One Wish

23

You're at the Nobu Ryokan Hotel! Jasmine said in shock when she spoke to Elijah. Why? When?

She laughed. I didn't tell you I'm going to travel today. For the past few days, you've occupied my whole mind... not to mention my heart as well.

Well, I'm glad about that, siren. There was teasing and yearning in her voice. I'll perish with curiosity if you don't explain fast why you're within my kissing distance.

My friend sent me an invitation to three days of seminars on photography, Jasmine.

As Elijah explains why she is there Jasmine is already thinking about how they will meet. She wanted to see her. And if Elijah was just around it wouldn't be hard to do that. If she could leave the office, she would go to Elijah's hotel at the same time.

Wait, let me have a rain check on my schedule... But before she could open the appointment book, Jessica signaled. Jasmine covered the mouthpiece of the phone.

Your meeting with the head officers is at three o'clock. She looked at her watch -it's about time that you left. The pilot is waiting.

What about tomorrow morning? still hoping Jasmine asked.

Check to sign. The payroll is open... But you are free in the afternoon until four-thirty. You will be meeting the lawyers at five-thirty in Club Malibu, with Papa and me. Jasmine groaned in frustration. The meeting with the head officers will take the night, not to mention talking to the supervisors and managers of the plant after the meeting.

She removed her hand from the mouthpiece. Hey, siren, when does your seminar start?

Tomorrow night, Jasmine. There would be an induction party.

Let's have coffee tomorrow then. I'll pick you up at your hotel. Be in the lobby around two o'clock.

Okay... Elijah turned off her cell phone.

I have never seen your eyes, gorgeous they maybe, shine like a morning star, Jasmine Nicky, Jessica teased. I'm glad you've found another woman to-

She's not just another woman, Jes! She corrected. Jessica smiled, undaunted by the sudden change of mood. Well, I couldn't wait to meet this special woman, Jazzy.

The smile returned to Jasmine's lips. Lean back on the swivel chair. I forgot to tell you that she had a killer smile. And was honest enough to tell me she loved me.

And what about you, Jazzy? Do you love her? Jessica asked with interest.

The dreamy look on her face was gone instantly. The word 'love' burned me, Jes. I've used that so many times in my life without really meaning it.

Jessica's eyebrows parted slightly. Then what do you feel for her, Jasmine, if it isn't love?

There was a long pause before Jasmine answered. There was a certainty when she speaks. She's someone special, Jes. And I'm gonna marry her. You are all going to love her. And we will be good together. I'll propose to her tomorrow... buy her an engagement ring.

Jessica was misty-eyed. She was too happy to speak. She was certain her sister was in love with the young woman. She just didn't realize it yet.

---

Elijah woke up early the next day. She glared at Marley who had opened her eyes but still didn't want to get up. She was her best friend and former classmate in high school. Marley was a couple of years older. When she graduated from high school, her family moved to Malibu because her father was permanently assigned there.

And the reason why they remained friends despite the sea crossing between the two of them is that they agree on many things and they both love photography.

They decided to enroll in the same university. They shared the same boarding house and graduated at the same time. She was a Mass Communication graduate while Marley is in Journalism. They both took the crash course in photography more than a year ago. While she landed as a tour guide, Marley became a photographer for a local newspaper in Malibu.

Hey, get up, Elijah said to her friend who was still lying on the bed. The get-together starts at night. Let's go out and kill time.

I want to come with you, Marley replied yawning, Jacob will be here soon. We're going to watch a movie. Well, you can come with us. It's okay with Jacob.

Marley introduced Elijah to Jacob during their college graduation because he attended. Jacob is a dentist in Malibu.

Elijah made a face. Thanks, enjoy though. She picked up her watch on the bedside table. It's only half past seven in the morning. Jasmine will pick her up at two o'clock. She has a spare six hours approximately.

She sighed. She opened the closet and took the suitcase. She will just arrange the things in the closet first.

Come down so we can have breakfast together. I'm sure Jacob would love to see you, said Marley and walked towards the bathroom.

Okay. But after breakfast, you go on your movie date. She took out the clothes from her suitcase one by one. When she saw a very familiar piece of paper.

The calling card.

Elijah stared at the calling card for a moment. Then she looked around the bathroom and in a loud voice said, What would you do if you picked up a message from a bottle along with a calling card?

Can you repeat that?

Elijah repeated the question and from the bathroom, Marley laughed. Are you serious?

I am.

Marley peeked at the bathroom door and look at the card.

There's an address, huh? Elijah nodded. Marley cocked her head and grinned. I'll throw it away because it's just the act of doing nothing in life. Imitated maybe what you saw in the movie. After saying that the bathroom door closed again.

That's what I first thought, she said to herself. Her mind debates whether to throw the calling card in the trash bin. But she didn't throw it away when she first saw it. It was because of that calling card that they met Jasmine.

Foolishness and curiosity won. She put the calling card in her wallet and began to get dressed. She was already dressed when Marley came out of the bathroom.

I'm not going to have breakfast, Marley. Say my regards to Jacob.

Where are you going?

I just want to buy something... She picked up the shoulder bag and walked out of the room.

See you later! Marley said.