Our Arranged Love Story Point 5

Chapter 21.5

"These are your true feelings, right?"

The card was swiped in the machine and after the cashier bagged the goods, he stated how grateful he was to the customer for the service.

She thanked him and walked back to her taxi to depart to her final destination.

"Did you find everything you needed, ma'am?"

"I did... I just hope she's okay." The lady said, muttering the last part as she eyed the illuminated streets and the busy locomotion of people going and coming from this way and that.

She knocked on the door 3 times and waited, admiring the clean halls of the apartment complex.

The door creaked open silently and she came face to face with her bright-eyed sister. She smiled at the confusion written on her face before wheeling in her suitcase and groceries, letting herself in.

"Nojiko?"

"Hey."

"What are you doing here? I mean- Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could've picked you up."

"Don't worry about that. I'm more concerned about how you're doing."

"I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You sure? Isn't today the day Luffy left for his deployment?"

It was strange, really. Right now, Nami was too composed. Nojiko expected too see her behaving like it was the end of the world. No tear stains were present on her cheeks and the place was surprisingly in tact.

"Yes. He left this morning. Bright and early. Did I tell you how long he would be away?"

Nojiko watched the sickeningly sweet smile on her Nami's lips and started to question why she decided to use up her vacation time to visit her mourning sister. She appeared to be quite fine.

"Three weeks."

"Yup... 3 weeks."

Nami turned away and Nojiko's brows dipped with a little apprehensive smile. She still had a purpose. Just before concealing herself, Nami frowned deep. She was upset. Just as Nojiko suspected.

"You can make yourself right at home."

"Thanks." Nojiko sat on the couch and rested the grocery bags at her feet. She eyed Nami as she took small steps to the table close to the door and touch the framed wedding picture. The very one she and Luffy deemed their favourite.

"How was your flight?" she asked.

"Good."

"How long will you be here?"

"2 and a half weeks. Just decided that I'll come down here and cheer you up. That's all."

"I appreciate you coming over here to keep me company but I'll assure you again that I'm fine."

"You sure?"

Soon Nami joined her on the couch and Nojiko cast her eyes on the slow rivers cascading down her sister's cheeks.

"Positive."

"Hmm... okay."

"What do you have in those bags anyway?"

"Nothing much. Just 2 boxes of tissues, some wine, cheese, chocolate and some playing cards."

She pushed a box towards Nami who sniffled and wiped at her face with the back of her hand.

"Which one do you need the most right now? This?" Nojiko then opened her arms. "Or one of these?"

Nami chose the latter option and Nojiko's blouse dampened with tears.