Oh my God!" Jane exclaimed.
My heart skipped a beat in response to Jane's sudden scream, fear got the better of me where I stood in the kitchen washing the dishes. Jane usually screamed time after time as regarding nothing else but a joke. We fail not to ignore Jane's frivolous screaming, and it terrified us whenever she does so reason being that a time came when we ignored her screaming having no idea she was screaming due to a severe health condition.
”Are you alright, Jane?!” I turned off the tap so to hear her response.
Jane wasn't saying anything which prompted my heart to throb non-stop, afraid that she may be in trouble again. Quickly, I left the kitchen to check up on Jane. Hurrying towards Jane's room in apprehension, before I could get to the door she exclaimed again. Then I realized it was not a scream of pain but of joy, I froze in place, fuming in anger. Furious, I barged into the room with the aim of letting it out on her.
“ You're impossible! Why can't you grow up!” I snarled.
Oh, My!!! Jane screamed so loud, ignoring me. I frowned upon her peevishness. Even though my reaction may had annoyed her, she made sure she got back at me by yelling again.
"I suppose you stop screaming too much, you leave me wondering if you don't get migraines at all. You drew my attention for nothing " I warned.
"Did I? Of course not! I suggest you take a look at this first and then you'd know who's making a fool out of each other here.” She requested along with a joyous gesture.
“Jane, I really don't have any time for your nonsense, I've got a lot of work to do, unlike you who lock yourself up in your room doing nothing.”
"Please sweetie, come see, you'd like it, I promise " She requested sweetly.
Normally I felt very much egoistical that I barely brought myself to do a very simple thing for people who are below my age and status. Jane may be exceptional, but I sometimes let my ego come between us. Since the reason felt tantalizing, I approached to her with a feigned frown which settled on my face as though I didn't want to see what she was so excited about. Believe me, I was in dire need to see whatever it was. I sat next to her on the bed and then looked into her laptop.
“Oh my God!” I myself exclaimed, gaping at the screen.
For the first time in my entire life I saw a company which actually suited my aspirations. For my whole life I had ever wanted to be the greatest Fashion designer and own my own cosmetic store, I attended schools and took lessons. Many years I searched for companies that accommodated my taste. But after thousand research and effort, I found none. Mostimes I even found some where the bosses humiliated the workers like they were his slaves, I ended up running away from those jobs because I hated humiliation. Nevertheless, there I sat looking at the biggest one of all my dreams, MARQUI. Notwithstanding, MARQUI wasn't just the only thing which caught my attention, the Director, Jolie spann.
He had a crush on me back in high school and we attended same fashion lessons together at Lakeville, he hated fashion a lot yet he attended the fashion lessons because of me. We both had the same dream although his dreams were far from Fashion alone unlike me. Everyone who knew us back then thought I was going to be the one to take the first step ahead due to my egoistic and splendid behavior. But there he was, what a world? The tables turned against me eventually. Jolie spann and I shared lots of memories, and in every bit of our memories were my misbehavior. There where I sat, I could feel my eyes burning up in hot tears, which eventually dropped down to my cheeks already, forsaken my pride.
"Olivia, are you okay? You don't seem alright. " Jane questioned as she noticed I was in tears.
"Oh! Nothing"I denied and feigned a smile.
"Oh no sister, there must be something you're not telling me.” She kept a furrowed brow which suggested worry, she locked her gaze on my face waiting for my response. I tried keeping my sadness at bay with all my possible efforts, I couln't even look into Jane's eyes anymore. She looked at me as though she was going to pull the words out of my mouth with those eyes. thank God she doesn't read minds. I decided to try another lie if only it could even be enough to win her over.
“I'm glad. This is what I'd been dreaming about for years, and I'm happy for your efforts to making me just what I wish to become of myself.” I grinned faintly.
Felt like words couldn't be enough to convince Jane, she locked her gaze on me, infact she began shooting me a knowing glance this time. Everything felt like she saw the truth in my eyes. Jane sometimes used to be full of suspicion. ‘Come on, you have to believe me for once’, I urged in my thoughts. I felt she already caught me already at the moment she gazed upon Jolie's photo ceaselessly.
"Jolie Spann, he's handsome. His name reminds me of Jolie dog." She commended and chortled.
Huff, then I eventually found relieve. I was so thankful I didn't get to freak out and spill the truth. Moreover, Jolie dog was what I forechose to call him because he had a dog I compared him with just for the reason to humiliate and ridicule him perhaps because he looked quite unkept.
“So... there are six vacancies available for employment at MARQUI. Tell me, isn't that good news? Because I registered you online already...
"What! "You didn't have to!” I growled.
"Uh uh, look who just said she wanted this so badly? ". Baffled, she reminded.
Shocked and nervous, Jane's action compelled me into loosing my guard. If I must avoid further issues and mishaps then I would have to disclose the truth.
“Jane... I'm scared. Jolie dog is the director of MARQUI and.... I'm afraid I will see him again after all I had done to him.” Jane bursted into a sudden laughter just after I disclosed the truth to her. “What's funny?” I frowned.
“You're funny, sister. Count yourself lucky to have gotten a smart sister like me. I realized that earlier, so I took a proper care of it. I set things in order, and then I changed your identity.”
“Really! Jane, you're a genius. I'm really lucky to have you as my sister. You did a great job. You eased my worries, thank you.” I embraced her happily. Suddenly, my mood drifted to apprehension and doubt. “What if I get caught?”
“If I were to be in your place, then I would remain positive about my abilities and my thoughts as well. I suppose you stay positive. Just believe it's your moment to shine, and smile upon your anticipation” She demonstrated her last statement in a joyous way of encouragement.
I sat on a sofa and watched Jane explode in happiness, she seemed quite optimistic about the whole situation. I had so much of worries going on in my mind, Jolie especially. It would be of a big shame to see him again after I covered myself with pride and ego, underestimating and humiliating him including many of them in both highschool and fashion school. Only because I was super rich and I had the best skill. Only heaven could tell what he says whenever he remembers me. "Lady pompous".
Who was I to know the world was going to move in a circle for me? I was amongst the richest kids at Highschool and fashion school and I took it as an advantage to hurt a lot of kids who liked me, especially Jolie. The future unfortunately turned the tables entirely against me that I just didn't become a looser but also a poor wretch. I lost my dad and ever since... Surviving had been quite difficult for us.
"You'd be leaving for your interview on Wednesday "she said wearing a big grin.
"What! On Wednesday? That's a bit too close. It's such a short time, almost seems like no time at all”
“Actually you've got to hasten up. The clock is ticking already. Now all you need to do is visit that wretched job of yours for the last time and let them know you're done for. This is the time for you to be Olivia Taylor and not Oliver Twist.”
“Madelyn Taylor.” I reminded.
“Suck it! Whatever.” Jane condemned in disgust.
“I must start getting ready now. You know, practice makes perfect.”
“Enough of these practices, trust me, nobody has ever needed them like you do. Go away.” Jane spoke in annoyance, frowning at me. “Do whatever suits you. I'd only speak for you in places where I can.
“Thanks for everything. I'm grateful for your support.” Suddenly, my mood saddened again. “Jane.” I called and she answered. “What if I don't pass my interview? What if I eventually loose this opportunity? ” I asked faintly.
“You don't have to worry about anything, you only need to believe in yourself and aim at fulfilling your dreams. Only then you'd get the job.” She encouraged. I nodded in agreement even though my mind wasn't settled. I eventually returned to the kitchen.
Next morning, I woke up from sleep. All through the night was me thinking and dreaming about MARQUI and Jolie, thank God I still had the chance to fall asleep, thanks to nature.
I yawned aloud like a dog, I usually did that all morning to an extent it became a habit. In the middle of yawning, I realized it was Tuesday so I ceased and growled, hitting the bed like I had lost my mind. I lay back on the bed, exhausted. Gosh! I could get a heart attack.
“Olivia!” Mom yelled my name, and I huffed.
Sometimes I wished I was my Mom, she only worked as a nurse at least she had a focus. Unlike me who was 24 and had absolutely nothing to write about, all I did was to stay home, make videos on YouTube, work as a cleaner aiming very tiny amount of money.
“Sweetie, it's time for breakfast.” Mom opened the door and informed, then she walked away immediately. I looked at the bedside clock and it was eight.
“What!” I yelled. Thinking about Jolie made me rise very late, that was unlike a cleaner.
During breakfast, Mom and I stayed silent and ate our meal. Jane just couldn't get off her phone even for a second, she giggled non-stop with a mouthful of food. She always do that by the way, so not even my mom nor me had asked her to stop.
“Olivia. Are you aware you're late for work?” Mom asked, not being aware of the news yet. I didn't know where to start by explaining the news to her because I was afraid what her reaction may be.
“Haven't you heard Mom.... Olivia got a new job and she'll be working with MARQUI.” Jane disclosed out of the blue. I quickly dropped my spoon out of apprehension.
Lucky for me, Mom wore a nice expression on her face which suggested she was in support of it.
“Wow! Really, Olivia?! That is good news. How did this happen?”
“It was all Jane. She made it happen.” While I spoke, Jane gestured proudly.
“Cleaning job is over mummy. Olivia here would be leaving for an interview tomorrow already.” Jane concluded. Mom couldn't be any happier, even to an extent I became afraid to tell her about the implications. But I must say it.
“But mom...
“What now?” She asked, seeing the sadness on my face.
“Olivia's got a problem somewhere.”
Jane and I did well to explain everything to her. Just as I expected, we ruined her mood.
“It's okay. Since that is what you want... Then we must do something about it. Jane and I would have to hideaway from matters concerning you...
“Mom!” Jane and I exclaimed in response to her last statement.
“Honey, there is nothing we can do about it. However, I suppose you let him know because... You cannot tell what the future holds. Hiding your identity may not change the future or whatsoever, rather things may get worst.” Mom said, grimaced. Everything felt saddened all of a sudden. Mom may be right but everything had been done already. “But you've faked your identity already. Jane and I would have to give up for your happiness.”
Mom's words left me shattered. I blamed myself for taking actions without consulting her in the first place. Even Jane must be blaming herself as well because she was the one who claimed to be a smart sister. I wondered how my own family and I would keep a long spoon between us just for my own happiness. Thousands of thoughts overwhelmed me, including everyone else. Mom realized I was hurt, and I may decide to give up MARQUI.
“Olivia you... You don't have to give up on your dreams. We are your family and we should do whatever it takes to support you.” She held my hand and said. “And I want you to know this.... We can't remain hidden forever. The future is far more deeper than you can ever imagine. So you need not to worry.” Mom encouraged. “Okay?” She asked. I hesitated for sometimes, then I nodded
