In Her Memory

9. Friendly Reminder

Althea's

I'm walking lightly through the sea of people here in some mall near my condo, it's my first day off from Pearl and Gab's wedding and I don't have to go to the company unless it's for my own pleasure. But today I really don't feel like it so I told Batchi that I'll just have the whole day all by myself. And despite her protests and proposals of hanging out or out of town I declined so she just let me be. She's just a bit worried of me being out alone because since I started working on the wedding I've received a good number of unknown calls and anonymous gifts delivered to my condo so she's being very protective lately but then I assured her that I'm going to be just fine.

I was looking for a Japanese restaurant, my the mall today sure is busy good thing I was tall enough to see where to go. I was strutting minding my own business when I suddenly felt a pair of eyes intently watching me so I roamed my eyes and there she is; Jade, looking gorgeous as hell with her pink collared dress and neatly pinned brown hair. Pink suits her perfectly. I like it. She was staring at me which made me smile internally good thing I was wearing my aviators so she can't see where my eyes went. I was prepared to her with her boyfriend but then the next thing I heard was the voice of the shorter girl beside her. Sally!

"Althea!" She half shouted smiling widely at me.

I greeted her with a kiss on her cheek and since I don't want Jade to feel aloof I did the same with her. I removed my aviators and talked to Sally. And while were talking about Isabelle I noticed Jade's varied expression from my peripheral view. She's also getting a little unsettled so I just focused on Sally.

"Maybe she's still busy Sal, we shouldn't bother her." Ahh that voice I now I remembered! How could I forget the edgy yet prim and proper way she talks.

"No it's fine! I'd love to hang out with you guys." Smiling at them mostly on Jade when I noticed her expression change yet again. She's really hard to read but I find it cute.

"So see you 10 pm. Republiq?" Sally asked

"Sure! Resorts world." I assured.

And then we bade goodbye, I looked at them walking past me to the opposite direction and before anyone of them could glance back I put on my aviators and walked straight without looking back and I swear I felt Jade's stare again but then I just enjoyed her attention and let her bathe me with her looks.

After eating I bought a few things for my condo and decided to go home since I need to prepare for a night out with Sally and Jade later. When I get in my unit I saw Batchi waiting for me in the living room.

"Hey! how's your "ME time"?" she asked with her hands gesturing quote-unquote

"Fine? Actually it's more than fine." I said smiling#

"Wait did I miss something? Why are you looking like you're gonna get laid tonight?"

"What the hell Batch!" I said laughing

"No seriously! Tell me! Wila's asking if you wanna get together tonight? Our treat?!" She enthuse

"There's nothing there to tell. And as much as I want to go with you guys my night is already taken. I'll go out with Sally and Jade."

"What? I beg your pardon!? You're technically going out with JADE? TANCHINGCO?! What happened to 'I WOULD NEVER GET ALONG WITH ANY SY OR TANCHINGCO ANYMORE!" She said complete with my expressions and action when I said the same exact line a day before the wedding.

"It's going to be a harmless and friendly night out okay?!" I defended

"Don't start with me Thea. So you're saying you have no, as in big N and O ulterior motive with agreeing to go out with them tonight?" she said more seriously yet still teasing