Joanna widened her eyes at the 40-inch flat screen, shocked to see the news being broadcasted on one of the TV stations where her fellow model colleague was currently being interviewed.
Once again, she felt blindsided. This time, it was her close friend, Adaline, being disparaged by her friend, Jovanka. And she had just found out about it.
It was all because of her manager who always restricted her from using her phone and social media.
Joanna glared at her manager. "You're really heartless, Fer!" she shouted, disregarding the hotel guests who were enjoying their snacks. "This is not trivial, Fer. My friend is the subject of discussion here."
"Joan. I know you care about Jovanka, but..."
"Care about Jovanka? I couldn't care less about her!" Joanna snapped again.
Her somewhat timid manager furrowed his brows and then widened his eyes with his mouth agape.
"Give me back my phone!" she demanded.
Her manager retrieved the flat object from his bag and handed it to Joanna. Joanna searched for her friend's contact. However, instead of contacting Adaline, she called Tessa.
"Tessa, I'm sorry, I just saw the TV. What really happened?"
Joanna ran her fingers through her hair roughly as she paced back and forth in the hotel restaurant area. Ignoring the attention of the people who were now focused on her upon hearing Tessa explaining all the details. From Jovanka's questions and statements at the cafe, the photo she anonymously sent to Adaline, to the chocolate gift purposely sent to the company.
"Damn! I can't believe she's that crazy. I'm truly sorry, Tess. It's all because of me. I never thought it would turn out like this." Joanna genuinely regretted it. She had unwittingly become the bridge between Jovanka and Adaline, inadvertently hurting her good friend in the process.
"I'm actually curious, Joan. Our initial meeting at the restaurant that time. Was that accidental, or did you already arrange to have lunch with her?" Tessa's question made Joanna pause for a moment.
"The first one was purely coincidental," Joanna replied honestly. "As for the second one, I'm not sure. Because at that time, I said I was meeting up with you guys. And suddenly she wanted to tag along with me."
"So my gut feeling was right that she intentionally wanted to stir up trouble with Adaline."
"Oh my God, poor Adaline. By God, if I knew Joe was that evil, I would never have introduced her to you guys."
"How would I know she would be this extreme? I couldn't even handle hearing people's comments here. Let alone Adaline."
"How's Adaline doing?"
"She's staying at her in-laws' house. It's safer there. Reporters can't come in. Aunt Violet and Aunt Emma are also staying there to accompany Adaline. Luckily, she resigned. If not, I wouldn't know how to calm her down. You know how she is. Even when she's sick, she would never admit it."
"Yeah, that girl is really something else. She's getting crazier by the day. This isn't just impatience anymore, it's madness."
"Enough, don't curse someone else's child. Like you're not crazy yourself. You're already ranting and raving like a mad person, you know."
"Whatever. Venting out emotions is a sign of our mental health. And it keeps us looking young."
"Really? Says who?"
"Says me. I just said it, didn't I?"
"Ohhh... I thought you were quoting from a book."
"So what if I was quoting from a book?"
"It's just weird because you're the one who dislikes books the most. Working in the entertainment world but yourself being clueless."
"Damn you. Always making fun of me. Fine, I'm going to call Adaline. My hair's going to curl if I keep talking to you."
"I actually enjoy talking to you. My hair suddenly becomes straight. So I don't need to straighten it every morning."
"You devil." Joanna cursed and immediately ended the call. She then continued the call with Adaline. "Ada..." she exclaimed as Adaline answered the phone.
"Joan, my ears hurt!"
"Sorry. Ada, I'm in Bali right now, staying at your in-laws' hotel. Can you tell your in-laws to give me the presidential suite when I come there?"
"That's what you want!"
"Yeah, obviously, it's what I want. How are my future nieces or nephews? Are they healthy?"
"Very healthy."
"Still having morning sickness?"
"Nope. My appetite has actually increased."
"Wow, when I meet them, they're going to be as big as a horse, right?"
"Oh, Joanna. I don't think they'll be that big. It's only been five months."
"What do you want as a souvenir? Aromatherapy candles? Aromatherapy tea? Aromatherapy soap?"
"No need. Your safe return here is already enough. But if you can, bring lots of milk pie. And also some pies."
"That's easy. Just transfer the money to my account."
"Oh, Joanna."
"Alright, alright, what wouldn't I do for a pregnant woman? If not tomorrow afternoon, I'll be back the day after tomorrow."
"Okay. Take care."
"Roger that..." Joanna hung up her phone.
She sat back, leaning against the chair. The TV show had changed. Jovanka's face was no longer visible. Even the food she had eaten earlier had gone cold. But she was still curious about the news that had brought her friend's name up.
Joanna opened the online media app and started reading every article she saw. All the news stories told the same tale. Jovanka had a secret marriage and was then left because her husband chose to marry another woman. Some media outlets even spiced up the story with details like the lack of parental approval, her husband's forced arranged marriage by his parents, and many other phrases.
Joanna growled in anger. If only that woman were in front of her, Joanna would love to yank her hair. Consider it representing Adaline. Knowing her friend wouldn't do something so extreme.
But don't think Adaline is weak. Behind her silence, Adaline always carried out vicious revenge. Joanna had witnessed it before.