Nine
"Nine, hello, this is Sarah, if you remember, Joong's friend?", the cheery voice and that pretty face flashed on my mind.
"Of course, Sarah, it's only been two months since we met, so, how could I forget, you, hmm? You're just teasing me...", I smiled, though she couldn't see me through the phone,"Joong gave you my number?".
"Yeah, when he started work, as you're his assistant, he said it's important to have your number, in case he passed out in hunger. Urgh, I knew he was being over dramatics, but I played along still. I even teased him, that I'd produce some coupons, so he could come and eat at my place..."
"Ah, so you knew what happened too?", why did I say that, of course she would, they were close, but wait? He said he had no friend to help him, but Sarah...knew?. It seemed she's the type that won't left Joong in cold. Something, was a little off.
"Err, but... he seemed fine, now! Haha, maybe because he got you to take care of his spending, right?", Sarah was over reacting, must be she'd noticed that she blurted out something she shouldn't. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, whatever were the problems between us, she should not be put in a difficult place.
"Yes. You're right. I nagged him, even when he bought crafted coffee that cost triple from the instant one. He would rather drink water now, than listened to my endless blabber", I said, wanted to ease Sarah back into a comfortable conversation, and it worked as she laughed, "err, why do you call? Is Joong not answering his phone? Let me check his room first, I am just back from lunch with colleagues, so if he's in there, I could pass this call to him...".
"Oh, no, no. I wanted to ask for your help, actually...". My brows rose in confusion, "Oh, alright... Regarding what?".
"Next week, it will be Joong's birthday. Sure you must remember too. Since you've known each other longer, could you go with me to find his present? The last time we celebrated his birthday, was about four years ago, our final semester of study, and after that I came back to Thailand, and he remained there".
"But, Sarah...actually, you must know his taste better, err, we ah, haven't seen each other longer, so...", I hesitated, and before I could finish, Sarah cut in, "Nine, please, on his birthday, I'll be out of this country for a business conference in Italy. So, rather than just giving it to him earlier, I was thinking, that you could help to give it to him, on the day itself. Ah, his family, never remember, and knowing him, it seems, the friend of his that would at least do a little something to celebrate, is only you...so, please... Nine?".
"Uh, alright...Sarah, just give me the time and place...". After her excited goodbye and thanks, I dropped the call. Birthday...and him, somehow, was not the best thing that I wanted to remember, but it could never be erased too. I sat down, closed my eyes as the memory replayed again, unexpectedly.
7 years ago
I looked at the watch that I'd chosen. It was not an expensive one, just a black watch sold at a common store. I graduated two years ago, and immediately helped my family business, even though before this, I dreamed of working in a different environment for a few years, out of the factory settings.
My family business was not getting any better, more clients opted not to continue the contract, saying that they'd switched to better online platforms, where the access and views created more sales than a print did. Some, stayed loyal, catering to a certain age group that haven't moved or adapted to technology yet.
My father recently received a substantial funding. He didn't tell me where he'd gotten the financing from, as most banks already refused our request, looking at the decreasing five years net income. I understood, that he was actually worried about the employees. Some had already been with the company since the start, and with the current economy, it's difficult to find a new job too.
While waiting for it to be wrapped up, and put in a paper bag, I was again, taking a nervous breath. Today, Joong would be 21. We remained as friends, but our time spent together, gradually was not as much as before. He was enjoying his youth, varsity years must be a peak time to be with other people, while I was busy with work. It was already night, although I wanted to leave early from work, something came up, and only after that I could come to this mall to buy his present and cake. I would go and celebrate his birthday at his house.
As I had an access code, there's no need to ring the door bell. I came in, but the house was too quiet, no sound of tv or people moving about. He's not in? But, he knew that I will come by. I put the present and the small cake on the table. Maybe he fell asleep while waiting for me. I moved to open the bedroom door, but the scene that greeted me, caused me to first, stood frozen in spot, but then, quietly closed the door. I took a deep breath, then pick up everything and left quietly too.
I was almost without emotion as I drove back to my house. As I arrived, and went to my bedroom, I received a message from Joong.
[When will you be here? Sorry, I fell asleep and couldn't ask earlier]
I sent him a reply, [Sorry, Joong. Couldn't make it. Some emergency at the factory, needed to help my dad]
After that, I turned off the phone. I laid down on the bed, and closed my eyes to erase the view from my mind. He was sleeping, yes, but not alone. There's nothing wrong with that, it was normal for youth his age. The only thing was, he shouldn't have invited me to come, if he'd already had someone to celebrate it with, liked that, too.
***
"You don't pick anything for him?", Sarah asked me with questioning eyes. I just shook my head and smiled.
"Oh, maybe guys not into buying present and all...you just need chicken and beers, and all is good".
"That, and also, he had everything that my meager salary could buy", I said, while looking at the menu for lunch in the cafe.
"Maybe Nine, he won't care what it is, rather who it is from.. ", Sarah teased, and I just shook my head.
"Sarah, stop trying to play cupid, your romantic nature is sweet, but we're friends, that's it", I said and continued, "besides, his father already asked me to look after him, so I couldn't turn into the wolf instead".
"His father...hmph...", Sarah snorted, and I was shocked, "no...yes, I meant, my investor is someone really calculative, meticulous in every aspect, indeed".
"Sarah, Joong's relationship with his father kind of tense right now. Though we are his friends, we shouldn't be taking sides, too. It would worsen the discord...more so, both your dads are business partners".
Sarah looked at me liked an alien, "You must be brought up right, to be so pure liked this. Alright angel, forgive me. Let's order, I am hungry".
After lunch, and a bit more shopping, Sarah gave me the paper bag for Joong, and also another bag. I looked at her and asked, "Two presents?".
"Nah, this one is for you...thank you for the time and also the lunch. I should have paid, but you did it while I went to the washroom, eyy".
"It's a bribe..."
"Bribe?"
"Hmm, before you go, I wanted to ask something. I was wondering, how much about us, that you knew, Sarah?"
"Nooo way I would tell, Joong would kill me, sorry Nine, hmm... ", she pleaded and scrunched her nose cutely.
I smiled and nodded, "It's alright. I'm impressed, actually, that you're protective of Joong, even with me. You called me an angel, but, Sarah, you're one too. No wonder Joong is comfortable with you. Thanks for this, goodbye".
I almost turned, but Sarah grabbed my wrist again, "Ermm...Nine, maybe, I can't tell much, but... let's just say, if one day I'll be with someone, I hope he would be as much in love with me, liked how Joong always is...with you".
I looked at Sarah's back as she walked away, but my mind was spinning. Somehow, that word was such in contrast to how I remembered us, that it made me feel, that something, didn't add up.
