MASH

Chapter 4: Stay With Me

~~~ Jessica's POV ~~~

"Bye, Jessica!" One of my colleagues waved to me cheerfully and I waved back, not as much enthusiasm as she. It was finally Friday (TGIF!) and I was ready to get home and sleep for at least a day. This week had been horrible. A newlywed couple had requested for me to design their new home but that's not the problem. The problem was that the so-called 'home' was actually a gigantic mansion that includes two drawing rooms, an indoor greenhouse and swimming pool, a grand staircase and tons of bedrooms...just for two people. I was freaking tired and my brain was going to overload if I see another blueprint.

I almost made it to the front door of my house when my Iphone started to ring loudly. Hastily, I fished my phone out and pressed the answer button. "Hello?" I hissed as I tried to juggle my phone and my briefcase while opening the door.

"Jess, are you at home?" Grace's voice asked and I glanced around at my surroundings. Well, I was outside of my house so that probably counts for something. "Yeah, why?" I queried just as my briefcase fall, scattering all my notes and blueprints. "Shit." I muttered as I squat down and started to pick them up.

"Huh?" Grace's voice was puzzled and confused but I just responded, "Nothing so you're calling because of what?" Grace laughed, a sound I haven't heard for weeks because of a certain guy (cue daggers), and replied, "Just wondering if you can join me for a drink." I glanced at my watch uncertainly, "Erm...it's already nine thirty, Grace."

"Great! There's still four hours before that pub closes." Grace happily exclaimed before dropping her voice in a pleading tone, "You'll come, won't you, Jessica?" "Erm..." I stall for time as a mental debate conducted within myself.

"Don't you want sleep, Jessica?" The 'devil' me reminded me and my mind was suddenly directed to the comfy bed inside my apartment, waiting for it's mistress. I sighed heavily and wistfully, "Yeah, I do. I really do."

"Then refuse Grace's invitation!" The 'devil' ordered just as the 'angel' me interrupted, "Grace's your friend, Jessica. What if you refuse and she sinks back to depression?" I suddenly remembered how foreign Grace's laugh had sounded just now. "Or worse, she commits suicide." The 'angel' proclaimed dramatically. "And you would be responsible."

"Okay! I'll go!" Sometimes, I freak myself out too much. I turned back to my phone. There's a chance that Grace would call it off. "I...Well...yes?" I answered, still hoping that she'll call it off. I was proven wrong.

"Wonderful! I'll meet you in ten." Grace decided and we said our goodbyes before hanging up. I groaned before (finally) unlocking the door and stepping in. I dropped my briefcase to the carpet and walked to my room wearily. I undress and took a quick shower. I dried my long brown hair as I surveyed my wardrobe for suitable clothes for a pub. Finally, I chose a short yellow mini dress with black leggings and pumps. I toss my phone and put a dash of lip gloss. I smiled at the mirror before walking out of the bedroom door.

I stopped at Kristle's bedroom and knocked on it softly. There was loud shuffling noise before Kristle's voice yelled, "Come in, Sis!" I opened the door and stared at Kristle. Her face was red and she was panting even though the air conditioner was switched on. I raised an eyebrow, waiting for a response and Kristle sighed and answered, "I was looking at Tristan's photo." As if to prove her point, she dugged out a photograph from under her pillow and smiled sheepish at me.

"You know, you should probably just tell him about your feelings." I advised her and Kristle retorted, "And ruin our friendship? I don't think so, Sis." I sighed heavily, "There's also a high chance that he'll accept you and you'll live happily ever after." I rolled my eyes at the last part and Kristle remarked, "Happy endings doesn't always happen, Sis. Take what happen with you and Joel as an example."