Relief (Completed).

Chapter 4 of Part 2.

“C’mon, we’ve gotta hurry!”

“Why’s the rush?” Kelly asked me.

“We’re doing shopping!” I exclaimed.

“What? For what?”

“For my baby, of course!”

“Why so sudden?”

“Why do you have so many questions?”

“Because I’m curious! And I’m amazed.” She laughed.

“Why? Amazed? That’s unusual.”

“No, this is unusual. You asking to go out. You being lively. You being back. I missed the old Jade!” And she sobbed.

I punched her on the sleeve. “Hey! You’re mopping my fancy dress, you..!” And she hugged me tighter.

“Heeeeeyyy..!!!” I protested. “My baby’s gonna suffocate. UGH.”

She got a grip on herself. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m just so relieved! You’re back. Jade’s back. That bubbly friend of mine who never fails to make me laugh even though she’s kinda annoying at times—“

“So I’m annoying? Noli me Tangere!”

“What’s that for? Noli me Tangere? You sound so Junior High School.”

“Stupid, you take it literally. What does that mean?”

“Uhm.. ‘Touch me not’?” She said in confusion.

“Exactly! So stop mopping there and get ready.” She finally let go.

At 10:30 AM, we’re off to go to the nearest shopping center. Kelly was so excited that all her talks make my head hurt. But I’m glad I’m with my friend, and living the life I thought I would never go back in.

…

“Anyway, what would you shop?” She inquired me.

“Let’s see. Baby clothes, feeding bottles, blankets, bags, basket, anything my baby needs.” I replied while checking my bag.

“Do you know what gender your baby would be?”

“Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you about that! Well, it’s a she!” I said with such proud.

“Oh wonderful! I’ll bet she’ll be as beautiful as you.” She clapped her hands in joy.

“She’d better be, or I’ll disinherit her!” I said, laughing.

“You’re such a mean mother.”

“I’m just kidding! You know I wouldn’t do that. She’s precious.”

“I was also kidding! Why the drama?”

“You started it, don’t put the blame on me!” I gasped.

“HAHAHAHA! Just look at you.”

“So you’re now the one laughing at me?” I pretended to be angry.

“Whatever. Let’s do this now! Shopping!”

“You’re weird. Before you pee here because of excitement, let me withdraw money first.”

“Ha! As if. Speaking of money, who’s giving you?” Kelly said.

“Well, I had saved some money, and Aunt Veronica has been supporting me since.”

“She’s really nice, isn’t she? Your aunt.”

“Yeah. And I wonder what happened to her and Momee.”

“They had a fight, right?”

“Yes. I dunno what it is, but whatever it is, it should be so serious. I mean, Granny told me they were inseperable.”

“It should be.”

“That’s why when I ran away, I went immediately to Aunt Veronica. One, she’s very fond of me, then she and Mommy has a fight, so I would be kept hidden. But now, when I’ll go back, I want to make a way for them to talk again.” I explained.

“So, let’s eat first, then we proceed to your baby shopping.” She declared.

…

After lunch, we started shopping. We hunted every store with baby products. It’s a nice experience. I went shopping like this before, but that was for my cousin. Now is different. But, Kelly is more excited that me. She’ll be pointing out every cute dress here and there. She even bought some for my baby, not just clothes, but other items, too. I’m happy and thankful for her company.

It was a tiring day for me, so we went to our house at 5PM. She stayed a little and helped me sorting out all we’ve purchased. After that, she said that she need to go home. She hugged me goodbye and said, “It was fun, don’t you think?”

“Super! I treasured every moment of it.” I smiled at her.

She waved and climbed in her car. As I wave back and watch her leave, her words rung like a bell on my ears.

“I’m just so relieved! You’re back. Jade’s back.”

I smiled at the thought.

I’m glad I am. I’m so relieved, too.