Chapter Ten - Are You Okay

OLWETHU'S POV

I was honestly panicking but after I told Susan and Precious what was up they told me to calm down... Susan promised to actually help me find out who it was ...

"Just take it easy and sleep.. all will be good, in between my work I promise I'll find out who this bitch or sun of a bitch is..."

I hugged her. I honestly was going to be lost without them. They were my life.. my sisters from another mothers..

Talking about mothers, mom and Lizzie were coming tomorrow to join me on the event. And I was prettu excited.

I went to bed still a tiny bit worried. Hoping that tomorrow will guarantee that Sunday will be a bliss.

.

Saturday came and I fetched my family and took it to our apartment. I was so worried about tomorrow. I felt like calling Vee to ask what's up but I waited impatiently. She was going to call me...

The day went pretty slow.. Lizzie tried keeping my mind busy by telling me shit about her school and how Theo was now old and crushing on her. It was cute and funny.. but it made me ask myself about Stacy. Was she alive and if she was, what the fuck was she doing now...

Around five in the afternoon, Precious was done double checking all our clothes for tomorrow since she was the responsible one here.

"Your phone Olly..." my sister said and I sighed, "pass it on."

She did and I jumped the moment I saw that it was Vee.

I ran to Susan's room, "hey..." I answered the moment I closed the door.

"Hey... how are you?"

"Honestly, distressed out.. you?"

'Then it's a good thing I called, to take you out of your misery..'

"You got good news? Please tell me good news..." I said.

'well.. yeah, good news is we found the culprit who did this and it's taken care off..'

My smile was wider than that flippin clown on the IT movie...

"Vee you have no idea how much this means to me. I'm so so happy.. thank you okay.."

'it's no prob.. so tomorrow everything is still going and people will still show up in numbers.. everything will be okay...'

I sighed in relief, that was like music to my ears..

"You're the best, so like who did it and why? I just want to know that..."

She cleared her throat, 'it was just someone, they were after me don't worry okay. It had nothing to do with you. They just wanted to ruin my company... but like I said, it's taken care off, so I'm just happy we are given another chance to make tomorrow a success.'

"I'm happy too.. so see you tomorrow?"

'you, Jeremy and I are meeting at seven in the office to get everything ready.. by 11 we have to have those books there and everything ready...' she said and I nodded my head as if she could see me, "absolutely Vee.. I'll see you tomorrow at seven..."

'be comfortable.. we have work to do before you look all glamorous...'

Was she complimenting my looks ?.. I smiled like an idiot, "I think you should take that advice because you're the only one who always looks glamorous.."

She laughed a bit, 'I'll see you tomorrow Lin..'

"Yes ma'am..tomorrow it is."

Then she hung up. I smiled... fuck.. tomorrow was going to be amazing.

I went back to join my family.

"So guys you'll bring my dress to the venue at 10 right, I'll leave in my sneakers and sweatpants..."

Precious nodded, "yep got it..."

"So I'm off to sleep now... goodnight.."

I ran to Susan's bedroom since I'll be sharing it while moms and Lizzie are here using mine...

I settled in and slept. Tomorrow was another day....

Sunday came right away and I was excited a bit about today's event. I got up and freshened up then I requested Uber since my family was coming later.

The car dropped me off by the office and luckily Vee arrived. She was wearing jean shorts and a tank with sneakers.. She looked fucken sexy.

"Hey... you look good." God that just ran outa my mouth, she looked at herself and smiled, "umh.. hey, you don't look bad either.."

I rolled my eyes. Of course she was going to say that.

"Where's Jeremy.."

"I'm asking myself the same question, I guess we have to wait for him since he's way too feminine than any of us.. maybe he was putting on make up.."

I laughed at what she said, "wow.. thank God you are not some uptight boss.. you try to be funny even when you're not... it's good for us."

"It's not funny but look who's laughing..." she said with a smirk on her face. I rolled my eyes got inside the lift. She followed as it took us to 8th floor.

We got inside the office and the books were there.

"The guys are here don't worry.. they are coming up.."

I took one copy and held it. I smiled, I remembered how happy I was when I got my book published. It was a dream come through.

"Remembering some old days...?" Vee asked walking in with three guys, "here are your books guys.. take them straight to the venue and you'll get people ready for you that side."

"Yes ma'am.."

"Olwethu, go to your office and call Lulama remind her she has to be there at 10 so that we can walk through what's going to happen again okay with her.. I'll go double check the refreshments."

Lulama, she was 20 years old and was the winner to the competition. A snob.. a fucken snob I asked myself why didn't I check their backgrounds before picking the winner. But it was already done and to be honest her book was amazing.

I arrived in my office and dialled the girl.

'Lulama hello..'

"Lulama, it's Olwethu from V.L Publishing House. Mrs Louw said I should call and remind you to be at the venue at 10 sharp so that we can take you through what's going to happen.. So I suggest you get ready.."

'you suggest I get ready...' she said and laughed a bit, 'alright I am going to get ready... thank you for the call.'

I shook my head and hung up. This kid. She thought she was the it thing. I realized how she looked down on me the day we announced her as the winner. She treated me like I was a nobody.. but I kept my cool since media was there. I didn't want to tell her that she was being a bitch. But the way she looked down on Jeremy and I made me a bit sick...

I got out and found Jeremy with Vee at the reception.

"Is he done applying make up?"

Vee laughed at a confused Jeremy, "see Jerry, I told you.."

"Olwethu how could you?"

Now I was confused, "how could I what? What did I do?"

Vee laughed at me, "let's go guys.. we need to check if the food is enough.."

We left the office and went to the venue. God, when we got there everything was already in place. The books were nicely packed and I was so proud. I was really happy. 

"Everything looks beautiful..." Jeremy said and Vee nodded, "truly does.. let's go check if we have a team..."

We walked in and yep the team was there. It was four boys and four girls who were ready to serve food to our guests.

"Okay guys... I saw everything and I think we are all good... So it's time we go get ready too, let's look best guys okay.." Vee said and I smiled, "yes ma'am..."

When I turned my family approached and my mom finally saw Vee after four years. The last time they saw each other was at a hearing for my dad where Vee was a witness against my dad of course.

"Mrs Lin...." my boss said and my mom smiled, "Valentia... how are you?"

"Good thanks and how are you?"

"I'm good too my child. This place looks amazing. I'm happy to see you do another thing that you love."

Vee looked so shy but as soon as my mom made small talk. Vee kinda became comfortable, "I'm happy too... it's really good to see you.. and look at how grown Lizzie is. Does she still love Barbie..?"

My little sister hated Barbie and if someone reminded her of that she was going to be a bitch. I moved from next tp Vee to actually go close her. Mouth because I knew she was going to say something sly.. but I knew I was too late when she spat..

"Ms Louw... you still have my sister acting like a crazy teenager in love..."

We all went quiet. Awkwardly. Quiet until Susan budged in and actually went to hug Valentia, "It's good to see you Ms Louw.. and this place looks nice..."

"Very nice indeed..." a voice that made me hate my life back in high school said from behind us.. we all turned to ...

Sandra Buckle..

"Hey guys.. looking all nice.. Ms Louw, Lin, McCain... wow Susan and Olwethu are still friends, you guys are great I tell you..." she said with a smile on her face..

She was wearing a black and white suit, not too manly.. and she had a camera around her neck and a black Canon bag on her shoulder. Her hair was short.. a boy cut. She looked good..

"Buckle... I want to say thank you so much for calling us to check if the event was cancelled. If you had not, we wouldn't have known." Vee said making me roll my eyes. I wasn't going to kiss Sandra's ass now that she saved us. She broke us... she fucken broke us and I wasn't going to forget that.

"It's nothing.. I'm glad I hel..."

I sighed, "I'll go get dressed..." I said cutting her off.

"Can I get a before picture of Lin, Ms Louw and Jeremy first.. please.. then after you are dressed we. Can re shoot it again."

Precious followed me with my dress to one of the rooms here.

"You still hate Sandra...." my bestie as I freshened up with water.

"I don't hate her... but if she was on fire and I had water.. I'd fucken drink it... all of it and let her burn in peace..."

Precious laughed, "yep you still hate her."

I applied deodorant and went to put on my long black v-neck side-slit prom dress. The sleeveless v-back dress has bold shoulder straps and a trendy exposed-zipper closure. It also flattered my figure with a slimming empire waist bodice.. it made me look like a fucken Goddess.

"Shit..." Precious breathed out and I turned to give her a questioning look.

She handed me my black heels, "here just kill us already. You look like you fucken walked out of a magazine."

I smiled, "that's the plan. All eyes on me and not on that Lulama bitch even though this is her day.."

"What did the kid do?"

I rolled my eyes and scoffed, "you'll see. She acts like she's mother Theresa.. you'll just see for yourself."

In 30 minutes we were getting out to go join others...

Vee caught my eyes, like the instant I got out. She came into the picture and I sucked in my breath.

She was wearing a black and white tuxedo suit and she looked super sexy in it.

"Dude.. you do know there's other people here besides Valentia fucken Louw... like Paige.. she just walked in..." my best friend whispered and I turned to see Paige smiling at me..

"She finally notices me... woow so how does it feel working closer with the woman you want with your whole being but can't call yours...?"

I ached my brows at her, "feels like you just said the most stupidest thing ever. But you'll pay for it..."

"For what it's worth, she was looking at you too..." Paige said and I laughed, "It's only a few minutes before the wife arrives and steals the show..."

That thought killed me but I brushed it off the moment Jeremy walked to me with his white suit. This guy could fucken dress.. he was with his boyfriend who was wearing a black suit.

"Hey guys..."

"Crisis Lin... your spoilt brat is showing her true colors..." Jeremy said and I sighed, "what now...?"

"Follow me..."

I did and we went to a corner where Lulama and Vee were standing. This girl was sulking or whining, which ever the fuck...

"I can't.. I'm nervous.." she said as we approached.

Valentia lifted her head up and our eyes met. For those few seconds it felt like it was just me and her here. The music fainted to the back and I couldn't hear any voice of people socializing... it went quiet and only her and I existed..

Someone cleared their throat. Lulama and then she looked at Vee, "Vee I need your help please.."

Vee... Vee.. were they now not only on first name basis but calling each other with them names only close friends used... he.. he.. he...

I was on fire.. This girl was serious something else.

"Can I have a pic to of the threeo first and then one with the winner included..." Sandra appeared out of nowhere.

Vee stood in the middle with Jeremy and I on each side of her. Vee grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to her. The way she was holding me was slowly killing me.. but I smiled for the camera..

"Lin and Ms Louw..." Sandra said and we stood as she took pictures. Then Lulama joined. Now a lot of journalists were taking pictures too.

After that 15 minutes of smiling for pictures I pulled away. I was startled when a hand pulled me, "umh hey.. I need you to write a speech for this kid.. she is saying she has a hard time..."

"Umh... her....?" Valentia was cut off by Lulama, "thanks I'll pass.. I'll write my own staff..."

I shook my head looking at this kid. I felt like slapping the shit out of her but I composed myself. This wasn't the right time.

"Heeeey Valentia..." two women approached us.

"Veee vee, you look amazing, where's your wife?" The other one asked and I saw something shift on Vee's face as she moved a bit, "she's umh... had an emergency to take care off.. I'm so glad you guys could make it.."

"Thanks for the invite.. aww I hope she's okay.."

"Umh.. I'll go Vee..."

She held my hand and introduced me to the women.. turns out it's her new friends..

I said bye to them and walked to Jeremy, "I'm going to kill that Lulama chick when this is over..."

Jerry laughed, "I'll help you..."

Vee came to us, "ten minutes.. please take Lulama to the stage. I want you to stand next to her as she talk..."

"Why can't I just stand with tou Vee? You're the owner of the company right? Why do I have to stand with your personal assistant?" This kid cut in again..

Vee's face turned and when she was about to say something her phone started ringing..

"Just a minute.. I'm coming back.." she said walking away to attend her call.

Lulama was about to turn and leave too when Jeremy pulled her.

"Ouch.. what?"

"You know honey let me give you advice since you think you have every shit figured out here. This woman that you treat like a piece of dirty meat is the reason you are fucken here and even having your first book published. She voted that your book be the winning one and helped with your cover. Now, if you want to act like some little spoilt shitty asshole, I suggest you don't act like that to her because she can break you as much as she's fucken making you right now. Go be a bitch somewhere else ungrateful brat..."

I pulled Jeremy, "God Jerry where did that beast come from?"

"She's annoying and she thinks she's better than everyone. Well honey you're not."

The girl frowned and left us there.

I turned around and saw Valentia looking all serious talking on the phone.. She looked off a bit it worried me. As soon as she finished talking that littlw brat went to her. I sighed audibly.

"She's young, attractive and smart... who does that remind you off?" A voice asked and I turned to Sandra.

"What?"

"Lulama... doesn't she remind you of a 17 year old you... now she's after the woman who has your heart... man, she's exactly her type.."

I looked at her and shook my head a bit. She was still a bitch. I was about to leave when she pulled my hand, "sorry... I came in peace... I just want to talk to you.. not now.. just sometime anytime outside of work.."

I ached my brows, "what? Wanna gloat on how you..."

"Not gloat... please...just let's talk about meeting each other...please."

"Olwethu..." Vee called for me and I looked at Sandra, "I'll think about it."

Then I left.

"Yes Vee...?"

"We should start.."

I held her hand, "are you okay...?"

She smiled a bit, "yeah let's go.."

She turned but I pulled her hand and made her face me again. Our eyes met and a swallowed a bit before asking, "Valentia are you okay?"

She sighed, "Olwethu don't ask... don't... I'm fine.. okay, just let's do this..."

She wasn't okay and that fucken got to me... but her... the event went spectacular..

It was the talk of the moment...

..

On monday I was tired as fuck but we had to go to the office.

"Do you have to go? You can just call in sick.."

I laughed at Paige, "babe.. no, I have to be at work.. I wanna know how successful the event was."

She kissed my cheek and turned over, "fine.. bye.."

I laughed again and got up to go take a bath..

In an hour I was about to request a ride when Paige appeared, "I'm up.. I'll drive you.."

When I got to the office Valentia was okay but not okay. She managed to put on that smile and be all joking but I knew her and she wasn't okay and that just was worrying me.

Tuesday same thing happened. She was off but she managed to hide it to everyone else.. not just me. I felt like I was going to go crazy.

I asked again if she was okay and she said she was. Tried to assure me but I was still now convinced. I knew Valentia. I just knew her.

Wednesday started off well and I went to my office to finish off my book. It was all good until my computer switched off again. When I went to reception Jeremy wasn't there.

"Flip!" I said walking to Valentia's office. I didn't knock.. which I regret even now...

I just opened the door and said, "Vee I need help with...." I stopped midsentence.. when I saw her cry..

"Oh my God Vee...what's wrong?" I said closing the door and walking to her desk.

She quickly wiped off her tears and sighed, "I'm fine.."

"Really? You haven't been okay and I've been worried. What's wrong?" I asked sitting on her desk.

She looked at me and smiled, a very sad smile, "you're sweet."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm seriously not going to let this go.."

She looked away. Without even thinking I held her chin turned her around to look back at me and then lifted her head up to actually make her face me, "Vee... what's wrong? Please talk to me. What's wrong?"

Tears..

God..

The sight broke my heart.

I saw tears walts down her cheeks and she wiped them again, "ahhh Olwethu..."

"What's wrong? Baby please talk to me.... please..."

"Everything..." she said, "..Everything just is.. wrong..."

Her voice was trembling and I knew this was huge. She was not a weak person. She never showed it like this. I  pulled her chair and held her body against mine as she let it out.

I wasn't going to let her go.