Five: She'll be back

“Go on. Ask me,” the man said calmly as soon as we entered his office. I picked up the little recorder again. It was as if the wind had just blown away everything I wanted to ask and find out.

I sat down on the sofa that was there. I have been thinking back and forth about this very neat and nice office. Seriously, there is still this kind of man who’s very clean with things. You will notice that because even the papers he held earlier when I first entered here are stacked on piles. It was not just stacked in place.

He seems so organized. All his gestures seem to be calculated.

“Last year, I won the Antonio Facundo Awards 2019. That was a great achievement for journalists. My team and I made a documentary with our star, Tanya Tebrero. Do you know her? One of the most famous writers in the Philippines. Our hardships became successful. We won the award for best documentary, and AFA went to me. This year, we planned not to let go of the title. As we usually do every year, we will find people who have an interesting life, and we’ll show it to the public–”

I was stopped by the sudden movement of the guy. “You’re looking for a life that you can use for your own gain, right? You will unravel about that person’s life–”

I cut him off, too. “Of course not! Tanya and I became really good friends. She’s willing to help us even if we only take on the little part of her life. Have you watched it? We just showed her life there with Josiah, her husband.”

I looked down when I could no longer compete with his gaze. I do not know what to do. Do I have to be nice to him first rather than screaming to his face now? Because I found this very frustrating!

Last year, when we approached Tanya, her husband almost served us at their house. They welcomed me and my team warmer than I’ve expected. The people there are very kind, so I know their children will be good people in the future. But this time? It looks like I’m really going to swallow a rock in agony! 

“Is that so?” I lost my mind at his sudden words. “Just what I want to show. I see.”

I wish I could have spoken and clarified the situation, but he’s obviously taking the lead now. He stood up, occasionally crossing his arms to his chest. 

“Ask me about C.C Cars,” he demanded.

“But people already know that. Everybody knows about it! How many times do you win at various sportscar events every year, what models are you releasing, anything! See? All I want the public to know is a glimpse, even just a glimpse, of your personal life,” I said calmly.

I would have been scared because of his cold eyes, but I noticed that he really looked like that. His eyes were normally like that—cold, piercing.

“Parents?” I started asking him. It’s up to Mr. Carter, what else he might think. I’m desperate to know as well.

“They are abroad,” he quickly replied.

“How are they as your parents? When you were young, were they treating you good?” He saw me press the recorder and did not complain, so I continued.

“Yes,” Mr. Carter sparingly replied. What kind of interview is this? A game show?

My smile grew as I thought of another plan. “Do you have siblings?”

“None,” he answered quickly.

This is still the process he wants. I also hastened to throw away some questions. 

“Girlfriend?”

“None. Quit it.”

“Fling?”

“I said stop it,” he replied, annoyed, so I just bit my lip to stop laughing.

“Lights off or lights on?”

“Off.”

“Sex or chocolate?”

“Sex—what was that? I said stop this!”

I burst out laughing. I couldn’t control it anymore. “Do you want to participate in the documentary?”

“No!” My shoulder fell this time. My daughter was immediately erased, feeling disgusted.

“Why?” I crossed my legs in front while looking at the man whose face was already dark. “My team and I won’t hurt you.”

“I said, no. What can I get here?” Bang. He’s right. I know very well the system of businessmen like him. 

They should always have something in return. And what is that?

“That’s the thing. You’ll get to decide what you want to get.” 

“Leave,” he said coldly, then went to his chair.

“Mr. Carter, don’t give your decision immediately. We’re not in a rush—”

“I’m already telling you my decision, so you can find someone else.” He immediately picked up a few papers lying on the piles. He doesn’t want to look at me anymore. “This is actually a help.”

“It is not possible. I will come back here, even every day. I will come again and again to ask you. I won’t get tired of this as you get tired of me.”

Overtime I became more and more challenged to convince and get the man for AFA. I will search the whole Philippines or even the world just to find a way, just convince this man.

“I said, leave. I do not want to have any connection between me and the media. I hate it. I don’t want to see you again.” He said that without looking at me. 

He easily pressed the little thing next to her arms and heard Jessica’s voice.

“Take Avery Taylor out.”

Shocked, I did not even wait for the woman, and I slammed the door of his office. This is f*cking frustrating.

When I get down, J quickly turned to Jessica. Her face was worried. I quickly approached the phone at the desk to call Mr. Carter’s room.

“I will never stop asking and approaching you. Do you hear that? I will win the AFA 2020. I will win you! Don’t you ever forget that?” I violently hung up the phone and headed for the exit, looking straight at the road.

I will be back. I’ll be right back, and you cannot stop me, Cormac Carter.