Chapter 17: Trying Again

“What do you think?” I asked Ellie as I stared at her expectantly for her thoughts about the situation. I told her about everything that happened so far: Arthur almost finding out the truth about that night and me deciding to pursue my dream to work as a celebrity hair and makeup artist again. As always, Ellie was here to give me the best advice. Despite being very busy herself, she tried to make time to listen to my problems and to cheer me up.

“I really think you should tell him the truth.” She said honestly as she played with the small stuffed toy that I had on my bed. I opened my mouth to speak, but she immediately cut me short before I could even respond. “But I know that you think that you shouldn’t and I understand that.”

I let out a deep sigh as I let my head fall on the pillow behind me with a soft thud. “I’m an idiot.” I muttered bitterly.

“Yeah you are. But why are you so scared of telling him the truth? I know it’s hard but as they say the truth will always find a way to come out.” She pried, making me even more anxious than I already was. She’s right, I know that eventually he will know everything but not right now. Everything is going smoothly and I don’t want to ruin that.

“You know what happened last time, right? Those terrible rumors that were spread about me. I’m afraid that those fake rumors will reach him. I just don’t want him to think negatively of me.” I babbled as I recall those dark times. “He might remember Sandy, who was a one night stand, and believe those rumors that I’m a slut, a whore…” I trailed off sadly as my eyes fell to the floor. Ellie just looked at me sadly as she placed her hand on top of mine.

“I understand but as your friend I’m telling you that it’s much better if the truth came from you rather than Arthur finding it out on his own.” Her soft empathetic voice made me feel more guilty for trying to choose to hide it even when I had the chance to tell him.

“I don’t know. Ever since what happened with Kevin, I felt like I lost all my courage in myself.” I sighed sadly as tears are starting to well up in my eyes.

“Hey, I’m not forcing you to do anything right now. At the end of the day, it’s your call whether or not you tell him, okay?” She turned to hug me. Her embrace made me feel comfortable and safe. I really needed this. “I’m sure he’d understand too if ever he found out.”

“I hope he doesn’t!” I exclaimed in frustration as I hugged my pillow tightly to my chest and shifted my body to look at her. “I already like how everything is.”

“I hope so too.” She said with a shrug. “Anyway, enough about him!” She waved the air as if she was shooing the topic away. “I want to know more about your decision to try again.” Her voice was laced with excitement and curiosity as her face suddenly lit up. “Words cannot describe how proud I am.” She said genuinely as she grinned at me widely.

My mood lightened at her words as she looked at me with so much pride and joy. “Thank you, Ellie.” I said, flashing her a closed mouth smile. “Arthur actually gave me the calling cards of people that I can contact about this.” I sat up and swung my feet out of my bed and into my fluffy slippers. I dragged my feet across the room and grabbed my bag to find my wallet.

“Which companies did he suggest?” She asked curiously as I pulled out the cards that I kept in my wallet.

I furrowed my eyebrows as I started reading each one. “LLL Corp., McGuigan, Inc., Athena Studios, Rocket Pictures...” I mumbled to myself as I flipped through each one. I’m amazed that Arthur personally knows the CEOs of these companies as they are one of the well-known TV and Film industries in the country.

“What are you waiting for? Message them!” Ellie said impatiently as she quickly grabbed my laptop.

I opened my laptop and proceeded to type an email to each of them. With each message I sent, I felt myself get excited. This is now my chance to pursue my dreams. I hope I get into one of them.

“Done!” I told no one in particular, looking around the room to only find myself inside. I closed my laptop and walked out. I saw Ellie on the couch watching TV. I plopped down next to her. “What are you watching?” I asked while reaching for the remote on the coffee table.

“Oh, nothing in particular. I was just scrolling through the channels.” She shrugged and still focused on the program. “Are you done?” She turned to me. I nodded in response. We just fell silent as we both scanned through the cable to find a good program to watch. I felt myself getting sleepy as time went by, making me yawn.

“There’s nothing good to watch today.” Ellie turned off the TV and stood up to stretch. “Let’s just eat dinner outside. I feel so bored.” She added as she turned to me. Well, I don’t have anything to do for tonight might as well go with her.

“Alright.” I stood up and went to my room to put on makeup and grab a coat. As I went outside, I saw Ellie doing her final touches on her makeup and hair. “Let’s go.” I snatched the keys from the cabinet and walked out with her.

“So where do you want to eat?” Ellie asked as we made our way downstairs. She looked much livelier now than when we were watching TV.

“You decide.” I replied, shrugging my shoulders. My mind drifted away to my relationship with Arthur. I know I already talked to Ellie about it earlier but I still haven’t decided yet what to do. He has done nothing but showed kindness and care for me these couple of months, and I repay these by deceiving him. I scoffed at my actions as I shook my head in disappointment. I’m such a horrible person.

“How about Chinese?” I faintly heard Ellie speak, making me snap my head to her. I didn’t realize I was so deep in thought and drowned out her voice.

“Yeah, Chinese sounds good.” I uttered as I put on a thin-lipped smile. Eating delicious food might make me temporarily forget about my dilemma. We just walked to the restaurant near my apartment. As we settled down, Ellie began ordering for the both of us. Being friends for a long time made her memorize my taste in food. “Thank you.” I told her as soon as the server left.

“For what?” She asked as confusion was visible on her face. I just grinned at her.

“For everything, for earlier, and for tonight.” Her bewildered expression quickly turned into an understanding one.

“Of course. I got your back.” She winked, making both of us laugh. We chit chatted about anything as we waited for our order. It eased the tension I had earlier.

I’ll worry about my problem tomorrow but for now, I’ll just let myself enjoy Ellie’s company.