Chapter 5 5

Tate and I have been hanging out more often since that day. I have to admit that he's making me so happy these past few days and it's like my day isn't complete without him. He got into the habit of giving me flowers and food everyday, and we usually spend our time talking to each other.

I still can't believe that I have a guy friend like him. We are close and he is a gentleman. He is also caring and sweet, his future girlfriend is surely lucky. He told me he likes me but that's about it, he haven't asked if he can court me. But nonetheless, we're enjoying each other's company.

I also feel like I'm starting to develop feelings for Tate. I had a crush on him before when he was still cold and grumpy, but now that he has shown his soft, caring side I'm sure these feelings are not just a crush anymore. I also liked him then when I still knew him as Henry. Who wouldn't fall for him anyway? He might look ill-tempered, cruel, and too bossy but the truth is, he's actually gentle and he always appreciates me when we're together.

I came back to my senses when I heard a knock on the door. I wore my bath robe before opening it, I didn't want others to see me in my sleepwear. Clara was waiting on the other side when I opened the door. I invited her inside and she went in with a smile. She roamed her eyes inside the room.

"Ma'am Brazeal, your room is so nice and it smells good, too! The scent is just like your perfume. You're pretty and you smell good, such a perfect combination! If I looked like you, I'd stare at myself in front of the mirror everytime." Clara complimented me.

I chuckled a bit and told her to sit on the couch. I started roaming my eyes inside the room as well. This room is indeed pretty and high class. It's as if I'm living in a hotel room in Manila with its interior design. My eyes fell on the perfume I use on the bedside table. I went to the shopping bags sitting on the other couch. I bought a new bottle of the perfume because I didn't bring the one I was using in Manila to the airport, I might get offloaded.

"Clara, take this one," I handed her a boxed bottle. "I bought two of it here, you can have this one."

Clara's mouth agape. She stared at the letters in white that spelled "Clouie." My best friend Clouie Felipe owns a perfume and cosmetics line named after her and it's well-known here in the Philippines.

"Are you sure about this, ma'am? I can't accept this! This costs 5,000 a bottle!" Clara refused profusely.

"It's fine, Clara. I got that at a discounted price because I'm best friends with Clouie. She sponsors me." I explained to Clara. She hesitatingly accepted it in the end which made made my smile even wider. She kept on thanking me but I said it's a gift so thanking me once is enough. After the grateful remarks, she told me her purpose of coming to my room.

"By the way, ma'am, I went here to inform you that you'll be having your photoshoot today with our Head Photographer, Mr. Richard Solis. He's kind of strict, but don't worry! I'll accompany you the whole time." She said.

"Thank you for informing me, Clara. I'll get ready real quick. Oh, wait, will Tate be present in the shoot?" I asked.

"About that, I was told he's currently in the bayan for some business. He might be back tomorrow or the day after. Do you need something from him, ma'am? I can tell Sir Ta–" Clara teased me. I cut her off before she could finish.

"C-Clara!" I said blushing. "I was just asking. Just that!"

"Okaaay~" she chuckled before exiting my room.

I went to the bathroom and did my routine. I used my favorite soap that helps keep my skin healthy. I really have to take care of my skin because of my condition and career. I apply a lotion with high SPF level to protect my skin from the sun. I avoid it as much as I can, but sunlight is really part of my job.

I looked at my back in the mirror. The red patches were still there. Looks like I can't wear a two-piece for today's shoot. I got out of the shower after I was done. Even the interior of the shower didn't fail to be aesthetically pleasing. Its theme color was brown and the vibe was earthy. I searched for a pair of leggings, boxed cropped top, and tube bra. I'll wear a simple outfit today. I left my hair as it is, letting the air do its drying power.

Clara and I rode the golf cart again. We'll do today's shoot near the falls because they wanted to capture nature. Tomorrow's location will be the beach front where the hotels and leisure buildings are at.

"Clara, were they informed of my manager's request about being exposed to the sun? My skin is really sensitive to the sun that's why I can't stay directly under it for too long." I asked Clara.

"Yes, ma'am. I've informed them already. I talked to Sir Richard's assistant," she replied. We arrived to the location after 10 minutes. I got worried when I saw that it was an open location and there's no shades installed yet.

"Is she the model? That Brazeal Viglianco they're talking about? She looks like another ordinary girl! All I see is a whitewashed woman. They should've hired the supermodel sisters instead!" the photographer said when I got there. I felt meager because of his words. It's the first time I've encountered a photographer like him, and to think that he's the head photographer with that trash of an attitude. I'm indeed an ordinary girl just like everyone else, but he doesn't have the right to belittle me because of my albinism.

"Excuse me, sir, you don't even know me yet you speak like that. Aren't you ashamed to have such a foul mouth?" I retorted politely.

"Like hell I care. Shut up and get ready quick. You're wasting my time!" he shouted before turning his back on me.

I fell silent from the embarrassment. I saw the staffs look at me and whisper things to each other. I felt Clara's soothing hand on my back. "Ma'am, please don't mind that bitch. He's plain ugly that's why he's insecure of your beauty! Prove him wrong, ma'am!" Clara encouraged me.

"You're right," I tried to recover from earlier's blow. I'll prove that man wrong. I'm more than my disease, I'm not a top model for nothing.

We went inside the hut so they can style and dress me. The makeup artists put concealer and foundation on the red patches. They were surprisingly able to cover them and make my skin look better. They gave me a green two-piece that matched the ambience of the location. I looked at myself in front of the mirror, I look beautiful. I smiled when I realized that my confidence level was increasing. I'm beautiful no matter what because I am God's creation. He loves me, so I should love myself too no matter how I look. Albinism and foul words will never stop me from reaching my dreams.

We went near the falls. They only brought a huge cardboard as shield from the sun. It wasn't enough protection but it's better than nothing.

"Faster! I can't believe you're all grisly AND slow, just pick a struggle!" Sir Richard shouted.

We immediately went to position. Today's shoot will be a nightmare but I have no choice.

I went near the falls and started posing. The staff were blocking the sun with the cardboard every time it hits my skin. It helped protect me a bit from the sunlight.

"Why on earth is that thing there?! Get rid of that pesky cardboard! I need the sun! It looks magnificent in the photos when it hits the water. We need the nature's presence, remember?!" Sir Richard ordered.

"But Sir Richard, Ma'am Brazeal's manager instructed us that she can't be exposed to the sun for too lo–"

"Na. Ture! Did you hear that? We. need. the. sun! Do you really want to compromise the shoot and produce unappealing photos? This will be used for promotions! We need it to be the best!" he shoved Clara to the side. I saw Clara's embarrassed face after getting shouted at like that. That was my last straw. He can be rude to me all he wants, but he can't be rude to others! He's a guy and he just pushed a girl. Clara almost fell to the ground!

I went to rescue Clara from what happened. I told her to go to the hut before I confronted the bitch photographer. "Sir Richard, you're being unprofessional! You don't have the right to do that to her–"

I felt my face go numb when he suddenly slapped me hard. Tears escaped my face as I stepped back. Why did he do that? I can't believe people like him exist. I didn't even touch him!

"I don't care about whatever you have to say. Shut up if you don't want to receive another slap! I knew it, they shouldn't have chosen an ugly girl like you! You look awful and you just had to be nosy on top of that!"

Sir Richard suddenly fell to the ground after saying those words. I was about to help him when a pair of hands pulled my waist. I smelled a familiar scent. When I looked up, it was Tate holding me in his arms.

"T-Tate? I thought you were in the bayan?"

"Clara called me and said there's a problem here. I'm sorry, I didn't know this will happen. I should've gone with you today. Forgive me, Brazeal." Tate apologized. I shook my head, "it's not your fault, Tate. Don't apologize." I tried smiling to assure him but the slap from earlier still hurt.

"No, Binay. He's my staff, I should've known there was this garbage among my people. He even hurt you. I'll make sure that he'll pay for this." Tate said sternly.

He wrapped me in a robe and carried me bridal style. I gasped but his just held me even tighter. I glanced at his blue eyes as he looked straight ahead, they looked enraged. Even I felt scared from the look he's giving right now. I gulped and just moved closer to him.