Chapter 10: The Beginning of Revenge
Nok walked in, frustrated about today. She tried calling someone on the phone, but wasn't able to reach them. Worst thing was, she just bumped into Aom. When their eyes met, it was like a silent war battling between them.
Nok: What are you doing here? It's afterhours.
Aom: Working. What about you?
Nok: I am CEO here, I don't need to tell you. Well I see my son's not with you. That's good.
Aom knew Nok could push her buttons. Rome was her weak spot. She didn't want to look bad in front of her, because Nok could fire her. Aom decided to walk away, not give more ammo to her enemy. She knew Nok was angry as she walked to her office to get out of there. When Aom left, Nok screamed. Tonight was not her night.
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Warat: I'm so glad you could come. I've been having the worst day ever. You always relax me in my time of need.
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Rita arrived in the city. It was totally different that she last remembered it, before she was sent to live with Uncle In. She walked up and down street, looking at the different buildings, trying to familiarize herself with the big city. This lead her to an apartment building. It was quite nice. Rita felt like she was being pulled to go in. She knocked on the landlord's door. A grumpy, somewhat big-sized man answers the door.
Landlord: What do you want?
Rita: I was wondering if you have a vacant place here?
Landlord: Why you asking?
Rita: I'm interested in renting an apartment. So do you?
Landlord: We might, but no one wants it.
Rita: Why?
Landlord: Someone died in there. Even her sister left the house, not taking anything with her, except some personal stuff.
Rita: I see. Well, do mind if I go look.
Landlord: Be my guest. It's the one that says vacant on it. If you still want it, come back her and we can talk.
Rita: Okay. Thanks.
She goes up the stairs. It would creak, making Rita more cautious. She finally reached the door, a single touch made the door open. It was a good thing the apartment didn't feel like human decay. It was actually a pleasant smell, strawberries. Rita looked around the place. It was different from her place with Uncle In, it was really neat and tidy. Everything here had love in it, a lot of color filled her eyes. There was something that caught Rita's eye though, it was a picture of four people. It surprised her that Rome was in there too. He was hugging a pretty girl in her, smiling. The name 'Aff' came to her mind, like someone just whispered it to her. She was next to a girl and there was another guy in there too. After awhile of looking at the place, she decided this was place she needed to stay.
It was pretty cheap, the landlord gave it to her for only $300 a month. Usually it's $550-700 a month, but since no one wanted it since death was rumored to loom it. To me it was perfectly normal, the landlord, no one wanted to go in there to clean it up. Rita felt something bad in the pit of her stomach, but she remember what happened before, she can't go back now. Step one was done, now step two must come into play getting a job at THE workplace.
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Rome was angry with himself, he was falling behind at work. Nothing was being done. His father got called away on a business trip, and he didn't want to deal with his mother or Aom right now. He had to find a female model to fill in the position for a previous one, who just got married and on leave. It was stressful, all the models look like they were anorexic, on drugs, or both. Not to mention, some weren't even girls. He was going to give up, he desperately needed someone, anyone who could fill the spot, and suddenly SHE came into his office.
Rome: Rita???
Rita had stayed up all night, looking about the woman who died in the apartment, Aff. She found about Rome, and his company. If there was anything, she would get it from him and Aff's sister, Aom. Also Rita was here to get revenge for Uncle In. Inside her, she believed that Rome was the cause of her Uncle's death. When she read that his company was in need of a model, she thought this was the perfect opportunity. Rita doesn't want to be so full of herself, but she thinks she gots what it takes to be a model.
Rita: Rome? Oh my god, I didn't know you work here. I just I should leave now.
Rome: No. Why? What are you doing here? Are okay you? I---I--mean Are you okay?
Rita (lets out a little chuckle and smiles): I'm good. I decided to come live here now, and find a job.
Rome: A job? oh..oh yeah, the model job. Sit down, let's talk about your resume.
Rita: Okay. Here it is. Um I don't have any experience as a model, but I think I'm capable of getting the hang of it. I learned about the company too, so if not a model, any other job will do.
Rome just nodded. She kept going on about her resume, but all Rome paid attention to was that SHE was there, in his office, sitting right in front of her. The woman he had been thinking about these past days was here. He had so much to say to her, but thought it might be too rude. Whenever Rita would catch him looking at her, she gave an innocent smile.
Rita: Rome? Hello? Rome? Are you listening?
Rome: Huh? What?
Rita: I was just asking if I got the job?
Rome: Oh, let see here. (skimming through her resume) We'll call you. But I have to say, you seem to be the most qualified. We don't get a lot of known-name models here even though we are a highly known business. If you do get hired, I will personally call you myself.
Rita: Thanks. Well, hopefully I'll see you again. Bye.
Rome: Oh wait. By any chance, are you free tonight? I was thinking...perhaps....we could talk about....stuff.
Rita: "Stuff" I'm free, but I think that it's not a good idea.
Rome: Why?
Rita: For one, you're already dating someone. For another, you might be my boss, workers can't fraternize with other employees.
He was losing it, Rita was so stubborn. He just wanted to talk, but he didn't want to look so desperate. Before he could say another word, she left.
Rita could do nothing but be smile. She got him, it was sure to make Rome be surprised with her presence. As she was about to enter the elevator, when a woman bumps into her.
Rita: Excuse you. (only seeing the back of this woman)
Aom: Are you talking to me? (turns around)
Rita: No, I'm talking to the wall. Of course I'm talking to you. (she knew it was Aff's sister, Aom)
Aom: Really funny. I forgot to laugh.
Rita: Well at least I'm not dumb and ill-mannered.
Aom: What'd you say? Say that again you slut. If you have the guts.
Rita: I don't repeat myself to people like you.
Aom: I bet you're scared. Awww run back to your mommy and daddy. Crybaby, you don't belong here.
Rita: You don't have any respect to elders. I'm going to teach you a lesson then.
Aom: Bring it b****!
She went to Rita and slapped her. A cold hard slap. Rita wasn't going to let her go, not even if she's the sister of Aff. Rita responded with a stronger and harder slap. Both exchanged more slapped and hair pulling. More and more employees heard commotion and came to check it out. People from the elevator saw to girls fighting. From what it looked like, Rita was winning. She delivered a smack that sent Aom falling to the ground. A secretary ran to inform Rome, who was in his office gazing at Rita's picture. He dashed to the scene to find out it was Rita and Aom. Rome pushed people aside to peel Rita off Aom. He was in the middle of them, holding them apart with his hands.
Rome: Everyone go back to work NOW! You too Aom, I'll talk to you later.
Aom: But Rome--
Rome: I said NOWW!!
When all the employees left, even Aom, Rome stared into Rita's eyes with fury. She was reminded of that time in her room, was felt scared. He moved closer and closer to her. Next she knows, Rome grabbed her waist and pulled her into the elevator.
TBC
spoiler: Chai comes back.