Foretold by the stars

01

"Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune
And I come home from a hard day's work
And you're waiting there, not a care in the world—-"

I stopped strumming my guitar when my friend, Anika sat lazily in front of me. I looked at her confused. Why is she here at this hour? The weather isn't that good today.

"Don't look at me like that. I'm with Jennifer." she said defensively. Referring to my cousin.
As if on cue, Jen came into view, wiping off her jacket.

"What are you guys doing here? It's raining so hard."

"Your Mama called me." she answered .
"Apparently her daughter is being weird again." Jen sighed. She sat down beside Anika who's now busy combing her slightly wet hair.
"And Anika..." she shrugged. "...well, she's supportive." She added then looked at Niks mockingly.

"Supportive your face!" Anika said and rolled her eyes.

"Oh! You girls are here!" My mom chirped happily. My friends went to greet my mother who looks relieved seeing my friends.
"I'm glad you made it! Thanks for coming over, Jen, Niks..."

"No problem, Auntie. Anytime!" Jen said.

"Wait, I'll go get some cookies for you two. Just as promised." My mother winked at them. I followed her with my gaze as she enters the kitchen. The two went back to sit again.

"Really, why does my mom asked for you two?"

"Shie," My cousin began.
"Tell us. He's back in town, isn't he? Is that why Auntie is so worried about you?" Jennifer asked being all so serious.

"Is that why you're both here? To check up on me?" I laughed at them.
"You guys are so-so funny! I cannot believe it!"

"Duh, no!" Anika said churlishly.
"Im here for the cookies!" She said aggressively.

And that's when my mother came back with a plate full of her baked cookies and crinkles. She then went back again to the kitchen this time to get us milk.

"I really hate the rain. So hassle." Anika murmured.

I smiled at her.
"I don't."

She rolled her eyes at me.
Between us three, Anika is the short tempered one, but she can also be very playful at times. Jennifer is neutral while I can say, I'm the most patient one.

"Duh, Shielo! If it wasn't obvious enough ..."she said sarcastically.
"He's only here in the country during what? During the rainy season? What is he? A mushroom?" I laughed a little.

"Shie, aren't you getting tired of this?" My cousin, Jen sighed.
"It's been what? 4?5 years? How many? I lost count."

I looked away and became silent for a moment. Avoiding Jennifer's gaze.
Sometimes, i hate it whenever she's being this straightforward.

Thankfully, my Mom came back again, saving me from that awkward moment.
She gave us our glasses and left us three again to talk. Anika is now busy munching her food.
This time, I know I won't be able to escape their queries anymore.
I was just making the atmosphere light a while ago because I can feel it. My friends aren't taking any more of my nonsense. After all, this has been going on for years now. Im guessing, maybe, they are getting sick of it.

I sighed again. Why does my mother have to call them anyway? Especially at this kind of weather. Maybe that's the reason why my friends are both so triggered.

"He's back in town, right? Are you two communicating again?"

I shook my head.
"No. Anyway, what else is new? You know, he's always like that."