone who would sacrifice big money like that for me.”. She added, “And I love you too Andy.” Her voice was more like a whisper. She blushed as they wished each other good night and left his car for her apartment.

“Yes, its confirmed that I do not want that role Mr. D. Its hard for me. I’m not comfortable with the main role and yes I’m loving my current role,” Andy sighed as he explained to Mr. D. He really wanted to pair up with Sarah in the film, especially after yesterday’s confessions.

Mr. D sighed too. He swung his chair to his left and stretched out his legs while placing his arms on the back of his head. “I guess I would have to look for a new actor who is fast enough to learn the lines before the filming dates.” He said dryly and sighed once again, a heavier one this time.

“I’m really sorry Mr. D. I don’t wanna disappoint you but I don’t wanna disappoint myself and the fans too, Sir,” Andy felt really guilty , as if everything had been his fault but he was glad Mr. D understand him.

“Nah.. Its okay. Its better to do something that you’re good at rather than forcing yourself to do something which disinterest you. Dad always told me that.” Mr. D replied as he shifted his eyes to the portrait of his father at the corner of his room.

Andy smiled at the old man. He was very happy to see that Mr. D was not too disappointed because of him but he was especially happy where his love life is concerned. The girl of my dreams, he thought.

There’s a saying which goes , your failure is someone else’s success and when you are happy somebody out there is down. Well, that’s the case for Andrea, who had been eavesdropping from outside Mr. D’s office. She had heard every single word Andy said.

She had the advantage of standing close to the door without being seen because Janet went out for lunch together with the other staffs. “So much for, I’ll think about it tonight huh Andy ?” She said to herself. She had to think of something before Mr. D could get a new actor. “Looks like Andy’s fallen in love with that village girl. Hmph... we’ll see. I’ll show you who I am Andy,” She pouted her lips to her right and narrowed her eyes as she pressed the lift button.

The sound of the leaves rustling, crickets croaking and soft footsteps together with the dim street lights and frightening monster-like black shadows of big trees sent a chill of unwelcome shiver down Andrea’s spine. The wind whipped cold at her cheeks. How she wished that Smith had reached their meeting place earlier than she did. Even though it was only 10 pm, Andrea could feel the eeriness of this empty park as the swings swung and the see-saw moved slowly thus emitting creaky sounds. She wondered why Smith had chosen this place.

Smith tapped on Andrea’s left shoulder causing her to shriek. The big and build man gave her a cheeky grin as he apologized for being late. He took his camera bag out and place it on the stool beside Andrea.

“I would never figure out in a million years as to why you had chosen this damn place. Its driving me nuts,” Andrea nagged at the cameraman and rolled her eyes. “Now, the reason why I hired you is simple. I know you’re a good cameraman and I’ll pay you good money just to do a simple job.”.

Smith smiled and tidied up his hair as he said, “Just get on with it lady! I’m too used to compliments. Tired of it. Just tell me, what do you want me to do ? “

Andrea raised the corner of her upper-lip and rolled her eyes once again. She dug into her Gucci handbag and fished out a photo. Not any photo but a photo of Sarah. She handed the picture to Smith, “I want you to follow this girl and get a guy to bump into her. And as the guy do so, all you have to do is snap a few pictures of them together. Make sure they looked very close and intimate in the picture. Got that ?”

Smith grinned once again. “ That’s easy,” He said as he snapped his fingers. “I’ve got Fendi, a friend of mine , in the car to help me. But the problem is, where is she now ? “

Andrea scribbled the address of Andy’s studio and gave it to Smith. “ That’s the address of Andy’s studio. I believe both of them are there now. They will usually leave at about 11 plus and Andy will send Sarah home. So please remind erm.. err.. Fendi or whoever your friend is, to be careful as to when to bump into her. I suggest that he should bump into Sarah when she’s about to take the lift up to her apartment . But its up to you guys, as long as the end product is ‘tiptop’. Okay ?.” She stood up and took out an envelope from her pocket and pass it to Smith. “Advance. More to come after I see the end product by tomorrow.”.

She left Smith do to the counting as she headed towards her car and went back home. Fendi started his car too and headed towards Andy’s office together with Smith.

Every single thing went smoothly that night. Andy sent Sarah home and went off once Sarah bid him goodbye. Sarah pressed and waited for a lift. Fendi was inside the lift and purposely bumped into Sarah as he was going out. Fendi pushed Sarah so hard that she almost fell, and that, gave him the chance of embracing her. Sarah laughed at her foolishness as she apologized to Fendi. Fendi made everything seemed casual by asking for Sarah’s autograph and claiming to be one of her big fan. Fendi and Smith had a big laugh as soon as Sarah went up. “Andrea must be dead happy to see those shots. You’re great dude!” Smith said in between his breathe as he punched Fendi in the arm. “But I think we should demand more dollars from her before handing her those pictures.”.

They erupted into bigger roars of laughter as they headed back to their car.

The next morning, Smith met Andrea at the same meeting place as the day before. But thank God, he was already there when Andrea arrived. Not that she would be scared or anything, it was only 12 pm. The sun shone brightly causing the chains on the swings to shimmer beneath the golden ray of light. The leaves on the tress swayed to the gentle and cool breeze. Smith grinned as soon as he saw Andrea, reminding himself to demand for a bigger pay.

“So.. Is everything fine ?” Andrea took out her shades and placed it in her handbag. She turned towards Smith and held out her right palm.

Smith broke into a grin and said, “Not too fast lady. Not until you raise the pay to meet my standards.”. He stood up and went closer to Andrea and whispered. “You know my standards don’t you ?”.

Andrea stepped aside and sat on the bench where he initially sat. “And I’m pretty sure you know mine too.”. She paused. “I will double up your pay only if you give me the photos.”. Andrea smiled sarcastically and added, “ Its your choice honey bunny!”.

Smith smirked at the last two words. Honey Bunny, of all names ? He knew how cunning Andrea was but one thing’s for sure, Andrea never break her promises. He decided to give her the photos.

He took out a brown envelope from his camera bag and pass it to Andrea. Andrea tore the top part of the envelope and fished out the photos. She scrutinize each shot and erupted into big roars of laughter a few seconds later. “This is so so so GREAT! “ She shrieked with intense excitement as she jumped up of the bench. Even Smith had to move a few steps backward. He frowned as he observed Andrea’s excitement. What about the pay ?, he thought.

“Okay so now the money. Remember, MY standards,” Smith followed her as she walked around in circles, fantasizing about her upcoming plans.

Suddenly she stopped walking and turned around to face Smith. “Okay Bunny, you definitely deserve more than twice your current pay. Thrice, more like it. But I need you to do just one more simple task.”. She held her hands up and placed her palms together. “Please.”.

Smith heaved out a huge sigh. “All right. But , I want the pay by today. Okay ?”.

“Well, you have to get your pay by today coz’ we’re not meeting each other ever again after this,” She replied casually. “Erm, maybe.”.

“Whatever you say,” Smith answered. As long as I get the cash by today, he thought. “So, what do you want me to do ? “

“Easy Fizzy!” She smiled broadly and stuck out her tongue. Smith frowned again. She did not look the slightest bit like a person who would destroy anyone’s life. More like a lunatic, Smith thought. “All you have to do is go to the newspaper station and give them all these photos. Don’t forget to tell them that those are taken yesterday night just after Andy left. Just make up whatever excuses if they ask for more details about the photos. Simple ?” Andrea’s expression turned serious again. “I’m very sure they will buy your story, Smith. It will be the main headline tomorrow. Sarah dating numerous men!”

How cunning, Smith thought. He was mentally making plans in his mind. For a moment, he was not thinking about the money. Andrea dug into her handbag and took out an envelope. A large one. She took a few more notes from her car and placed them in the envelope. Smith followed her from behind. He had not forgotten the money issue after all.

“Here’s your pay, Bunny! Thanks for whatever you’ve done for me. But if I don’t see any of those pictures in the papers tomorrow, I’m gonna make you pay me back. All right ? And if everything’s fine, this will be our last meeting okay ? Call me if you need anything.”. Andrea winked at him and started her car. She put on her shades and headed back home.

Smith was not surprised when the newspaper agent accepted those pictures and his story. In fact, he was paid a large sum of money for all the information he had given. He felt guilty initially. But he shove those thoughts aside, who doesn’t want money ?,he thought.

Again , as expected, the story came up , the following day, in the cover page of the daily highest-selling newspaper, Diurnal Express. Diurnal Express Co. was happy with the stupendous increase in the amount of sales that day. But that was nothing compared to the beads of ecstasy that was surging and plunging through Andrea as soon as she saw the story on the cover of the newspaper that was sent to her every single morning without fail.

“Wooooohooo! Finally! Sarah, your time’s up!” She said as she peered at the pictures on the papers. “And Andy, now, you know who I am. Sooner or later, you’ll be mine.”.

She broke into roars of laughter as she threw the papers onto the dining table. She made a warm cup of coffee and started planning her next step. She had to be fast before Mr. D got a new actor to replace Ferdinand.

That mendacious piece of story received a thousand and one mixed response from everyone. They were confused. Especially Andy. He could not believe the story. No way, he thought. But the longer he stared at those shots, the more real they became. He remembered sending Sarah home the night before and he recognize the clothes Sarah was wearing that night and even Sarah’s apartment’s lift. Like Andrea, he threw the paper aside but definitely not in the slightest bit of joy. Despair, in fact. Maybe it wasn’t her and people mistook that person for her, Andy tried to convinced himself. He came out with a lot of possibilities and was beginning to believe each of them when the phone rang.

It was Andrea.

“Hey Andy! I just wanted to check if you’re all right.” She paused. Andy sighed heavily. “ Look, I am sorry about that news too. I forced myself not to believe it but I couldn’t because … because.. I.. I.. saw the whole thing,” She sounded really dramatic but she knew her acting was good. She was whispering now. “I was about to visit a sick friend who lives a block away from Sarah’s. I was walking past her block when I saw them. Both. I didn’t call out for Sarah because I didn’t know it was her. I would never thought it was her anyway,” She paused again. “ I’m really sorry Andy. I should have call her yesterday. It was all my fault!”. Andrea forced herself to cry or at least sound like she was crying. Andy did not reply. She removed the sympathy tone in her voice and cried, “Oh dear! Andy I got to go. I have a meeting. Call me if you need anything. I love you..”. She slammed down the phone before Andy could say more.

Andy did not put the phone down as soon as Andrea did. He stood there and realized that he was a fool. He let go the phone of his hand and let it dropped to the floor. Everything was broken into pieces. Just like his love-life currently, he thought.

So much for the good-girl image and background. So much for the ‘I Love You Too’.

It was all a lie. Such a hypocrite.

Sarah could not believe her eyes as she stared at the cover news of that day’s edition of Diurnal Express. “Good Girl Turns Bad!” She read the headline. She flipped the pages to read the full story. She studied the pictures that were printed on that page. Yes, it was her in those shots. She recognized that man! Damn, she thought. “Someone must have thought … “ She left her sentence hanging in the air. There was no use to complete it anyway. She did not know that man which meant she could not contact him. She needed him to explain everything to everyone especially Andy. She sighed and sat at her favorite couch. She dialed Andy’s hand phone number but could not get through. Next, she dialed Andy’s home number but no one picked up the phone. He must be at the studio, she guessed and got changed quickly.

Sarah reached the building where Andy’s office was located. She was about to enter the building through the main door when she spotted Andy leaving the car park. She jogged towards Andy and confronted him.

“The article. I know; but please let me explain.,” She pleaded when Andy did not stop walking as soon as he realized it was Sarah who was calling him from the back. “Andy, please, you have to believe me. It’s a lie, Andy. I bumped into him yesterday in the lift…” She stopped talking. Andy was not listening either. “Say something, Andy.”

Andy remained silent even though his mind was doing all kinds of somersaults. He bit the corner of his bottom lip between his teeth. He could not possibly believe every word Sarah said, that would have been stupid. But at the same time, he knew he could not believe the press too. Maybe she was telling the truth, he thought. But Andrea… He left his thoughts hanging in the air as he flicked a speck of invisible dust from his already spotless collar. Andy tried to prevaricate Sarah and her questions. He sighed and walked away into the building.

A hard lump wedges itself in Sarah’s windpipe. She fought the urge of breaking down. Not now, she thought. Not with everyone staring at her. She tidied her scarf and toyed with the brooch casually as she walked along the streets with no destination in mind.

Andy threw himself on the sofa facing the recording studio. He was in a state of confusion. He could not think. He took a deep breathe and closed his eyes. Not long after, his office’s phone rang. He picked up and almost put it down again when he thought that it might be Sarah.

“Hey Andy! Hope I’m not disturbing,” Andrea’s voice was heard at the other end of the line.

“Oh Hi there! Erm.. Err.. not really I guess. Erm, so can I help you ?”

“Oh yes! In fact you have to,” God, help me! What am I supposed to say? “Err… Oh well, Mr. D wants me to check for one last time if you want to replace Ferdinand coz you see, he’s having some problems looking for a new actor currently.” Another lie but who cares ?

There was an awkward silence. No one made a sound. Andy was busy thinking and Andrea, as usual, planning her steps carefully. “ You know what Andy, I think it might be a good idea if you take up that role. You know, after all the Bad-Girl-Sarah thing. It might help you release your stress. You don’t have to work with Sarah that much. Err.. if you get what I mean.”.

Silence, yet again. Andrea was swearing silently at the other end of the phone. Are you dumb or deaf ?, she thought. Andy sighed and finally answered.

“Well, I think so too,” Andy said slowly, emphasizing each word. “If Mr. D hasn’t got an actor yet, I might as well replace Ferdinand. It’s too hard for me to face her with all these nonsense.”.

Andrea was jumping around and waving her hands. “So it’s a yes ?”

“I guess, it has to be a yes!”

“YES!” Andrea laughed gently, as she flicked her eyelashes at the reflection in the mirror opposite her.

“You sound happy ? What’s up ? Too excited to be acting with me huh ?” Andy smiled, finally.

“Eww.. No!” No way am I making it obvious, she thought. “Its just that I’m happy for Mr. D . You know he looked so stressed out these few days. Can I be the one to break the good news to him ?”

“Oh of course! Yes! Go ahead!”

They chatted for a little more and then hang up the phones.

Mr. D put the phone down with a big grin on his face after receiving the good news from Andrea. He was glad that Andy finally accepted his offers. However, the grin did not stay on his face for too long until he recalled the last part of the phone conversation with Andrea.

“…. I met up with a few fans just now at the CD store in the mall. They were all complaining about not wanting to buy Sarah’s album. Some even said, they won’t buy, watch or even listen to anything that has Sarah in it. Childish, I know. But I’m afraid that those fans might affect our upcoming movie, Mr. D. Sarah’s a good friend of mine and I don’t want her to be criticized by the press once the movie is out. I’m not sure what to do about this, but if I were you, I would not take risk and just put the understudy to play Sarah’s role. It would be much safer. Remember, our budget is really big. We cant afford to have fans who doesn’t want to buy or watch the movie, it’ll affect our sales…..”

Mr. D thought about Andrea’s words. She was right actually, he thought. He fingered the telephone on his left. He had to pluck up the guts to call Sarah and tell her the truth.

He stood and stared at today’s Diurnal Express, wishing that the article had never been published. After a few minutes of self-debating, he decided to call Sarah.

“I’m very sorry to disturb you dear,” His heart lurched as he heard Sarah sniffing throughout the conversation. “I really don’t know how to tell you this but I would like Farah, the understudy for your part to do the acting for this film.”.

“I understand Mr. D. It’s okay. I’m fine with it,” Sarah replied gently to the old man. “Is there any news from Andy ? “

Mr. D smiled again and blurted out, “I’m so glad that he finally decided to replace Ferdinand. I don’t know what will become of me and the whole movie if not for him coz you know its hard…” Mr. D stopped. To his horror, he heard Sarah sobbing over the phone. And then he realized. “Oh dear! Sarah, I didn’t mean to …” Again the sentence was left incomplete.

“Nah.. Its okay Mr. D. Its just that, it’s.. it’s.. It’s too hard for me,” She shook her head slightly and bit her lips. Tears rolled down the apple of her cheeks. “Anyway, thanks Mr. D. All the best for the film.”.

Mr. D thanked her and gave some advice to her before hanging up the phone. He felt a huge burden off his shoulders after the conversation with Sarah. But it was the opposite for Sarah. She cried her eyes off after hanging up the phone. Andy was obviously avoiding her. He totally believed that damn article, she thought. She almost gave up her career and her life. She was devastated.

The next few days, was more bad news. Her albums sales went drastically down. Radio stations were no longer playing her hit songs and promoting her albums. She tried to get songwriters to write songs for her new album but all of them declined her offers. Even her neighbors and colleagues at her office barely talked to her. All she could do was wait for the truth to unfold in which she doubt it will.

A few days later, Sarah decided to check her letterbox. She went to her mailbox and discovered that she had received a letter from her village. It was dated a few days ago. It was, in fact, from her cousin and best friend, Joe. Sarah was really glad to know that he would be coming to town and would be staying over at her house for a few days until he manage to rent a room or an apartment for himself. Sarah was about to take a walk in a nearby park when she realized that Joe will be reaching town TODAY! She hurried back to her apartment. She had to fetch Joe from the bus station at 4 pm today.

As soon as she reached her apartment, the phone rang. She panicked. Maybe it was Joe who had been waiting for me for hours at the bus station, she thought. She took big steps towards the phone and picked it up.

“Hello Sarah!” A familiar voice came from the other end of the line. It’s a lady’s voice. “Andrea here.”.

“Oh hello dear!” Sarah said sweetly.

“Hey!! Hmm, you sound good! I was just checking you out. Life can be hard but we just have to be patient about it. This is God’s test for you all right ? It’s just momentary. Just smile, stand tall, forget the past and move on,” Andrea said glibly.

Sarah remained silent for a few seconds. “Oh dear! That’s really sweet of you! Thanks a lot! Yeah, I think I’m beginning to forget the past. I’ll need some time to start anew,” Sarah told her, oblivious to the fact that Andrea was the mastermind of her break-up with Andy. Sarah looked at the clock and said, “Oh I better get going. I had to fetch my cousin, Joe from the bus station. I haven’t even bathe and I still had to think of the most decent café where we can have our lunch without anyone sneering at me.”.

Andrea’s eyes lit up. “Wait, don’t hang up yet! I reckon that maybe you could try Chad’s café. It’s kind of secluded. There are not many people there and the owners are not locals. Its not far from the bus station anyway. You might want to try it,” she suggested.

“Oh man! You’re a genius! You’re a star! I know Chad’s café. The food’s nice. Hope it is not packed today,” She paused and caught her breathe. “All right! See you then, And! Bye.”. Sarah hang up the phone and smiled to herself. How nice could she be, she thought. Little did she know, Andrea’s got something planned specially for Sarah and Andy.

On the other end, Andrea did not put the phone down. She made another call. To Andy this time. She might want to work as a telephone operator since she loved the phone so much.

“Good Afternoon Love!” Andrea tried to sound casual. “Are you busy now ? Or rather later at around 4 ?”

“Hey dear! Erm, around 4 ? Erm, I guess yeah. I’m having a very important meeting right now so I’ll be having a late break and lunch. Why ? Is it about Mr. D ?”

“Oh! No no! It’s not about that.”. Andrea grinned. “I’m just thinking that we should go out for lunch together later at 4 pm sharp. I’m gonna have a late lunch too. So what do you think ?”

“Oh Okay then!” Andy took out his planner and mumbled, “4 pm.. Lunch.. Andrea… Erm.. but where ?”

Just the question, Andrea thought. “I just want a decent lunch for the both of us. You know it’s hard if we go to some fancy restaurants and end up signing autographs and posing for pictures rather than eat. In addition, we’ll be starved by four so I think we’ll have our lunch at Chad’s café, somewhere near the bus stations in the town area…”. Damn, what would I do if he suggested other places ?

To her great relief she heard Andy mumbled, “….Chad’s café… All right honey! I really have to go. See ya at 4!”. He slammed the phone down and headed to the meeting room.

For once in a very long time, Sarah smiled broadly. She was able to shove her problems aside as soon as she saw Joe. She waved her arms frantically in the air. She was happy finally, for now. Joe walked towards her and started complimenting her about her looks which was at least one thousand times better than a few years back, when her face was dark and full of scars and blemishes. She used to be short and plump too. They chatted for a while about life back at the village. Then, Sarah brought Joe to Chad’s café for a quick lunch.

Joe eyed Sarah suspiciously. Even though he lived in the village, he knew a few things about Sarah’s success and fame which started when she won the reality singing contest. He was curious as to why Sarah had chosen such a small and empty café like Chad’s for lunch. He asked Sarah but she pretended not to hear him. He repeated the same question and this time he was sure, Sarah heard him.

“I heard you the first time,” she said softly and smiled slightly.

“Then, why don’t you answer me ? Is anything wrong ? What happen ?” Joe bombarded her with questions.

“I’m thinking if I should.”. Maybe Joe would understand best, she wondered. She sighed and told Joe everything. Right from her relationship with Andy up till Mr. D’s decision to drop her and Andy’s decision to take up the main actor’s role. She fought the impulse to cry in front of Joe. She never did anyway. She used to be a tomboy and was tough. It would be a shame if she cried. Joe would think she was turning into a softie now.

Joe looked at her with deep sympathy. He patted her arms and assured her that everything would be all right sooner if not, later. “I believe you Sarah! I believe you would not do such a thing. But sometimes we have to accept that life is unfair. Everyone will know the truth someday all right girl ?”.

Sarah smiled and thanked Joe for believing and understanding her. They ordered their lunch and chatted away.

As they were finishing up their drinks, Andy walked in. He scanned the small shop for any signs of Andrea but was dumbstruck as he felt like he was just stabbed in the heart when he saw Sarah talking to a man and laughing in such a close manner especially when the man pinched Sarah’s cheeks. But little did he know that the gesture was something that Joe always did when they were younger , when Sarah had chubby cheeks.

Bitterness replaced excitement in Andy as he wrapped his knuckles against the wooden panel. Andy felt angry , sad and disappointed. He felt an urge to confront the couple at Chad’s Café. He made a short call to Andrea to cancel their lunch. Andrea on the other end of the line pretended to be mad but understanding at the same time. She was bathed with joy as she tried to visualize the scene that Andy had seen at Chad’s Café. Andy – Sarah – Cousin-Turn-Boyfriend Joe, she burst out laughing as she thought of that horrible love triangle.

Sarah gasped when she marked the calendar that day. 6^th December. It was the date on which ‘Revenge’ will begin screening in cinemas. Time flies super fast , she thought. Not that she was having anything near to fun. She had been busy taking care of her cousin – looking for rooms to be rented out and also helping him look for a job. She did not have any time to think about her problems but she still hoped Andy had forgotten whatever that had happen and would forgive her.

Everything was normal for the next few days. Sarah was surprised that she had been happy since the day Joe arrived. She wished that this could go on forever. But unfortunately, her dreams were crushed on that day itself when Joe came to visit her. Joe brought along a magazine to read, in case he got bored. But it was Sarah who got her hands first on the magazine. She flipped through the magazine while listening to old classic ballads.

Suddenly, she stopped flipping. Her mouth hanged open and she sat up straight. Joe looked up, noting the abrupt stop of the sound which was emitted when Sarah flipped the magazine pages. That was not all, he observed the change in Sarah’s expression too. Worst, he realized that Sarah was crying.

“Hey! Why are you crying ?” Joe said in a soft tone as he sat beside her.

Sarah sniffed. She stared at the magazine and then threw it away. Joe was baffled. He took the magazine back and flipped to the right page. He eyed the picture. No wonder, he thought. He sighed as the scanned through the article. The magazine features Andy and Andrea as the hottest couple of the month. And to make things worst, Andy had admitted that he was close to Andrea because she was always there for him to support and help him whenever he needed it.

Sarah could not believe the article. It all seemed surreal. She took it away from Joe and tore it away. She broke down once again and fell to her sofa. She was now out of breathe due to all the crying and wailing. And yes, nagging too. She couldn’t understand why had Andrea cheated on her ? Pretending to be all saint on the phone but flirting with Andy at the same time ? Hypocrites, she thought!

Joe felt guilty and apologized to Sarah for bringing that magazine along. Sarah ignored him and buried her head deep in the sofa’s cushions. Joe realized that he could not do much. He made a cup of hot Milo for Sarah and left her house for work.

‘Revenge’ was such a big hit and everyone enjoyed it a lot including the fellow directors and different reporters. But the movie drew some curious responses from the public ; Why was Sarah not included in the movie as Mr. D had promised a few months back ? Why was Andy the main actor instead of Ferdinand ? And most importantly why did Andy end up with Andrea as the hot couple of the month only after Sarah was out of the movie’s cast list ? Is Sarah the deceitful one ? Or is it Andy ? Or was Andrea the third person ?

Those questions made reporters from different newspaper or magazine companies, and gossip shows go crazy, trying to get answers from whomever it concerned. It was so hectic that the head of media publishing decided to have an official press conference in which both Andrea And Andy will attend to reveal the truth. It would also be shown live on TV. But before that , they interviewed Mr. D about Ferdinand’s withdrawal.

“Well, this is sort of confidential,” Mr. D said in the microphone. “This has got to do with some medical problems but I really don’t know much.”.

Even though the media and the fans was not very satisfied with the answer that Mr. D gave them, they still stopped all kinds of interviewing and questioning until the press conference day.

Andrea had a big fight with Andy at her bungalow in the morning of the press conference day. Andy had refused to attend the press conference as he did not want to talk about Sarah. What more, tell everything that happened between Sarah and himself to the public.

“I don’t care about your excuses . You have to come with me because you will be doing the talking. Not me,”

“I said I don’t want. I don’t know what to say and I’m tired okay,”.

“Awww.. Don’t worry about that baby because….” She dug into her handbag and took out a piece of paper. “I’ve written a script for you dear.”. She smiled while pouting her lips slightly.

Andy took the script and read it on the spot.

“ Good evening ladies and gentleman ,

I am here to confess some important facts that some people have mistook. Firstly, I have never loved Sarah all my life. Not even once. I got close to her because I wanted her some acting tips from her and that’s all. Nothing more. I am not a deceitful person. Sarah cheated on me. Andrea does not know anything about this. And I truly love Andrea because she is always there for me , giving me support and helping me when I’m in need. She is not the third person in fact Sarah was the third person in our relationship which started way before the movie. I am sorry for whatever that has happen but from now onwards Sarah please do not disturb our life.”

Andy groaned, tore the script and stood up to face Andrea. “What’s all this ? You want me to lie in front of everyone ? How do you know if I never loved Sarah ? Have I ever talk to you about her and my feelings towards her ? Since when did we start our relationship before the movie ? Since when did Sarah become the 3^rd person between us ? And since when did I ever love you Andrea ?” He was shouting by then. “The only person I’ve ever loved is Sarah! Not you. I didn’t know that you have such a black heart . Why are you so envious of her now that you wanted me to spit all those bullshits about her ? Why do you hate her when she did not even do anything towards you Andrea?”. He threw the torn pieced of papers into Andrea’s face.

Andrea was red with rage. She gritted her teeth. Suddenly, she felt really obnoxious. “Why the hell are you screaming at me ? And what is it about you not loving me ? You told me you love me Andy ! You did !” She retorted. She pulled her hair and then smirked at Andy. “Oh maybe… you thought that those words you said will hurt me and that I will leave you alone and… and.. you can get back with Sarah ? Dream on Andy! Because you know what ? Sarah has never ever cheated on you. She was never unfaithful , disloyal and deceitful towards you,”. She showed a semblance of anger and her face turned serious again. Andy’s heart skipped a beat, yes just one, at least.

“What are you talking about now ? Another set of lies ?”

“Hahs, Lies ? All right. No more lies,” She snapped rhetorically and looked out of the window. “ Do you remember Ferdinand ? I paid him thrice his salary if he were to act in the movie and bribe him to withdraw from taking that main role. I was the one who told him to use ‘medical problems’ as an excuse. Because I hate it when you couple up with Sarah in that movie. My plan to get you as the main actor almost failed when you declined my offer the first time I asked you. Nobody mess with Andrea. So…” She paused again and took out a few photographs. “Remember these ?”.

“What are you doing with those ? How come its with you ?” He raised his voice once again. “Don’t tell me you… “A tinge of intimidation wrapped Andy tightly.

“Well yes! In fact, it was me who hired a cameraman to capture a few shots of Sarah with another man whom I paid to accidentally bumped into Sarah and made it look like as if they are lovers; Embracing each other, gazing into each others eyes. HAHA!” She broke into an evil laughter. “… and with that millions of people thought she was dating some men and was doing sinful things behind everyone’s back. And oh by the way, remember I told you I saw Sarah with that guy that night ? Hahaha. It was all a lie Andy! I didn’t see her that night.”. Andy stared at Andrea in disbelief. “ This picture went into the papers and you totally believed it. And so you accepted my offer to take up that role. HAHA!! Are you stupid or are you stupid ?” She asked as she broke into another laughter.

“You.. you.. How dare..” Andy tried to speak but he was so shock and loss for words.

“Hang on there,” Andrea interrupted. “For your information, I was the one who forced Mr. D to throw Sarah out from our casts list. And he did. He is just as stupid and weak as you are Andy. And Yes!! The lunch! The lunch at Chad’s café! You cancelled it because you saw Sarah with another man right ?”

Andy growled under his breathe. He frowned and the lines on his forehead became more visible.

“HAHA! It was all planned Andy. Before I called you, I called Sarah and pretended to give her advices and telling her to be patient with all these mishaps she is facing. And then, she told me that she will be picking up her cousin, Joe, who came from her village and wanted to have lunch with him at a place where there not many people at around 4 pm. So I suggested Chad’s Café and she agreed,” She took a deep breathe and continued, “Next, I called you and invite you for lunch at the same café. You didn’t see me there did you ? Why ? Because it was all planned. I told Sarah to have her lunch there and told you to meet me there too, so that you will see Sarah with another guy who is her own cousin and best friend since young. HAHAHA!” Andrea turned lunatic again. She did curtsy all over the living room.

“Why are you so dumb ? You fell into my hands Andy,” She turned extremely serious again. “And now, you think that by pushing me away like this you can get back to Sarah ? OH PLEASE ANDY! Sarah hates you. She hates you for life, Andy! And there is 0% percent of the both of you coming back together. HAHAHA!”.

“Now the truth unfolds. Unfortunately, my house doesn’t have any recording device hanging around, so, no one heard whatever that I have said except for you and me. HAHAHA!” She folded her arms. “Oh. You look worried boy. Its okay, its better if you come with me today and read out the scripts I gave you.”. She smiled and ruffled Andy’s hair.

Andy was totally dumbstruck and he felt really disgusted looking at Andrea. He could not believe his ears. Sarah had never cheated on him all these while. Never. She loved him. He was stupid enough to believe all the bullshits Andrea created. Andrea rolled her eyes and walked away to make a short phone call.

“No. I won’t go. I would not lie for your sake, Andrea. You’re a selfish brat. And I don’t wanna have anything to do with people like you,” Andy said as he sank back into the sofa.

Andrea ended the phone call. She turned to face Andy and sneered at him. “Hahaha! Oh so you thought you are clever ? Look at me dear , its fine if you don’t want to follow me today. Coz I can do this by myself. And don’t you ever think of running away coz I’ve just arranged a large group of tight security around the house,” She narrowed her eyes and clenched her fist, just like what villain will do in movies. “Oh and don’t you ever think of using my house phone coz it’s not working and your hand phone is somewhere in this little cute handbag of mine. All you’ve got is just the TV for you to tune in to watch me as I blabber all the “bullshits”. Remember this, No one messes with Andrea Saralina.”.

Andrea glanced at her watch and panicked as she was already late for the press conference. She rushed out of the house without doing her normal routine of embellishing make-ups and complete head-to-toe checks.

Press Conference.

The long-awaited press conference began. Everyone noticed that Andrea came alone without Andy. Andrea walked elegantly towards her seat and sat facing her audience which comprises of a large number of reporters holding cameras , recording and video devices.

The head of media publishing, Mr. Tan, walked to the front and gave his opening speech. “Good evening everyone. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Mr. D and the actors and actresses of Revenge for the film’s great success. But upon achieving millions of viewers at the different cinema complexes, the film also received a lot of controversies and gossips. That is the reason to why are we here today. Today is a special day. We will all listen to the real confessions by Andrea Saralina and Andy Md. But it seems that Andy is not here with us today. So Miss Andrea you may begin,” Mr. Tan walked back to his seat.

Andrea began her piece, “Good evening to all. Firstly, I’m very sorry about Andy’s absence today. He is not feeling well and is down with a high fever. But you don’t have to worry coz’ look at what I’ve got here…” She took a envelope and took out a piece of paper from it. “…A letter by Andy , written by him , and also signed by him.”.

Andy was shocked at how Andrea twisted the truth but he could not do anything. He snuggled onto Andrea’s bed in her room, where she locked him in, as he watched Andrea’s fake confession in the TV.

Sarah was also watching the show with Joe at her apartment and was waiting patiently for Andrea to read the letter. The atmosphere in the apartment was tense. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Even the clock’s ticking seemed to be very soft that time.

Andrea opened the letter. “Please be reminded, whatever the content of the letter is, it was written by Andy and not anyone else.”. She cleared her throat and continued. “Dear everyone, I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the press conference today as I’m not feeling well. But here, in this letter, I will confess the truth which will be read by Andrea. I am here to confess some important facts that some people have mistook. Firstly, I have never loved Sarah all my life. Not even once. I got close to her because I wanted her some acting tips from her and that’s all. Nothing more. I am not a deceitful person. Sarah cheated on me. Andrea does not know anything about this. And I truly love Andrea because she is always there for me , giving me support and helping me when I’ am in need. She is not the third person in fact Sarah was the third person in our relationship which started way before the movie. I am sorry for whatever that has happen but from now onwards ,Sarah, please do not disturb our life. Our happy life. Thank you . Yours truly, Andy.”.

Andrea looked up and smiled as she saw the note of satisfaction written all over the audience’s face. She felt smug too. Reporters scribbled notes and whispered quietly all over the room. The head of media thanked Sarah as he moved on to the Q&A section.

Sarah was shocked. The words Andrea said kept echoing in hear ears. On one hand, she could not believe the content of the letter and on the other hand , why is Andrea, her own friend , reading the letter ? Andrea betrayed me, she thought. She felt really helpless and hopeless even though Joe was there. She felt frail. She thought Andy loved her initially but it was all a lie ! She ran into her room and slammed herself onto her bed.

A hard lump wedges itself in her windpipe. She tried to fight but she could not. Tears streamed down her face, forming puddles of hurt on her leathered bed. She slammed her fist onto her bed a few times. She was really disappointed. How could he ? Everything seemed to crash down on her.

Meanwhile, Andy who’s lying on Andrea’s bed off the TV and threw the remote away. Maybe I should take a snooze, he thought. He turned around and lay on his chest. He jammed his hands below the pillow and moved his hands around as if in search of something. Andy stopped moving his hands as soon as he felt something. He pulled out the thing and realized that it was a book with some words written on the cover. It says, ‘Lady A’. Andy almost threw the book away to vent his anger and frustration when he realized that he was holding on to Andrea’s Diary.

Andy sat up and began reading the diary . Every single thing that happened in Andrea’s life was written in that book. Including her meeting with Ferdinand , the money, the cameraman , the newspaper article , the phone conversation with Mr. D concerning Sarah , the plan at Chad’s cafe, the movie being a success, getting Andy to pose with her as the hottest couple for the magazine, and lastly about the script she wrote for Andy and her plans if Andy refused to attend the press conference.

Andy sighed. He was not surprised of the contents. Andrea had confessed everything this morning before she left. However, Andy was dead relief because finally, he had some proof to show everyone especially Sarah. Andy leaned back and cupped his hands. The room was very quiet. The only sound Andy could hear was from the garden where Andrea’s maid was doing her daily gardening routine. He thought for a moment and came up with a plan . He placed the diary below Andrea’s pillow and thought of a way out of the room when he realized that she had not locked the sliding window leading to the garden at the back of her house.

An hour later, Andrea came home. She was shaken with a degree of shock as soon as she stepped in. She walked further in and then realize that her house was scented. The living room was dark and the only source of light was the dim glow from two lit candles, placed in the centre of a small and round dinner table. Soft classic ballads echoed around the room. Suddenly, Andy appeared, looking smart as if it was a prom night or something.

“Hey there my fair lady , Andrea Saralina,” Andy greeted her and bowed towards her.

“What’s all these ? Are you trying to impress me ?” Andrea tried to sound serious even though she was obviously impressed.

“Keep your cool, honey! Look, I’m very sorry, okay ? I watched you on TV just now and I have to say that I’m very proud of you. No one knew you were lying. Everyone believed your story. See, the reason why I refused to go with you is because I’m afraid that they won’t believe our story. And they will all pity Sarah. I don’t want that to happen. I want all the blame to go to Sarah. I was scared but after everything that you told me this morning, I believe that all your plans will work,” Andy put his acting skills to use. He pouted his lips and stared at Andrea admiringly. Fake stare that is.

Andrea was taken aback with those words. Her eyes lit up. “Are you serious Andy ? You hate Sarah ? You loved me, Andy ?” She walked towards Andy, fixing a sweet smile on her weary face.

“Of course, I hate Sarah! God, she is stupid. And yes I love you forever dear. But now, lets enjoy our special candlelight dinner, just the both of us,” Andy smirked as soon as Andrea turns her back towards him.

Andy suggested that they spent the rest of the night watching movies at his apartment. He told Andrea to wait for him at the car porch. He went in to get something –the diary.

Andy drove to his place. They enjoyed themselves till morning. Andy realized that Andrea had fallen asleep on his couch. He began the second step of his plans. He took his hand phone from Andrea’s handbag quietly and sneaked out of his house. He took a cab instead of driving his own car. He was afraid he might wake Andrea up by starting up the engine. He told his destination to the driver – none other than Sarah’s apartment.

He knocked on her house’s door. Sarah refused to open it as soon as she realized who her visitor was. Andy begged her to open the door. He needed to speak to her. Andy dialed her home number. He refused to leave. Sarah called Joe and asked for his advice. She took a deep breathe and opened the door. Andy was shocked to see Sarah’s pale tear-stained face. Her eyes were puffy and red after all the crying.

“I came to apologize” Andy broke the silence.

“Why now ?” Sarah replied incisively. “Andrea dumped you huh ? How could you do this to me Andy?” Sarah shifted her glance from Andy’s face to the peeled wall of her neighbor’s house as if to express indifference.

Andy stood still and faced the floor. “I came to explain. It wasn’t my fault. It was Andrea’s. She was the mastermind,” He muttered.

“HAHA!” Sarah faked a laughter. “ That’s funny Andy. After all the things you said in the letter, and now you said it was Andrea’s fault ? You’re a jerk Andy!”

Sarah wanted to slam the door when Andy held it firmly and said, “ I didn’t write the letter, Andrea did. You can’t believe it, can you ? If I truly loved her and hated you, do you think I’d be so foolish to absent myself from the press conference ? Take and read this. I found it in her room yesterday and I want you to read it now, right in front of me.”.

Sarah took the book and almost threw it aside, just like the way Andy did, when she realized it was Andrea’s diary. She opened it and read everything about Andrea’s life from her early career up till her cunning plans towards Andy and herself. She shrugged a few times and stared at some of the entries in disbelief. Finally, she broke down and tears streamed down her face.. She closed the book and sank her face into her palms. Later, she held her hands up and thanked God.

Andy squatted down and held her face in his hands. “Now, you believe me don’t you ? I’m sorry, I thought you betrayed me but you didn’t. I’m sure you thought that the letter was true, right ? But it wasn’t. I love you Sarah. We planted fidelity deep in our hearts the time we got together. We wouldn’t hurt each other, I know that.”. He gazed into her eyes. He had never seen her this beautiful even though she was just wearing a small scarf and completely make-up less.

Sarah smiled and said , “ I love you too. And I know its true love.”.

They stood up. “Andy, Joe will be arriving in a few minutes. Do you mind waiting for him before you come in ?”

Andy took some time to refresh his memory on Joe. He nodded and smiled.

Joe arrived a few minutes later. They sat around Sarah’s dining table and cracked their brains for some plans. Finally, Joe came out with an idea.

Andrea woke up feeling peeved. She had been calling Andy since she woke up. Finally, Andy answered her fifth call. Andrea nagged at Andy because he left without informing her and did not answer her calls.

“I’m so sorry honey. I went out to prepare something special for you darling,” Andy paused. “Now, listen, dress as beautifully as ever and meet me at Lily’s restaurant in Royal Pacific Hotel, okay ?”

“What ? Royal Pacific ? Oh my god ! The most grandest hotel in town ? Oh god! Okay I’ll see you there dear.”. Andrea hanged up and got a bathe. Of course she was happy. She thought she had accomplished the happiness that she wanted all these while.

It was nothing unusual for Andy to spend at least an hour waiting for Andrea. She arrived at Lily’s, not one but two hours later, in a fabulous evening dress. She had thick makeup on her face and uncountable layers of lip gloss on her lips. She strode elegantly into the colossal Royal Hotel and then was led into Lily’s. The pounding of her footsteps could be heard above the loud sounds and noises.

However, she was utterly speechless and absolutely transformed into a mute as soon as she saw a familiar group of reporters and cameraman. But that’s not all. Together with the press is Mr. D, Ferdinand, Joe, Smith, Fendi and a lot more. She gasped when she saw Sarah at the music corner of the café, holding a microphone in one hand and holding a book in another. Andy was right beside her.

Sarah smiled. A vaguely sarcastic one. “Hello Andrea. How are you ? You look great today. Wow! I love that dress. But its too sexy for me. Its not good for my image honey,” She said in a soothing tone and keeping the smile of her face. “Why do you look so shocked ? Hmm… I forgot to tell you, Today we have a special press conference which will be shown live on TV. Oh yes, please take a seat dear.”.

Andrea felt a thrill of nervousness, noting the sarcasm tone in Sarah’s voice. She tried to leave the restaurant but in vain. The bellboys at the entrance blocked her way and brought her back to her seat which was right in front of Sarah.

“To start off, let me begin with my account,” Sarah stressed on the word ‘my’. Something which was intentional. She told every single detail that happened from the day Andy confessed his feelings and up to the day she was told to withdraw from taking the role. She occasionally rolled eyes and glared at Andrea to see her reactions.

“All right, enough of my account. Let’s move on to some other’s. Ferdinand could you please come forward.” Andrea swallowed her saliva but could not as her breathe was caught in her throat. Her heart beat as if it never did before. By then, the restaurant was filled with people.

Ferdinand came forward and was questioned about his withdrawal. Initially, he refused to disclose the truth, but after countless persuasions and police threats, he gave up and told everyone the truth..

Next up was Smith. He was also reluctant to talk about the whole thing but again after countless threats, he confessed that he was paid by Andrea to take photos of Sarah.

He admitted that he was the one who sold the story to the media but again, he was paid by Andrea to do so.

Fendi also came forward to tell them the whole idea and whose idea it was. He even gave extra information that he did not even know Sarah. He was just doing as he was told.

Mr. D said his piece too about Andrea’s persuasion. He did not have the slightest idea that all suggestions that Andrea contributed were all planned.

Finally, Andy stood up and cleared his throat. He told everyone about his fight with Andrea yesterday morning before the press conference. Andrea’s confessions shocked him. He was confused. But he was lucky having found her diary below her pillow. Yes, it might be a sin or rather privacy invasion to read other’s diary but it was a total opposite if that diary turned out to bring justice.

Andrea pretended to look calm. She was screaming and squirming like mad inside. Hundreds of bubbles of ideas floated in her mind. Eventually, one of them popped and it happened to be a brilliant one.

She stood up and shouted, “Hey! Who do you think you are to accuse me as you like ? What’s the prove and where is it ? “

Andy and Sarah smiled at each other, somehow making Andrea feel uncomfortable.

Andy turned towards her and on the microphone. “Hang on, Andrea.”.

He took Andrea’s diary from Sarah and held it up. “This is the prove dear, HAHA!”

Andrea went pale with shock and her blood froze. Her mind was blank. Her heart thumped quickly like it did just now.

She blurted incisively, “That’s my personal and private property , you shouldn’t be holding on to in. That’s mine! Its my right.” She barked at Andy and gave menacing stares at Sarah.

Sarah controlled her anger and obligingly replied, “And what makes you think that I don’t have the right to hold something which contains a hundred and one plans to destroy me ?” She paused and punctuates her question by slightly shaking her head. “I thought u were sincere. You made everyone hate me. You made every single one of my fans run away. You made my album sales went down. And you pretend to be my telephone agony aunt ? You are a hypocrite, Andrea. And now the whole world knows about you. Your games , Your tactics , the real you, Miss Andrea Saralina.”. She paused once again to catch her breathe.

“With that we can end today’s press conference. Thank you very much to every single one of you who came and showed support”. Sarah put the microphone down and distributed sheets of the photocopied important parts of the journal to every single soul in the restaurant, even Lily. Andy even suggested to publish some of the important things mentioned in the diary in tomorrow Diurnal Express.

Andrea was flaming with embarrassment and anger. She screamed at the top of her lungs, tears streaming down her face. She did not look least like Andrea the top actress.

She scooted past all the cameraman and bellboys. Andy was about to order the bellboys to give her a chase when Sarah chipped in, “Let her go. There is no need for us to punish her. God will do that. Our job is to teach her a lesson which we already did and the world will know about it tomorrow,”.

The crowd in Lily’s Restaurant dispersed after they finished reading the sheets of photocopied diary. Some brought those sheets home while others pretended to keep them but eventually threw them in the big rubbish chute near the main entrance of Royal Pacific Hotel.

The rest of the important people and witnesses left a short while later after a short speech by Sarah and a series of apologies from the guilty ones.

Andy settled the bills with Lily and sent Joe and Sarah home.

Newspaper sales, not surprisingly, shot up the following day. Everyone in town – at school, at work, at home, at markets – talked about the same topic ; Andy-Sarah-Andrea.

Later, in the afternoon, both Sarah and Andy received a call from Mr. D. What now ? Sarah thought. “I would like to meet the both of you today in my office at 4 pm,” Mr. D said in the short phone call. Andy and Sarah agreed and set off together that evening.

They reached Mr. D’s office shortly after 4 pm. As usual, the atmosphere of Mr. D’s office often gave Andy an embracing satisfaction. However, both of them were shocked to see Andrea in Mr. D’s office. Dressed in somewhat decent clothes, she was facing Mr. D while sniffling into some Kleenex sheets.

Andrea stood up and faced them. Her face was tear-stained and her eyes were rimmed with red lines as a result of all the crying.

“I came to apologize to the both of you. Especially you Sarah,” She walked towards Sarah. “Lack of perceptiveness turned me into a horrible person. I’m selfish and self-centered. I wanted all the happiness I could get in this world. I couldn’t stand seeing someone else being more happier than me. I’m really sorry. I can understand if you wont forgive me.” She broke into more tears and started coughing excessively.

Sarah sighed and smile. She rubbed Andrea’s arm. “Andrea, everyone makes mistake. And you’re not an exception. I forgive you. I have forgiven you a long time ago. But please, promise, not repeat the same mistakes again.”

Andrea stopped crying and smiled as she hugged Sarah tightly. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched her reflection on Mr. D’s window. A reflection of every single mistake and lie.

Mr. Director dropped his spectacle and grinned, “Hmm, I have an idea. What do you think of making this real life experience into a film? I’m pretty sure it would be a blockbuster. And if we use the real characters in the story, it would give Andrea a chance of making a public apology and yes a return to the big screen too.

They thought about it and nodded. “That’s a great idea. I will play the real Andrea, the villain. While Andy and Sarah play the main couple roles.” She slid and stood in between Sarah and Andy and held their hands together. Andy and Sarah chuckled softly.

They chatted for a few minutes until Mr. D had to go for a meeting. They bid each other goodbyes and left his office. Andrea headed straight home to expect more discrimination letters from her fans, more missed calls from her unwell Mom and more housework to do after she let her maids off.

Sarah And Andy went for a stroll in a quiet and breezy park that night. That park was well-known for couples especially on Valentines day. The air sweated a balm of daffodils and honeysuckle and the air felt chilly. Both of them went up a hill and chose a spot to sit. The view from the top of the hill was magnificent. The whole park can be seen. But the best view is, of course, the bright, round and full-moon in the sky. Emitting strips of silver and whitish rays of light, it looked like as if it is able to give out their own light. The atmosphere in the park was purely blissful.

Suddenly they heard a large explosion. Sarah closed her eyes. Just the reaction I wanted, Andy thought. “Open your eyes and look up,” Andy whispered in her ears.

A firework appeared in the sky. Not just any firework , but one which reads , “I LOVE YOU SARAH!” The firework was visible through the veil of cloudy mist in the air. Sarah gasped in amazement and faced Andy. The tender look in his eyes made Sarah blushed. “I love you too Andy.”.

tester

print.

Malicious