Chapter 22: Silence as Evidence

“Hello!” He only said five letters to me but it made anger boil deep in my system, as hot as lava. It churned within, hungry for destruction- his destruction. I knew that the pressure of this raging sea of anger would force me to utter things that I did not have the courage to say before or to express thoughts I've suppressed for years.

“You okay there, buttercup?” He teasingly asked, his tone was playful and flirtatious as he placed a hand on my shoulder. I immediately took a step backward, gently shrugging his hand off my shoulder to not cause a scene. I clenched my teeth as I balled my hands into tight fists. I hated how he did these things just to spite me. Why does he have to always have to ruin everything?

“Kevin--” It was then it hit me. I only realized it now when I saw that confused look on his stupid face. He doesn’t recognize me. I almost forgot that I’ve transformed myself using the power of makeup.

“I’m totally fine, sir. How is your evening?” I forced a close-mouthed smile as I tried to ease my tensed body. Okay, perhaps 'smile' wasn't the right word to describe the look on my face right now. The top row of my teeth was forcibly shown, and there was a faint curve to my lips, but no movement of the cheeks and no crease below my eyes. Anyone would interpret this as a grimace. However, Kevin was always so oblivious to certain social cues, so I’m sure he didn’t notice it at all.

“I’m loving everything that I’ve seen so far tonight. Especially this…” He eyed me from top to bottom, making me feel uncomfortable. He never really changed. He still continues to be like this to unsuspecting and naive women who are just happy to be noticed by someone as famous as him in the entertainment industry.

“That’s nice to know.” I responded curtly. I tried to make myself sound as polite as possible, but I just couldn’t. I knew that the anger that flared from my eyes somehow showed the scared girl that cowered within, the girl who was taught to fight and starved of the love that I thought I craved. I couldn’t help the pain that eventually shone through as my soul drowned in this alter ego I’ve carved to fit a world of indifference. Just seeing him brought so many unwanted memories, making me feel weak from so much anger and anxiety. I couldn’t fight it at all and I won't, knowing that it takes such a toll on me to do so.

“So, what’s your name?” He asked with a wink as I felt his hand rest on my waist. I quickly glanced at it as I became paralyzed with shock. My eyes and mouth were frozen wide open in an expression of stunned surprise as a wave of memories started to wash over me.

No, not this again.

“Or should I just call you gorgeous?” He pulled me closer, making me squirm with disgust. I placed my hands on his chest, trying to push him away, but I suddenly didn’t have the energy to do so.

“I-” Another hand that gently grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me away from Kevin cut me short. I turned to look at my savior to see Arthur. My heart leaped with joy as a relieved expression took over my face.

“Good evening, Kevin. I need to speak to one of my employees, if that's alright with you.” His face was stiff but his voice was polite so as not to offend a guest. He looked down at me and gave a reassuring smile.

“Alright, I’ll go ahead. See you later, sweetie.” I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at his cheeky remark. I breathed out heavily seeing his back retreating. Thank God Arthur intervened in time because I don’t think I can handle being close to him for a long time.

“Are you okay?” His voice was stern but was also filled with worry.

“I’m fine. Thank you, Arthur.” I gave him a slight hug to which he was taken aback. His body tensed when we both made contact. He was the first to pull away as he fixed his suit and look around nervously. I got carried away with Kevin that I forgot that we were still working. “Oh, my bad. We’re still at work, sorry.” I told him sheepishly.

“It’s okay, Ms…” He trailed off, his face had this confused look in it. It was only then that it dawned on me that he doesn’t recognize me because of my makeup.

“It’s me, Sandra.” As these words left my lips, his mouth fell open in shock as the realization hit him. I fought the urge to laugh at his expression.

“Oh my God! You’re Sandra?” He exclaimed loudly, drawing other people’s attention. I gave them an apologetic nod and lightly dragged him backstage. He had a dazed look on his face as if he just discovered something as we arrived at a much quieter place. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I barely recognized you.” He spoke apologetically but his eyes were still scanning my face.

“Yes, I just put on a couple of makeup, that’s all.” I smiled at him as if to assure him that it’s okay. He still seemed amazed at my new look for tonight that he couldn’t keep his eyes off of me.

“Well, you look gorgeous.” He uttered and placed a light kiss on my lips. It made my heart beat crazily. I grinned at him as he pulled away.

“Well it’s the power of makeup.” I smirked at him. His face turned serious all of a sudden making me furrow my eyebrows in confusion. “What’s wrong?” I asked, hoping to know what’s bothering him.

“No wonder the both of you seemed so similar." He tilted his head and put his hand on his chin as if he’s thinking carefully, making my face pale and my hands cold. "You're Sandy, aren't you?"

“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I looked away, trying to avoid his gaze. By now, I can feel the cold sweat trickling down my forehead.

“Think about it, you both have a friend called Ellie. You even have the same mannerisms as her! You try to cover your face when you’re shy. Your face reddens immediately when I do something cheesy or when you’re embarrassed.” He told me explicitly and I snapped my head back to him. I can’t believe he remembered all those small details. I thought about how long I can keep this away from him.

“It’s just a coincidence. I don’t even know her.” I shrugged, trying to act cool. I wanted to add more but I stopped as he spoke abruptly.

“Just please tell me honestly, Sandra.” He pleaded. He desperately looked at my eyes, searching for the truth. I stayed silent, unable to utter a word. My heart broke at his defeated expression.

The answer was already evident in my silence.