Chapter 2 Faces From The Past

Outside the building, two black SUVs pulled up, and the driver of the first car came out and walked to the second car, opening the back door. An average-height, aged woman stepped out of the car. Her flower hairpin held her hair in a neat bun. Her blue cotton gown matched perfectly with her designer shoes, giving off a classic British duchess aura. She walked briskly into the office premises and was greeted with respect from staff and others who came across her. Mrs. Dolores Sullivan, welcome to Ava Entertainment. We are pleased that you took time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. A full-bearded man greeted us, although his beard was combed neatly. The pleasure is all mine. I had to come over and have a look at the contract myself. I mean, my son won't be available, so I will be handling it, Dolores said with a smile. "It's a shame Mr. Brian couldn't be here himself, but the day isn't wasted; please follow me." "Lead the way." Mrs. Dolores Sullivan, I'm so glad that you are interested in our proposal, the bearded man said, smiling. Same here; I can't wait to announce our partnership with your company. Let's have the party to announce it this weekend, Mr. David, Mrs. Dolores said. That's fine by me, Mr. David replied, and they shook hands. As Dolores turned around, her eyes caught a familiar face passing by. She followed in the direction of the mystery person, earning confused looks from Mr. David and her assistant Joan. The mystery person, who seems to be a lady, halted at the entrance of the cafe for a moment before going in. As she walked out, she bumped into Dolores. "Oh, I'm so sorry... Dolores took a good look at her face, and a wide smile appeared on her lips. "Melissa?" "Aunties Dolores," Melissa said with a beaming smile. They both hugged each other affectionately. "How have you been, dear?"  I've been doing good; I hope you are doing well, Melissa said as they walked towards the lounge chair, making themselves comfortable in preparation for a long chat. I haven't seen you in a while; it's been five years since you graduated, and I haven't heard from you since then, Dolores said. I lost your contact and almost everyone else's that year because my phone had problems, Melissa replied. It's okay, we meet again, Dolores said, flashing a warm smile. What are you doing here anyway? Dolores asked. Well, I just got a job as a manager for one of the models in this company, Melissa answered. I've always wondered why you never took up modelling; you are a beautiful girl, and your looks alone will earn you several contracts, Dolores said in a sassy voice, praising Melissa's beauty. Come on, Auntie, you are making me blush, Melissa said, holding her flushed cheeks. Does Brian know that you are back in? Dolores asked No Auntie, Melissa replied. You were always at our place through out your college days; you and Brian were so close that on several occasions I thought you were dating each other, Dolores said, and immediately Melissa's face turned a shade of pink. "That's not true; I was only at your house often because Brian and I usually get paired with him for group work in college, and he was my tutor, Melissa muttered. I still think you guys would have made a great couple, Dolores said, catching Melissa off guard slightly. It's good you work here; I hope to see you at the upcoming party to announce my son's company's alliance with Ava Entertainment, she said as they both stood up. Oh really, then I'll do my best to be in attendance, Melissa said. I'll be expecting you, Dolores said, and they both shared a hug. PRIME CONGLOMERATE  A tall masculine figure stood facing the glass window, staring down at what was below. His hands were firmly in his pockets, his eyes scanning aimlessly at the scene below. A subtle yet pronounced knock was heard. "Come in." Mr. Brian, the deal with Ava Entertainment is finalised, and the announcement will be made at a party hosted by Ava Entertainment this weekend. An average-height man in a plaid long-sleeved shirt paired with black khakis and leather loafers. "Hmmm," Brian grunted, his gaze still fixed on the window. "It's not necessary for me to be in attendance, is it?" "You have to be in attendance, Brian," a feminine voice echoed in the monochromatic office. It was Dolores talking over the phone. Gabriel, hand over the phone to my son, Dolores said, and immediately Gabriel dropped the phone on the desk next to Brian and excused himself. Why do I have to attend? Brian said, although his voice was rather calm. Because your presence was requested, Dolores said in a rather high-pitched voice. "Mrs. Miller, what are you hiding?" Brian asked, sensing the lie. "Just clear your schedule for that day and make sure to be in attendance, and that's an order, Dolores said and hung up. Brian sighed and pressed a button on his desk: "Gabriel, get everything ready for the meeting... AVA Entertainment What took you so long? Cassandra half yelled, staring at Melissa. "Sorry I was so late. Here has your apple juice; I've added your supplements inside. Also, I brought a new makeup artist, so you should get ready for the airline shoot," Melissa said. Cassandra blinks twice and takes the drink. The makeup artist came in with a trolley of dresses and a huge makeup kit. "Do a mediocre job, and I'll make sure you never get a professional gig in your life." Cassandra seethed and sipped on her apple juice. "Don't worry, ma'am, you won't be disappointed," the artist said, picking up her equipment. Melissa smiled lightly. She had noticed that Cassandra likes people who are confident about their skills and are able to deliver. She sat down and began organising the schedule as Cassandra was getting dolled up. Two other models walked in and took their seats on the lounge chairs, crossing their feet like they owned the place. Hey Casey, the fair-average-height lady said. Hey Harley, what's up, Jenna? Cassandra said as the makeup artist touched up her makeup. Jenna and Hayley were also models like Cassandra.Jenna squinted her eyes a bit before mouthing an "OMG." Are you a Taylor Swift fashion star? Jenna asked, and the makeup artist nodded. "Yes, I am." Wait, you mean the most talked-about makeup artist on Instagram and brand ambassador of over ten different foundation and lipstick brands? How did you get her? Jenna asked Cassandra. "My manager got her for me, Cassandra said nonchalantly, but inside her she was happy. Although Jenna and Hayley were her friends, they were also her rivals struggling for top model, and she didn't ignore the many times Hayley tried to flaunt her wealth and try to put her underneath. The look on Hayley's face was priceless. "Whatever, I can get many more like you with the snap of my finger, just saying," Hayley said and rolled her eyes secretly. "Melissa, Cassandra called out. " Yes" "Take a picture of Taylor Fashionstar doing my makeup and post it on my Instagram account." "Sure, Melissa replied and brought out her phone and began taking pictures, and some had Hayley in the background trying to hide her jealousy. Melissa posted them, and in less than ten minutes, she already had two thousand likes and counting. The comments were seriously hilarious, and Melissa stifled her laughter.  After Taylor was done with the makeup and fixing Cassandra's dress. Melissa took another set of photos. "Come over and do mine as well," Hayley said nonchalantly, staring at her phone screen. "Sorry, but I already got fifty clients lined up, so I won't be available for a while, but I'm sure you can get many more like me with the snap of your finger," Taylor said in a soft voice, but everyone could sense the mockery, and we're finding it hard to hold in their laughter. "You piece of..." "Excuse me, I'll be taking my leave now. Have a nice day, Taylor said, and she picked up her kit before walking away. Jenna couldn't take it anymore and burst into laughter. Hayley was literally boiling with rage. She stood up and stomped out of the room. Hayls, calm down, Jenna said admist giggles as she walked after her. "Bye Casey, see you at the shoot," Jenna said, blowing Cassandra kisses before going after Hayley. "Bye Jenna, Bye Hayley," Cassandra drawled and burst into laughter. I think I like you already, Melissa. Cassandra said and sipped on her juice, admiring herself in the mirror.