Blue Flower

Chapter 40

-Naomi-

                Chester was waiting for me outside. I donned a loose top and faded jeans. After combing my hair, I came to my brother to bid my goodbye.

                “Naomi, I have to something to say.” he said as I approached the door.

                “What’s that? I’m late for school.”

                “If you’re dating Chester, you better stop that now. I don’t like him for you.”

                That hurt me even if I wasn’t dating him. He was my best friend, and my brother could just speak to me like that against him. It was unfair. If he knew about Chester’s past, he should tell me.

                “I’m not dating him. If Chester’s story reached to you, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

                “Yeah. I know he fell in love with Andrew two years ago, and he was beaten to death. How could you accept a person like him?”

                I put a mad face and countered his words. “It’s because we’re friends.  He accepts me the way I am, and so I do with him. There’s nothing wrong to that, dear. And if ever I’m dating him, I would be happy.”

                “You’re talking nonsense.”

                “By the way, who told you about that?”

                “You don’t have to know.”

                I was sure it’s Robert. He was still mad at Chester up until now.

                “Okay, I’ll figure it out later.” I said and walked away from him.

                While driving, Chester asked me something. It cut my imagination off.

                “Is that guy your brother?”

                “Yeah. He’s strict when it comes to me. I hate him sometimes.”

                “How old is he? He looks like he’s twenty.” he asked again.

                “He’s gonna be thirty-one few weeks from now.”

                He felt like choking up with what I said. “He looks good, huh.”

                I chuckled and put my arms around his stomach. I leaned my head on his back as he drove calmly despite the traffic. Some people looked at us like we were real lovers.  I just closed my eyes and didn’t mind them.

                “You should go home first and freshen up. You haven’t taken a bath and eaten your breakfast.” I said. I knew he lied to my brother when he asked him to join us for breakfast.

                “How about you?”

                “I’m fine. Just stop the bike a little bit somewhere. I’ll take the taxi to school.”

                He halted to a stop down the road. I hopped off of his bike and held his face in my hands.

                “Take care, and see you later.” I said and kissed his cheek.

                In an unexpected response, he smiled at me. “You too. And I’m sorry, again.”

                “It’s okay. No regrets.”  I laid my hand out to him. “Friends?”

                “Friends.” he said and shook my hand. I watched him drive away until he was out of my sight. I hailed a taxi and as I sat on the soft back seat cushion, and pondered on how getting physical strengthened our friendship.