Chapter Six

Breathe…

The world woke up to see Tifa and Cloud in the morning talk shows, printed on the first page of various tabloid and the main discussion of gossip talk broadcasts on the radio. Everybody was buzzing about who the handsome blonde man whom Tifa had come together with last night was.

The news reached Genesis at once, even before his coffee was served to him, because of all the media attention. Now, he was in a terrible mood as he dialed his girlfriend's number.

She answered at the third ring. "Hello, Genesis?"

"What the hell, Tifa. Isn't he the delivery boy from before?"

He heard her shuffle… was she was still in bed? "Yes."

"Then how did he end up becoming your date last night?"

"Oh Genesis, don't get worked up about it, I really needed a date for the gala last night and uh, it was a spur of the moment decision."

He raised his eyebrow. "Really. Alright, fine. Okay."

"Genesis…?" she mumbled.

"What?"

"Don't get mad about it, okay? He's just a friend."

Oh, now you're friends? "Yeah, okay. I'll call you back later. Bye."

"Bye…"

Tifa looked at her phone's screen. What the hell, Tifa? What kind of greeting was that? Alright, so he did have a right to get mad, she didn't tell him anything about Cloud, but why was his tone flat? Cold? Wasn't he supposed to talking in burning and sexy tones, like always? He has never gotten mad, or upset, about anything she did before… was this how he talked when he was upset?

She got up with a frown, she rubbed her arms warily.

Last night was the best night she had ever had. Cloud was really fun to be with, and they ended up secluding themselves in the balcony, talking about random things like how he had ended up as a delivery boy ( he said that it's only temporary, he was saving up for college ) and what she would be doing if she were not a celebrity ( she answered she'd be wishing she was one, while studying and working in some fast food restaurant ) Every girl wanted to meet Cloud, and he was surprisingly bashful. It seemed odd, she thought, Genesis was very playful… when it came to women. Cloud was so, very different from Genesis. In many ways.

She turned on the television, and the first thing that she saw was her and Cloud, holding hands, while they were being herded over to the gala's venue. "It seems that Tifa Lockhart has got a new date, possibly, a new boyfriend as well. Who is he? He looks like a model, but our sources say that he is not associated with any of the modeling groups, but they would be happy to have him. His identity still remains a mystery… Some other guests said that the two secluded themselves all through the night, so very unlike Tifa. They kept mostly to themselves," the host said, she turned off the TV.

No wonder Genesis was pissed.

Tifa grumbled as her phone rang again. It was Rufus.

"Congratulations, your name is everywhere." Rufus said in a cool tone. "Who is your date anyway? You never told me."

"Just a friend I asked on the last minute." Tifa explained.

"Tifa, we need to make a statement. They're branding you a two timer in Celebrity Dish Out." Rufus said, his tone was now icy. Rufus was highly protective over her reputation—so far, there have been twenty law suits filed because of edited and perverted photos, destructive rumors and the use of her name in scams.

"He's just a friend of mine that I asked to accompany me, that's all. Genesis knows him. And we're not in a relationship." Tifa sighed. She twisted her hair and sat down. "Really, why are they making such a fuss about this? I'm tired of this…" Then, an idea struck her.

Rufus chuckled, "Because I think my dear girl, that they're excited that you're spicing up something. Now, I'm guessing that they'll be hounding you and Genesis for more info about this. That is why I'm sending addition protection over."

"What? Rufus! No! I don't need additional protection!"

"Please Tifa, stop refusing. This is for your own good."

She sighed again, "Rufus, I have a request."

"What is it?"

"I want to go on hiatus."

"What?" something shattered as Rufus yelled. A coffee mug, probably… "Are you serious?"

"Yes. I'd like a break from showbiz."

"Tifa, you can't. Your schedule is full, until next year."

"Then just hold off the things I'm supposed to do. For a month or something. I'll get back to them when I get back."

Rufus took a minute before answering. "But why?"

"I'm tired, that's all. Please let me go… let me breathe! I'm suffocating in this world, Rufus. It's been five years since I entered showbiz and I haven't had time for myself since then!" Tifa said, she clenched and unclenched her fist.

"What are you talking about, Tifa? We always give you time!"

"No you don't. Just, Rufus, give me some space and let me think over what I want to do with my career! Is that too much to ask?"

"Yes, it is. Tifa, don't think so rashly. Look, I'll give you the whole day off, okay? Just think this over. A hiatus can affect your career in a negative way."

"Yeah, I'll call you back when I've thought it over."

"Okay. I'll talk to you later."

"Mm."

In truth, Tifa didn't plan on contemplating over her decision at all. She wants to leave everything behind, even for just a while, all the glitz and glamour of the business was too great to bear now, and now, her friend was being dragged into some mess. Her relationship with Genesis was suddenly being questioned by the public, like the past three years had been nothing at all. Was he questioning it as well? She couldn't tell who were friends really were in this place. ..

She flung open her closet doors, and started packing.

Rufus wasn't going to say yes, unless… she was far away already. He wouldn't be able to do anything… nor would Genesis.

Genesis…

How would she tell him? What will she tell him?

"Stop thinking Tifa," she muttered, "just stop thinking."

She called Rufus, "I've thought about it and I'm sticking to my request Rufus. I'm going on hiatus for one month. Don't look for me for now, I'll be back, don't worry. I'm not sure where I'll be going but I'll be back. Bye."

"I love you Gene." she said to his voicemail. The words meant the world to her, and she wondered if it did mean anything to him.

"Why am I doubting us like this?" she hissed at herself, "Right. I really need to take a break. A long break."

She threw her bags on the trunk of her car, and started to drive… to nowhere, to anywhere. Her phone was going to ring and ring, but she wouldn't answer. It would just ring and ring, on her table top at home.

Tifa laughed.

"I can go anywhere." she breathed.

What about Cloud? She frowned. She couldn't just leave, and let him face hell alone... now, could she? He was a dear friend, and she just couldn't allow it. "Okay." she said, "Okay... what to do." she stopped her car and pulled over.

Cloud, Cloud, Cloud.

"He'll be fine, I hope." she mumbled as she started to drive again. "Maybe he'll change his hair do for a while..."