SIRENOIRE

“ astro-fucking-physics. ” it always scared her that she'd tell people what she studied and they assumed she'd be the type to watch the big bang theory. it would be better to be known as a high school drop out. “ yeah, same old people plus the nerds i now work with. it's great though, they kiss my ass because they believe i'll ever introduce them to other royals. ”

" bitch, what the fuck! that means you're like, really fucking smart. like reeeeally fucking smart. " it intimidates her! does this mean silje is eligible for a job at area 51? " same old people.... like... jelani? "

“ miss wenyi zhao ! that is me, yes. bernard alderidge, it's a pleasure to meet you. ” he would've gotten up from his seat to at least shake her hand if she hadn't sat down so quickly. “ i'm doing great, thank you for asking. and yourself ? ” politeness was necessary. “ i'll go straight to the point then: hearing you were looking to get back to business was a very pleasant surprise, i personally followed your work up until the point you decided to take a step back. are you still in search of a team to join ? ” please, say yes.

her smile freezes in place. " i would say the pleasure is all mine, but we have met before! " multiple times! her tone remains friendly, not wanting the atmosphere to feel awkward. " i'm well, thank you! " she allows him to finish before answering. a few things confused her. he followed her work personally, yet he has no recollection of them meeting? yes, they were all brief, but she was a high executive at the bulletin! " i am! i've had meetings with my former employer and with app-h as well! i'm still considering my options. " she sits a little straighter. " i'll be honest! i am exceptionally flattered by your recruitment managers sheer will and persistent on arranging this meeting, however, i am a bit confused on what position i would fulfill since comedia already has a vast number of executive producers and directors for your broadcasting sector. " she's aware her absence may have an affect on what she can be picky on, but she has won many awards for the documentaries she's directed and produced for the bulletin. surely, that's enough for her to have some sort of advantage.

“ am i a bad partner if i say i have no clue ? i mean, probably asleep so texting him won't do anything. but i will anyway. where are you taking me ? ”

" no. who the fuck cares where he is! " she leans back into the leather seat with her eyes closed. " you think i'd leave you alone outside of a club? friend of a friends studio. apparently they're throwing a party. " she turns her head to face celine. " i don't know who you were with, but maybe you should text them before your boyfriend. " she takes a long drag from her vape, offering it to celine despite knowing she won't take it. she's being polite!

" we are getting old ! i should very much like to carry my grandchildren before my bones begin to ache. " after all, her own mother was granted such a luxury when she'd had araya ! " oh, i shudder to think back on it, " and she does ! the memory causes her head to shake. " i had returned early from a trip. i thought i'd enjoy my morning coffee in my own home when araya and the boy come galloping into my kitchen and— darling, " she pauses, bracing imani for what's to follow. " he is completely naked bar a skimpy pair of boxers that leave very little to the imagination ! in. my. own. home. imani ! after months and years of begging for a proper introduction, that is what my only child had decided would be fit for me. i sure hope your children know better. "

" at least your daughter is in a relationship. i may have not liked the croy girl, but she was much better suited for my jelani over his short-term flings. at least she had status! " much higher than a runway model at least. " genevieve! " imani gasps, her feet halt, a hand against her chest and the other grasping onto her friends wrist. " that boy did not! " she shakes her head disapprovingly as she let's go, proceeding with their walk. " i was always so worried about him as a child, i did not think i'd have to worry about him as an adult! does his mother know? "

“ probably since i decided to get a degree and a real job. i know, big shock. ” the air kisses weren't really reciprocated, she just leaned into it. “ oh, fuck, i forgot i had ever been with lixun. i probably have more memories with his sister than him. didn't you have a crush on her ? ”

" you went back to school? " her mouth gapes open. " is that why i haven't seen you at any events? " she shakes her head— " oh wait, yeah, xiuying. " the crush lasted only about a few months. " so like, who are you hanging out with these days? still oli? "

" oh, no, no, no, no–" she burrows into her baby bag, plucking half a dozen tissues before pressing them into araya's hand. " it's aurel. he's always been a little bit... " clueless. she tosses her hand in the air for lack of a less insulting word. " you know... "

" i sat in glam for five hours today! and like! i really can't cry right now! it's okay, ines. you can be truthful! i know you never liked him! "

" you are preaching to the choir, darling. this new generation is simply so selfish ! they don't care for their mothers. have i told you about how i met araya's boyfriend ? "

" beyond selfish! do they ever stop to think of how this may affect us? " she shakes her head in disappointment. " no! i was beginning to think you'd never meet him. "

" –no you're right ! of course you're right, " she backtracks a little. " i only mean that... well, you know how men are ! if i hadn't expressed what i wanted, " intimacy, " then i wouldn't have katone ! sometimes they just need a little nudge. "

" ines! i need tissues! "

" i have one kid and i promise you, it's not the same ! levi and i did it all backwards. it took years before we had any semblance of a relationship. you and aurel already have that going for you ! have you spoken about it with him ? "

" i shouldn't have to speak about it to him! like! if i have to tell him when to propose, why am i with him! "