The Shadows of Memory Lane (Book 2) [Gxg]

Chapter 20

The week went by pretty quickly, what with her and Juan having a blast as they shared most of their classes. The weekend came by and Linda was seated on her couch, sketchbook in hand, earphones in, music on. She would occasionally get up and dance, not being help it as the music coursed through her veins, taking control of her body. It was one of these instances, where she was shaking her hips like she had no care in the world, when Jimena walked in. She was singing as loud as she can, thank god Amia had gone out. Jimena couldn't contain her laughter as she watched Linda move to the beat. She'd left the door open... typical. Jimena had tried knocking but she hadn't heard. Jimena stifled her laughter with the back of her hand, walking slowly towards Linda. She had her back towards Jime. Jimena opened her arms, and in one swift motion hugged Linda making her scream at the top of her voice.

"OH MY GODS JIME!"

Jimena fell on the floor, guffawing with tears in her life. Her laughter would die down and then she would point at Linda and start laughing hysterically all over again. Linda huffed and crossed her arms.

"That wasn't nice, hmph!"

"Aww come on don't be like that. No no, not the puppy eyes and the pout. Oh my Gods, are those tears?" she tried to shield her eyes from Linda's display of irresistible cuteness. But she couldn't help but look at her again and this time when she did, she gave in unwillingly, "I'm sorry Li baby, I didn't mean to scare you so much..."

This time it was Linda's turn to burst out laughing. "HAHAHAHA, you should've seen your face. Aw Li baby sorry," she mimicked mockingly.

"Hey! And you called me mean," Jimena huffed.

Linda smiled and went over to her, pulling her into a proper hug. And then lightly pecking her on the lips.

"That's how you greet someone."

"Hopefully that's not the way you greet everyone."

"Maybe..."

"LINDA!"

"Kidding kidding," Linda defended, throwing her hands up in surrender.

Jimena shook her head and hit Linda's back playfully. Then her eyes caught Linda's sketchbook.

"Ooh, can I see?"

Linda hesitated, holding the book behind her shyly.

"Pleaseeeee."

"Okay," she said quietly.

It was a drawing of them on their first page.

"I'm not the best at photography. And sometimes capturing amazing moments ruin them. So I try to draw them from my memories and present them on paper. The past is my muse. Yet it is also my murderer."

"That's beautiful. Are you sure you don't write?"

"I am only a mirror, reflecting Haley's beautiful talent. I am but a shadow under her skill. So I never tried to pursue it."

"You shouldn't give up on your passion just because someone else is better."

"Writing was never really my passion," Linda shrugged, "Art is my chosen form of expression."

"As speaking is mine."

They looked at each other wondering when their playful attitude had dissipated. Where the emotions had seeped in. Where the leak was in their walls that belonged to their forts, protecting the castle that was their heart from invasion. Their hearts that had been broken before.

But that flicker of seriousness disappeared as soon as it had come.

Jimena sported a smile on her face again, and Linda did the same.