Chapter 4: Smells Like Enemy

Max's POV

"You see… I have tried my best not to be late Jane I am really sorry 🥺"

I gave this girl a puppy eye but there's no way she is buying it. You see -- Clyde, Jane and I are like closest among the rest. We kinda grew up together, but I must say… This girl is just transforming every time we are at work.

"Max, I don't feel like killing you today. I have another model that we will be working with (checks her phone) just prep up and be ready" She moved the clothes and checked one rack to another.

Busy🐝🐝🐝

We went from one shot to another. Went on the required posts by the clients for this magazine.

When I was halfway through I realized that Jane was not with me. 

The staff called for a break and so I finally have my chance to look for her.

I found her in another pictorial for the same magazine…

"Hey Boss!" I approached her "I didn't know we would be shooting things in different rooms" I looked at the man shooting.

The backdrop that they have is a bit lighter and colorful than mine.

"This is the shoot for the special page that we have for Month of Pride" she said while looking at the images being captured.

"He represents the gay community?" I surprisingly asked.

Jane smirked and the staff called me already to continue my own shoot.

We ended the project right away and I saw some content creators outside the studio. My manager, Jane (surprise) told me that I will have a quick sit down session together with the guy I saw in the other room.

"Hey bud, this is Tommy Xien… From Corp Media Ad" She approached me while I am having a quick touch up.

"Hey! Max Ford" I extended my hand for a handshake

"I intentionally didn't inform you guys of the next thing or should I say last 🤔 hhmm last assignment for today. I just want you two to be real, candid and positive later during the quick interview" Jane said… She is just a boss babe 🤣

We headed to the interview room and proceeded with the last job for today.

Tommy, what was the most difficult part being part of the LGBTQ+ community?

T: "Although, it is a bit accepted now globally -- disrespect and discrimination are still depressing combo." 😶 (trying to look relax)

How did you prepare before coming out as the real you?

T: " There's this person who always inspires me to come out and become the best version of myself."

Who is this person?

T: "He is a young professional and currently in the field of teaching. I wanna keep his identity private"😅

The girl throwing the questions asked a few more and thanked Tommy after.

Now Mr. Ford 😍 how are you?

"Ohh I am doing well, hope you guys as well" I gave a smile to everyone.

The first question is -- do you feel comfortable being close to a person with different sexual orientation?

(Smiled at her) "I never felt uncomfortable being in such a situation. In fact, a very close friend of mine was the one feeling that way when he opened up to me when we were in middle school."

How is he? How was it?

"Well it was not my story to share really. But, I can share what I have felt in that moment. 😊 I honestly felt bad -- I felt bad that people in the gay community are experiencing this inhuman treatment where they are just being themselves. 😒 I mean --" I decided to stop myself.

This conversation takes me to that day where I saw Clyde in his lowest points. He was so helpless and he didn't have the courage to stand up. I honestly find it stupid.

After composing myself I continued “I think there’s one thing we should do and keep in mind 👌 If our beliefs are against the gay community let’s just be nice and let them be. I think it will be doable and easy 😇”

Wow! I think you will be a perfect advocate if the LGBTQ+ community 😍

“I would love it... But, I think they are very much strong that they no longer need someone to become their advocate -- I am a supporter and I would like to keep that way 🥰”

The interview went really well and we all had a good time. Towards the end of the day I got a call from Jane, Clyde is with her waiting at the lobby.

I said goodbye to the team and went to see them right away. 

“Oww Hi!” Clyde said while waving

I usually greet them with full of energy and enthusiasm. But, right now -- my gut told me to just continue actually walking and went straight to Jane.

Clyde walked past me and went to that someone who’s walking right behind me.

“Hey! It’s been awhile 🥰” It was Tommy, he hugged Clyde and gave him a look

A look that --

“Hey! You okay? 🤔” Janes asked me

“I am! Hmmm they knew each other?” I suspiciously asked

“Yes! They were ex -- duh 🙄”

I am not sure exactly what to feel about it but -- I think i froze for a moment.

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