Jamie's POV
I was silently eating lunch at the campus park when my phone rang. It’s my cousin-best friend, Rada, who’s an Associate in Boston. I wonder why she’s calling this late in the evening, their time.
“Hello?”
“Hey cuz! What are you up to?” She sounds a little tipsy.
“I’m eating lunch at school. You sound weird.”
“Oh, she’s on her break. Told you girls it was a good time to call.” I heard her talk to whoever she’s with in the background.
“Rada? Heeeey! Rada!!!” They kind of continued chattering and couldn't seem to hear me.
She’s older by three years. We grew up together but they moved to the US when she was in the last years of high school. Since we live near each other and went to the same school, she’s been my best friend ever since and has watched over me during those times. I’m lucky to have her but boy, she can be my total opposite. If I’m rational and I take proper precautions before I do things, she’d be this impulsive - emotional - whatever happens happens version of me.
All the possible crazies, which I also have just subdued, is magnified to maybe three times when she’s involved. The troubles I had been in when we were younger were mostly her doing. But here she is, a citizen that actually upholds the law.
“I’m going to switch to facetime, okay?” she told me and I sighed, I knew it, they are drinking at this hour.
“Who are you with?” I see that she’s at her apartment.
“I’m with Tibby, Kriz, Lydz, Anne, Amber, Pey, and Jaa. Girls! Say hello to the ever glowing, well taken care of, Jamie.” she started while going around her living room and kitchen showing everyone’s faces.
I hang out with them whenever I am in the States. They’ve been Rada’s friends since high school and went to the same Uni together majoring in different fields. If my cousin is vibrant - to say the least, these women are of the same level.
“What’s the occasion? Why are you all together?” clarifying because this does not happen often, especially when they’ve been busy now with their respective careers.
“Well, someone got a promotion - that someone is me - so we’re celebrating, at home that is. I wanted to tell you earlier but I know you’re a bit busy, I gotta time calling you properly. Say hi to them! We miss you here!” Everyone started crowding the screen before I could congratulate my cousin.
I am mentally preparing for the harmless puns that I am well accustomed to.
“Hey Jamie, I heard you’re seeing someone delish, oops, special. Seeing someone special.” It was Pey.
“Yeah, send us a picture, we need to assess the assets…. I mean him.” Amber agreed.
“What did I hear? Ass...ets? What?” Tibby butted in.
Here we go, it has begun. They’re going to have a conversation of their own, so I’m just gonna wait for them to finish or bring me into it.
“ASSETS!!! A-S-S-E-T-S, you should properly enunciate the word! See, Jamie is already rolling her eyes.” Anne bantered.
Kriz got in the frame, “At least you know the alphabets and how to spell properly. Jamie, do you still know your alphabets?” Laughing boisterously. Oh man, I know where this is going. They are tipsy.
“Of course, I do. Pretty pretty well. I learned from the best bunch.”
“Atta girl. Now, you do know you have to sing those alphabets well too right?” Lydz chimed in and cackled.
They will continue this until they are satisfied and have their fun. But I miss this too.
“Baby girl, the singing has to be in the right pitch, key, and of course tempo. Remember that!” Jaa, throwing in her own so called tips.
“You are all crazy!!!” I started raising my voice but joining in the laughter. “I am not getting into that conversation. Nuh uh.”
“We just wanted to say hello to you. We miss you here. When are you going to visit?” Rada took the phone back.
“I’m not sure yet, I will let you know as soon as I finalize my schedule. I really don’t know these days. I miss you guys too. And congratulations! I’m so proud of you!” she started walking towards the less noisy part of her apartment.
“Thank you, things are great here. I’m happy with the promotion and the raise that comes with it. I promise I’d buy you a great birthday gift. How are you?”
“I’m happy... contented...” I trailed off then added “and a little scared?” She’s one of the few people who would understand me and know what to say or do in times like this.
“Scared because?” she prompted me to continue.
“Getting too attached.” I sighed.
“Isn’t that a good thing? You, getting more attached in this relationship? You were the one who told me that he’s exerting the right effort that you wanted in a relationship. That he makes you happy and gives you comfort the best way he knows how. There’s no pretense in your relationship and it isn't a demanding kind. Which is so hard to have these days.”
“That’s true but you know, when things get too good to be true, sometimes it probably is?”
“Jamie, when you know, you know. When you feel it, you feel it. You know this better than I do. Here’s a chance for you to experience the kind of relationship that you deserve. Why not enjoy how this goes, it’s the first stages of your relationship and you’re right to feel that way but you deserve this. Not to compare but I’ve never heard you talk about anyone like how you talk about him with me. Even from the past relationships you’ve had. The way you describe him it’s as if you found that piece of the puzzle that actually fits.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I know I am. Stop overthinking. Relationships are not always rainbows and butterflies. There are storms, rainy days or downpours, and sometimes droughts. You know what I mean by drought right? And if there is drought, the little rain dance helps without a doubt. You should start practicing! and oh by the way, have the pearls been shaken and unearthed?”
From serious talk to this. I knew she’s going to get her own kind of jab in this conversation.
“Stop it! No! Not…. yet!” I shouted.
“Don’t be such a prude, we both know you’re not.”
“I’m sure you know, you’re one of the reasons why this mind is tainted.” Then we laughed in unison.
“You should finish your lunch, I just wanted to tell you my great news. They also just wanted to say hello too, we rarely get the time to hang out these days. Say bye girls.”
“Bye Jamie.” They all said one after the other, then someone shouted. “Practice safety, in all aspects honey!” I can’t help but shake my head at that with a smile etched on my face.
“Bye. I’ll see you soon cuz. Love yah” she ended the call gesturing a flying kiss while I waved my hand goodbye.
That quick conversation gave me a better perspective and eased what I’ve been going over in my head the past days.
