[10] A petty tete-a-tete

ISABELLA BELIEVED success depended on her optimum productivity, holistic health, and razor-sharp focus. She emphasized quality sleep. She should be in bed by 11:45 PM and naturally wake up by 5 AM; even on weekends. No alarm was needed. That's her sleeping pattern. It's already 1:25 AM, it's past her bedtime. But, neither the comfy bed nor her nightshirt's calming aesthetic and luxurious softness induced slumber.

After facing Charmaine during the interview, Isabella was extremely distracted and deeply anxious. She tried to relax and visualize a calm place; like the gentle ocean waves rolling on the sand. But the meetup that happened two days ago kept popping into her mind.

***

2:25 PM | Two days ago (Wednesday)

Isabella parked her diamond white luxury sedan in the parking space outside Chef Sultri's Bakery + Coworking Cafe, a famous cafe located on the east side of the Teatro District where upscale establishments dominated the scene.

In the 70s and early 80s, the district was known for theatrical performances, emporiums, restaurants, and coffeehouses serving as an informal hub for the elites, working class, artists, and activists. It's a historical landmark that can be traced back to before the city became a charter city. Over the years, the area shredded its origin and became an unlikely amalgamation of the dated pedestrian malls superimposed upon the city's emerging commercial district. Except for the east side, Teatro District was a frenetic hub of commerce where everyone hustled for a bargain.

While walking towards the cafe entrance, Isabella could see her college friend waving at her beaming with the happy-go-lucky vibe she abhorred since college.

Elena was a habitual exploiter when it came to asking favors. She would ingratiate herself with the group; so even if she's sloppy at doing her part, she's assured of participation. She would borrow money only to pay it way past the agreed deadline. Once she gets what she wants, she'll disconnect with you. She took advantage of the innocent to get a passing grade.

Isabella doesn't want to be fooled again. This isn't college anymore. She decided to end Elena's vexatious inclination to ask favors. That's why she agreed to see her.

Upon entering the cafe, she was struck with a feel-good vibe of the ambient noise and the lingering aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastry wafting in the air. It's a perfect place to indulge in a gastronomic tete-a-tete or hump day Wednesday coworking hustle.

The two-story cafe was outfitted with charming modern décor devoid of boring details. The first floor was intended as a café bakery while the second floor functioned as a coworking space for freelance professionals.

It's too bad because that feel-good vibe turned to disgust when she drew closer to Elena.

Elena gasped after giving Isabella an appreciative and envious once over. She exclaimed and gushed about the look, "Wow! You look so gorgeous. So slim! I like your OOTD. Girl, you look expensive!"

Isabella wore a black deep v-neck tuxedo jumpsuit, nude stiletto heels, and oversized sunglasses. She accessorized her look with an expensive hand-painted hibiscus envelope clutch from their Luxietude XOXO Collection. But she wasn't happy about Elena's praises which were tinged with ulterior motives. She sat down immediately. She refused any form of a friendly gesture. She didn't even bother to remove her oversized sunglasses. She placed the clutch on the table and crossed her arms.

Meanwhile, Elena felt like an impoverished wannabe socialite upon seeing her college classmate. She wore a cheap navy pinstripe cropped blazer over a black bralette, skinny jeans, and preowned designer platform pumps. Her purse was branded but second-hand.

To lighten the mood, Elena teased Isabella, "Why so cold? You weren't like this in college, you know. We were besties!"

Elena was so stressed and tense that she bit her lip. She's calculating if it's the right time to explain the reason she insisted on this meetup. But she decided it was best to chum up first. So she smiled and offered a drink.

"Would you like some cappuccino?"

Isabella waved her hand to decline the offer, "I don't drink cappuccino past noon. Let's cut to the chase since I don't have much time in my schedule. What is it that you want?"

"Oh, okay! S-Sure!" Since the cappuccino approach failed, she tried the gossip method. She casually placed a magazine on the table, urged her to flip the pages, and then started blabbering. "Y-you wouldn't believe who I saw at the mall."

But Isabella was uninterested because she didn't want to see anyone she knew from college. But what choice does she have? This girl was persistent. Giving her 15 minutes should be enough. It's annoying to receive messages and calls from her. Elena even stalked her social media profiles and engaged in her posts by leaving comments, tagging her, or liking them.

Isabella flipped through the magazine Elena gave her. She's annoyed since some of the pages are folded.

Elena could have inserted a piece of paper as a bookmark but chose to fold it. For Isabella, that's a grave offense since it destroyed the integrity of the paper. Don't they know how hard is it to create a magazine?

Isabella sighed as she carefully unfolded and flattened the creases of VanityFlaire with her delicate, well-manicured fingers. She closed the magazine and had it nested on her lap.

"You remember Charmaine, right? You know the one dubbed as the Queen of Charms back at uni. She's different now—" Elena paused for effect as if what she saw was so impactful. "It's like she downgraded from queenly to plainfully ugly. I wonder what happened to her. She suddenly stopped attending school. You know the rumor... Could it be that—"

But Isabella interrupted because she had no time for a petty tete-a-tete, "It's been more than a decade since college. I'm not surprised. People change—"

"Oh my gosh! So it's true? Her family embezzled enormous money. She must have suffered a lot from paying their debt. That's why she looked dowdy. Can you believe it? Her charms are gone. You wouldn't recognize her."

Isabella didn't like gossip. It's an idle trait of unproductive people. She gave Elena a silent treatment. She asked irritatedly, "So why am I here?"

Elena couldn't read the room. She doubled down, "Andy, it was her!" But realizing Isabella's displeasure, she apologized. "Sorry, girl. I didn't mean to... You know... I'm just not used to this... You… Seeing you in this—"

Isabella was annoyed upon hearing Elena address her as Andy. That was her nickname in the past. She removed her sunglasses and locked her gaze with Elena's. The latter was uncomfortable upon seeing Isabella's annoyance.

She snapped at Elena, "I'm not here to talk about sentimentality," she gracefully waved the VanityFlaire magazine and then carefully placed it on the table. "I had given 10 minutes of my time. Consider the next few minutes as a bonus. So better make the most of it."

"I-I thought you might be interested in Josephine's interview! In that magazine—"

"You could have spared us the trouble of coming here by sending me a message. Do you think I can't afford this magazine?" She frowned and asked, "What do you want from me, Elena?"

Elena was nervous. She has to swallow her pride or get another non-payment notice. She can't afford another excuse for unpaid rent and utility bills. It has been four days since they cut off her access to water and electricity.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know anyone to turn to! I need your help—"

"Hah! Seriously, Elena."

A year ago, their paths crossed at a charity soiree held at the Nueva Vergara Museum of Art. Elena, who was doing a part-time job as a food server, recognized her. She was caught off guard. Nevertheless, they had a short, cordial conversation.

After the party, Elena approached Isabella and asked if she could help find a job for her. Isabella said she'd try but wasn't committed. After a month of stalling, she helped her get a job as an office assistant.

About three months ago, Elena reached out to her again. She's broke and without a job. She knew Elena too well back in college. But reminiscing the past only brought unpleasant memories of college life. She looked at Elena with disgust.

Isabella vowed in silence, "I doubt a decade can change her opportunistic attitude. I won't fall for that again." She confronted Elena. "Are you doing this because I ask you to keep my secret?"

"O-Of course not... I'm not gonna say anything. I'm thankful that you helped me get a job," Elena sighed in frustration. "I-I'm short of cash right now. You know... I wouldn't resort to this if—"

"Let me get this straight for you. I prefer to not get involved in your predicament."

Elena was distressed, scared, and fiddling with her fingers. She begged, "I-I know. But I'm really in a tight situation. I haven't paid my rent. They cut off my water and electricity. Can I borrow cash? Please, for old time's sake—"

Isabella relented, "Alright. But this is the last time I'm giving you a favor. The last time, Elena," she reiterated. Then she took the smartphone from her clutch and started typing.

Elena felt relieved and overjoyed that she blurted out, "Thank you, Andy!"

Isabella stopped typing and shot Elena a menacing stare. She asked coldly, "Elena, do I look Andy to you?"

Elena was taken aback. She apologized profusely, "I-I'm sorry. I'll never mention it again. Ever! Sorry—"

Isabella resumed typing on her smartphone.

Meanwhile, Elena was assessing Isabella. The person across from her was no longer the poor, fat, ugly, and gullible Andrea she used to know. She's different now: rich, beautiful, and influential. She made a name for herself.

Elena was envious. She smirked maliciously and thought to herself: "I bet the rest of the class won't recognize her."

Elena understood Isabella's coldness towards her. Their college lives weren't perfect. Isabella has secrets. Well, they all have an unspeakable secret that should remain hidden. All she wanted was help. But Isabella didn't even have an iota of concern for old times' sake. She felt a tiny spark of anger growing inside her.

She looked at Isabella with disgust. She cursed in silence, "This pretentious slut. Dammit! Why do I have to beg to this bitch? Now that she's successful and moneyed, she won't even hear me out. But what choice do I have? I have to swallow my pride. I have bills to pay."

Finally, Isabella was done using her smartphone. She said, "I just wired money to your account," Isabella got up, put on the sunglasses, and prepared to leave. "Now, if you'll excuse me—"

But Elena slightly pulled her sleeve and beamed with relief, "Thank you so much. I'll pay you back. Promise!"

Isabella simply nodded. Elena stood up to hug Isabella, but the latter stepped back. Elena was offended and annoyed.

"Hey, Isabella! H-how about joining us at XII Beer Craft? Friday at 7?"

Isabella frowned. Elena just borrowed some money and now she's inviting her to a bar. She didn't like that.

"I-I mean... You know, when you're free. It doesn't have to be this Friday. I'd like you to meet my friends!"

Isabella declined, "I have prior engagements. I need to go now."

They bade their farewells.

Elena watched as Isabella walked towards the exit. She couldn't hide her anger any longer. She's alone and seething with indignation.

She ranted quietly, "What a bitch. She's so full of herself because she's successful now. Duh! I wonder how much she paid for the surgery. Did she forget? She's Ugly Andy. I'll get even one day, bitch!"

Elena's brooding was interrupted when she received a notification from her smartphone. It's from the online banking app. Her sour mood was replaced with giggled excitement. Isabella's money transfer pushed through.

"Oh my god!" she exclaimed and muttered to herself, "I can pay my bills now. No more cheap take-outs and candlelights. Finally, I can wash my laundry."

Twenty minutes ago, she was stressed, broke, and utterly miserable. But seeing the hefty deposit in her account made her feel financially secure for the time being. So she extended her stay at the cafe. She ordered the cafe's signature Sultri Cotton Cheesecake and cappuccino.

She did what any party animal would do. She contacted her friends so they could meet up tonight at XII Craft Beer, a local beer brewery known for naming its beer after the 12 zodiac signs.

Partying was the answer to mid-week blues. They agreed to meet at the bar. They've been regularly hanging out in that controversial bar. Sometime last month, a psycho opened fire during the soft opening but the incident didn't hinder its popularity.

Meanwhile, Isabella took a final glance at the cafe before driving away. She's right in her assessment that once an opportunistic bitch, will always be one. 

She lent money equivalent to four months of work. But she doesn't care. Elena was indebted to her. At the right time, she would come to collect with interest. And she would make the most of it.

She's Isabella Anne Gray; not Andrea nor Ugly Andy. She vowed that no Charmaine, Elena, or skeletons in the closet would ruin her life.

As for Josephine's interview in VanityFlair, Isabella was vexed about it. When that bitch retires, the coveted editor-in-chief position will be handed to Josephine's protege. Of course, it's another entitled Tarragona. The thought of that pissed her off.