15. Persistence and Memories

"Joshua Oliver and Jack Maverick?"

There was Danni and his man, Ben. They were dealing with the warehouse department of Genie Market to apply for a part-time job. They were in disguise. Changing identities, as well as accessories such as glasses, made the two men look old-fashioned.

"Joshua Oliver from Hempstead Village?"

"Yes, sir." Danni's smile looked innocent. He also raised the center of the glasses a few times.

"You're 27 years old and haven't gotten a regular job yet?"

"That's right."

"Why?" The warehouse team leader was interrogating.

"I've always worked part-time because, you know, I didn't go to college." Danni cheerfully told the sad story of Joshua Oliver. "My family didn't have enough money for that. So, I worked anywhere I could make money. For food, shelter, internet and a few pairs of clothes... I guess that's all I needed to live."

"How sad your life is." The team leader then noted something from the interrogation. "And then, you, Jack." He read the file. "You came from Houston, Texas?"

"Yes, sir."

Unlike the cheerful Danni, Ben played the helpless Jack, an introverted figure with pressure on his shoulders.

The team leader sighed. Without the need to interrogate him, he could already guess the twists and turns of the life of Jack Maverick, who left Texas to make a living.

"I know your life is a mess! Everyone in this warehouse has more or less the same background as you. But try to learn from him," said the team leader with a glance at Danni. "Would I be able to accept you if you looked this unenergized?"

"No, sir! I'm very energized despite looking like this." Ben said more firmly while Danni was quietly stifling a laugh.

"Can you be trusted?"

"Of course, sir," Ben continued. Although he still didn't look excited, at least he was more radiant.

"Warehouse people are passionate people. Do you understand?"

"Understood, sir!" they exclaimed in unison.

"Well then... Miss Mei!" The team leader called out to another figure, and then talked to her for some time, leaving the two in place.

Danni and Ben both exhaled in unison. It was like they had just finished an adrenaline-pumping game. It was a great relief for this early stage of acting. Unintentionally, they looked at each other and laughed.

Presumably, they felt strange about the new identity, but they also felt proud that they had been able to act well.

"Wow! I thought my acting would be better than yours, but you're cooler, Ben," praised Danni, still trying to control her laughter so that it wouldn't just break out.

"Really?" Ben couldn't believe it. "I also didn't know that I'd fit into this character you've created."

Danni patted Ben's shoulder. "But don't get so wrapped up in this character that you forget you're a detective."

"Of course, sir. I can't possibly get into Jack's character."

"I'm just reminding you. You may have gotten too carried away."

"I won't. But one possibility is certain."

"What?"

"I might become an actor after this mission is over."

"What are you talking about?"

Danni and Ben gasped as the team leader arrived. But both tried not to be awkward and got back into their fictional characters quickly.

"N-nothing, sir. I'm just encouraging him," Joshua said, still smiling as he patted Jack's shoulder. "Keep your shoulders up, buddy!"

Jack followed his orders a little awkwardly.

"You know what? Body proportions have a lot to do with your performance."

"Okay. I'll try my best!" Jack looked like he was trying hard.

Joshua chuckled, then looked at the team leader. "Do you see, sir?"

"All right. Poor people encourage each other," the team leader chuckled to himself. "Ah, here are your vests. Use this as the warehouse team's uniform."

"Alright, sir!"

+++

The stylist had prepared an outfit for Alex Matthew, who was going to attend a music festival on his 88 Corps music label.

Alex did not like being styled by the stylist. He prefers to be prepared and wear it, tidying it up himself. After the hairdresser gave him the best style, Alex put on his suit while looking in the mirror.

Alex could see the good looks that had reached the perfect point in him. He was like the statue of Apollo Belvedere, a perfect sculpture.

But unintentionally, Alex stared at a figurine that lined the nightstand in his walking closet. He was stunned for some time staring at each of the figurines that showed pictures of him and Celine from over time.

Alex's heart trembled. It still hurt inside when he saw those memories. They once loved each other and strengthened each other. The smiles in each photo were so genuine and happy.

"Argh!" Alex complained. "Did she leave me just to exploit me?"

Alex chuckled at the thought of the dozen years he had spent with that Barbie-like beauty.

"Not really. If Celine had only exploited me, she should have left me sooner." Alex suddenly got emotional about Celine again.

Sometimes, Alex wanted Celine back to teach her a lesson. Sometimes, he wanted her to disappear because the disappointment was too great. But when memories sneaked back, he seemed to be defeated by longing. Memories are so quick to make a person's mind change.

Alex looked in tears at the array of frames. He had not yet had time to remove. All this time, he had filled the emptiness of his life with Celine. That woman could understand Alex, who was stubborn, cold, and cruel. Celine had melted the polar ice in him.

Celine was the one who accepted all the other sides of Alex that the public never knew. Alex then recalled their time together in high school.

*"Celine, I'm tired."*

Teenage Celine patted his thigh so he could lie there. They enjoyed spring in the park.

*"I'm sorry, you always accept my weak side only."*

*"No need to apologize. You also accept my life, which has no good side at all. I'm poor. I'm like the sworn enemy of my father."* Celine said rubbing Alex's head.

*"I don't care."*

*"I don't care how you are either. We'll always be together."*

*"Celine."* Teenage Alex grasped the girl's hand. "*You were the angel my late mom sent me*."

Alex shed tears remembering that moment. Her heart was still shaky.

However, memories don't say goodbye.

Alex let out a breath that felt so heavy. He quickly got up didn't want to drown for too long. He had to be professional because he had to work.