THE GHOST OF MY PAST(GP)

Chapter Three

The Ghost of My Past

For over eight years, Ive been wondering if I will ever see the pair of those emerald irises again before I die. Every time I met a guy with green eyes, my heart skipped a beat with anticipation. Still, none of them were the ones Ive seen in that frat party. Jisoo and Hoyeon, my sister, always emphasize that I was drunk that night, that my memory about Ellas father can be deceiving. But I know better. I still remember the exact shade of green they were and how intense his eyes were when he looked at me. It felt like he was piercing me and searching for my soul.

Just like whats happening right now.

Tearing my eyes from her, I look down and stare at my beige shoes as if they become the most interesting objects to observe on earth. Mr. Tans voice is muffled with the dull thumping sound in my ears as my heart beats so hard against my chest.

This cant be true. She cant be her. This is just one of those moments where I get caught up in the prospect of meeting the ghost of my past. This is just like every other day when I bumped into a pair of green eyes. They are everywhere, arent they?

Also, judging from her age, which is probably thirty-five or thirty-six now, she must have been around twenty-seven at the time I slept with Ellas father. She was a bit too old to lurk around a wild frat party, wasnt she? Then no, she cant be her. But why cant I shake away the thought of her being connected to Chloe? Is it because Ive seen her somewhere online that my mind plays tricks on me? Is it because of the familiarity?

The familiarity.

A realization dawns on me like a bucket of cold water. No, its not because Ive seen her picture somewhere before the orientation week. Its because I see the glimpse of her every day through my daughters face. The resemblance of Ella to her is undeniable: those eyes, that nose, and those lips.

No. No. No.

This is just a coincidence.

This is just one of those typical days. Tomorrow, I will bump into another woman who has piercing emerald-green eyes that throw me back to the memory of that party. Because they are everywhere. Yes, Ellas father is everywhere, but here.

I dont know how long Ive been circling in my own thoughts when Gina pokes my waist with her elbow softly. I instantly turn my head to her but before I shoot her a questioning look, I feel pairs of eyes on me. Scratch that. I can see all eyes on me. Shit. What have I missed?

Its your turn to introduce yourself, Gina whispers in my ear.

I nod and clear my throat while my brain digs into the lines I was practicing during my trip to work. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to make eye contact with everyone in the room, except Mrs. Manoban whose eyes are boring into mine now.

Good morning, everyone. Im Jennie Ruby Jane Kim, but you can call me Jennie or Jen; I will respond to either of them. I flash them a smile which I hope doesnt come off as a nervous wince. My educational background is business management and I spent my last five years working in the construction industry. I was an executive assistant for a couple of years to start with, then I started my career in marketing and sales. And now, here I am. Its an honor to be given this opportunity and be a part of your respectful team. Your support and guidance will be very much appreciated.

My introduction ends with applause from my new colleagues, forcing me to push my earlier internal debate to the back of my mind.

***

My first day goes by faster than expected. Its another introduction day, but more details into my day-to-day job. Sebastian is appointed to be my mentor for my first two months, which means he will introduce me to our clients and show me how things work. Once I get the gist of my work demand, I will be left alone and deal with my own accounts, milking them dry and bringing in as much revenue as possible for this company. Then comes the moment of truth: I will stay or I will need to start looking for a new job.