And Then It Rained (Sequel to Rain Again; Stand Alone Book) (Completed)

Chapter Six: A Small World

"'To turn your clothing wishes into reality'—" Orland said from his standing position at the head of the table, pointing behind him at the written words cast by the projector. "This is the mission statement of the wishing star. And earlier shown photographs clicked by our incredibly efficient Victoria have given you a glimpse of the Wishing Star's organizational culture along with an overview of their products. So, do you have any questions?"

Sitting next to Victoria, who was listening attentively, Julie raised her hand that held a pen. "I've got one."

"Yes, Julie," Orland bent forward, placing his hands on the long conference table. "Ask away."

"How do they implement their mission? I mean—how do they implement this 'turning clothing wishes into reality' thing?"

"Good question," Orland clicked his fingers. 

Antelmo was at the opposite seat to Julie's. He said, "I had that question in my mind too."

"Mine, as well," said another scriptwriter who looked disappointed for not being able to ask that before Julie. 

Victoria eagerly observed the competitive yet passionate participation of most of the employees.

Orland smiled and answered, "They do that by customizing chosen clothing according to the customers' wishes as precisely as possible with specialized designers and tailors. They also have entirely handmade product lines produced by women who work from home."  

There were a few more questions as the scriptwriters and creative staff tried to understand their new project more closely. And when they ran out of all questions, Orland clapped his hand energetically and asked each to brainstorm a topic for the advertisement and prepare a draft summary of the script according to their chosen topics.  

"You seemed unusually quiet today in the meeting—" Orland inquired after the meeting was done and everyone was walking out of the conference room, "Rollan asked me to keep an eye on you. Is there anything wrong?"

It would have been great if Rollan were her father. 

Victoria smiled, which looked quite sore. "It's nothing. Just an ugly headache."

"I hope it's not from my talking," he joked, although looking a bit worried.

"I don't know, maybe," she laughed slowly.

"Get a coffee break then and have pain meds."

A break, particularly a coffee break, was truly needed. And so she took it. It was the second break she had taken that day when most of the others had also taken their breaks. Therefore, she had no one to accompany her to the coffee shop she had frequented since joining this branch.  

The shop was snug next to Chimera's office building and a favorite spot for the office people in the surrounding buildings to spend their break times in. The shop owner couldn't have chosen a  more perfect spot for business.  

She ordered a latte and lethargically sipped it on the corner table by the glass window. 

The weather was cloudy and cold today. However, that was not the reason for her headache. It was more of the lack of sleep she had suffered last night because of the pain that suddenly escalated in her ribs. After showering, she checked the bluish, blackish bruise that had formed beneath her breast. She needed to buy an over-the-counter pain relieving cream to apply and massage there that could remove the bruise. 

By the time she was done relishing the last sip of the coffee, her headache had lulled. 

Unfortunately, though, it returned with gusto, reversing the magic of the coffee, when she looked up at the person whose unmoving stare she felt digging into her skin. His cold black eyes were still as calculating as they were always, grey hair swept against the wind, and his beige skin matched hers. Apart from the color of their skin, she had got no physical attributes from him. The heavens had blessed Victoria with her mother's features and free spirit.