Talk To Me

2. I told you

Wale stood outside her flat, waiting for her boyfriend, Cherry. They had been together for nine years, and in just a few days, they would celebrate their tenth anniversary.

"Hmm... Should I consult Kind on what to get him? They seem quite close, so I'm certain he knows his preferences better than I do," Wale muttered to herself, a mischievous grin creeping onto her face. She could almost see Kind's exasperated expression as she, yet again, passed the responsibility of choosing a gift for her boyfriend onto her best friend.

A nostalgic memory flickered in her mind. Kind had once been dating a complete cad, though he had passed the man off as his "long-lost cousin" on multiple occasions. They'd frequently quarrel, mostly due to how inseparable Wale and Kind were, a bond the so-called cousin never understood. Wale lifted her chin, gazing thoughtfully at the sky, trying to recall the scoundrel's name. "Can't seem to remember... 'ass of a man' will suffice."

"Me too," came a whisper, jolting Wale back to reality. "Earth to my preety Wale."

"You certainly took your time."

"What had you so spaced out? I distinctly heard 'ass of a man,' and my curiosity piqued immediately," Cherry quipped, circling Wale playfully as if hunting for clues. He stopped in front of her with a teasing glint in his eye. "What on earth were you daydreaming about that you didn't hear me calling your name, twice?"

"You're always late, and I grew bored of waiting," Wale responded, sidestepping any mention of her thoughts. She knew all too well how Cherry reacted whenever the subject of Kind arose. 

"You arrived early, darling. We agreed on ten sharp, and I had to wrap something up at work. But where's Kind? He's never late," Cherry asked, glancing around. They had planned to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a new restaurant nearby.

"He's not coming. It's Saturday but for some reason, he insisted on going to work," Wale replied, sounding a bit crestfallen. Cherry instantly noticed the shift in her tone. Reaching out, he cupped her cheek and pulled her in for a soft kiss.

"Don't fret, my love. Now it's just the two of us, as it should be. Besides, why do you always drag poor Kind along, making him the eternal third wheel on our dates?"

Wale kissed him again, eager to change the subject. "What nonsense are you on about? Let us be off on our way. You're getting me all worked up, and I'm starving."

"Oh? Which hunger are we referring to here?" Cherry teased, a wicked smile curling at the corner of his lips. The pair shared a laugh at their shared innuendo, oblivious to the bemused passersby.

Hand in hand, the couple prepared to leave, but just as they turned, they caught sight of Kind standing in a distance, watching them. Wale's mood shifted instantly, and she called out to her friend with sudden excitement.

"Kind...?" Cherry asked, visibly surprised. "I thought you couldn't make it! I'm so glad you can finally join us."

"Get a room you two, will you?" Kind quipped as he headed towards the restaurant.