one and only (Editing)

heart to heart

I heard footsteps approaching me and stop right in front of me. I lifted my head, shifted my gaze to the familiar figure standing. I noticed that she changed a bit, her face was much more mature than the first and only time I saw her 9 years ago.

She looked more beautiful than before. Her black hair was long and shiny, her skin looked soft and flawless and her adorable light brown eyss that shimmered as the light from the sun reflected on it completed her beauty.

She tucked her hair behind both of her ears, slightly bow and beamed at me.

"Elisha?" she asked.

"Yes Amanda," I nodded, reaching out a hand to her and she accepted it gracefully. We clapsed our hand with each another and forming a formal handshake before she sat, taking the space reserved for her beside me.

"Lemon juice?" I grabbed a grande size cup containing iced lemon juice from the paper bag that I brought along with me. She took it as I handed it to her and thanked me, immediately yet politely taking her first sips.

"Adrian once told me that you are allergic to coffee," she abruptly spoke. I nodded and giggled, "Yes, I'm so unlucky."

"If you think someone who can't drink coffee is unlucky, then we both are unlucky," Amanda sounded more friendly, and the friendly vibes felt naturally radiated from within her.

"Seriously? Look at what I found today, a twin in this coffee thing," I chuckled.

"Don't you envy those who can drink coffee? I sometimes found myself drooling over the smell of hot coffee," Amanda pouted.

"I know right. I hope someday someone will have enough useful knowledge to create a caffeine-free coffee," as I finished talking, Amanda and I both burst into laughter.

The atmosphere became thick again. I glanced at Amanda to discover her admiring the beautiful man-made big lakes in front of us. The blue colour reflected from the skies to the surface of the lakes and the different tones of green-coloured tree calmed our sight. Not forgetting the fresh air we were inhaling and exhaling, it felt like peace have been occupying the whole place all the time.

I cleared my throat, thinking about saying something.

"So Amanda, what are you doing nowadays?" I asked, trying to make her more comfortable with me.

"I'm pursuing my studies in law. I'm a big fan of our country's law and always wanted to help protecting the peace of our country," she explained in details.

"I'd like to say that I'm impressed. Not everyone have that kind of courage to pursue in that field," I praised her with my words. "A toast to our lawyer-to-be here," I lifted my cup of lemon juice and Amanda giggled beside me but still she also lifted her cup, "To me."

We clinked our cup together and started to take a long sip.

"I assume you want to meet me because of Adrian, right?" she suddenly asked me making me tensed noticeably.

I answered her by giving her a slightly nod.

"So you already know about our family's plan, the wedding arrangement?" she asked and I nodded again.

She let out a heavy sigh before rotating to face me.

"Listen, I never even thought about accepting those proposals and if you say you want to be with Adrian then there will be no problem because if you already know, the second option given to Adrian is to marry you."

I ignored her explanation and stared back at her. "May I ask you two questions?"

Amanda frowned, hesitated at first but then she nodded.

"First question, what's actually the purpose of this arrange marriage?" I uttered.

"Well, that's a bit complicated to explain. Adrian's aunt was a good friend with my late grandma. They were so close and it made them came out with a funny decision which was to keep their friendship with family-tie, you know the bloodline from Adrian's and my family. They knew about me being friend with Adrian since we were still kid so they thought we are the best pair they can think of from both family," she rolled her eyes before continued, "and Adrian's aunt will be going to give her company to Adrian if he marry either you or me. Because they know about you too and they don't want to force Adrian to marry me if he have someone in his heart," in one long breath, Amanda explained.

I lowered my eyebrows and nodded slightly.

"And the next question. Please Amanda, answer me honestly, tell me what answer do you have in your heart."

"Sure."

"Do you love Adrian?"

Amanda stiffened, eyes narrowed at me and she shook her head continuously.

"I can't imagine myself as his wife. We were more like siblings since we grew up together," she pressed her lips, hiding the unpleasant feelings she have by imagining herself as Adrian's wife.

I put my hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently.

"Yes or no?"

"Yes, I do. But only as friend," she lowered her head, facing the ground.

"Good," I mumbled slowly but enough for Amanda to hear me.

She lifted her head, looking at me with brows raised waiting for me to say further.