Finding You, Again
ELUIRA 4 - Working Life

I've been working in Charity Division for two months.

At first, maybe I underestimated my own work.

I imagine the job won't be too heavy. Just sort out the proposal then choose which one will get help. But it's not that simple.

When Oscar says a lot of proposals come in every day, I imagine only 5 or 6 proposals. But I'm wrong!! Totally wrong.

In a day I would get 10-20 proposals, even once on a cheerful sunny day, I got 23 new proposals on my desk. I'm officially dead that day.

Soon I was drowning in that. Because sorting the proposal is also not an easy thing.

Some of the evaluations we might be able to - me and Jovi - do easily through a simple search on the internet. But mostly we had to go out into the field to do a survey directly to the address.

This is very effective because almost 45% of incoming proposals turn out to be fake.

I really hate those cheaters - come on people, don't you have something better to do? like really??- how not!!

They could have taken away the rights of people who really needed help. I really hate people who lie, especially with evil purposes. That's a hatful combo.

Last week I almost had a police deal.

Because of a man who was clearly making a false proposal - he took photos of the children around his house then claimed that he was going to open a new orphanage-.

When we did the survey he was very surprised by our arrival. He then shouted at us to call before coming. Yeah man-We'll do it next time, when we turn into dumb and dumber.duh.

When her anger reached the top, she slapped me hard on the cheek, fortunately I only had bruises - and not fainting -.

Oscar was very angry when he received Jovi's report, I actually didn't want to bother telling Oscar, because I knew it would be long-tail if he found out . And yes, Oscar threatened to report it to the police.

Luckily, I was able to prevent it because the man actually had two children without a mother. But I keep reporting it to the social service. Let them decide what the fate of the children will be.

A lot of drama is happening at this job.

I almost cried badly when the orphanage I went to, was in a very bad condition. The children of the residents of the orphanage experienced a lack of facilities because of the large number of residents, they had to alternate in wearing blankets and beds.

If one of them wears a blanket then they should be willing to sleep downstairs, because the kids who don't get the blanket will sleep on the mattress - which I mean the mattress here is not an ordinary mattress, anyway, but thick sheets of fabric were sewn into one-on-one, not to mention they had to be jostled due to the limited space.

Organizers of orphanages have been trying to ask for additional government rocks to increase financing for them. But it didn't work. I don't know what the reason is.

When we promised to provide cost assistance - oh hll.. I'm gonna buy a new home for them, a wide one* - they were so moved and crying happily while hugging me.

I had to try really hard to hold back the tears.

This job also opened new doors in my life. I realized that all this time my world had been very narrow, and I really did not care how about the situation around me.

Ughh. Guilt hurts me hard because of this.

I've also not much daydreaming about that foggy memory - no time to spare- .

But sometimes, I still dream about it. I don't remember what the dream was about when I woke up, but the emptiness was still with me when I was awake.

It was a very excruciating emptiness, because I couldn't remember anything about it. It definitely frustrates me.

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

For this month Jovi and I are planning to throw a charity fundraising party for a dam building project in a small country on the black continent, big right? Yeah. it is big.

The project also came from one of the proposals. A proposal I almost ignored for using a language I did not know. When I managed to translate it, I was very surprised to learn the contents.

The country is small, its population is also not much when compared to the UK.

But because of a failed government system - I hate politician - its people suffered. For several years, the country experienced famine due to a very poor agricultural management system.

After investigating-I and Jovi flew there, and of course before returning home, we stopped at some places to tour.he-he and consulted some experts, he said, I finally decided to build a dam so that it could help agriculture in the country for the long term.

I've sent aid in the form of food and others. But I want a more permanent way out for them.

I know with the finance of this division and the donations from some donors -*most of them are friends Mo*m - the existing funds still won't cover the cost of the project.

It was then that Jovi had a brilliant idea to throw a fundraising party.

Oye.. It's a party from Delmor Corp, surely many important people - a.k.a would-be donors - are willing to come.

Oscar strongly supported the idea, even promising to personally invite his business colleagues.

Oscar also proposed that an event like this be held every year, because it could raise the prestige of the company in the eyes of the public.

Pfft.. basic entrepreneur!!

But that's okay, the important thing is that I get a lot of funding for those proposals.

If I used to say that the funds in this division are a lot, then forget it. I have only been here for 2 months, almost a quarter of the funds I have donated, maybe I am too royal in making a donation.

And yahh. with so many proposals that have not materialized, I should be able to manage the money more wisely.

But I won't have the heart when dealing directly with the person who submitted the proposal. I always give more than they ask. Because they sometimes look so awful.

I also added a list of regular monthly donation recipients.

Previously, there were only 10 regular donation receiving foundations, but I increased them to about 23. I added a cancer foundation in southeast Asia and also some orphanages there.

I did expand the area of receiving donations, before Mrs. Olsen mostly only accepted proposals from the European region, but I realized, that the proposals sent here , many also came from other continents.

I won't ignore it. Even if it means I'm going to be very busy and travel a lot more to do surveys.

I'll enjoy it, because it's helpful to take my mind off those messy, foggy memories. Because, the more I wanted to forget it, the more tightly the memory gripped me.

If you are careless, then nightmares and tightness always interfere with my night's sleep.

Therefore I always want to spend all my energy to work, at least if very tired, I will fall asleep more soundly.

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

My schedule today, is to meet EO for that charity party.

I'm not a party people, I rarely attend any party.

Usually only Oscar invited by Dad, because indeed he will lead the company. When I was a kid, I got angry about this, but when I got older, I didn't care anymore.

What can I enjoy from standing up and always trying to smile kindly at invited guests? I better practice, I thought at the time.

Because of my nil knowledge of the party, I would say 'yes' to that EO, whatever the idea was.

I'll approve everything.

A slow knock at the door made me realize, "Yes" I replied. The dark-haired head appeared and said

"They're already here" I just nodded and immediately headed towards the meeting room on the 10th floor with Jovi. Like Oscar, I don't like being late either.

Arriving there, I was surprised to see Oscar sitting sweetly at the end of the table.

"You're at this meeting?" many wonder.

"Of course, why do you think Jovi repeatedly rescheduled this meeting? I'm having trouble putting it on schedule" he replied with a mischievous smile.

"I think they are the ones who suddenly have an event" I said with a frown, and pointed at the two men who had sat down and looked in wonder at us.

Jovi was trying to set his face to look serious by holding back his laughter when he saw me pouting.

If I had known Oscar was at this meeting, I wouldn't have bothered to think about what I was going to do. I'll let Oscar decide.

After the introductions and pleasantries, the EO employee began to explain what the event plan was, as well as what party equipment would be needed.

The Oscars occasionally correct and give directions to them.

And I-I said yes, to whatever they proposed.

To be honest, I only gave not half of my attention, during the meeting. I'd be happier if I didn't know the details, what and how the party went.

Because after hearing the details, I came to know that setting up a party turned out to be very troublesome. Not to mention later when I had to choose a dress with Charlie, it would be a long and tedious job.

Approaching the end of the Oscar handed the map that had been in front of each one for me and the EO. "This is a guest list that I have agreed to, I hope the invitation has been sent a week before the event" Oscar said.

"Well, we understand Mr. Delmora" they answered deftly. After saying goodbye, they left the meeting room.

I looked at the guest list and was satisfied. The names of the regular donors have been approved by Oscar. I handed the map to Jovi. A few seconds later Jovi squealed in shock at the list.

"Why?" ask me with a stupefy.

"Zenobia Terence's? You invited Zeno?" ask him to Oscar.

"Who is he?" ask me in wonder. Just this time I saw Jovi so excited about meeting someone.

My question successfully wiped the big smile on Jovi's mouth.

"You've been living behind a rock all this time?" tanyanya annoyed. " He's the most expensive super handsome actor at the moment" he added. "I can't believe he's coming to the party" she said again with a look of adoration in her eyes.

"Of course he has to, the last film he starred in came from our studio, there's no way he's turned down the invitation" Oscar said.

"We have a movie studio?" many stupid.

No one answered, Oscar just went and shook his head in disbelief at me. While Jovi, closed his face with both hands "Oh my God" he sighed softly.

I consider that answer as yes.

Jovi then looked at me seriously and said "You need to learn about artisanal knowledge, otherwise you will embarrass yourself at the party, I will put it on your schedule later. I will be his teacher" he said at length, then went out.

"You're kidding, aren't you?" I shouted at his back.

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

And of course he wasn't kidding, during the week before the party, he choked me with anything to do with the celebrity that was going to be at the party,

Who they are, what songs/movies they make, complete with a description of who the former who, and who had an affair with whom, very complicated their romance story.

Eeuww.. After that lesson, it felt like I was washing my brain to get clean again, because the story of their lives, made me feel like I was an angel.

I never thought such a life existed. Almost everything Jovi told me was new to me. I met a new world, and I was astonished that I had not noticed it.

True, said Jovi, I lived behind a rock all this time.

I was amazed and disgusted by the romance of several artists told by Jovi. How can anyone do all that in their life? Aren't they tired? Just hearing it was enough to make me tired.

I myself have never had any experience of romance - practicing ballet, eating, sleeping - .There were some desperate love statements from my former ballet partner. But I'm not interested. It was only Ballet that was on my mind.

After I heard the lesson from Jovi, I started to feel that it wasn't normal.

Twenty-three years without ever falling in love?? Okay. Now that sounds kind of sad. I will not repeat that sentence again.

I really wonder why gossip shows get a high rating on TV, I did not see it directly also have felt nauseous.

Like now, Jovi gave me a long list of things I shouldn't talk about when I meet.... Emm... Ms. Someones.

I'm really bad at this. I no longer remember his name, I can only remember no more than half of what Jovi taught me. The party is 2 days away.

"Can't I miss this? I would go crazy if I read one more word of divorce" I said with maximum annoyance. I do care more about other people's lives now, but not like this. This is too much.

I massaged my forehead slowly, my head throbbing uncomfortably from earlier.

Jovi took a deep breath looking at me. He pulled the paper in my hand and began to examine it.

"You know, I'm going to throw out the explanation about the celebrities. But I beg you, you can at least remember some things about the businessmen that are here. Because they are more important guests" he said with sympathy.

"Oh. yes, please. It was the most exciting news I've heard all week" I replied.

The lives of entrepreneurs are no less complicated because they contain information about power struggles, acquisitions and others.

But at the very least, I will read less about infidelity and divorce. I'm tired of reading about it.

"You all right? You look a little pale" Jovi asked, looking at me closely. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I was just sleep deprived because of a nightmare last night" I replied, shaking my hand.

Jovi nodded, then again spilled attention on the paper in his hand.

I have had bad dreams lately. The nightmare that replaced the restless dream because of my misty memory.

That nightmare, it always woke me up, and most annoyingly, I also could not remember what really happened in the dream, even though I always woke up with a broken heart.

I cried a few times because of that dream. Sounds weird, but that's what happened.

I cried because of a nightmare I don't remember. I had to try hard to calm myself afterwards. That's why my sleep was disrupted.

"How about we have a burger this afternoon?" I exuberantly exuberant.

Delicious food is a very powerful distraction. After my first visit, Jovi's choice of burger stalls became our favorite. We often spent lunch there.

"Agreed!!" exclaimed Jovi, no less excited. He slammed the paper he was checking.

"Reading narratives about other people's lives frustrates me and starves me" he said, standing up.

Without wasting any time, I stood up and grabbed my phone from the table.

But something's wrong!

I couldn't find a cell phone, because all of a sudden the situation around me turned dark, as if someone had turned off the lights. Then I realized, that blob----

"Jovi!!" I whispered softly before the total darkness swallowed me....

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

The ceiling of the office room was the first one I saw when I opened my eyes.

My brain can still remember well, too, what happened before I fainted.

Mercifully. I can't imagine losing a few things from my memory again.

"Lui" Oscar's voice turned me away.

"Morning!" it was as if I had just fallen asleep.

I smiled hearing it. "Good morning, how long have I fainted?" ask me while getting up from the sofa where I lie down easily.

"It's only about 3 hours" Oscar replied.

He took out a small wooden box lying on the table, and put it in his suit pocket. My guess is the box contains a vial of medicine.

If I pass out, a few milliseconds should be injected into my body - I don't know what that drug is, dr. Alva once explained to me, but I deliberately forgot about it - this drug was prescribed by dr. Alva to make me come back to my senses.

"You're making Jovi so scared! What the hell is going on?" tanyanya, while pointing at Jovi who stood a little far behind Oscar.

His eyes looked at me with relief, and I could see the rest of the tears there.

Ck. I worried him. I waved my hand to calm her down. Jovi smiled little looking at him.

Oscar's hand moved to tidy up my slightly messy hair. "Did all the party preparations make you too tired?" he added. Oh no!!

"Of course not!!" Answer me quickly. I don't want Oscar to stop me from working because he thinks I passed out because I'm too tired.

"I'm just a sleep deprived Oscar, I had a bad dream last night. And after that I can't sleep anymore. That's why I was dizzy" I explained, honestly. Oscar looked at me carefully. "What's the nightmare?"

"That's it, I can't remember it at all after waking up" I grumbled in annoyance. I thought Oscar would laugh at this stupid thing I thought. But it was not, my answer made him frown, and fall silent in thought.

"Hmm.., okay. But for the rest of the day I want you to go home and rest. Jovi will finish the rest of the work here" he ordered decisively. Behind him Jovi stroked hard. Such a tone of voice, only meant one. I can't argue with him even if I whine. Then I just nodded.

Oscar smiled with satisfaction and then got up from his seat. "I'll call Alex to take you" he said, walking out of my room.

As soon as Oscar disappears from view. Something hit me hard. That's Jovi, he almost squeezed me in his arms.

"I was so scared earlier, you just suddenly fell down" he said in a hurry. "I'm sorry" I could see in his eyes, he was really worried about my circumstances.

"What's wrong, it's not your fault. But you really don't remember that nightmare of yours?" ask her with her distinctive curious tone.

I shook my head slowly.

"That's it!! You were probably just too tired yesterday, so you had a bad dream. Now you better be prepared, Alex will be here soon" Jovi said, trying to distract me.

But there's one thing I didn't tell Oscar and Jovi. My nightmare didn't just happen last night. If it was just last night, maybe my head could still hold. But the nightmare had been going on for a few weeks.

Usually I can fall asleep more soundly after exercising -- swimming at night - because I would be so tired that I fall asleep without a dream.

But if I missed it because of something, I'd have had a nightmare. Apparently I have to schedule the sport with a routine now. If I pass out again, I doubt Oscar will still let me work.

Well, if it were like that, I would swim every day, my resolve.