CHAPTER FOUR (The Media is cruel)

Helen 

I went inside the bathroom to changed from the night gown to my dress. I looked around the bathroom, in search of the bathroom mirror, the mirror for a long time now has been my best friend. Ever since my mum was admitted in the hospital, the mirror has been my true companion. It’s the only thing that never lie to me. No one really understand my feelings except the mirror. It has seen all the dimensions of me, and still accept every part of it. 

There was one behind the bathroom door. It was gigantic. It shows my full body, just as I wanted. I stared at the broken me standing with swollen eyes as I changed. The one thing that never cease coming to my head albeit all the difficult times I’d face hours ago was my mum. It's a day and some hours since I saw her last.  

I wanted to console my self, remind myself that I am always strong, and always ready to subdue any hurdle that may come my way. But I find myself succumbing to it. My heart was so heavy that the weight affect my legs. I drop to the ground and weep my eyes out.

I felt a cold hand on my back.” Are you alright?  Do you need help?”  the voice was peaceful and full of life. I got up swiftly and look towards the direction. I meet with the same husky eyes I saw earlier. This time it was compassionate and kind. Before i could realize, i was already under his warm embrace, sobbing like a child. I required the hug, badly. Part of me wanted to hold him tight, and not let go. But i couldn't fight the other part of me that pushes him away-Who knows who is recording us…

“I can’t stand my self all over social media in a negative cause, please help me, i beg. He gasps as i let go of his wrist that i unconsciously hold onto all this while before hurrying myself out of the room.

Immediately i stepped out of the VIP lodge, I walk into a waiter who came for room services. She was rolling a cart filled with varieties of food which make my stomach rumble and my mouth watered. I ignore the hunger and proceed to ask her how i can find my way out of the VIP lodge. It was the most important thing, at least for now. She points to me the road to the elevator. 

I walk and run till i reach the elevator. It was clear and everyone had already gone. I pressed the open button and the elevator open almost immediately. I hurry in and pressed the red arrow button which signifies down before pressing the number 1 button. It gives a Bing sound and started descending. I exhale in relief and put myself together. 

Bing, Bing the elevator reaches the first floor and i rush out and lowered my head, my long  curly hair cover my face just fine. That was the only day i find my long curly hair imperative. My heart sinks into my stomach at once when i heard someone whisper behind me, “Is that not Helen, the most famous model of Elite Modeling Agency? Yes, is she, what was she doing in the hotel till today? Another voice asked.

“Helen!” a gentle masculine voice called behind me, it was louder than the others. I turn around to see a broad, puffy face. His gray suit looks like someone who works in a laundry shop. His white Turkish shirt was well tuck in, revealing his big tummy. It was Mr. Rex. i nearly collapse.

“Oh, it's you” he said with a sarcastic smile. Before i could part my lips to say a word, the reporters were already around us, pointing cameras and taking pictures. “It’s Mr. Rex” the reporters scream. 

“What’s wrong with you, you look weak and sad. Anyway, Bobby and I waited for you after the Finale as we agreed, only for my bodyguard to come and tell us that you left with Mr. Philip Anderson to his hotel room.” Mr. Rex sounded very casual. He knew everything that happened but chooses to lie just to embarrass me and ruin her reputation.

I stood like a pillar of salt, I was perplexed, I thought of running but find myself not able to lift my feet, I couldn’t even utter a word.

“Did she sleep with Mr. Philip?” one of the reporters said in a modest, high tone. “She must be a slut” another reporter chimed in.

 “Mr. Rex, what do you have to say about the issue of young upcoming models sleeping with top CEOs for fame,” a reporter asked, pointing his recorder at Mr. Rex's mouth. Other reporters hurried closer to him with their respective tools.

“You see my dear, it's hard to win your way swiftly to the top in this industry, that’s because the industry focuses more on passion, consistency, and credibility. Desperate young models without these qualities shy away from honing their skills to acquire them, but rather channel their energy to sleeping with authorities to win favor and accreditation. But the good news is that we’re working hard each day to fetch these people and disgrace them publicly. I want you all to capture in detail what you have seen this morning. Do not publish until we find out Helen’s reason for staying back at the hotel after the show. I will notify each of the media companies available here today in 2hrs. Thank you.” Mr concluded and proceed towards the steaming car in front of him.

The reporters scattered to their respective destinations. Everything looked like a dream. I did nothing with Mr. Philip, I was only saved from Mr. Rex by him. Why would he turn everything against me? I have heard many whispers about Mr. Rex's cruelty, but never imagine myself as a victim. Why was I not wise enough to figure out Bobby’s motive? My feet were wet as I dumbly imagine my career dragging into permanent darkness. I was still there, lost in my oblivion when a car horn snapped me out.

I looked in the direction of the sound, and a black tint glass rolled down before me. It was Mr. Rex, grinning like someone who had won a lottery.

 “Ma’am Helen, I am sorry for what happened, you see, I am one man that doesn’t give up on what I want. I have offered you a Face of Off guard and a huge sum of money just to have a taste of you, but you blatantly refused. You choose to do it your way.  Is it not obvious that your discretion was wrong? 

Now we will have to do it my way, I know all the media representatives that were present, and I can help you for the sake of your career and reputation stop the news from spreading. You know, that news like that is always number one on every social media platform. No one will believe you, no matter how hard you try, you’ll still be dragged on social media. Mr. Phillip can’t even help you. He’s just a COO of Triple Friends, he has no signs that can stop the media from publishing that news. I am the only person to help you. I see you as a beautiful model that will go far in your modeling career and I wouldn’t be that wicked to fold my hands and watch your dream fade, but on one condition, you will be at my hotel room in 1hr 30 mins time. Since you have refused the money, I am not sure if you will refuse an offer like this. As I said, in 2hrs I will notify them. Decide fast, and save yourself from such awful scandal” 

I stood still with a river of tears, violently rushing uncontrollably from my eyes. I  remember the light from the cameras and my sick mum on the hospital bed. Everything happened so quickly and I seriously fell for it.

“Will I at least get the Face of Offgauard Magazine contract as well?” I said in between sniffs.

“I’m sorry ma’am Helen, there will be no such contract, you’ve missed it”. The clock is ticking, I will be expecting your call” Rex said and throw his card on the floor. I watched as the black car mixed and fades on the highway with the morning sun.