t a b o o

ta·boo

[tuh-boo, ta-] Show IPA adjective, noun,plural-boos, verb,-booed, -boo·ing.

– adjective

1. proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable: taboo words.

-
“Let’s go on a date.”

“What?”

“An event where a man and a woman eats in a five star restaurant.”

“I know, but really, dates don’t need to be expensive.”

“Really, please do enlighten me.”

“Wealthy guys these days…” Pause. “Fine. Let’s go to the mall.”

“Mall?”

She sighed.

And today, was the day. A good looking couple stepped in the local shopping mall one Saturday. People turned around, eyeing them as they walked through the crowds. They easily caught attention, because…

“Why are you wearing a suit?” She hissed as she looked around, knowing the situation that they are in.

“Because, a date is a formal event.” He replied in his ever good natured way. He knew he was attracting attention because of his attire. He wasn’t dumb. Yet, acting like naïve is worth it when he saw her expression a while ago.

It was cute.

“You know, if you weren’t my boss, I would have…” She shook her head.

“You would have what?” He raised an eyebrow.

She pouted, “Nevermind.”

“And for your information,” He smiled as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight, “I’m your boyfriend too.”

She blushed in surprise, as his big strong hand held hers. That was quite bold of him, considering the fact that their relationship was taboo. He was rich, an heir of one of the largest companies in the country, influential, and undeniably smart. Yet she is one of many people that worked under him, living a simple but comforting lifestyle. The only thing they share was the level of their wit and humor, which usually collide against each other, thus creating the strangest arguments ever brought up.

Even though…she loved him.

It was another undeniable fact.

“So?” She asked.

“ So, I ask of you to not treat me as your superior today. I’m tired of such acts back at the office.”
She smiled, “Yeah.” Then an idea popped up her mind.

“So then boyfriend…let’s go get you a new wardrobe with real clothes.”

-

It was unusually fun.

It didn’t take long till bags filled their arms. Half way through shopping, he also ‘threatened’ to call and buy the whole establishment. With much persuading and a pansy argument, she managed to stop him.

He just laughed, “I’m just joking.”

“But you really can—“

He cleared his throat, “I’m on a public date with my girlfriend.”

Though he is a year older, he seemed like a child to her.

A child that was heavily sheltered by the walls of family.

A child that has responsibilities more than average adults.

A child that was brought up for only one purpose.

Yet, he was willing to learn for her sake.

“Let’s go there!” She pointed out, “Looks like they have a sale.”

She waited for his ever eloquent response, but for some reason, his voice didn’t reply.

“What’s—“ Then she felt an arm grab her, then she found herself cocooned safely in his arms.

“What’s the meaning of this?” She asked.

He shushed her, “My father’s secretary is going to pass.”

Her heart stopped in fear. Their relationship was not only taboo, but definitely not accepted. Why would an heir date a regular woman who works for him? Who knows what will happen if they ever got found out by his ever strict father?

He’ll lose any terms of inheritance and get disowned because of her.

Or she’ll be forced out the company and they won’t see each other anymore.

She watched as the secretary passed by them. Still she was shaking.

“Hey, you alright?” He asked, “That was a very close call.”

“Y-yeah. Why…is he here in the first place?”

He shrugged, “I don’t know but something doesn’t feel right. Let’s get out of here.”

All she was able to do was nod her head.

He grabbed her hand in boldness (she was hesitant, besides, the president’s secretary could always pop out anywhere) and headed to the nearest escalator.
When they hit the bottom floor…

“What are you doing here?” a deep baritone voice filled the couples ears as they both looked up.

…their worst dreams came true.

“Father,” He replied, calm, steady and business like. The same tone he carried in the office, yet he squeezed her hand tighter than before. No matter how calm and strong he looked like, he was scared too. He was scared to lose her.

The older man scanned both of them in scrutiny, shaking his head. With him was the board of directors and some business men he wasn’t acquainted with. The men and women with the president looked at the couple, while some whispered among each other.

“What’s the meaning of this?”

“It’s exactly what you see right now father.”

The older man’s expression turned into inner rage. She quivered because of the intensity of the moment. They were also attracting such an audience.

“This is outrageous.” His father commanded then, “Come here.”

“No father.”

“Is this some kind of a joke? Miss, you’re his secretary aren’t you?”

She opened up to speak, but no words came out her mouth. She was frightened.

“Would you jeopardize his future and even the future of the company? If you really love my son you would leave this instant.”

She felt her heart break into pieces as she let of his hands, his voice said, “What are you—“

She smiled sadly, “I…” she said in a soft whisper, “I…” again in a louder volume, “I do love your son. So much.”

“Wait you can’t—“ He was next to her, almost pleading.

“So I’ll…” She turned toward him, “…leave.”

“Good.”

The atmosphere is now achingly heavy. As she took a step away from him, creating an invisible wall of separation. He looked at her, confused and as heartbroken as she was. She felt tears forming in her eyes. Commanding her body on what her mind is screaming to her about, yet her heart called…

A defining silence formed between the couple and the body of businessmen.




“But, I’m selfish.” She said, boldly.

People looked at her as if she stepped into a mine bomb.

“I know I won’t be able to help when it comes to inheritance and wealth,” she continued, “but I could work my way up to be in par and even better than anyone in your company.”

He then let a weak grin escape his lips. He thought…

“This young lady here,” His authoritative voice boomed across the now audience he captivated, “will show you just that after…”

He pulled out a box

…it was the right time.

“…we get married.”