Gratitude
Days happened so fast. For the span of two to three days, all of those situations happened like a snap. I was still coping up and trying to accept it all slowly and surely. Like what Aciel told me, the past may be a big part of today, but I won’t gamble my future for depending too much on the past.
For now, I’ll focus on what’s on my plate. On things that are important.
”Zoey, everything okay?” I asked her.
She seemed out of energy as usual. Usually, she’ll be talking to me endlessly like her mouth is not getting tired but now, she’s just spaced out playing with her food here in the cafe.”
”Yeah.”
I narrowed my eyes on her.
”Actually no.” she sulked and put her cutlery harshly.
I sighed heavily. I knew it.
”Why? What happened?”
She pouted and looked at me. I was taken back by her intimidating looks at me. Don’t tell me I’m the problem?
”Don’t get me wrong, Alia. I’m not mad at you nor anything. It’s just that…”
I gasped a little when I confirmed that I am her problem.
”I just can’t help but to think if… you really treat and look at me as your friend.” her last words are almost inaudible.
My lips parted in shock.
”Zoey, what do you mean by that?”
This is the first time I saw her like this. She’s usually the jolly and the happy type, but right now, she’s just looking sad.
”I thought, because you’re allowing me to invite you to our house, you finally saw me as a friend. I knew from the very first start that you’re reserved and secretive, but you know? For once, I hoped that you’ll open up to me.”
”Zoey, I’m sorry that you have to feel that way.”
”No, Alia. I still love you though. It’s just that… It hurts me sometimes to see you change every single day without even knowing what’s happening to you. You don’t understand this! I have a lot of friends but never did I feel this way around them.”
I bit my lip because of guilt.
”I saw you as my perfect match. But I guess you didn’t see me the same way.” she bowed and pouted more.
I chuckled. She glared at me. It made me chuckle again. She’s really still young. She may look strong and confident but deep inside she’s vulnerable and shallow. I stood and sat beside her.
”Zoey, I sincerely apologize for treating you that way. Truly, I didn’t see it that way. I’m thankful because you’re the one who brights up people’s day. It’s my fault for being so reserved but trust me, I didn’t mean to keep it all as a secret. I’m just having a hard time sorting it all out in my head.”
She pouted. I smiled.
”I didn’t know the feeling of having a little sister, but if I would be given a chance to have one, I’ll choose you.”
Slowly, a smile appeared on her lips. She rolled her eyes like she didn’t just sulked a while ago.
”As if you have a choice! I’m your only friend here!”
We laughed.
”Hey! I have another friend.” I said defensively.
She raised her brow like she doesn’t believe me.
”Who? “
I smirked and looked at her tauntingly. Her brows furrowed in curiosity.
”Lulu, this is Zoey, my friend. And Zoey, this is Lulu my friend. “
I look at them smiling. They both seem shy and hesitant but they greeted each other in a friendly manner. I’m glad I made this decision. I told Zoey that we should visit this library and she was surprised that I’m gonna introduce someone here.
I can’t believe this is happening. They almost have the same personality, and so I always get curious what will happen if both of them meet. Well, I underestimated the power of these two.
”Oh! That’s why you look familiar!”
”Yeah. But it’s been a long time now.” Zoey answered casually.
”Two years is not that long.”
”Oh, believe me when I tell you. Look at my body. I’m a bit thicker than I used to be.”
”No! You still look gorgeous.”
Their shyness at the beginning is just mere pretending. They didn’t run out of topics since they both became comfortable with each other. While I’m just here, silently fitting in. I’m just happy that they both jived.
”Nah. That’s why I kept on pursuing Alia to join the model industry. Because her physique is way more compatible. And besides, I don’t think I would want to go back again. I just joined for experience.”
”Well then, Alia, you should try it!”
My eyes widened when both of their attentions were on me.
”M-me? I don’t think so…”
”No! We both think so.” Said Zoey.
I shook my head and laughed it off.
Those small moments are the times where I contemplate and realize, maybe that’s how God moves mysteriously. Some people are meant to leave and some people are meant to stay. Everyone has a purpose in everyone’s lives, once their duty is done, the world will do it’s miracle just to let destiny happen.
”To the penthouse, Sibal.”
Zoey finally decided to go home. Lulu and I just finished bidding our goodbyes as well, and now it’s time to go home.
”After you ma’am.” The gentleman opened the car’s door for me.
I smiled at his gesture. When I got inside, I felt this kind of emotion I’ve never felt before. The feeling of ease and relief.
”Sibal,” I called him.
“Yes ma’am?” he eyed me from the rear view mirror.
”Thank you.”
I saw his eyes lingered a bit when I said that. Though, his expression remained the same.
”I acknowledge your gratitude ma’am but for what reason?”
I shrugged. “For driving and guarding me?”
”That’s my job ma’am.”
”Then, thank you for just simply existing.” I smiled.
He stared at me as well and for the first time I saw him smile a bit. He nodded as an answer. I laid back and watched the night view.
I can’t wait to be home.
