Strings Of Time

XIV: Part Two

The young man looked at his watch, "It's 5:20 pm." He then handed her the cup of coffee and smiled, "Take a break."

Elise took a sip and looked around but then, she realized something... she was asking for too much. She sighed and smiled bitterly at Olly. "I can't take a break. Me being asleep is a big no, no..."

Oliver took pity of the young lady and looked down as he sighed as well. But the young man had an idea, it's something that has been lingering in his mind for so long. He scrunched down and held the young lady's hand, "Elise? Will you be my date tonight?"

The young lady just stared at Olly, she doesn't even know how to answer him or where to start, "O-Oliver—"

"Elise..." rebutted the young man, "just hear me out, okay? You have been working nonstop for the past few months and I was thinking that this should be you night off. You've worked hard for this and now... all you have to do is just relax and watch the fruit of your labor. What do you say? Will you be my date?"

Elise bit her lip and looked away, "Oliver, I know you mean well... but I can't."

The young man frowned and stood up with his eyes glued at Elise. "Why?"

It was frustrating for Elise to have herself explain her situation to the young man but she has to, "Oliver, this is work and Mr. Mathews needs me."

"Mr. Mathews???" Olly shouted, halting everyone at the back stage. The young lady shushed the young man and it somehow calmed him. He breathe heavily as he clenched his jaw, "Elise, that man is killing you!" said Olly in an aggravated hushed tone, "You're always with him and when you're home... all I hear is his name. Mr. Mathews did this, Mr. Mathews did that, Mr. Mathews wanted this... All I hear is Mathews! I know I told you I don't believe the rumors that's going on between you two—"

"Stop right there..." Elise stood up with a piercing look on her face, "Just stop, Olly."

"Elise... I'm... I'm sorry... but—"

"But what? You're starting to think it's all true?" the young lady shook her head as she held back a tear. "Of all people, Olly... you and Cindy are the ones that I know who will always protect me. Especially you. But I guess I was wrong..."

"What's going on here?"

Elise and Olly looked to their side and saw Mr. Mathews with his hands on his waist, peering the two of them. The man took another step and saw Elise's distraught face, "My dear, what's wrong?" he quickly came closer and studied the young lady's face. "Are you okay?" he then placed his hand on the young lady's back which Olly took noticed.

"I'm... I'm okay, Mr. Mathews." Answered Elise with a sudden smile.

"Are you sure?"

The young lady nodded and continued to smile, hoping that her superior would buy it, "I'll be off then, Mr. Mathews..."

Before the young lady could leave, Mr. Mathews called her back, "I have something to tell you."

At this moment, Oliver was watching very closely at Mr. Mathews and Elise.

"What is it?" asked the curious Elise.

Henry handed her a music sheet that was familiar for the young lady. "I'm giving you a solo act for tonight."

"Me?"

With that scene, someone not far from them was listening and was not happy about it. Moira Westley, together with her mother came storming in to talk to Mr. Mathews.

"Mr. Mathews, this is not fair! How can you give this piece to Elise? We all know that I should be the one who's going to perform it."