Krazy

"So let us get this straight once and for all." Jacques looked at the corner of the living room where Luca was squeezing herself away from the cat that was in Jacques's arm. "You're saying... you can hear Nova talk?"

Luca nodded profusely, flinching when her eyes met Nova's eyes. Jacques's expression died, staring at Luca with dead eyes.

"And you also died after overdosing yourself? But returned three years prior to your death?" Jacques threw her follow-up question, which Luca answered with a nod. She laughed weakly, shaking her head, petting the cat.

"Really... I think I'm going crazy with all this," she mumbled.

"I'm telling you the truth, Jacques! I thought I had died, but then I woke up. Nova is calling me a B. And then, you came and you're telling me I should get ready because of a deal I had already signed three years ago!" claimed Luca with a need to be heard. "I should be the one who is going crazy with all this!"

Jacques smiled. "Alright, I believe you." But then, her smile disappeared and only her cold eyes under those squared-rimmed black eyeglasses remained.

"So, you killed yourself?" she inquired, and this time, Luca's back stiffened. "In three years, my dearest best friend and money tree will kill herself? Did I hear that correctly?"

"Jacques! Are you angry that I killed myself or because of the latter part?!"

"The latter — I mean, both!" Jacques mercilessly hissed but chose a more peaceful resolution. "Be thankful that I am holding Nova, or I would have beaten the senses out of you. What are you thinking?! Do you think I will be happy? We've worked hard all these years for us to reach this far, Lu! And you will end your life in three years? For what?"

Luca pressed her lips into a thin line and bit her tongue. She couldn't really tell Jacques the reason. Her manager slash her best friend cut ties with her after knowing about her affair with a married man. Although Jacques begged her to end the relationship, Luca was too blind to see her friend's concern. Luca initially saw it as Jacques' fear she would lose her one and only friend, which was definitely not the case.

Jacques let out a huff after seeing her friend look down. "Seriously. It's hard to believe all these claims, but it is alarming on many levels! Goodness! You'd be the death of me!" she huffed once again and looked heavenward to calm herself down.

"If only you had listened to me." Luca cautiously gazed at Nova, who was in Jacques' arms. "You're putting a lot of stress on dearest Jacques."

Luca wept internally as she closed her eyes in horror, clutching her chest so tightly. At this point, she believed she was hearing things and was about to cross the line of insanity. She blamed everything on Xander.

Nova sighed. "So stubborn. You're about to meet the man who ruined your life and here you are, thinking you're crazy. I mean, I know you are, but I am the most intelligent, imaginary friend you'll ever have. Listening to me all day long is more effective than watching all the TED Talks you'd find on the Internet."

"What did you just say?" mumbled Luca, and Jacques arched a brow as she paused from her histrionic sentiments.

"What?" Jacques asked, but then noticed Luca staring at Nova. "Are you asking me? Or Nova?"

Luca ignored Jacques' inquiry as she kept her eyes on her sassy cat. Nova rolled her eyes.

"You kept saying you loved that piece of garbage and that you will worship him and yet, you forgot how you two met?" Nova replied sarcastically, and then it hit Luca.

With quivering lips, Luca asked. "Jacques... what sort of deal I am going to sign today again?"

"Really... how can you forget this multi-million endorsement?" Jacques sighed in exhaustion. "It the Zkinfluence, Lu. The leading skincare brand in the market! I went beyond and above to get the contract in our favor for months and you're telling me you forgot...?! Lu, seriously, what is going on here? Are you really sure you're fine?"

"No..." Luca whispered while Nova tipped her head towards the bedroom door.

"Yes, dear. Something is afoot. Do you want to listen to me now? Or should I claw his face to make you listen to me? Choose. But, err... never mind. It's up to you if you want me to impart my wisdom and bestow you enlightenment. I'm actually doing a kind deed here — pro bono." Nova clicked her tongue as she realized Luca should be the one seeking her help, and not the other way around. "My goodness gracious. I can't believe I had kindness in me."

"My nails are long enough to claw his face..." mumbled Luca coldly.

"Luca, hello??" Luca snapped her eyes when Jacques waved her hand to get her attention. "That's it. You are going to therapy."

"Uh... Jacques." Luca cleared her throat and massaged her neck. "Sure. Put it on my schedule, but I think I'm fine now."

"Huh??"

"Haha. I think I just had a bit of wine last night because I can't sleep." She laughed awkwardly while her brows elevated. "Anyway, give me three hours to get myself ready, alright? I'll come out fresh then."

"What...?" Jacques tilted her head to the side at the sudden shift in Luca's mood. One second, the latter was trembling and squeezing herself in the corner. And then the next, she was back to being herself? Jacques couldn't remember Luca having a mental disorder or the sort.

But before Jacques could even ask Luca, Nova suddenly jumped from her arms and stealthily head towards the bedroom. When she gazed at Luca, the latter smiled awkwardly while tiptoeing her way back to her bedroom. Watching this, a giant question mark hovered over Jacques' head.

"Are you really alright, Luca?"

"Yes! I am — I guess!" was all Jacques heard before she heard the door slam closed.