AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I have no reason to quit this job, Leo.” Her voice is firm, as if she made up her mind a long time ago. “While, yes, I’m far away from my family and I don’t see them often, I love working here and I’m grateful to have this job.”
While I appreciate her loyalty, there’s an undercurrent buzzing just below the surface of her words. Again, it’s like she’s saying something more.
But I simply nod. Isa and I have always had a good working relationship, but I don’t want to pry.
“I need you to set up a meeting with the writers on the next coming-of-age comedy film we’re going to be working on. We need to make sure that we’ve gotten a good grasp of the teenage experience.”
I continue to walk through the studio.
“Noted,” Isa responds promptly.
“And then another meeting after that for the casting directors. We have to make sure that we correctly cast our characters based on the actor’s race, heritage, and background. Representation matters a lot and I'd like to keep Camden at the forefront,” I add as the set designers finish re-touching the paint on the rather colorful and almost kitschy bedroom. This movie’s going to be visually stunning, indeed.
“Got it, sir,” Isa quickly answers once more.
“After production, you can have your week off. I’m sure the Philippines will still be there. Until then, I need you to do your job.”
“Of course,” Isa says, more quietly this time.
“I think that’s all for today.”
Isa nods and walks out of the building. Out of the corner of my eye, I can't help but notice how her usual confident stride is just a little more hesitant and worried. Something with her energy is off.
Chapter 3
Isa
TheonlythingIhave focused on for the past few days, is trying to not thinking about my upcoming deportation. But I knew I wasn’t hiding it well. I’m still not quite sure how long I’ll be able to stay, but I want to hold on to the secret for as long as possible.
Thankfully, Leo didn’t pry, thank God, but it was hard not to just blurt out the full truth. It was bad enough that Cody knew I was lying. I didn’t need Leo digging around.
So, today, it’s work as usual. I head over to Studio Three to see the progress on the new set, firing off a private report to Leo. It’s no secret around here that Leo is incredibly hands-on. I finish editing down my words; Leo prefers reports to be concise and brief, stick to the high points. My phone vibrates in my hand with an incoming call.
I smile when I see my sister’s name pop up. I press send on the email and quickly accept the call.
“Hey Lia,” I say and immediately regret answering. How could I forget that if there is one person in the world who knows me too well, it’s my sister. She willdefinitelyknow something is wrong and she won’t be shy about prying.
Lia and I have been inseparable ever since she was born and until a couple of years ago when I came to the U.S. And I really miss her.
“Today was the last day of the semester, so I just wanted to call my American sister and see how she was doing.” I roll my eyes at Lia’s teasing.
“Just because I’m in America doesn’t make me American,” I tell her in our mother tongue. God, it feels good to use the language again. “You didn’t fail any of your classes, did you? It would be a complete waste of the tuition money I sent you.” My tone is stern, but I know Lia is an incredible student and the likelihood of her failing anything in this life is nearly zero.
Unlike me.
Still, I can almost feel my sister glaring at me through the phone and I stifle a laugh.
“Isa,” Lia chastises, “You may be the prettier one, but we all know I’m definitely the smarter one. What God gave you in legs, he gave me in brains, right? Me? Fail a subject? Please, that would never happen.”
I burst out in a laugh and after a beat, Lia joins me. It’s times like these I miss home and part of me is looking forward to going back. I was planning on visiting in a couple of weeks, after all. But talking about Lia’s college tuition reminds me of why I need to find a way to stay. She’s only in her second year and has at least two more to go to finish her degree. I’m the only one who can really help her pay for a good education.
“Anyway,” Lia says with a yawn. “I’m sure you’re at work right now and it’s like past midnight here, but I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you.” A smile slowly spreads across my lips. She’s such a wonderful sister and I would do anything for her. “I’m gonna go to bed. Talk to you later, Isa. Goodnight,” Lia says in Filipino, and it’s refreshing to hear. Life gets lonely sometimes, living alone overseas, and I cherish moments like these where I get a glimpse of my life back home.
I start walking back to the main building with a smile. I’m only a few steps when my phone buzzes again. I look down. This time, the name on the screen pulls my lips down into a frown.
“Harold. How can I help you today?” With my immigration lawyer’s voice on the other end of the line, the weight of my problems come crashing down around me.
“Well, honestly, Isa, I’ve been trying to help you in this case. Unfortunately, after an extensive review of your application and violation of the terms, I’m afraid there’s not much wiggle room here.” I feel my heart shatter into a million shards. I had hoped there would be something–anything–Harold could do to help me. “The best I can get you is two months of authorized stay in the United States, which I highly suggest you use to get your affairs in order for your deportation back to the Philippines.”
