Taming Mr. Arrogant

Chapter Four

Tina's POV

'And I'm like yeah.

Everything you heard is true

Everybody knows I'm

Hung up on you

Oh- Oh- Oh- Oh- Oh- Oh- Oh

Yeah...

Tell them, all the girls I'm true

Everybody knows I'm

Hung up on you.'

***

I woke up to the ringtone on my phone indicating somebody was calling. Who the heck is calling me this early in the morning? I picked up my phone to know who it was.

Oh my God.

It was my Mama. I forgot we had different time zones. I really missed them, my family. It had been days, but it felt like eternity. I quickly picked up my phone and answered the call.

"Hello, Ma." I answered cheerily.

(Hello, nak. How are you? Okay ka ba diyan? Are you taking care of yourself? Did you eat properly? Have you already found a-")

She said that all in one breathe. But she didn't get to finish her last question since I cut her off. And I knew already what she was going to ask though.

Have you found a-

Like hell I would talk about that. The topic of men was quite sensitive to me.

Did she think I only went to New York to find a love life?

Because of that, my mood was gone in an instant.

"Ma, okay lang ako. I'm taking care of myself here. I eat properly. And I'll apply for a job in any of the companies here." I also answered all her questions in one breath. I understand her though. She was my Mama after all and mother knows best, right?

"Good. Why didn't you take the board exam at the first place? By now, you're probably a CPA and you did not need to go there."

"Pangarap 'to, Ma. You do understand me, right? And I'll do everything to fulfill it. Kaya I'm here in this place na malayo sa inyo. You aren't the only one who suffers every second of longing. It's not that I really want to be away from you. All I want is to be independent. I don't dream to be wealthy, Ma. Gusto ko lang ng simple, successful at masayang buhay. I thought we had talked about this already."

"Why? Aren't you happy here? With your own family?"

I suddenly got angry. How could she say that? Of course I would be happy with them. They were my family for Christ's sake!

"Ma, it's not like that. I thought you understand me. Of course, I'm happy there with you. Pero I also want this dream na magkatotoo."

Don't cry. Don't cry. You can do this.

But I couldn't. I couldn't help it. At that point I was crying as I continued.

I knew I was an emotional freak.

"Y- You're even the one who said na walang masama kung mangarap, right? W-why now? W-why now that I'm a- already here in t- this place? Why?" I sobbed.

"Anak, I know-" She tried to explain, but I cut her off again. I guessed I was really angry and I let my emotions take over me.

"No. You still don't understand me."

With that, I ended the call without even waiting for her response and without even saying 'goodbye'.

I know I was being mean to my own mother.

There was no good on that conversation anyway. I did not get it. I didn't get my Mama. I thought she already understood. I was already a grown up now. I could decide on my own. Then why did she let me fly here if she still didn't want me to go? I wasn't a baby anymore.

I know I sound like a b***h right now, but I'm so angry and confused at this moment.

I was angry at my Mama for saying those things to me. But most of all, I was angry at myself for breaking down and for being weak. I hated it. I was angry at myself because I talked back to my mother and for hanging up on her. I was being a bad daughter. I was being impolite to her.

But I was just trying to defend myself and continue to chase my dreams.

Why can't they understand me?

Stop thinking about it. For now, you

Why can't they understand me?

Stop thinking about it. For now, you need to find a job, a decent one.

Right.

***

As what I had said to Mama earlier when she called me, I would apply for a job in any companies here.

And here I was now outside the 6th company I had gone, frustrated, sad and most of all, disappointed.

Yeah. Sixth. The first company I had gone said that all their job positions were already occupied, even as personal assistants. The second one reasoned out that my height was not enough. What kind of company was that? I was not going to apply for Miss Universe, duh.

I mean, seriously? What were they thinking? Duh.

And the rest companies have the same reason as the first one.

Screw the second one.

Avoid cursing. It's bad.

Shut up.

Maybe this was meant for you because you did not listen to your mother.

"I got it, okay? So just shut the f**k up!!"

Why were the people on the sidewalks and on the road staring at me? With wide eyes and looking shocked?

Huh??? I wondered as I also stared back at them.

Is there something wrong with my face? Is there dirt on it or maybe on my clothes? What's wrong?

"It's bad, young lady." I heard a voice in front of me.

I faced the man and was greeted by the old man, the taxi driver I got a ride last day.

"Uh. Hey, old man. Uhmm. What's bad?"

"Cursing is bad, young lady and it doesn't suit you."

Huh?? Did I curse? When? When I loathed the second company I had gone to apply for a job?

But it's earlier and not now.

I recalled again. Think. Think. And that was it.

Oh my God. Did I just say it out loud? I thought I only said it on my mind. Ugh. My inner self, I hate you! No, I hated myself for being crazy.

Talking to myself. Seriously?

God. That was so embarrassing. My face was so flushed right now.

Stupid.

I hurriedly got inside the old man's taxi to save myself from hell.

"Drive. Away from here."

"Where to?"

"Umm. McDonald's I think."

"Farm?" Farm? What was he talking about?

"Pardon?"

"Nothing, young lady."

"You said something about the farm." It came out as a statement.

He laughed and said, "I was just joking. You said you want to McDonald's but, where? McDonald's farm?" He laughed again, then continued, "I know what you mean though. You're going to McDonald, a fast food chain because look at the time, it's already time for lunch and you're probably hungry now."

"Oh." I get it now. Gosh, I was so 'loading'. Of course he was just kidding.

Then suddenly I burst out laughing. Hilarious, it was. I was probably crazy.

The old man looked at the mirror on the front, staring weirdly at me. Who wouldn't? I guessed he thought I was insane.

Or I really am. I don't know.

The look he gave me on the mirror was the actual are-you-crazy- look.

"It's just the hunger, young lady. We'll be there fast. Don't worry. You'll be back to your normal self soon."

I gaped at the old man. Did he just really think I was crazy?

Please tell me he's joking again. Please.

"You're joking again, right? Tell me you're just kidding."

The old man had this serious look on his wrinkled face. "No, I'm not."

"Haha." I laughed awkwardly as I leaned my back on the back seat.

"Hahahahahahahhahhh.."

I sat up instantly when I heard the old man's loud laugh. He was really laughing so hard. What's wrong? Is there something funny?

Of course there is, you i***t. Why would he laugh if there's nothing funny? Common sense.

I get it now. So, shut up.

"Your face was so priceless, young lady. Of course I was just kidding."

Then he laughed again.

Go on.

Once his laughter had died, he suddenly said, "The name's Thomas."

"I'm Christina. But you can call me Tin or whatever you like."

"Whatever I like?" He asked through the mirror.

I just nod at him.

"Okay, I'll call you 'young lady'. I'm used to it anyway."

It doesn't sound bad.

"Okay, I'll call you 'old man'. I'm used to it anyway."

The old man glared at me.

Okay he was glaring at me because I just said his words back and might I add, trying to mimic his voice. Note: trying.

"I was just kidding, promise." I said as I raised my palm.

"Apology accepted."

I smiled at the old man. He was a good and funny man like my father. I missed my Papa.

"So, why did you just shout on the sidewalk? From what I saw, you're not talking to someone."

That was it. I thought he wasn't going to bring it up.

How am I going to explain? He probably will think I am crazy again.

"Uh- I- uhm- I- I."

Seriously? That's all you're going to say. Just tell him that you're insane.

Shut up.

The old man is waiting.

Okay.

"A-actually, I was so frustrated at disappointed on that time 'cause I didn't get a job. I've gone to a company to another but I still didn't a one for some reason. And when I got out from the last company I been, I was kind of having a conversation in my head. Call me crazy, but yeah. I was talking to myself then one thing lead to another, it's like me and my inner self was arguing then I got angry and didn't realized I said it out loud. So yeah, that's it. I hope you'll now stop thinking that I'm crazy 'cause I'm not. "I said that all in one breath.

And just as I stopped rambling, we came into a halt. We had arrived.

"That was understandable." The old man said as I handed him my fare.

"Again, this is too much, young lady." He said as he stared at the 10 note.

"Why?"

"Because it's just a fifteen minute drive. Just give me 1." He reasoned out.

I snatched his palm and gave him the 20 note.

"It's okay. You can take it." I said as I hurriedly got out of the cab. Once I was out, I faced the old man.

"You're one stubborn woman, young lady."

I just smiled at him. "You're one funny man, old man. Bye."

Thomas smiled at me and said, "Thanks for the tip, young lady. Bye. See you next time."

With that, he drove off.

I headed to the entrance of the fast food restaurant. I was starving.

"Good noon, Ma'am. Welcome to McDonald's. What would you like to order?"

"I would like to have, a one piece chicken McDo meal, a Cheeseburger, regular fries and a Coke float." I said as I counted them with my fingers.

The girl with a name tag that says 'JOY' gaped at me.

"I could eat them all, promise." I told her nicely.

When Joy heard that, she shook her head, then asked, "Dine in?"

I nodded at her.

When she was finished preparing my order, she placed them all on a tray, put it on the counter in front of me, together the receipt on the tray.

"That's 10." She told me

I gave her the amount and smiled. "Thank you."

With that, I picked up my tray of lunch and looked around the room to find an empty seat. I smiled as I found one at the right corner.

I headed towards it and put my lunch on the table. Taking my seat and began eating.

Hhmmhm.. This chicken McDo was so good. So crispy, juicy, and delicious. I closed my eyes as I savored my food. I took a fry, put catsup on it and popped it in my mouth. So good. Then I took a bite at my Cheeseburger and hhmm... I loved cheese. I took a mouthful of my chicken again, then the fries then the cheeseburger. I took a long sip on my coke float, then began eating again. Chicken, Fries, Cheeseburger, Coke Float. This went over and over again until there was nothing left. I was done and full.

You're not crazy now that you have eaten your lunch.

Oh, shut up. I'm perfectly fine even if I'm hungry.

Whatever floats your boat?

I rested for a while because I was really full. I was afraid to walk with my stomach full. I might have appendicitis and I didn't like that to happen. I was careful with my things, health, and everything.

Oh really? As in 'everything'? A voice in my head said.

You even trip on your foot.

I don't.

Yes, you do.

Whatever. Just shut up. I want peace.

***

I walked out of McDonald's after fifteen minutes of rest.

I decided to have some fresh air so I went to the Central Park.

~*~*~*~

Axel's POV

I was in my office doing some work on my laptop when my phone rang.

"Hello." I answered.

"Dude, wazzup?" Oh, it was Aiden Smith, my best friend.

"How are you? It's been a long time, man." Aiden asked, sounding happy.

"Yeah, I agree. I thought you already forgot me now that you have a girlfriend. By the way, I'm fine. How about you?"

"Not going to happen. You're my best friend. And I'm fine too." He said happily.

Why is so happy? I wondered.

"She said 'Yes'!" He suddenly exclaimed that I have to put my phone away from ear. He was so loud.

"God, this man sounds so girly."

What do you mean?" I asked confused.

"Sheena said 'Yes'. I proposed to her last night and it was like the best night of my life. I'm getting married, man." He said happily and... emotionally.

Sheena was Aiden's long time girlfriend, three years to be exact. He said she was a Filipina and that he met her in France at the Eiffel Tower.

How romantic. Note the sarcasm.

Sheena was a fashion designer like my sister, Khloe while Aiden was also a CEO like me. He lived here in New York before, but he moved to France because the main branch of their company, the Smith Corporation was located there. And it was like fate had destined him to Sheena.

"I'm happy for you, dude." I told him sincerely.

"How about you?"

"What about me?" I asked, confused.

"How about you? I mean, have you already found a girlfriend?"

So that's what he meant.

I scoffed, "No time for that, dude. I'm a busy man." I lied.

Well, it was a half truth, half lie. I mean, yes, I was a busy man, but the true reason was that I didn't want to be fooled by love again. I used to believe in it. I once believed that it makes a person happy. It was a complete acceptance and yes, I accepted it....before. It was like your life has no purpose and meaning without her. It was an intense feeling of deep affection. It was when I felt depressed and lonely without her. But that was before. My definition of love soon changed since the day I found that SHE didn't really love me. It was all a lie. She was just pretending all the way.

I don't want to talk about it right now.

"Dude, are you still there?" I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Aiden's voice on the phone. I completely zoned out that I forgot I was talking to him.

"Yeah. Yeah."

"Sorry to bring it up, dude. I swear I didn't-"

"I know. It's okay." I cut him off.

"So I got to go. Sheena and I have a date today."

"Congratulations. And inform me when the wedding is."

"Thanks, man. And I will. Bye."

"Bye."

With that, he ended the call. I looked at my Rolex watch only to find out it was already 11:45 am. Almost time for lunch. I called Mr. Lee, my personal assistant to bring me lunch.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock at my office door.

"Come in."

The door opened and revealed Mr. Lee. He went inside holding a paper bag.

"Here's your lunch, young master." He said handing me my lunch. I'm starving.

"How many times did I tell you to stop calling me that?" I groaned.

This old man could also annoy me sometimes. Mr. Lee was my Dad's PA when he was still the CEO but he passed him over to me when I took over his shoes at the age of 19. He was getting old though, and I knew I had to let him resign and look for someone to replace him.

"Maybe a million times." He laughed. Before I could say something, he cut me off.

"I gotta go have lunch too. Just call me if you need anything." Mr. Lee said.

Once he was out of my office, I began eating my lunch.

***

One more document and I would be finished with this work today. It was already 2:30 pm and I wanted to go to the Central Park to have some fresh air. I hadn't got out of this boring office since morning.

Twenty minutes later, I was done with all the documents.

I grabbed my jacket at the back of my chair and walked out my office.

Women were staring and ogling at me as I walked towards my personal elevator. Who wouldn't? I was tall, handsome and hot as well. I was confident.

I know I sounded cocky right now, but it was true. I didn't pay attention to them. I just let them stare at me until they would get blind.

***

A few minutes later, I arrived at the Central Park. I got out of my car and began walking into the park.

What a fresh air. I sighed contently. I began wandering around the park. I watched as the children ran around the park, eating ice cream with their parents watching them, couples date, ducks and swans enjoying the pond. All were happy.

I continued to walk around the park as the breeze hit my face. It felt so good to be out and have some fresh air.

An hour later or so, I decided to go home. As I walked towards Ashi, my car, hands in my pockets, I saw a man training his dog. I was engrossed in watching them while walking when... I bumped into someone.

Oooppss. I didn't mean it. Good thing the person, a woman specifically, did not fall. No harm done so I just continued my journey towards Ashi.

Call me rude, cold and heartless 'cause that's what I am.

Bye, woman. Sorry to leave you.

Pffft.