THE CONTRACT

MONA

Have been feeling extremely stressed for two weeks now. All incoming calls from customers requesting for a makeup artist always wants their makeup done by me. I have totally become the most sort after in Wonder Woman.

I don't get to communicate with Jack as always because he has been very busy with his job just as I was. But I was happy he was coming for the Christmas so all the missed days of communication will be compensated.

Having Jack around was everything I could ever wish for. Our time together was always memorable one, we go on dates regularly, sometimes we go to the beach at night just to feel the Midnight's breeze, the smell of fresh water...I began daydreaming that I did not see Mrs Charlotte in front of me.

"I see you must be thinking of something you must be thinking of something romantic.", Mrs Charlotte said smiling brightly.

"Anyways i have great news for you Mona and am sure you would love it."

Mrs Charlotte is always looking very beautiful whenever she appears. She's looking gorgeous as ever today with her face glowing in a perfect makeover, her hair neatly styled and tied with a fancy blue ribbon that matches the colour of the dress she's putting on..

I wonder what great news she has for me. God must be smiling down on me for have been having series of good news ever since the day I passed my solo test.

"You have been personally chosen by Her Royal Highness Princess Xena of Northern America, to be her personal makeup Artist for her upcoming wedding next month".

I think I forgot how to breath the moment I heard Her Royal Highness....

"Oh..My...God... "

This must be the greatest fairytale news have ever heard.

"Excuse me Mrs Charlotte, are you saying I was personally chosen by a Royal princess?".

"You are very correct Mona. She got to see your work from your first client Mrs Roosevelt Kingston who happens to be a relative to the Royal family".

"You are a very luck young lady, am very proud of you my dear. You will once again put in your very best for this too Mona."

Words can't describe the way I feel right now, to say the least, am extremely happy. I feel like am in some fairy tale story.

"What's the date for Her Highness's wedding if I may ask so I can begin preparations."

"Oh it's the day before Christmas". Mrs Charlotte said.

"Shoot!".

This is a disaster, why the day before Christmas?. This is so...freaking the worse decision I will ever have to make.

"Mrs Charlotte, uhmm.... A day before Christmas might... not be a good idea for me because I have already made plans for the Christmas with my family".

"Mona, you can't be serious are you?. One Christmas away from home can't hurt, but a Royal wedding certainly can't be postponed because of you. Don't forget The princess chose you personally.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity given to you in a platter of gold Mona, don't turn it down please.

Listen Mona, i understand the importance of family gatherings specially in the celebration of Christmas but, this is not just about you but about the whole company.

The fate of Wonder woman might be at stake if you refuse.

You should go home, relax and think this through but make sure whatever decision you will make will be for the best.

Don't forget, the fate of thousands of employees and the company as a whole is in your hands."

I feel like am being torn to a thousand pieces. I initiated the plan of always getting together every Christmas no matter what happens or how busy we get in my relationship with Jack but now how am I to explain to him I won't be around this Christmas.

If I choose to leave, I will be breaking my promise to Jack but if I stay, I will be putting the reputation of my company and thousand of employees at stake.

"My God... why is this happening?".

Why Christmas?, this isn't fair at all.

But honestly speaking having my work recognized by a royalty is like a dream come true,I would have screamed for joy if not for the fact that every Christmas was dedicated to my relationship.

Maybe I should just let him know am sure he will understand, but what if he won't. Arrrrgh.....This is so messed up.

For the rest of the day I had a mixed feeling of both happiness and sadness. My drive home was boring and tiring as well.

2 WEEKS LATER

For the rest of the month, have been trying my hardest to do a great, job but whenever my mind flashes to what I should be preparing for i get instant headaches. In the evenings I and Jack always communicated,but I was still struggling on how to break the news to him, one he would be very happy for me, secondly, he would be very sad.

By the end of November, Mrs Charlotte called me to her office again.

"Mona so...what's your decision on what we discussed few weeks ago?".

"I haven't made my decision yet but give me a week I will sort things out", I said".

"Look Mona I know its not easy for you due to the fact that its Christmas and am sure you haven't spent a Christmas away from your family before right?".

"Yes Mrs Charlotte, though its way more complicated than that but just give me a week I will be sure to give you a feedback.

After I left the office, I called my best friend Becca. At times like this I need the help of my best friend.

M: "Hey best friend, how are you doing?,

B: "Hello Mon, why do you sound so down, is everything okay?.

M: "Not okay at all. Am confused right now.

Two weeks ago my second Boss told me have been personally given a contract to do a Bridal makeup for a Royal Princess and the wedding is the day before Christmas.

First and foremost I was really happy to be recognized for my work, but secondly a day before Christmas is nerve wrecking because its supposed to be my holiday time and you know how Jack always had the Christmas period to ourselves.

We promised to suspend all work and spend our once in a year opportunity together.

What should I do best friend, have been having sleepless night for this and I still cant bring myself to tell him.

B: Hold on....Did you just say a Royal princess, like the real kind of princess?,

oh....my...God..... Mona you are one lucky girl! but it seems fate is playing tricks on you this time.

You know what, I think you should talk about it with Jack am sure he will understand you. He loves you very much and he knows this has always been your dream so am sure he will be okay with it.

Best friend I don't know what you think about this but I know for a fact that you cannot miss this opportunity please.... this is a dream come true.

Mona was very glad her friend supported her, now all she had to do was tell Jack about it.

JACK

Jack was happy Mona could pursue her dreams but was also sad because he had planned on proposing to her.

He knew it will be harder to be with Mona now that he won't be able to see her.

A year is still very long and he can't tell what will happen within a year.

He do trust Mona but not himself, he knew she deserved better than him now that he's been cheating on her.

Jack decided to hold on for another year, come what may.