BATTLING FEARS

The Manipulator

"It's fine. I had forgiven you a long time ago. I just wished to see how much you would improve without me"

"I did you wrong, Vixen. I still have to apologize for that. You went through a lot of trauma and i just thought of myself without paying attention to you" 

"I couldn't read your message. I wanted to but my phone isn't functioning well. I could only see notifications but not read messages unfortunately. I am really sorry if my lack of response offended" O! So that was what happened! I thought. Well, this was why it was wrong to jump into conclusion without reference or making research. 

"I wasn't offended" I lied feigning a smile hoping he doesn't notice that. 

"I am having a girlfriend presently by the way so if by any chance you get offended again then i am sorry. I don't know how to split the time between you both in such a way you don't get offended" He explained, concerned the past would repeat history. I squeezed my nose in a carefree expression. 

"It's fine. Spend as much time as you want with her. It doesn't bother me as much, just don't neglect me or forget you have a friend. That's when things get bitter" 

"I never neglect my friends Maureen" 

I gave him a short friendly smile. He smiled back but had his gaze stuck on mine before finally looking away at the sound of Ronald's voice. 

"You must be Maureen Jackie. I am Ronald Heaps. You were supposed to introduce me to the crew" He had said, walking towards me with an impatient look. He kept looking at his wrist watch all the while as if he was in a hurry somewhere. 

"Yes...Yes...That's true" I said with an awkward gaze. I didn't expect him to come so suddenly. We were supposed to expect him during the crew meeting and not now. I gave Vixen a quick gaze and was able to catch his cute wink leading Ronald to the rest of the crew. 

"Ronald?!" One of the actors screamed in shock. It was Timmy. The over dramatic one. He had acted as if he'd never expected to see the man at the event in the first place. We all knew Ronald was coming. Why was he making it a big deal?

"It's so nice to have you all. I heard you all have the best set of drama groups in Florida" He began with a smile. 

"Yes. We do and we welcome you to our club" I responded with a nod. That certainly wasn't part of the script because the script never stated response to unexpected questions. 

"Can I know about you all better?" He began with a stern look. I nodded and began saying each and every word that was in the memo I was given. He looked really intrigued by this and nodded to every word I said. 

"And Priscilia is like the star of every drama night. She knows how to add that flavour" I concluded and made eye contact with Priscilia who gladly gave me a thumbs up. 

"It's so funny how you're praising another actress rather than yourself. I love that. I really love that'' The young man praised with a short laugh. "But the thing is, I love your acting and I do wish to see more of you on TV one day. Don't stop doing this great work. I love it" He encouraged before finally concluding his visit by greeting us farewell. 

***

"Everyone loves your acting so well Maureen. I can't believe you're getting really popular in school due to this. I mean Helen was also good at acting, no one seems to acknowledge her or love her for what she does. It's almost like she's acting for just acting sake" Jenny my roommate had broken the silence in the room one afternoon as i went through an essay assignment to be submitted. 

"We all know Helen is a proud i***t. She never appreciated those who really cared for her. She got carried away by the hyping and everyone just left her alone and didn't seem to care anymore" I agreed with a nod. 

"You should really have a fan page Maureen. You're in your third year now. Having a fan page will do you no harm. I swear" 

"I know what you mean Jenny. Thanks but no thanks. I prefer not to get that much attention" 

"You're very talented Maureen. You will get that attention even if you don't want to" 

"I understand but I prefer not to even talk about that aspect. Could we go and see Madame Kimberly later? I really wish to tell  her something about our taps. They've been leaking for the past two days" 

"s**t! I almost forgot that. It's a good idea we meet her today. I haven't taken my shower though. I smell like dump" I watched awkwardly as Jenny sniffed herself and rolled her eyes in disappointment. "One who sniffs me will think i haven't showered in months…"

"Jenny, you showered last night. You still smell great...I mean it's barely twelve in the afternoon yet…"

"Save the speech to yourself madame Teresa. You should know me by now that i am OCD and i don't mess with my hygiene. A little irritation, shower straight" 

"Sure. I still wonder why it surprises me" 

"But to be serious about this though, you are a pretty girl and you're really getting popular in school. I mean Drake is still the one on everyone's mind but you're the female version of Drake. Did you hear about the BMW his father bought him? Gal! I almost collapsed on hearing that. A BM what?!. This guy's family is swimming in a pool of cash" 

"I know he is wealthy but please don't compare him with me. We don't get along anymore"

"Bury the hatchet and go after him girl. He's got the fund, the money…"

"But he has no brains to get him to understand that I am facing situations here and I really need patience with my anxiety. Well, it's a slap on his face unfortunately because i have improved drastically and the therapy is working really well"

"Yeah. You and your personal adviser…" 

"She is a therapist…"

"I see her as more of a counsellor to me. Don't argue. You won't win the argument...you never win our arguments"

"That's because I don't argue in the first place" My phone rang. I was really surprised it was Vixen call. I hadn't expected him to call me. We only spoke for a few minutes at the drama event. Why was he calling though? I took a deep breath and accepted the call. 

"Hi Vixen. Long time no talk...on phone…" I started the conversation trying to sound enthusiastic but i ended up feeling i sounded stupid. 

"That's right. I really need you at this moment Maureen. I am having an issue with something" 

"Serious? What could be the problem?" 

"It's Drake. I am sure you know Drake right?" 

"Drake? My ex boyfriend you mean" 

"Excuse me? You dated Drake?" He sounded perplexed. 

"Forget it. What did Drake do? Why are you getting worked out by him?" 

"He is trying to send my younger sister to jail. He is trying to ruin my family business… This is no discussion to have on the phone. I really need to meet you up this moment" 

Nothing made sense to me. What did he mean? Younger sister? Jail? Family business? Were they both related? How was he even close to Drake in the first place?

"Make it clear to me first. What relationship do you have with Drake that he finds it easy to manipulate your family like this?"

"I didn't tell you... He is my family friend. We all grew up together"

It all began to make sense to me now. So Vixen was the one Drake spoke about all those while. I do know Vixen sounded over protective about his sister but not the way Drake made it seemed. If all this were true, does it actually mean Vixen sister was really into drugs? Goodness, this will shatter the poor boy so much.