VIII

It’s hard enough just passing the time

When I can’t seem to get off my mind

And where is the good in goodbye?

Tell me why, tell me why

- Do You Ever Think About Me, Brian Mcknight

***

THE Journal’s Awards Night is just around the corner, some writers are already busy preparing. But Infinity is not affected at all.

It's not because she's an introvert, but she's not too fond of parties and glamour. She is the type of person who likes silence. Peace. Because that is what she's dreamed of having all this time. Peace of mind.

She has seen the categories that will be awarded. She is nominated in 3 categories. The tragic story category, which is said by his colleagues, will definitely be given to her. The romance category and the Young Adult category.

Even so, she is still actually thinking of ways to avoid awards night. She doesn’t have the slightest interest in attending the program, if only she could avoid her friend before the program, she would.

"Infinity, do you already have something to wear for the awards night?" Angelica asked her as she passed her cubicle.

Since the theme of the awards night is Hollywood Awards Night, of course, a long gown/formal should be worn. And as someone who dislikes this kind of party, of course, she doesn’t have anything to wear.

"N-Nothing yet." She answered her.

"Come with us later! Felice and I will go shopping to find something to wear.”

She is still thinking of an alibi when Angelica already knew what was in her head.

“Oh! Don’t tell me you are planning not to attend the awards night!” Angelica said a little louder. That’s why they got the attention of the other writers.

"You will not attend, Infinity?" Pipay raised her eyebrows when she approached them.

"Hey, Infinity! You should own up to the tears and broken hearts of your readers. You should get your award yourself!” Robin was already walking in their direction.

Not a few seconds passed, and her co-writers surrounded her cubicle. Felice, Louise, Angelica, Pipay, and Robin are already there.

"I-It's not like that. But because...I don't have anything to wear yet." She just made excuses for them.

"That's why Angelica asked you to go with them to find a gown or a dress to wear on the awards night!” Pipay said almost hysterically.

"I-I'll go with them." She half-heartedly answered to shorten the interrogation.

She has no escape. Her co-workers have cornered her and might as well go with the two. No long conversation and her friends will not end up beating her up.

“Okay! You said that Infinity. You will come with us later!” Felice, her co-worker said. She felt delighted when Infinity said that she would go with them.

She just nodded and continued what she was doing.

Felice and Angelica left her after getting the answer they wanted. Same as Louise who is still complaining about the theme of the awards night. The two of her friends did not leave her cubicle. Noticing this, she looked at the two full of wonder.

"Why? Don't you have a deadline?" She asked them who were still not moving and just looking at her.

"Tell us the truth, Infinity. You really planned not to attend the awards night, right?" Pipay confronted her again.

She didn't answer right away.

“Answer us, Infinity! Are you really planning to boycott the awards night?”

She didn't answer, she just bit her lip. Both know what this mannerism of hers means.

"You really do not want to attend the awards night! You make me feel bad! If you continue with that plan, take care of your life, Pipay and I will not be the one who will go up on the stage to receive your award!" Robin stormed back to his cubicle.

"They say there is a cash prize! That’s the answer to our problems! Don't be a killjoy here, Infinity! If Robin and I don't see you on the awards night, we will end our friendship with you!” After saying that, Pipay stormed out and went to her cubicle.

The two are like that, frank and straight to the point, sometimes. But she knows that they love her as much as she loves them. But she still doesn’t tell them her whole story. Not because she doesn’t trust them. It’s just that some stories needed to be kept to herself.

Infinity closed her eyes tightly. It looks like she really can't do anything to evade the awards night. Though her friends threatened her that they would end their friendship, Infinity knew that would never happen. They will just bombard her with words.

~~

Before her two friends made her completely bald. Infinity decided to attend the party. She will just go home early. Knowing her close friends, they would party until the morning.

She is one of the founding writers of The Journal.

She and Lyra are the first two writers. Louise was the only editor at that time. And they work closely with Tatay June. They witnessed firsthand what she went through in life. They were her wall during those times when she didn't know where or who to lean to.

Tatay June is more than an editor-in-chief to them, he is more than their real father. He is not only a good EIC who guides them with their stories, but he guides them with their life.

She was going out of the office to write when she bumped into (1)Tatay* June in the smoking area. It had been a while since they last talked because he was busy training the new editor-in-chief.

"Tay!" She got her attention. He immediately put out the cigarette he was holding.

"Infinity." He greeted her warmly.

She immediately came forward to him and put his hand on her forehead. This is an act of respect towards your elders, mostly someone who is close to you. Like a family member or an elder you look up to.

"Didn't the doctor tell you to stop smoking? You are really stubborn!"

"I just smoke occasionally." He shrugged his shoulders, that was the only excuse he made because he was caught off guard.

"Occasionally? I don’t believe you."

But they just laughed together because they knew what he said was right.

"I am just happy, and a little bit relieved that you are able to laugh now, Infinity." He said after they laughed.

Silence enveloped them afterward. She didn't know how to respond to what he said.

"Life is not easy. Life has many trials. The moment you open your eyes, you already have an exam to answer. The worst part is, that the exam in real life does not have any pointers to review. Because the exam comes first before the lesson and the mistakes we made should be corrected next time.”

She nodded understandingly. Then there was silence.

"The next exam in your life will not be easy, Infinity. But remember, you passed the first one. You will definitely be able to handle this coming.” He patted her on the shoulder.

"T-Thank you. I almost gave up! I just passed the first trial because all of you were beside me. That is why I keep holding on. I just hope I can also handle it this time. "

"I know you can do it! You are Infinity, after all.” Tatay June said with too much confidence. As if he already knew that she would ace it.