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Chapter 10
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2022-01-05 15:38:15She filled her friends in after dinner as it was her unpaid job to do so. Out of prying ears, they chatted away but not without Eloïse assisting in assembling her friend's luggage which wasn't easy considering Marila's sea of outfits. It overflowed to the extent of Eloïse offering an extra suitcase for the remainder. They had barely four hours to their flight and the trio wanted to make it as memorable as they could.
"When's our Cali cruise?" Marila asked.
"You are the working class here, you tell us." Eloïse retorted.
"Well, I suggest the first two weeks of summer."
"Finn and I planned on hiking the Havasupai fall during the first week, so..."
"The next two weeks then. Good?"
Bennie zipped her suitcase. "Good."
"Good for me too. Not like I have anything doing of my life anyway. Oh my, I envy you, Bennie. I heard the Havasupai falls are gorgeous."
"Heard so too. Finn is the reason I'm visiting it. Said he's been there o
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Eloïse entirely understood the puffiness of her eyes as she stared at her reflection on a roughly hand-cleaned portion of the vaporized mirror. She had spent close to an hour talking with Ace, another one fantasizing about the audition, and half of the next hour chopped by the tension of the meeting with Leonard LeBeau all of which left her with basically one and a half hours of sleep until her alarm went off.The meeting was scheduled at nine leaving her with barely fifty minutes. Her phone buzzed. Still situated in the comfortable corner of a pastel pink single sofa near her bed where she had flung it the previous night, Eloïse rounded up the application of gloss on her puckered lips before reaching the noisy gadget. "Hey, good morning, Bennie," she used the opportunity to widely spread open the curtains and windows. "How was the journey?" "Safe until now that I found fake ass roaches in my dresses," She calmly said. "With a cutely written supposedly thr
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But for the noisy engine of the old truck, they had ridden in human silence for a while along a serene route almost void of human presence. The boy ought to have been skeptical, unfortunately, he wasn't since the beggar was kind enough to free him from the real danger. "What ya name, kid?" The young blond said nothing at first as his brain calculated, analyzed, and concluded. "Greene." "Greene," he repeated as if testing the temperature of the water before doing his business. "Why that?" Again, he asked. Greene finally sighted a tattered excuse of a convenient store after minutes of riding. Its once brilliant painted walls of what should have been a striking shade of bubble gum pink were now flaking cream white. The rust embellished Break and Take retro signboard which had seen better days than he had, bizarrely hung on a risky forty-eight-degree angle. He would have thought the place was abandoned if he hadn't seen an old lady walk out of it
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"Good morning, Zaphrina ma belle," Leo, with his thick French-accented voice, greeted as he quickly sprang out of his leather chair to welcome the duo from the door. He kissed both Zaphrina's cheeks before turning to Eloïse, "and this must be the talented future queen of fashion," he kissed Eloïse too who had reddened by the sycophancy. "Eloïse," she said with a radiant smile, even though not asked. She had surprised herself there by not faltering with the whole festivity going on in her head, chest, and stomach. Eloïse was indeed star wrecked. "Oh, wonderful name. Come, come, have a seat." Leonard was a typical ancient French six feet quarter to fifty years old man with glimmering dark brown hair which was always in its signature length and gelled style. His face was impeccably smooth as a baby's skin and comprised of deep dark eyes, a hawk's nose, and small lips. In his costume demi-Saison, he sauntered to his chair like he was afraid to step on an ant which made him seem to be
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There was enough to feed a small town that Eloïse couldn't help but ask the occasion. "For today and a hopeful future," her father replied with a gentle wine glass lift. "To you, the family, the company, and you again most especially." She smiled, but as preoccupied as her mind was she managed to remember and inform Beth of her well-received and appreciated surprise. The mashed potatoes mouthful Bethany squinted her eyes in utter annoyance. "There's something cute behind every malicious act you cook," Eloïse forked a diced carrot, "quit trying to be a terrorist will you?" "Let me be," she replied flatly. "If this is how you behave in school, no wonder you're single at seventeen. You scare the boys away," she muttered. "You know nothing about what's going on and I told you before, I don't need a boyfriend. Boys are trash," she whisper yelled. "Then let me. You know I'm always all ears." Her relationship with Beth wasn't the best as far as sisterhood was concerned and she didn't
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Having enough of being avoided all morning, Eloïse took it upon herself to hold an iron grip on Beth immediately after they made it home from service. With determination shot eyes, she pulled the chunk of sullenness up the stairs and straight to her room where she made sure to lock it and shield it arms folded. "What are you doing?" Beth asked, struggling to get her sister out of the doorway. "Let me go." "Hey, stop," but as an older, she hadn't to be intimidated by Beth's size and almost hovering height. So she fought back, gently as friendly, until Beth's civilization. "I want us to talk, so will you please spruce up that face," she expected her sister to apply as announced, instantly, but the ball of yarn was adamant. "I'm not repeating myself, Bethany. So do as I say else you're not leaving this room." Bethany hesitated, rolled her eyes, and straightened her face as earlier requested. "No eyes rolling. I'm trying to create a conducive environment here. So you'll walk back, make
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The long-awaited Monday sprouted like a healthy bean seed; fresh and promising, contrary to Eloïse's preoccupied mind; aged from thinking all night and anxious about meeting Craig again. Their meeting was planned for 9 o'clock leaving Eloïse with three hefty hours ahead, enough for a tension-relieving run, an attitude and utterance rehearsal, and a little counseling service from her two friends which of course was of no help with Marila's chained-up different seductive approaches and Bennie's vague 'act normal and go with the flow' card. She didn't want to act normal for she would be acting awkward instead and she had no flow whatsoever. Eloïse screamed her frustration in her pillow before preparing to leave. "I heard today's the d-day," Zaphrina's body emerged from the kitchen with a batter-stained apron. "Can I expect some juice on your return?" "Nope, 'cause there won't be any. May I remind you that it'll be strictly professional." Remembering her discussion with her husband
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Eloïse cleared her throat, "well, given that models have specific criteria required based on distinct modeling agencies, those eligible for this agency, that of course, you attribute to, are confidence, coolness," she unconsciously fidgetted with her pen. "Adequate height, uh, flawless facial ensemble, perfect skin, and—" "Hmph! I'll love it if you were more personalized and a lot more elaborate, if you do not mind, that is." She swallowed, not understanding why she was so uncomfortable with the request. "You..." She saw him nod once. A confirmation of what he wanted to hear. "Have quite some rare attributes, for instance, your symmetric face. It's delicate, smooth, clear, and perfectly trimmed in the right areas. Defined. It has this...naturally coaxing wonderful eyes that completely stands out and gives this sense of seriousness and hotness at the same time. To it is this surgery-free ideal nose; thin, straight, and pointy." She scanned, "your lips...your lips are intricately stru
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There was a thunderous knock at the door as almost always and the little boy feared, more than ever, his mother's fate than his. In the darkest corner of his small room, was the terrified lad, his knees buried in his chest as he sobbed bitterly. Obedient to his mother's order to not leave his niche no matter what, all he could do was listen, cry, quiver, and listen. All he ever wanted was his mother's happiness and if it meant wishing his father to dot out of the earth, Santa Claus should be expecting his first ever wish list. For the first time, he wished for the white-bearded old man to exist. The fight had gone on for too long this time around that he fought to keep his sanity with his hands plugged to his ears yet, it helped no less; he still heard them as clear as day. 'If you're not going to leave I'm calling the police on you,' His poor mother's quaky voice crept into his room. 'I won't do that if I were you. Just give me my son and you'll be out of trouble's way.' Heavy,
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"You see, even though Finna had her fair share of bad attitudes displayed, they weren't as bad as those the man she had come to love so badly had begun to portray; he didn't sleep home some nights and not because he spent it with another woman, no. He didn't show her affection anymore, didn't take her out on dates or business parties, he didn't eat at home, indulge her into conversations, and all that." "All these worried Finna considering that she had fallen too deep and madly for this man and could not picture a future without him. So she sat him down on a faithful day and asked him what she'd done wrong, if he didn't love her anymore. And if it were the case of the latter, she'll peacefully leave. Guess what he said to her." Eloïse shrugged "That he still loved her. So much even." "Then why was he acting that way?" Eloïse hastily asked. "'Cus she didn't show interest in things he was excited about." "Hm, that was...a silly reason to behave like an arse." "To you. You should
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"I uh..." Craig soothingly tightened his grip on her fingers, rubbing them simultaneously. "I have to leave the country soon fo—" Craig's beautiful face instantly tensed, a conspicuous frown in sight. "How soon is that?" "Less than a month." Eloïse's eyes denied meeting his. "Sorry I interrupted. Please proceed." "My designs were exhibited to an haute designer who approved them and he's willing I work with him. So...yeah." She shrugged. Eloïse felt Craig's stare warm her face all through her little speech. "How long will you be gone for?" "Six months or so, I'm not quite sure." Craig pondered. "Is this the trivial situation you referred to?" Eloïse said nothing. "You assume you're insignificant to me?" She still did not speak. "Where is it?" "France." Craig sighed, "I have nothing to lose as of now. As much as it hurts to admit, I'm tremendously skeptical about getting this job any moment soon. Implying that I'll have to start applying for a job in France then." Eloïse would
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"Next," Troy, the photographer, said. "Tilt your head a little more to the left. Alright, perfect." "I thought he'll be here by now," Zaphrina worried as her eyes met her watch. "We are five minutes in. You sure he's not forgotten or something?" "He'll be here soon, mum. Perhaps something came up or he's caught in traffic," Eloïse shrugged and chuckled. "Funny how the roles have turned. Where's the mother who tells me 'a worried mind isn't healthy' hmm? And look at what you're worrying over, it's not even that much of a salient event." Zaphrina comported and focused on the photo shoot meanwhile, Eloïse faded away from the aggregate of photography staff to make a call. It had been ten minutes ago since she'd called Craig to no avail. Not known to be late, Eloïse, however, was certain he would show up since he'd assured her two days ago and earlier that day. She went to voice mail after two rings and wore the crown of persistence this time around. For the first time. Saints on her s
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Craig had respected the curfew to the latter; he'd taken her back home seven minutes to time. Four of which they'd spent walking the short distance he'd parked his car away from Eloïse's home. When she asked why, his retort was to spend a little more time with her hand in his. "How do you cope living here?" He asked. "In what context?" Partly conscious, as a result of his big hands warming hers in addition to the circles he made with his thumb at the back, Eloïse wondered. "It's serenity. A little too deafening." "I'm used to. Born and raised in it. What I find deafening is the commotion out of this area." No one spoke for a while. "Don't you admire such places?" "I do. A lot. I love me some alone time every once in a while just like I love some commotion." "How's that?" "It's the way I grew up; my mum was the quiet type and my dad, the calm irritated type. They didn't last long. Spent time fluctuating from one to the other. Eventually lost both and had to live with granny." "I
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It was no doubt a miracle that her father worked overtime that Friday evening yet, he did not fail to have a message passed on to Eloïse's date despite it that her mother unfailingly passed on. 'She should be home before 8:30,' she had said with a smile of admiration. 'You two have the fun of your lives.' Eloïse narrowed her eyes at her mother as she read and understood the assignment between the lines. Earlier that moment, while she was being dolled up, Zaphrina had given her one or two seductive pointers. And of course, she planned not on using any. Eloïse cringed at the thought. "You okay?" Craig worried. "Okay. I mean, yeah, I'm okay." She straightened up as the waiter who took their orders returned with a pitcher of minted water and a bottle of champagne. Craig gave her an intense smoldering stare while she watched the waiter fill their glasses and immediately he departed, she cooled her heated body with the cold glass of minted water. "You look good," He complimented for t
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Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.8:13 a.m "Mr. White," The man in a beige Bisht atop an unblemished white kandoora called in his thick Emirati accent as he received his guest's hand for a shake. "Nice to see you." "The pleasure is all mine, Sayyid Kareem." "Have a seat." The tall brunet young man in a black tuxedo obeyed with a smile on display. Almost immediately, waitresses filed in with assorted platters of breakfast pastries to occupy the entire table. "How are you enjoying your stay in Dubai so far, Mr. White?" "Wonderful is an understatement." He watched his cup being shaded with black coffee, expressed his gratitude to the waitress, and watch her leave. "My delight to do business with you is beyond words, Mr. White." "Same here. After all, what other bank can I rely on with my money, eyes closed, but yours?" He watched Sayyid Kareem sip his coffee with glee. "I've heard a lot about it from associates running their businesses over here. It's been reported to have be
The chiseler (BlackBook 4) Chapter 23
"Mum? Can I talk to you?" She found her mother in the workshop pinning a mixture of brick red and blue material on a mannequin doll. Zaphrina made sure to discard the pin that kept her mouth sealed on her work table before dedicating her whole attention to her daughter. "About what?" She removed her apron and sat down gesturing to Eloïse to sit too. "About Leo's proposal." "Okay?" Eloïse was about to talk when someone knocked. It was Daisy, a new apprentice, who wanted Zaphrina to check out her work. "I'm busy right now, Daisy. Just give me some time and while you're at it, could you please come up with a mock-up of Mrs. Ogechi's traditional outfit? Use the calico I left on Sandra's work table. If it's not enough, get some from the storage room. I'll check on that too when I'm done." "Sure thing, ma'am." "Okay, so, back to you, what was your conclusion?" "I agreed." Her mother proudly smiled. "Because Julien Vauthier was the catch." Her mother's eyes widened. "Jesus. I know he
The chiseler (BlackBook 4) Chapter 22
"We should have told him everything. There were chances of him changing his mind," Zaphrina complained as she neatly hung her husband's shirts in the closet. To say Ace's behavior didn't trouble her will be an understatement as she happened to have observed that it worsened if anything. Perhaps flying him out wasn't the best idea. Perhaps she thought wrong; that Ace would someday change and that, that was the best and only place. That it was the only solution. "I doubt that. You know how he gets whenever the company's mentioned. His mind is made up." Marley typed away on his laptop. Zaphrina's eyes glistened with sorrow thinking back to her son's profile after mentioning the reason for their visit. He must have felt like an outcast. Bethany was right after all. "Honey," Marley pulled out his glasses, set aside his laptop, and deserted the bed after realizing his wife's withdrawal. "Come now, you need to rest, relax, and not think too much." He gently massaged her shoulders whilst
The chiseler (BlackBook 4) Chapter 21
Before departure time, Eloïse had avoided and ignored Ace all day, Craig had not responded to any of her messages, and she'd learned the news from her father about Ace not having plans of returning home anywise. All that devastated her. On their way to the airport, she refused to board Ace's car with the little ego she had. If he didn't feel the need to apologize for his poor behavior, then she will have to fly back in unchanged circumstances. Too much of everything becomes a disease. Ace had always had people coming around despite his wrongs and that made him feel extraordinary, empowering, belittling, and keep him wanting more. So what if the roles changed, will that lead him to an early grave? Eloïse thought as she pretentiously scanned through a magazine while they waited to board the plane in a few minutes. Before her next eye-blink, Eloïse's left hand detached from the magazine and was being pulled alongside her body by a force unknown to physics to a place yet to be known
