Chapter 7

Year 2011

New York

Sulli is in the bar with her gay French photographer buddy.

“I think that guy over there…the one wearing a white shirt..yeah..that one..he’s been looking at you since we got in.” said Sulli’s friend, Jacques

Sulli looked around pretending to stretch. Hmm…Does he mean the guy by the door?

 “No..” said Sulli waving her hand. “He’s too good looking. You know men who like me, right? They are old and creepy men…That one…does not like me. Maybe he likes you.” Said Sulli

“Oh..well…it can be a possibility…since he’s been looking this way for a while now.” Said Jacques

“I wonder how they know you’re gay? You don’t look gay to me?” said Sulli “I mean, Men are suppose to look away when they see the boyfriend right? So does that mean they don’t even think you’re my boyfriend?”

“Well…first and foremost, there are gestures and the like that shows whenever 2 people are in a romantic relationship…we will never have that, Mon Ami.” Said Jacques

A waiter brought whiskey to their table.

“Madam, this is a gift from that guy on that table.” Said the waiter.

Sulli looked at the guy in white and he waved at her smilling.

“Oh…that breaks my heart.” Said Jacques

“Umm…what am I suppose to do?” asked Sulli

“Just accept it.” Said Jacques

“No…If I accept it, he’ll come here.” said Sulli

“Well of course, that’s the sign you’re interested.” Said Jacques.

“Hmmm..Can you tell him I’m not interested then?” said Sulli to the waiter. Sulli stood up leaving.

“Hey we’re leaving already?” asked Jacques

“Um…yeah…I am. Youc can stay if you want.” said Sulli

“Here we go again, every time a guy who you might possibly like approaches you, you suddenly put the wall up and become afraid. You always run away like this. When will you face them?” asked Jacques

Sulli did not speak until they were out of the bar.

“It’s not like I keep running away…but you know me. I’m not interested. So why would I waste an hour or 2 of chitchat?” asked Sulli

“When will you be interested? That guy over there is Hot! And when we were in Brazil, there was that handsome guy who almost never left your side too…Can’t you face the reality that you are attractive?” said Jacques

“Hmm…They’re just intrigued because I am Asian. I am focused on my work Jacques. I am just starting my professional career as a news writer. I am a baby writer slash reporter.” Said Sulli

“You’ve been doing this for a year.” Said Jacques “You deserve a love life too.”

“That’s a distraction.” said Sulli

“You think that way because you haven’t had a boyfriend since birth. But once you have one, you’ll forget everything you’re saying now.” Said Jacques

“Do you have a boyfriend now?” asked Sulli

“I never run out of boyfriends.” Said Jacques smiling.

Wow….

Sulli chuckled. “Some of our colleagues are also single even when they are well into their 30s…even 40s!” said Sulli

“Well, some of them are still single and doesn’t have a partner that’s true…But…they have never been single all their lives. At one point, they tried.” Said Jacques “You on the other hand…never tried.”

“I wanted to…but it I got burnt too early…it got burnt too much…” thought Sulli

Sulli shook her head. Highschool memories are things of the past. They should be one of those things you can only laughed about when you remember.

“Let’s hurry we’ll freeze to death out here.” said Jacques

Sulli’s phone rang

“Hello, Sulli speaking.” Said Sulli

“Hi Sulli this is Laura.” Said the other line

“Hey Laura, How are you?” said Sulli

“I’m good. And you?” asked Laura

“Oh not bad,  Not bad at all. Why did you call Is there something I can do for you?” asked Sulli

The other line is her Boss’ Boss.

“Actually yes. I just got a call and I need to send you somewhere for a whole year project. I need you to document everything about a US project. You will create a documentary over it.” Said Laura

Wow…her first documentary assignment!

“Wow…This is amazing Laura…where is it?” asked Sulli

“It’s in Afganistan” said Laura

Sulli needed a few seconds to process that.

“Umm…Will you accept it? I know it’s not the best place to work right now but-“

“No Laura…Afganistan is great! I’ll go!”  said Sulli

Jacques’ eyes just got 3 sizes bigger!

When Sulli dropped out of the call she immediately hugged Jacques!

“I got my first documentary assignment Jacques!” said Sulli excitedly

“Wow…I would be excited for you too…if I didn’t hear where it’s suppose to be.” Said Jacques

“Isn’t that more exciting? Just imagine the value of my documentary because of what’s happening there!” said Sulli

No way….This woman is crazy!

Somebody walked around them…the guy in white