Where Iris Bloom

Ch 17. The Conspicuous

It's been three days since we came back from our quick getaway but I haven't gotten over with what I heard that night. I admit that it did sting a bit but in all kinds of reality, we're not even a thing so I have to reprimand myself from getting jealous.

"You haven't told me about your trip yet." Shelby sat across my table with her arms crossed, glaring daggers at me.

I sighed with the recollection not wanting to dwell on it. I know for sure that this will pile up with the latter's red flag she's been counting.

"It was fun, I met her Nana, her sister and Nimo. That Furr baby was adorable." I smiled at the thought of Nimo.

"Why do I get a feeling that there's something you're not telling me?" Her eyes squinted at me, I really can't hide anything from this girl.

I look at her pensively trying to muster the courage to say it. I briefly closed my eyes and sighed. Okay.

"She called for Becca on her sleep." I paused. "It's actually the second time it has happened." I saw her face change when the words rolled off my lips.

"Is that her ex girlfriend?" I can see where this conversation is leading to and I'm not liking any bit of it. Shelby tends to be very overprotective when it comes to me.

We've known each other since college up until we both got into med school. My first love wasn't that much serious and more of a puppy love but when she witnessed how hurt I am, she went ballistics. She was the sister that I never had.

"I honestly don't know, though." I shrugged pretending to be unbothered by that fact when it truly plagued my mind.

"What did she say about it?" And here we go, the infamous Shelby glare. I kept my silence and watch her eyes flare in frustration. "You didn't tell her?!"

"What was I supposed to do?" I asked rhetorically. "She was unconscious and I felt like I was not on the right spot to ask who she was mentioning. We're just on the same headspace, okay?" On my defense, I was really caught off guard when I heard her say that name. Yes, we kissed once and that was the first and last.

"You know what, I think you're getting yourself into something messy. As early as now, I am telling you, if you pursue everything of this? I'm gathering a strong feeling there's gonna be lots of tug of war." She sounded like a jinx. I hate it but I'm choosing to ignore all the red flags that's waving. So be it.

I understand Shelby's apprehension given that she's looking out for me but I can't help myself but to gravitate towards Kim. She brings me this peculiar rush and elated euphoria whenever I think of her and I feel like I matter when I'm with her. Her stoic façade that everyone perceive is totally different when we're together. All I see is a girl that needs someone to hold her while she's trying her best not to crumble. She has this intimidating aura that sets her apart whenever she's in the crowd making her stand out.

I can't quite understand why I'm letting myself succumb to her pull. It's like, I crave for her and she fills that in but the moment she let herself become vulnerable and shows how she truly feels, she suddenly withdraws herself and I'm left lost in the dark. And every time I feel like we're progressing into something, she speaks someone else's name which make me pull myself to safety. Shelby's right, we're currently on a state of tug-of-war.

"Think about it, Iris." Then all there was was the white noise from the aircon.

"She needs some saving, I can feel it." I heard Shelby let out an exasperated sigh. I am very aware that she's not against nor in favor of me associating myself with Kim but she's keeping her grounds trying to be fair when the latter is around. The moment I laid eyes on Kim, Shelby has already reprimanded me but I still went for it.