Chapter 6 The Contemporary

Presently...

Valeria Cirillo, a famous journalist can be seen adjusting her blazer to be worn later for her work, while doing that thing the smiles could not be erased from her lips, because she was already excited about whatever she could do today. Valeria is a smart and compassionate grand daughter, her grandmother named Mildred who only takes care of her, because her mother has died since she was born. She grew up in a simple place like her mother, at a young age she was able to work to provide for her grandmother who had heart disease. She graduated from college and became a journalist, and there she began to give her grandmother a good life as she had promised to her.

"Grandma, where do you want to eat tonight? Maybe I will be late when I come home later because I am going to a secluded province in our country to interview the people who live there for my documentaries episode that will be aired next week." Valeria stated that as she approached her grandmother, who was now seated in her wheelchair, she had difficulties walking owing to her grandma's age, but she was still able to stand. Mildred was already seventy five years old, and when Valeria was a newborn, she overlooked her illness in order to satisfy her grand daughter's daily demands. So it is no mystery that Valeria still adores her and why she cares so deeply about her in everything. And then that was one of the things Mildred liked about her, Valeria did not reject and abandon her despite what the woman came to life, she was known all over the country, and she was so happy that her granddaughter did not embarrass her. In fact Valeria is still proud of her and it always introduces her followers to her grandmother.

After Mildred learns of the death of her daughter Amanda after she gave birth her world has almost collapsed, she will admit that she could not stand the news she received. She felt like she was being stabbed repeatedly because of the pain she was feeling, because she had also planted in her mind that she could not really live without Amanda due to she is the only source of her happiness. But everything changed when she saw Amanda's daughter, whom she named Valeria. It was not easy for her to accept that Amanda would never come back but she had hope to live because of Valeria and maybe if Valeria was not in her life she would not be in this world either.

"Valeria, darling. You should not pay any more attention to me, I know you will be tired later when you arrive, just go to sleep and I will take care of myself, I can eat a lot right there in the refrigerator. Honesyly, I can not already count on my hands are the ones you buy weekly stuck foods. I won't go hungry here." Mildred said with a laugh, because if Valeria always treated her, it would be like she was a child who needed a parent's guidance. Valeria is always worried about what will be best for her grandmother, and even though she is busy with her work and often when she and Mildred meet, she always allocates three days a week where they will leave and eat at a famous restaurant. All the things that Mildred had not felt before, were almost felt and given to her by Valeria at the moment, even though it had fulfilled everything she wanted in life she still could not forget the person who raised her.

"Grandma, this is just the first time we are going to eat this week. So, hurry up, you have to agree, do not be stubborn, okay? I am sure that grandpa will be mad at you!" Valeria said, and she could not help but laugh and she also could not help but smile every time she saw the smile on Mildred's lips, she felt like she had achieved everything she wanted in life because she became Mildred's granddaughter.

Today they still live on the beach, on the island where Valeria grew up. Valeria wanted to leave that place and give Mildred a nice and more comfortable home but the old woman still did not want to leave there, because of the memories that remain in that place. It seems like it used to be that the only reason she stayed in that place was because of her memory of her husband, but it further reinforced her desire to stay in that place when Amanda died. Because she still remembers the sacrifice Amanda made so that they could stay there forever, and what she wanted was respected by Valeria, all the woman did was make their home on that island more beautiful and make it more and more secure in their home because she knew it was no joke to be a journalist, she has also grasped the horrific problems that are the reason why she receives death threats every day, she was used to it but she would admit that she still could not help but be scared especially in her grandmother's condition.

"I promise that no matter how busy I am at work, even if I do not get enough sleep and rest every day, I will still give you time and attention. We are the only two left in life, aren't we? We are the only ones protect each other, grandpa and mom have left us, but they still always guide us and I promise that I will always guide and take care of you." Valeria mentioned as she held her grandmother's hand, she was in tears as she kissed her hand. She does not want to think that the day will come when she will lose Mildred, that is how life is, nothing is temporary, but she thinks that she can not handle it. It is her inspiration in everything and in whatever she does, Mildred is always the reason behind her success and what she had achieve in life. So she always gives her time no matter how busy she is, she does not care, in fact, she is ready to cancel her schedule just to have time with Mildred. She feels that time is her opponent in these moments, she does not want the time to come when Mildred will be avoiding her because she does not have time for it anymore. As much as she can, she will continue to take care of it because it is her only family and she did not want the time to come when she would say to herself that she would have done it then, that she would not have repented now.

"That is why you are my favorite of all. I feel like you love me even more than Atlas." Mildred said at the same time teasingly looking at Valeria. Valeria couldn't help but laugh because her grandmother was teasing her.

"I really love you more than him." Valeria said with a loud laugh, you can tell in her voice that she is in love, and you can also notice in the color of her cheek now the thrill she feels since talking to Atlas, her boyfriend of more than five years.

She met Atlas at an event five years ago, they were both guest speakers at the time. Atlas came from a prominent family of politicians in their country, in fact his father is a president at present. Despite that, Atlas remained footed on the ground despite the luxury and popularity they now have around the world. In fact Valeria was the first to show interest in Atlas, because after hearing Atlas' speech she could not help but marvel at the intelligence that the man possessed. They had the opportunity to date and there their relationship blossomed, even if it was easy for others but for Sariya it was probably the happiest part of her life. Atlas is the first boyfriend and will be Valeria's husband one day. Even though he had not arranged a marriage with the woman, Valeria knew that that was the end of their relationship. Because their five -year marriage is no longer a joke, they usually do not see each other but their love still remains. Atlas is a business man and a chief executive officer of a famous restaurant and hotels in various parts of the world and that was one of the things Valeria admired in him, he did not depend on his parents for whatever wealth they had. Atlas is a quiet man only, the most he disliked of all is to be the center of attention in general, that is inevitable because his family is a public figure that almost every camera is focused on them at any given time. Despite that Atlas preferred and insisted on living quietly and away from the life of a politician. He has no intention of becoming a politician one day, and he just wants to lead his businesses, and he is willing to help those in need without the necessary position in government.

"You know grandma, I was lucky due to Atlas became my boyfriend because despite his state in life he was still able to love me. He was a simple man, all that a woman is probably looking for in a man is in he already has. Consider this: he was the most knowledgeable, courteous, genuine, respectable, educated, and honorable man I have ever encountered. Maybe that is the reason why I can not let him go. I think he will be a responsible and good father to our children in the near future." Valeria mentioned at the same time with her slight smile as she remembered Atlas's face.

"Then of sure, Atlas is fortunate with you since he has met a compassionate, considerate, industrious, cunning, and gorgeous lady like you. Rarely are such characteristics that a man can find in a woman." Mildred, Valeria's grandmother, immediately said that it was a reason for Valeria to almost sit up from her knees because of the laughter. Even Mildred was confused as to why Valeria suddenly laughed, whatever the reason the old woman had no idea. Because in fact she just describes her characteristics as a grandchild and as a person and it seems Valeria thinks what her grandmother said is just a joke.

"You are just raising my head, I might be arrogant." Valeria's laughing joke also caused Mildred to laugh, this was probably always their scenario in the morning before Valeria left and went to her work. Valeria always makes sure that before she leaves she has time with her grandmother, every time she leaves she pays a maid to watch over her grandmother. She knew and trusted that maid, because they often hired someone who always get lazy and often hurt Mildred whenever she tried to walk far even though she could not. They feel that the blame will go to them when something bad happens to the old woman.

At that moment Valeria was already dressed, she was wearing the uniform of the broadcasting network she was working for and she was just waiting for Atlas to pick her up, because on that day the place they were going to was only close to each other, so they decided to come together to somehow they also have quality time. When Valeria heard the horn of Atlas' car, she immediately adjusted her equipment, she knew that Atlas would only stay in her car because people would definitely follow her when they saw her. Atlas is known around the world as the president's son so it's no wonder, in fact he should have had body guards with him but he chose not to then he discussed it with his father; at first, he did not agree, but Atlas wins their discussion in the end. He does not want to appear important or private in the sight of others.

When Valeria finally got the equipments she needed she immediately kissed her grandmother on the forehead, a sign that she was letting go of her work. After that she still could not forget to say the words she always said to Mildred every time she left the house;

"Atlas is already there I need to leave, be careful here. I love you!"