Jacques

T he next time I come back to watch rehearsals, I have Eva by my side as protection.

It's my first time to bring her with me, but I know her face isn't new to anyone.

Eva's a heiress in her own right, and we've known each other from childhood. We have the same set of friends, attended the same boarding school, and after university, we've also occasionally partnered together for charity functions.

When it comes to Eva and me, the media has made much ado about nothing over the years, but the two of us know the real score between us. Like Joyce, Eva is someone I don't have to be on my guard with, and that's why I have no trouble asking her to keep me company.

I know she thinks it's because I've missed spending time with her. And while this makes me guilty, I've let the lie stand rather than have Eva know the truth, which is how I'm using her to convince someone that I'm off the market.

Weeks go by, but having Eva by my side every time I attend rehearsals doesn't seem to be doing any good.

The moment she goes up the stage, and the lights go out---

Damn her.

It's the same thing all over again.

She looks at me like she only has an audience of one.

And every word she sings---

Every gesture---

Every gentle sway of her hips---

It's all for me still.

Damn her. Damn her. Damn her.

I can see in her eyes that she's hurting.

Damn her. Damn her. Damn her.

That every time she sees me glance at Eva---

Every instance that I smile at Eva---

Every moment that I spend talking to Eva---

I can see, dammit.

I can see how all of these things are breaking her heart.

So why, dammit?

Why is she singing for me still?

Over a month has gone by when Eva starts to catch on with what's happening.

"I think she has a crush on you."

And it just so happens that my friend has said the words at the exact time Riri's song comes to an end.

Fuck.

The awkward silence that follows is telling. I want to apologize, but I also know I'll make things worse if I do.

If I say sorry, I might as well confirm what's obviously on everyone's mind.

To help her is to do nothing , and it kills me to realize how powerless I am.

I'm sorry, Riri .

All I can do is act like I didn't hear a fucking word, and when everyone else follows suit, I know they're doing it for Riri as well.

Why the hell did it have to be this way?

I hope she knows the last thing I want to do is hurt her. But since I'm also responsible for bringing Eva here, can I blame Riri for thinking otherwise?

The cast stays behind for a performance review when rehearsals end, and I turn to Eva as soon as we're out of the auditorium.

"Why the hell did you have to say that?"

"I can't help what I notice."

The sheer absence of remorse in her tone disgusts me.

"Everyone can see she was being unprofessional---"

"She's just a kid---"

Eva's lip curls. "We both know you don't see her as a kid, . But what you also don't see is the fact that she's a gold-digging harlot---"

"Eva!" I've never heard my friend speak with such spite, and I stare at her in disbelief. "What the hell's gotten into you?"

"Shouldn't I be the one asking that?" Eva snaps back."From the very start, you should have put her in her place---"

"Enough."

I've finally lost patience, and Eva flinches at the way my tone has turned ominously soft.

"This is the last time you'll say or do anything that will cause Riri embarrassment."

Eva's lips tighten in annoyance, but I don't give a damn.

"Do we have an understanding, Eva?"

"If it matters that much to you---"

"It does."

"Then go ahead," Eva flings angrily at me, "and baby her all you want. But I'm warning you, . This isn't how we should deal with people like her. But I guess you'll just have to learn that the hard way."