CHAPTER 3: TAKE ME TO NEVERLAND

"Great news. I got the possible questions that will be asked to you in the open forum after one of your talks."

"Hmm," Sally nodded as she moved her wine glass in a circular motion. She looked at the movement of the wine inside the glass.

"I got the list ready here, madam." She added in a very enthusiastic manner.

"Are you sure those were the questions? I don't want any hassle related to the convention. You knew it too well."

"Of course, madam. It came from credible sources, especially the media that will cover the entire convention." Her secretary rushed at her as she gave a piece of paper to Sally. She started to scan all the contents from top to bottom.

She examined the list of the exact questions that will be asked of her. She couldn't help but smile about the different questions coming from different people, especially the media that will cover the convention three days from now. She's surprised how fans get curious not only about her life but almost everything about her as well.

What is the secret to your youthful glow?

Do you have the fountain of youth?

What are your future plans?

What do you think is your best talent?

What are your regrets in life?

What can you advise to your fourteen-year-old self?

"That's great." She said as she nodded. However, she didn't see the two questions coming. She couldn't help but to also ask the same questions to herself...

"I have taken care of them that they can't say no. It is better that we have at least three days of preparation for your coming convention." Her secretary reported some details for the coming event. She can't wait for the convention soonest.

"That's what I liked about you. You know what's running in my mind."

"I am learning, madam. Thank you for also giving me the chance to always prove myself."

"Do your job well and we'll be okay."

"I will, madam." She said as she nodded. Sally leaned closer to her ears and whispered something to her.

"I also want you to tell me about Helena Siorre and her role in the convention." She said while smirking at her. Sally's secretary also flashed a grin as if she could read her mind.

"Madam, she'll be the one in-charge of the documentation and food selection." As soon as she heard it, Sally frowned as she folded her arms.

"Oh, the nerve. Please send a request letter to the head of the committee the foods I am particular and allergic of. I also want you to recommend healthy foods since most of the delegates are in their senior years already."

"Consider it done, madam. Anything else?"

"That will be all. Good job, Ms. Veena Pierre."

"The pleasure will always be mine, madam. Please call me if you need me. I will double check your civilian security guards that's roaming around."

"Hmm," Sally looked around and she noticed that at least five people are looking at her from where they are asked to stand and guard her."

"Wow, how many are they?"

"For your maximum protection madam, I deployed twenty, of which all of them were also dressed aligned to the dinner gala's theme.They were all well-trained and ready to assassinate someone who will try to attempt your life just in case."

"What? Twenty?

"We're just making sure, madam. Some of them might think you're old. They might use that as an advantage to get you easily."

"They should at least try it so that they'll regret it all their life." Veena chuckled because of Sally's toughness.

"Please call me and I will be there right away. There are things that I just have to take care of right now."

"Yup. Do your job well, Veena." She nodded and left. Sally noticed that Veena is already learning from the way she walked away.

Sally greeted most of the guests but she never interacted with them too much. She knew deep within her what they only intended from her. Some would befriend her for many reasons. Most of it was the things that may benefit them in getting closer to her, which she avoids from happening. She only wanted independent living with few to none to rely on.

She got used to living all by herself for many years now. She slowly went outside the hotel, curious to the garden where the 1957 Aurora was displayed. She looked around and she saw some of her personal bodyguards follow her as quietly and not as obvious as possible that it suddenly annoyed her. She sighed as she stood beside the antique foundation of the hotel's shed when somebody pulled her inside the big bush.

"Hello," The old woman from her dream was the one who pulled her on the bush.

"It's you!" Sally gasped in shock. But, this is not a dream anymore, right? It is not a dream where somebody will wake her up again to make her believe that none of these happened.

"Yes. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Graciella Hayer. Your colleague from the past." The old woman offered her hand for a handshake. Sally just looked at her hand as if doubtful if she'll accept it or not.

She held Sally's hand and placed it on her warm hands as well. She did the handshake for Sally. She, on the other hand, found her crazy and weird.

"G-Graciella? I couldn't remember that name of yours from my friends from the past, I am sorry."

"I understand. You don't have to. I know you'll remember me someday soon. For you to be aware of, I know everything more than you do."

"Why are you following me? And why do you insist that I knew you even if I couldn't?" Graciella just smiled at her as she shook her head from side to side.

"What do you want, money? I can give it to you right away." Sally added as she slid her hand on the side of her backless dress. She got a 100-dollar bill and handed it to her.

She smiled as she got the 100-dollar bill. She examined it right away. After looking at it closely, Graciella returned the money to her.

"Why are you returning it?"

"I can see that you need it the most more than I do." Graciella smiled at her as she held her hand again.

" Let's have a trip to the memory lane." Sally couldn't help but be amazed about the garden where the 1957 Aurora was located. Are they in a different location already? The place doesn't look like a part of the hotel anymore but they are now in a foggy garden and the car is seen at the center aisle being parked on purpose.

“It would be my pleasure to let you try this car. This might be the answer to your life’s questions.”

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Sally's POV

I went inside the car as I couldn't help myself grinning. I've always long to drive this car because of its timeless beauty.

I glanced at the mirror of the car. Graciella is not there anymore. When I turned my right, my heart almost jumped because she's already beside me.