~BOOK TWELVE~

~BOOK TWELVE~

(26/5 10.40pm)

The end of a star.

Cars were honking and taxis were hooting. The traffic lights went a little blunder from time to time. The heat from the mighty Sun was so strong that it pricked the skin. Everyone was busy. Everyone was be coming haywire. Everyone was getting tensed up. It was a major traffic jam just outside the studio where Zoe Miranda, the town's latest upcoming artist debuted her latest single. A ceremony and press conference was held alongside the event. Everyone outside the studio felt the tense, including the one person in the studio. Sarah.

Sarah was a woman that never stops searching and getting the things in life that she wants. Be it an object, a diamond, a person, love, or even revenge, Sarah never fails in getting them. In other words she goes all out to get hold of the thing that she has set her eyes upon, even if it involves sacrifices and risks. Sarah is indeed a woman that you would never suspect of being such a character. Perhaps, all this while, one only sees with the eyes and not through the mind.

The debut single, by Zoe Miranda was being played the moment she introduced Brandon. There ought to be something in the title of her latest single "Show Me" with Brandon and her poor dear friend, Sarah. As Brandon went on stage, there was a standing ovation. Zoe herself came down to get her man up. Indeed this was more than just a plain exposure of her lover. 

"When was this?"

"Since when Zoe?"

"Is Brandon your first?"

Questions after questions were being shot at the artist, just after she and the new man in her life, Brandon sat down. Zoe was smiling all the way. Brandon was smiling all the way too. Both, however, had different reasons for smiling.

"Perhaps Miss Zoe will let Brandon answer himself?" suggested Miss Zara, her manager with a smile also.

Everyone was smiling. And everyone, as in the press, journalists, reporters was smiling at it. Only they do not know the tale behind each smile on each of the faces up there on the stage.

"Perfect idea!...Er, Brandon, would you do the honour? This poor fellows are dying to have something exclusive written on their articles."

"True. After all, it's not everyday a normal citizen like me gets interviewed!" Brandon said.

They were holding each other's hands. Zoe accompanied Brandon to a podium specially made for them. It seemed funny that an artist goes to a podium to talk but I guess Zoe had been planning all this.

"And so, when did we start? Well...." began Brandon.

Brandon had only started to answer the paparazzi when all of a sudden two things happened. A gun shot. And the second, Zoe fell to the floor. 

Everyone went into a state of shock. There was silence for about four seconds. No cameras were clicking or flashing. Miss Zara who was sipping on her white wine, stopped and looked stunned looking the girl on the podium with Brandon fell to the floor. Then out of no where, someone shouted!

"Zoe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Only then, everyone realized what had happened. Cameras began flashing. The glass  Miss Zara was holding dropped and shattered to tiny pieces. The studio manager, Mr Humprey stood and could not move. He was just watching the scene. He was shocked, I suppose.

Everyone except for one man went hay wire. Brandon. He looked at the dead artist on the floor. By then, there was a large pool of blood. Brandon looked at her and then looked forward. His eyes went straight behind Sarah. Sarah who watched all this was in a state of shock too, but she caught the glimpse of Brandon. She turned back and saw another man. Then she switched to Brandon again.

He winked and gave this smile he had been wearing since going on stage. The man behind nodded and left the studio.

Sarah stood there. Either it was luck or guilt, Sarah just stood there. Soon, tears began to wet her cheeks.

Cars were honking and taxis were hooting. The traffic lights went a little blunder from time to time. The heat from the mighty Sun was so strong that it pricked the skin. Everyone was busy. Everyone was be coming haywire. Everyone was getting tensed up. It was a major traffic jam just outside the studio where Zoe Miranda, the town's latest upcoming artist debuted her latest single. A ceremony and press conference was held alongside the event. Everyone outside the studio felt the tense, including one person in the studio. Sarah. 

She only stood there. 

~BOOK ELEVEN~

~BOOK ELEVEN~

(24/4 12.20am)

Who is the winner and who is the loser?

The sun rays was indeed welcoming every single paparazzi, guests, and the waiters. It warmed everyone in that very foyer unleashing an aura of harmony and pleasureful. The seat next to the star, Zoe was still empty. Now and then, she checked her mobile phone in case if there were any message or a call or something. It looked as if she was expecting something or maybe even someone. Then Miss Zara, Zoe's manager requested for one last question before the session was over. This was the time. It was the time to get to the most ultimate question. The last question. It has got to be something very deep and a twist and not just any other question like "What did you feel about the song?" or "Do you think you did enough for the song?". It has got to be than just about the song. It has got to be something that gave all the other paparazzi, reporters, guests and even the waiters to be all ears to get every single word uttered by the star herself. 

     "Ah, Sarah! You made it! I was expecting you! At last you turned up!" yelled Zoe from her seat getting up as soon as she saw her housemate entering the foyer. 

Sarah, though having a party to celebrate their another-successful-issue-publication had to go to the Zoe Miranda's latest debut release press conference. As she arrived at the foyer and being noticed by her friend, Zoe, she got a little more excited. Well, she thought she could get a shot in getting her to answer a question, and if was definitely going to be about her love life and that she had also planned to create some sort of controversy. The thing is, Zoe had another plan.

     "So Sarah, since you finally came, I'd like you to have the honour to ask one last question before this conference is over. You would like to, right?" Zoe said.

Zoe's phone vibrated with a beep and she smiled at what she saw in her phone.

Sarah thought this was the time. She knew this was the time to take her rival down. A friend can be a foe at times, regardless of time, place, and even the situation. After all, in every competition, there is ought to be one winner and one loser or perhaps losers. And so, in this case, Sarah knew that she will win and her good friend, housemate, Zoe is going to loose.

     "Oh yes! Sure, I would like to have the honour! Its always thrilling to be the last one to give the question. It creates a little more suspense and curiosity. Oh ya, not to forget...." Sarah was just about to finish her line when:

     "Oh hold on Sarah. Give me a minute. Ladies and gentlemen, friends and everybody, today, in the release of my new single, I would also like to release, well not exactly release, but to announce the love of my life, the shadow behind me all this while, the backbone I always depend on, the man of my life...Brandon, could you come up here?" Zoe said proudly and loud enough for everyone to hear.

Brandon smiled all the way up on stage. Let us not forget, he has been planning a course on to destroy her. In case if you do not know, Brandon was left by his mother for another man at the age of three. Apparently this woman who left him had to transform from a butterfly into a moth, in other words a rich man's wife to a full time housewife during the recession. This man had a daughter and that little girl who was also a victim of abuse by this moth was no other than Zoe herself. So, Brandon clenched his fists and then let it go and walked up with chests up to take his seat beside Zoe.

Sarah was silent. She could not believe what was she seeing at the moment. She squinted her eyes and drank the champagne in her glass to the last so that she would think that it was just a dream or a vision. However, it did not seem like a dream to her, even to Brandon. To Sarah, it was unbelievable. She was taken advantage upon. She was treated merely like an object of humiliation. And to Brandon, it was an opportunity that had been granted to him.  He knew the plans were working. His search all this time hadn't gone to waste. Although he could not get the real woman; his mother, but a child who stole her love that was supposed to be for Brandon himself was more than enough. He smiled all the way up.

Cameras were flashing. Guests were clapping. Everyone was indeed warmed not only by the sun rays but by the acknowledgement of Zoe Miranda's man. Well, everyone except for one. Sarah.

~BOOK TEN~

~BOOK TEN~

(7/4 12.52am)

Champagne and Red Wine.

The entire event had been in a all white and green theme. The entrance of the music studio that recorded the original track of Zoe's latest single had this arc made of twigs and metal wires. Long green pointy leaves were draped over the arc and then white lilies covered the tiny visible spots left by the leaves. The scent from the lilies made you wonder about the sweetest thing you have ever had in your life. A white velvet carpet had been placed just right outside the front door to invite the important people and guests. Well, Zoe Miranda was the person to be highlighted here. The white carpets had dark green borders at the edges and sides with tiny gold printed geometrical shapes. It looked rather like a Persian carpet. After all, it was just for the theme and also the event. The carpet did nothing much but being made into a pathway for all these important people to walk on. Glass heels, wooden wedges, and black polished shoes left slight footsteps on the white piece of material. It ought never to be used again. Poor carpet.

At the foyer a mini platform had been installed with a long table and four chairs. They had this long white satin cloth covering the table with sea green tassels dangling at the bottom. A vase of the same white lilies and the same white green pointy leaves was placed on the table. Mics were set up.A wine glass with white wine, better known as champagne, again to fit the theme.  Four metal chairs. One for Zoe herself, her manager, Miss Zara, her recording studio manager, Mr Humprey and the other was empty. No one knew whom was it for, but it was just empty.

Paparazzi's, reporters, journalists, and other people were all gathered and seated at the wooden benches provided right in the middle of the foyer where the ceilings were transparent and the sunlight rays glamorously passed through the panels and warmed everyone to a sunny mood.

Everyone was there. Even Zoe, her manager and the place's manager too. Three people but with four chairs. And after everyone settled, the host made his appearance with a sneak peek of one of Zoe's previous hit song. Everyone giggled including the beauteous Zoe herself. She took a sip of the champagne and then took out her mobile and messaged someone. With a smile, she stuffed the phone back into her clutch and paid attention to the gorgeously looking host.

"Hellloooo everybody. Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the debut launch of "Show Me" by the one and and only, the gorgeous, the sizzling, the demure elegant, the diva, the greatest of all, Zoe Miranda!!!" he said.

The fellow journalists and reporters clapped and then cameras began flashing 30 times a second.

"A bit exaggerating, isn't he heh?" Miss Zara whispered to Zoe while adjusting her spectacles.  

Zoe was just laughing the whole while. The seat beside her remained happy. She was not anxious about who was supposed to seat on it. It seemed she knew the person. Or  maybe, reserved the person the seat.

She was only smiling and laughing the whole time. The warm sunny rays from the sun did warm everyone up, including our Zoe Miranda.

Meanwhile....

The staffs and the General Director of Socks was already there. They were munching on tidbits and drinking red wine. Sarah was there too. Though being shocked of the response given by her best friend, housemate, Zoe, Sarah remained professional. She does not let her personal events rupture her mind during at work. But deep in, Sarah had a plan. Another plan. 

"You like him eh? Well we shall see who does he choose over?" Sarah monologued and sipped off the last bit of wine of glass before reaching for more.

"An artist who had been abused mentally and physically with nothing more to live on besides the grudge on her mother which was the reason why she became an artist or a chief writer for the top three magazine in town whose life maybe simple with nothing much besides to live as a future world renowned magazine editor-in-chief," again she spoke to herself while pouring the bloody red drink to her glass.

"Sarah & Brandon Co."

That was the name of their future magazine company, thought Sarah who had been planning all this.

It was a plan indeed. A plan soon to succeed. 

~BOOK NINE~

~BOOK NINE~

(24/3 11.09pm)

Love and Loving.

To love someone is to know that that person loves you. He or she tolerates and understands. He or she wishes you every night for a good dream and every morning for a good day ahead. He or she tells you how beautiful or good looking you are everytime without even hesitating. He or she buys you gifts on special occasions and treats you to dinner or even to the movies for those little successes you achieve. He or she knows when you are down and when you up to any challenge that comes forth. But most of all, to love someone is to know that he or she will never play on your feelings, even if it involves your best friend.

     "Morning sweetie! The white doves send you their warmest wishes,"

Zoe waking up in the beep of her phone saw the message and smiled. It was Brandon. She replied and then went off to to the showers. Today was her grand release of her new debut singles "Show Me". She needed all the energy for the event. You see, Zoe maybe an upcoming singer with hundreds of fans, but still, comparing with Taylora Swiftie, Brittanie Spearing, and even Christine Aguilerag, Zoe Miranda is far from the starlight.

     "Hey pie, get up.The sun misses your sweet rays of love"

The beep on the phone on the side table woke Sarah up.She grabbed the phone and read the message. 

     "Haha, and where have the sun been for all this time?" she said to herself and replied the message.

     "You sure know how to make a girl smile in the morning of a great day ahead"

Sarah replied. It was to Brandon. Now for Sarah, today was the release of the new issue and they usually have a little feast of congratulatory to all the staffs for another success achieved. You see, Socks is magazine brand whom even Opera Windfrie reads. She even personally requested for a 5-year contract with the brand. She reads them every now and then. Even at the coffee tables waiting for her orders. And so Sarah, who was one of the lead writers had to be there on time.

Now you see, these two girls have this thing for Brandon. And Brandon has nothing on them but only his plans awaiting to succeed. But all this is not known to Zoe and Sarah. Plus, the both of them do not know of their crushes or perhaps lovers. But Brandon, he is a guy whom has a plan working. The pain and devastation of his loss since young has made him turn to something scary. He wishes to destroy Zoe, the daughter whom 'stole' the love of his mother.

The two of them, Zoe and Sarah left the house early. As usual Zoe drives and Sarah sits on the co-driver seat. Both of them head to work. One to officiate the release of her new debut single and the other to celebrate the success of her team in producing the latest issue of the company.

     "So, Zoe you makesure you tell your publicist and manager that Socks will be having your first interview of the new singles heh?" Sarah said.

     "No worries dear. Miss Zara is piece of pie! I'll know what to do. But, you make sure you have real good photographers for my photo shoot on your cover of the issue ya?" Zoe with a chuckle replied.

     "Sure! Niger Baker is our chief photography. He knows his job really well. He even took photos for the legendary Miss Whitnia Houstin. So, the questions that we might be asking will not only be about your new single, you know? It's gonna be a little gossip where you will share about your expectations to come and even your love life," Sarah said with a wink and elbowed the singer.

     "Er, what? Love life? Hahaha...Well, I'm even prepared to expose him! Oh, Brandon, you have landed yourself in the arms of Zoe Sarah and this neighbour here shall not leave you!" Zoe replied with a cheeky smile imagining Brandon and her arriving for the Britt Awards next month.

There was silence. Nothing was said. Only Zoe with her imaginations of Brandon and her occupying the red car. Sarah could not say a word.

Anger. Hatred. Revenge. All this played in her mind. But she wasn't so sure that whether this should be the options. So she kept silent all the way through Socks' General Office.

To love someone is to know that that person loves you. He or she tolerates and understands. He or she wishes you every night for a good dream and every morning for a good day ahead. He or she tells you how beautiful or good looking you are everytime without even hesitating. He or she buys you gifts on special occasions and treats you to dinner or even to the movies for those little successes you achieve. He or she knows when you are down and when you up to any challenge that comes forth. But most of all, to love someone is to know that he or she never plays with your feelings, even if it involves your best friend.

    

~BOOK EIGHT~

~BOOK EIGHT~

(6/3 12.38am)

The canaries do sing songs of love.

The golden yellow rays from the sun brought warmth and as it touched the little dew drops on the tips of the grass, they created little spectrum of colours that looked like the rainbow. The little yellow canaries were chirping, as if singing a song of love. Soft cool breeze wind blew the brown leaves creating little swirls on the ground. Brandon was outside reading the newspaper. He had made himself a cup of tea. He also had some raisins and a few oat biscuits on an embroidered plate on a white garden table. And as he lifted the cup of tea, he looked at the canaries and smiled, as if he knew what were the birds saying. And as he was about to sip on the tea, he paused. His eyes caught something. Slowly, he put the cup down and moved all his attention to that thing that got his attraction. The canaries were no longer heard. The winds no longer blew. Everything was as if nothing had happened.

A girl and her friend walked out of their home. One was on her black slacks and a high collared blouse with black boots and a pair of bangles on the right hand, whereas the other one was on a knee length Bermuda with a flower printed blouse that looked like a tee, and a pair of sneakers. Both the girls were heading to their garage.

Brandon was watching all this and suddenly he rose from his seat.

     "Zoe! Sarah!" he cried

The two girls stopped and turned back looking a guy waving at them.

     "It's Brandon," Sarah told and then she replied his wave with hers.

She gave a smile that rarely anyone gets to see it. Sarah was a girl whom seldom smiles. She only smiles at a person if she likes the person, whether romantically or just friends. She's the type of girl where you don't get to say Hi or buy her a drink without getting her smile first. She's just that type of girl.

Zoe knew of this and she was not pleased. However,  she kept quiet. She waved along but her tail of the eye eyed her. 

     "Let's go say hi to him!" Sarah suggested and was about to walk towards Brandon.

     "Then you must as well get to office using his truck because I'm leaving now!" Zoe snapped at Sarah.

     "Hey, what's wrong with you!" Sarah asked.

     "You could have at least said it a little nicer, you know," she continued.

     "I'm busy. If you want to get to your office in time, you better hop in now," Zoe replied without even looking at her.

She started the red vehicle and buckled her seat belt. She put on her Gucci glasses and tapped her fingers on the steering wheel.

Sarah had to call off the plan. She knew that her work required her to be punctual. Journalists can be time-taxing too! And so, she looked back at Brandon with his newspaper on his hand and articulated "CALL ME" with her right hand making the call sign.

Brandon got the idea. He smiled and replied "OK" speechlessly. 

Sarah got into the car and buckled on her seat belt. Zoe saw all this through her rear mirror and as soon as Sarah closed the door, she reversed and then pressed on the oil tab and zoomed passed Brandon and his white house.

Sarah watched awkwardly but kept no interest in it.

     "Time of the month, I suppose" she whispered. 

Brandon who saw all this too was a little surprised, more surprised at Zoe's bizarre actions. Still, he knew his plans are making it out. He smiled and sat back again.

 The canaries were gone. The wind was gone. And so was Zoe and Sarah.

He lifted his cup of tea and sipped. This time, he did not pause. He just sipped it all and continued reading his newspapers.