1

Elise

The sound of spoons fisting against each other was the only thing echoing in the large living room. "Are you listening to what I'm saying?" My Mom's words brought me back from the short reverie I ventured into.

I omit out a short breath. "Yes Mom, I'm listening. You were saying..." I suddenly forgot what she was telling me. Her face squeezed into a frown.

A chuckle escaped me at the expression on her face. "What's funny?" Her voice almost scared the shit out of me. "How many times would you keep behaving ignorant? I've been giving Vanessa excuses every time and you're making it hard for me"

Okay, I know it has to be about the topic. I don't know why she's hell bent on me taking dance classes. On what reason exactly. This is known only to her. Even though she knew I was busy with my work at hand.

I gently settled the spoon by the side focusing my attention on her. "Mom, you know I don't really have time for any dance classes or whatnot. Aria can go. Why me?"

My eyes shifted towards my sister who was busy pressing on her phone. There are two things my sister engages herself in. She's either stalking celebrities or burying herself in reading romance books. I literally don't see anything good in reading a boring romance books which are only full of fantasies and lust.

"Because I decide on that. And my decision is final. I'm giving no excuse to Vanessa again. You go or you face my wrath" I know what it means when Mom says that. She actually means the 'Wrath' word.

I glared at Aria who was holding in her laughter. She was literally enjoying Mom torturing me. Yes, I call it torture because that was what I was feeling.

My phone vibrates from the side and Elena's name flashed across the screen. Elena is my assistant. And whenever she calls me early morning, it has to be something serious. I shifted the chair, standing up together with grabbing my handbag that was resting on the empty chair. "Fine Mom. I will go. What time is it scheduled?" I asked.

"1pm"

I closed my eyes and opened them again. If I say anything, she'd think of it as excuse. I would have to reschedule the appointment I have by 1pm. My client is coming in for fitting for her wedding dress. I will have to shift it to 2pm or 2:30pm.

"Alright" Was the answer I gave her before proceeding to leave the house. "See you later"

"I will call Vanessa to make sure you're there" Her voice revamped to my eardrums when I was halfway out of the living room. It seems I have no excuse or whatsoever not to go to the dancing class.

I fished out my car keys from the bag and unlocked my car. Getting in, I dialed Elena's number.

"Good Morning Miss Parker" Her thin voice greeted me.

"Morning Elena. Hope you had a great night?" Yesterday was stressful for us. Working late night to meet the deadline. I always make sure I meet up to my client's demands. Being a wedding dress designer isn't easy. At times it is really hard to come to the same decision with the client but then, my professionalism is what keeps them coming.

"I had a great night Miss Parker. Thank you for asking. I received an email from Miss Skylar's assistant"

"What did she say?" I asked almost immediately. She was the one who kept us busy yesterday. She decided to change the dress design all of a sudden. When it was only three days to her wedding.

"She wants a little change again" I didn't know when a hiss left my lips. She doesn't really know who she's trying to piss. I'm only holding in the patience in me because, I don't want us to end things on bad terms.

"Miss Parker?" Elena's voice snapped me out of my thought. 

"Tell her we can't meet up to her demands this time around. Because that was not what we agreed on. She either accepts what was given to her or she look for another designer. She's not our only client" I ignite the engine of my car to life and drove out of the gate.

"Okay Ma'am"

"And reschedule the 1pm appointment. Something came up"

"Okay Ma'am. Noted" And I hang up driving away.

I arrived at office at about fifteen minutes. A knock came in immediately when I settled in. "Come in" I ushered.

Elena walked in with all her calmness. "Here are the sample pictures you asked for" She passed me the black document.

"Thank you Elena"

What I liked about Elena is how calm and composed she is. And when it comes to work, she gives it her best. The main reason I keep her with me for a long time. She started working with me two years ago and I must say, I don't see anything to complain about her.

"Can you get me a cup of coffee" I uttered before she made her way out.

"Okay Ma'am" And she sauntered her way out.

While waiting for the coffee, I dialed Jason's number. Jason is my cousin. We grew up together. You can call him a heartthrob. Because that's what he is. I haven't heard from him for a while. After he moved to Scotland for his modeling job. He's been busy as much as I am.

"Hey pretty. What pleasure do I owe you today" He said. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

"You owe me no pleasure. Maybe your girlfriends do" And that results him into chuckling out.

"You know so well that I'm single"

"Not the Jason I know. By the way, how are you doing over there? I haven't gotten time to call you"

His sigh revamped through the phone. "Modeling life hasn't been easier. But I'm fine. At least I get to rest at nights. How's my Aria?"

"Oh don't try your playboy act on my sister. She's out of your league" I ushered just then the door was pushed open. Elena hot on her heels with a cup of coffee. She placed it on the desk.

"Thank you" I mouthed with a small smile.

"Have you forgotten who Jason Carson is? No girl will resist my charm"

"Point of correction, Aria will not fall for your fake charms" I answered taking a sip of my coffee.

"What about you?"  A chuckle escaped me.

"You know I don't have time for any silly charms of a man. I don't fall for any man's fake façade"

"I won't say anything to this. I will use your words against you one day" I rolled my eyes in return.

"Whatever. I'm hanging up. I'm getting to work"

"Alright dear. Take care" And that was the end of our conversation.

At about 1:15pm, I arrived at the dancing place. I could hear the soft music playing from distance. I made my way towards the receptionist. "Good day Ma'am, how may I help you?" The lady asked with a smile on her face which I found weird.

"Um... I have an appointment with Mrs. Vanessa"

"Okay, your name Ma'am" she asked.

"Elise Parker" She bends towards her computer.

"Miss Parker, your class is by 1pm right?"

"Yes"

"Go to room 4"

"Thank you" Getting to the said room isn't that hard. The loud music that was playing almost turned me deaf. Why would Mom put me in such situation. I'm not a fan of dancing. As I stepped in, I was attacked by looks from the woman teaching the dance whom I immediately recognize as Mrs. Vanessa. The rest followed her gaze and then all attention turned to me.

"Hello?" I said much like question with a smile. Okay Elise this sounds weird.

My eyes darted to left and right finding no reaction from any of them. Or did I got the wrong room. I'm sure I entered room 4 as per what the receptionist said.

"You're welcome Miss Parker" Mrs Vanessa finally speaks up. "Although you're a little bit late. As you can see, we have started the lesson already"

They're all talking as if I'm ten hours late. First it was the receptionist giving me her bad signal and now Mrs. Vanessa herself. "Yes. I was catch up with work. It was so hard to squeeze in for today's class" I said trying to explain myself.

Her brows caved into a question. "But you Mother told me you will be here before time"

Shit! Mom again. She's literally putting me into trouble.

"I see" I answered forcing out a smile.

"Okay, without wasting time, let's continue. You go stand behind that gentleman" It was then I noticed there were not only women.

"Is it okay for me to be in this clothes?" I asked seeing they were dressed in a comfortable outfit unlike me wearing a jacket atop my gown.

"Only if you can manage"

I think my day skyrocket from grace to grass.