9 Page 9: Emergency, it's the Press!

I tried interrogating Miya of Niko's past, but she didn't say much. The boy didn't give her the full details either back when they had a good talk at camp. Only that, the boy had been an orphan up until the age of five. Winter of five, he was taken in by his uncle, his mother's little brother. I tried asking about his mother and Miya said Niko never got to meet her even once. Living with his uncle was not pleasant. He was not allowed to go out and play and as a child, that was emotionally scarring. He said he locked him up in their small apartment in the city. By the age of 8, Niko flew to Russia and was taken in by his grandparents.

I asked about Cherry and Miya said Niko only knew about Cherry when he was in Russia. He had no special bond with her whatsoever, and that he never even acknowledged her as his sibling.

Like my case, Miya was told by the principal not to tell anyone about Niko's case. He's very sensitive about it, no wonder he stormed off the moment it was brought up even a little. But because Miya trusted me, she made this special exception hoping I can change my opinions on Niko Stepanov.

By the time we got back to the classroom, I had myself staring off the distance from my seat. The classroom was bustling and everybody seemed to be back from their break. All except―Niko. I'm not even surprised he's going to skip again. He claims how I've caused his life discomfort, but doesn't he realize he's the one doing it to himself?

I took out my phone from my pocket to check the time. Ten minutes before break ends.

I stare. Stare. Stare. I don't know what got into me and I unwittingly opened Yoohoo searching for 'Cherry Stepanov'. Surely, the worldwide web could know Cherry but I just assumed she'd carry their family name at the very least. I clicked search and a bunch of links came up. None of it was Cherry Stepanov. Instead, there was an Aldred Stepanov who is....Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media???????? and what more....IN RUSSIA?!

I click the photo that came along with it and it jarred me how the image looked like an older version of Niko but....MANLIER.

OH

MY

LORD

THAT KID IS A PUBLIC SERVANT'S SON! AND A HIGH POSITION TO BOOT.

This is big. Wow. Okay, calm down. We were searching for Cherry Stepanov but there was nothing, but if we type in Cherry of Heiress and we read into a public domain record, all of it were about her stay with Heiress. I guess I'll have to investigate more. Ugh, why did my meeting with Heiress have to be next week? Can it be now?

I spoke too soon.

The PA system chimed and the principal's voice came in. The room fell silent as we all anticipate what was coming. Please be good news.

"Miss Eve Ishioka, please come to the principal's office right now."

Everybody looked at me as the message repeated three times.

This is why you do not wish for good news.

I see Miya mouth "Go" at me and so I did. I immediately stood up and ran out the room ignoring their stares.

Upon arrival, I knocked on the principal's door saying it was me. I hear Principal Langley say "Come in" so I twist the knob pushing my way through. I was expecting it'd only be me and the principal this time but shockingly Dave was there sitting with the principal on the couch, having coffee.

"Dave?" I exclaim as I close the door.

Oh no. Is this some kind of parent-teacher conference?

"I've told the principal everything." said Dave, standing up.

"Everything? What everything?" hostility in my voice.

"Do not worry Miss Ishioka. Despite the school having a no part-time policy, your guardian over here explained how crucial your modeling job is." said the principal, calmly.

He went and said what now?!

"However, let me strike a deal with you." his eyes narrowed. I never saw this look on the principal before.

I nod hesitantly.

"You are our school's precious academic achievement. Thus, I will allow such livelihood, as long as you keep your grades on the top."

I blink, "That's it? FOR REAL?" I didn't sound too excited right?

"Yes." he nodded.

"Brilliant! No problem at all!" I exclaimed. I can do that. Wow, this is going great! I thought I'd be in trouble but this is great news after all. I thought I jinxed myself.

I see him smile in relief.

"I've also terminated your community service, effective today as it would seem how busy your schedule will be." he grinned sipping on his coffee.

"Aw shucks! I can still work my hours. I'll only have to leave early by next Friday." I said shyly.

"I believe that's not the case." said the principal glancing to Dave.

I look at Dave and his expression looked urgent.

"There's an emergency." he said.

.

.

.

.

.

"Again, why am I having an emergency meeting with Cherry NOW?" I said putting my wig on from the backseat.

I had to leave school extra early for this stupid incident that I did not create but I happen to be the only one who can help. Dave deliberately picked me up, dragging me to the car and shoved my wig and a pink leather outfit at me saying "Dress up, we're heading for a con."

At first I was yelling how unreasonable it was to have a press con mid-day, but as if I still have a choice when this manager of mine suddenly starts up the engine and started driving. And mind you, it is not easy to wear contact lenses on a moving vehicle.

"Like I said, Cherry was followed by a bunch of paparazzis and then they started claiming they saw her come out of a school dressed up as a guy."

"What?"

Dave hands me a photograph while driving. I took the developed image and gasped for dear life when I saw none other than Niko Stepanov at the school gates looking pissed coming out with his leg up. He looked like he was stomping out like a child with his hands in his pockets. I wanted to laugh I swear, but I guess I should explain first.

"This is my classmate, Niko Stepanov. The one I was sanctioned with." I said.

I saw Dave's face twisted in annoyance from the mirror in front. "The guy who got you into trouble?" he said, voice matching his face.

Oh boy, here we go again. "Dave, bottomline is, this guy is Cherry's twin brother. No wonder the paparazzis thought it was her!"

The breaks screeched for the stop light, "You said what now?!" he exclaimed.

"Now THAT was too much body shaking. My wig almost came off!" I said clinging on to the back seat.

Dave and I finally arrive somewhere north of the city where Heiress' main building was at. We parked a few meters away as we saw a few reporters standing by the entrance.

"The press con will be at 2nd street's Dahlia hall in Royal Hotel, but I guess we expected some of the reporters to be waiting here too for an early scoop." Dave said unbuckling his seat belt. "You'll be a good diversion. You ready?" he turned to me.

I just gave him an ok sign and he went out of the car, opening my door.

I entered the car as Eve, and now I come out as Hera with all pink leather top and skirt matched with my thigh high pumped white leather boots, Regina George inspired look. I took the liberty of wearing my hair up in a high ponytail and pink tinted shades to finish the look. Who said a Queen can't be a Red Head Mean Girl, right?

"Let's go." I said walking my way to the reporters like it was my very own fashion show. Like what they say, the world is your stage. The reporters notice me as I was arriving and they hastily ran up to me carrying their cameras and voice recorders. It was flashing on broad daylight, I pose for their sake. Dave wasn't impressed though, he immediately ran up to me blocking them to keep their distance. They started ganging on questions and Dave's temper was starting to shoot up.

I take off my shades slippin it in one of my top's pockets and smiled, "Okay fellas, one at a time or my manager here won't let you near me ever again." I giggle.

The reporters were pleased, they don't get to see approachable models that much these days.

A man in black sweater steps up, "I am Michael from DFG News. Miss Hera, as seen in your recent activity in TeaDiaries, is it true that Heiress' Cherry and Queen's Hera are best of friends now?"

Okay Hera, your job is damage control, try to keep them away from the real issue.

I smile brightly, "Well, yes of course. Anybody could be my friend, especially if it's someone of the same industry."

"Hi, Renalyn from PopTalks. But aren't your companies in a feud? How does this affect your performance?"

I giggle, "I do not know where you got this information, but I don't see a problem with our company ties. Even in this industry, it is important to have good competition and that's all there is. No need to read into it too much."

"Then," a woman in a dark green suit steps in.

Here it comes. I know that look and pause. "What can you say about the rumor of Cherry coming out of a well known school dressed as a boy?"

Just when I was about to respond to it, Dave pulls my hand whispering, "Just smile."

I immediately did what he said and Dave steps in for me saying, "Questions about Cherry's whereabouts will be answered in the press con in an hour. Please see yourself to the venue if you wish to be answered." and he immediately guides me in to Heiress' entrance. The cameras didn't stop clicking even as I walked away, so I just waved and smiled until we finally disappeared from their sight.

As soon as we got in, the security guards dashed to the glass doors and stood there as a human barricade. It's a good thing big companies like this one have good manpower or we'd be swarmed by unwanted people.

"Thank you for coming in such short notice." a woman in bright plaid clothing greets us.

"No worries, Hera was looking forward to this." Dave shook her hand who looks more excited than I am.

So, who exactly is the excited one?

"It's a pleasure to meet you Hera. I'm Lily, Cherry's manager." the woman said offering her hand.

Hmm..so this is Cherry's manager. Not too shabby. Her hair was tied to the side neatly and this fragrance smells like one of VS Scents that just launched last week.

I took her hand and shook it in response, "Pleasure meeting you too. This is my first time in Heiress yet my first job is already damage control." I smile.

"Hera!" Dave nabs me from the side. "I'm so sorry, she's usually not like this." he explains.

Lily laughs, "No it's alright. Hera has a point. It was Cherry's fault for not being careful." she winked.

Wait what does she mean by that?

"The boy in the picture," I blurt out, "He's Cherry's twin brother."

I carefully observed Lily's reaction, but she doesn't seem too concerned. She only smiled when I said that and told us to follow her to the elevator to meet Cherry who was already at the conference room.

"I really appreciate your quick response to this matter." said Lily pressing for the 9th floor.

"No, it's a good opportunity to finally show the public that Cherry and Hera's online interaction wasn't just a ploy for marketing. This way, both our models will be recognized as young teens who are searching for friendship as well."

Getting too eager are we now, Dave? I can't believe this is all coming out from his mouth. Is this his way of punishing me for walking out on him this morning?

The elevator dings as it arrives on our desired destination. There's nothing much to see on this floor since it was all conference rooms lined up. Lily led us to the east side of the floor, 3rd door from the corner. She opens it for us, and there she was. Sitting first chair at the innermost part of the room, beside the white board, arms on top of each other looking unimpressed.

"Cherry." I mumbled to myself looking at the girl who looks like Niko but is wearing an off shouldered floral top with a small heart pendant-choker. I breathed in and brace myself for whatever comes next. I hear Lily gave us a few introductions but I couldn't take my eyes off of her. This is my first time seeing her up front but I can't help thinking how mysterious she is. Her information in the internet was limited, Niko never talks about her and how she ridiculously looks exactly like her brother but a version of Niko that I can't figure out. I caught myself locking eyes with her as she stared at me from across the room.

She suddenly stood up and smiled indifferently at me saying,

"Welcome to Heiress."

That was it. My first interaction with Cherry. The girl who added me on TeaDiaries for no reason. The girl whom I've sworn to take down along with Heiress. This was it. The moment I've been waiting for. Yet, it feels so weird. I don't know if it's just me, but...I could have sworn the temperature suddenly dropped the moment she decided to talk.

For a second there, I thought I was talking to the ice queen.