THE RAVEN RIVALRY

C E L Y N N E

I can no longer understand myself, and my thoughts and these changes of feelings. But as long as I do this fate, arranged fate that I myself will also serve in the Mantahon clan for good, and will be a new path to new 'partners in trading' for the Lacbayan Clan.

I just sit on the sofa again right out from standing here like a crazed lady and then shortly as I get on my ass, I watch the news on their big and flat screen TV. Think about it, all we did back there was just all scripted, and now it's in the news, and I am quite amaze about the lines and the way the paparazzi shout us that it seems real for me.

The headline is: MANTAHON AND LACBAYAN'S NEW COUPLE SEEN TOGETHER.

Oh, did I mention something? About this is a matter of - plain organizing - for the sake of two rivaling companies. He even didn't court me, yet we are now a 'couple' already? So impatient!

That's how the Media works here too. By just the impression of your eyes all around here in just the local, most things are fake and paid, almost all of them are paid with money to make their presence on TV stronger, or they are paid to use the Media to destroy other companies and businesses.

That's how ruthless of the people here. Sometimes I wonder if I should have just been born and raised in the mountains and live peacefully away from plastics. It would be a paradise for me. But that's just my great chance of having option in case I can't avoid the piling problems.

That's the best alternative way for me instead of having suicide.

Mr. Lacbayan returned immediately here which he just came from his room upstairs and went to the dining room with his son. And I am just observing them.

"Have you prepared lunch now Ric? The Mantahons are still downstairs in the building."

"Yes."

Their voices have reached here the living room, I hope they are not deaf or having hearing problems. And a few minutes later, I am watching the news. Again. Hoping for something good like their commercials.

Ding-dong!

The doorbell rings again, and now this time I am the open it.

As I open the door, I meet the bright forehead of Mr. Lacbayan's wife, they have the same usage of makeup like my Mother, the one you can no longer recognize because of its thickness. Almost like a clown.

The two of us just smiled and I let them in. My parents just looked at me for a moment and sat on the sofas.

They also peeked at the plates and cases on the table, and returned their gaze to me.

"You have eaten even without us." My father said bluntly tone on his throat with arms crossing on his chest.

"What a rude manner." He adds, oh, how I am not pleased with his demanding words. It's not my fault that my stomach makes you hear that man. I didn't bring him words again, I don't want to build the heat up.

My soon-to-be fiancé gestures me and my parents to the dining room, and he brought the case and folder.

I know myself that I am uneasy with this motive again for the two companies. It's like the consequences of life and death, but my parents and them are used to business meetings, foe or an ally, or some changes of diplomacy— even if the fate of love is still involved.