Chapter 38
****
Ernaline and the band are currently gathered all in CDC's conference room. According to rumors, Calvin's company will have an anniversary party. This is a much-awaited event because all of his talented scouts and other artists will be gathered.
It's like a Star Magic Ball but there will be no donation for a cause. Just a simple party of rich people in high society.
"When will the party be held?" Ernaline asks Calvin who's standing at the edge of the center table.
"Next week Ernaline. Your band will be having a performance during the party, just a few songs though. Not only are you the ones singing there, but I also hired other artists to entertain our investors during the party."
It's okay with her, they have had enough rest these past few days.
"And also Dezrail, when will you go back to the band? Ernaline and you can go." Calvin bales at Perth who is just standing in a corner.
"I'll think about it Cal," Perth's quick reply to the man. It didn't even look at him.
It's fine with her if Perth came back to the band. It's his place; Ernaline is just a temporary replacement for Perth’s throne.
"Don't force the unwilling Calvin," Jasper's groin was cracked.
"Yeah. He's a worthless friend." Kaizen was second.
They are very hot-headed towards Perth. Maybe the bugs couldn't move when the young man left them in the air.
"That's all for today. You can go back to your studio; I'll talk to you again if something changes about your schedule." The girl is also impressed with Calvin's hands-on approach to its actors. It doesn’t let the Artists hold on - in good times or in bad times.
Ernaline chased Perth when they got out of the conference room.
"You okay?" Ernaline asked before holding his hand.
"Let's not talk about it right now Ashleigh. I'm going somewhere, I'll call you later," Perth kissed her forehead before he entered the elevator.
The girl bent down and just stared at his feet until the elevator door closed.
'Did I do something wrong? Why did he suddenly become cold? '
Ernaline just shook from the position of someone holding her head while patted it gently.
"Go back to the studio; we're going to practice for our new song you wrote. Don't mind that asshole, he's busy with some random business." Ernaline gave Senri a sad smile before it walked away from her.
This new piece she wrote she dedicated to Perth. She still wanted it to be heard. It’s because it’s a duet and she wants Perth to sing with her but Ernaline thinks it’s impossible.
Ernaline sadly returned to their studio. She did not speak until after the rehearsal. It's just sad because she can't talk politely to Perth now. Ernaline still has something to say.
Ernaline lay down on the bed exhausted from practice earlier. Ernaline just poured into the song the sadness she felt.
It's her first time to celebrate a monthsary, it looks like it won't continue. According to Sav, the monthsary celebration is important for the boyfriend/girlfriend. It's a sign that the two are peaceful as a partner. But for her, she could not feel Perth's presence. Ernaline already accepted him as her boyfriend even though it's her first time. Ernaline took the phone given to her by her older brother from her small bag. She decided to send a text message to Perth.
"Ernaline wake up!" Her forehead furrowed margining Saviel's voice when she woke up. Why is she here?
"Shit! Ernaline gets up," Ernaline got up from the bed at Saviel's extreme awkwardness.
"What is it?" Ernaline scratched her head while still closing her eyes to face the girl. She's is very sleepy.
"You need to get dressed first. Take a bath!" The woman pulled her into the shower room and without hesitation opened the shower even though Ernaline was still wearing clothes.
Her sleeping cells came to life in the cold water. Ernaline gave Saviel a death glare.
"What's up and I still need to take a bath? I'm sleepy Sav, I want to sleep!" Ernaline complained while removing the clothes that were now wet with water. She forgot to put on a nightgown because she was so tired.
"Just hurry up there. You should be done in 15 minutes!"
Ernaline didn't even pay attention to what Saviel said. She just finished the bath which took another 30 minutes because she was so slow. It's annoying because of how good is her sleep then someone interrupted.
"Wear this one." Sinji handed her a dress that she didn't even bother to look at. What is this woman doing here in their condo? Did Sinji enjoy visiting here?
When Ernaline looked in the human-size mirror, Sinji gave her a korean style little floral print chiffon dress. To her recollection, she had no clothes like this. The woman pulled her to the vanity table where her hair dress and make-up kit were. Powder and lip tint was okay with her but Ernaline let Sinji do what she wanted to do to her face.
"I'll just put on light make-up all night. It's waterproof and you might cry later."
"Why is that?" Why don't they just say so? There is more to come.
Saviel handed her a paper which Ernaline was surprised.
"Go to this address."
"What am I going to do here?"
"Dezrail had an accident so you have to hurry and it might be dead when you arrive." Ernaline's eyes widened at what her friends said. Why not tell her immediately?
Ernaline hurried out of the house until she could take the elevator. Nothing bad can happen to the young man. The girl's nervousness reached out as she stared at the elevator monitor. Ernaline seemed to want to climb to the ceiling and cut the rope to make it easier for her to descend to the ground floor. Ernaline kept walking until she could get out of the building. The girl got out of the taxi and handed the paper to the driver that Sav had handed to her earlier.
"To this address, please." Ernaline prayed silently while inside the car. Hopefully, nothing too bad has happened to Perth. She really can’t forgive him.
Ernaline just felt the car stop. She looks around. Why did the taxi stop in their village?
"We're already here Ma'am." Ernaline even peeked at the dark road, exposing her to the quiet park that was her comfort zone before.
"Did we go right, Mister?"
"Just get out of my car Ernaline, she's been waiting for you for a while now." Ernaline looked in the rearview mirror, Gun's smiling face was exposed to her next to Thunder in the shut gun seat.
Ernaline did nothing when they threw her out of the car. She thought Perth had an accident? Why was she brought here to the park? Ernaline was about to leave and go to their house when suddenly the whole park lit up. A light shine in front of her like a path where's her favorite tree is lying.
The girl's feet did not step on her own towards the place where the light was striking.
A candlelight dinner exposed Ernaline. A man turns his back on his habit while holding a guitar.
Perth started strumming his guitar before facing her.
Ernaline covered my mouth as it started to sing.
Tearfully she listened to Perth's cold voice. She is grateful and the make-up she is wearing is waterproof.
Ernaline accompanied Perth’s singing. She sang in the chorus. Ernaline was surprised, how did Perth know this song?
Their foreheads touch until the song ends. The joy in her chest could not be extinguished.
It feels magical.
"How did you know that song?" She asked the young man tearfully. It was the song she dedicated to him.
"I have my ways baby, happy first month of love with you." Perth's lips touch on her as he finishes his sentence.
This is the best monthsary she ever had.
A smile carves on her lips as they parted. "Happy first month with you, Perth."
Perth smiled at her before he gave her a warm hug. "I love you baby, and thank you for coming into my life."
It's just a little surprise from him but the joy in her heart there is no place in it.
The man guided her to sit in the vacant chair he had reserved. Ernaline knew that the man was the one who cooked the food served in front of them.
"I know you're hungry, eat now. I cook all of them." They happily shared its cooking. Ernaline wanted to ask many questions but she was so happy with Perth right now. Maybe she can ask him later before this night ends. She will enjoy this night with Perth.
*****
