Chapter 10

• Jada •

When I stepped out of my room the next day, three gossipmongers were lounging on my couch. I went inside the restroom to wash up and brush my teeth. When I stepped out, there were already four of them. Kobe has arrived.

“Are we not going out tonight? It’s Saturday!” Ada asked no one in specific.

I looked at them one by one before sitting next to Ada. “Yeah, no gimmick?” I asked too.

“Us? Why? You’re not joining?” Honey asked, confused. He even secretly nudged at Kobe.

“Come on Jada, let’s go out tonight!” Kobe chimed in.

“No, thanks! You know I don’t like going out when I’m here,” eyeing Honey for help.

“You mean you came back some time ago?” Kobe asked, confused.

I nodded at him and he frowned, turning to Honey and creasing his forehead at her. “You guys broke up that time!” I said immediately to defend my friend.

"You came back without letting me know? I thought we were friends? I thought I’m your second BFF?” he stated dramatically.

“So what are we then? Third and fourth?” Ada butted in, pointing at himself and Bambi. Everyone laughed at him.

I sighed at him, smiling faintly, “It took me a year to come back. Besides, we only stayed here for a while. I was in the US for two years, seven months in Singapore then two months in Japan. Before I came here, I was in France for three months. Now I’m not sure how long I’m staying here,” I explained. “Besides, I really don’t like going out here, it’s so hot!” flipping my hair before laughing.

Honey hummed, grabbing my arm and shaking it, “Let’s go out later, sis! I do miss going out too,” she pouted. I narrowed my eyes at her as I saw her glance at Kobe as if asking for backup.

“Honey’s right Ja, it’s been a while since we all hang out,” there you go, there goes the backup. “Besides, Lyken’s not here. He’s in Singapore for a business meeting so you’re safe,” he added, grinning at me.

‘Safe? Me? Why should I be the one to feel safe when he’s the one who did me wrong?’

I laid back on the couch, thinking. I’m a little apprehensive about going out but even Bambi and Ada are now begging for me to agree.

"Please..." they all said in unison.

I forced myself to nod and I was startled when the pinks screamed happily. They’re like kids promised with a Happy Meal.

It was only 10 AM, we still have eight hours to prepare for our night out. Honey and I, together with the pinks, decided to go to the spa for some relaxation then we ate out.

When we came back, Honey and I decided to sleep to pass time. Ada and Bambi did the same on the couch. Kobe, on the other hand, went back to their office to attend a meeting.

While at the spa earlier, he called Honey to let us know that Steve and Robin are joining. I also found out that RJ migrated to Canada three months after I left the country.

After I don’t know how many hours, I woke up to the sound of the phone ringing. It was Honey’s phone and it was Kobe calling so I woke her up.

I looked at the wall clock and it was already past 5 PM, it was time to prepare for our gimmick. I went straight to the bathroom to take a shower again before waking Ada and Bambi up.

I went straight to my room to get ready while Honey went back to her unit to do the same. After a few more minutes, I can hear the pinks' shrill voices.

I peeked outside my room to see what was going on. When I saw the familiar faces in my living room, I didn’t have to ask why the pinks are freaking out.

“Sorry, we just got excited. If you didn’t come back, we won’t even see these two,” they almost said in unison, referring to Robin and Steve.

I chuckled and shook my head in amusement before going back in and facing my dresser to finish preparing. I wore an ash-colored tube paired with ripped shorts and gladiator sandals.

I added a bit of makeup, accessories and I’m done. When I came out, the pinks can’t stop praising me.

"O-M-G! My talent’s really gorgeous!" Bambi shrieked.

I walked towards them, making a turn as if I was on a ramp. I do enjoy modeling that’s why I do my best at every event so I can get invited often.

After almost an hour, Honey came back to my unit. Our tops look the same but hers comes with a plunging neckline in pastel pink. It wasn’t revealing but she looks sexy in it.

She paired it with a denim skirt and open-toed sandals. She looks dashing. Oh well, we’re best friends!

It was around 7 PM when we heard the doorbell. We knew it was Kobe so I grabbed my purse to get ready to leave. Honey, Ada, and Bambi did the same.

“Ohhh Kobekins, you look dapper!” I praised, tapping his shoulder.

“You too Jadakins, you look stunning!” I chuckled.

“That’s right! I praised you so you can praise me back. That’s what friends are for!” then we both laughed after a high-five.

When we came out of the building, two cars are parked, waiting for us. I suddenly felt cold but I was calmed down when I realized that the first one is Kobe's car and the other one is Steve's.

I took the initiative and went for Steve’s car. I’m sure the pinks will squeeze themselves into Kobe’s car.

Robin opened the door for me and Steve gave me a high five when I got in. Both were quiet on our way to the bar, they didn't bother asking me anything.

And since the car’s radio is on, I started singing. I sang along to all the songs played and both men can’t stop laughing at me.

As soon as I stepped out of the car, I saw Kobe’s frowning face. He was about ready to rip off his ear in irritation.

"What happened?" I asked chucking though I already know what pissed him off.

“These two!” he exclaimed, “They rode with us but they won’t stop screaming, looking at Steve’s car,” he narrated, stomping his feet.

Ada and Bambi, both embarrassed, tried their best to hide behind Honey. But they can’t stop themselves from squirming when Steve and Robin waved at them.

I shook my head. I suddenly remember how we were back in college. Things were simple back then. No complications whatsoever.

We used to go out as a group during weekends. We even go out on weekdays if all of us don’t have morning classes the next day.

We'll hang out at our favorite spot and Lyken and Kobe will pick us up after their review. We’ll eat out then they’ll drive us home.

Same routine the next day but it's still fun. Still exciting. Honey and I still look forward to it every day. Until that damned day.

Kobe walked towards the bar with Honey holding to his arm. Rob did the same for me, while the pinks hang on Steve’s arms.

“The guys have been checking you out since we stepped out of the car,” Robin told me, clicking his tongue.

"That's what I'm here for. So that the guys can check me out!" I joked. It was really meant as a job but then Kobe heard it and he shoot me one of his deadliest death stares.

I gave him a flying kiss before smiling sheepishly. He even pointed his finger as if sending me a warning. I just laughed at him.

When we got in, I let go of Robin’s arm and told him I’ll go to the CR first. I had to retouch my makeup as I got all sweaty because of Robin’s reaction. I joined them right after.

They’re already seated on the VIP table, not far from the dancefloor. They actually picked a good spot as people don’t pass by often and the music’s not that loud.

I ordered vodka while Honey opted for some ladies' drink. Kobe, Steve, and Robin settled for whiskey, while Ada and Bambi ordered vodka as well.

There are only a few people at the before and I like it that way. Not too crowded. Not too suffocating.

“You did change a lot Jada, I almost didn't recognize you" I smiled at Robin after what he said.

“Same man,” Kobe seconded and Steve nodded at them in agreement. I chuckled at their reactions.

‘Well, it won't be Jada 2.0 for nothing.’

After an hour of drinking and catching up, Ada asked us to dance. I even saw Kobe widen his eyes when he saw one one-shot the contents of my glass before joining the pinks.

All three men together with Honey stayed at our table. I know why, they’re going to talk about me again.

I grabbed a bottle of beer from the waiter passing by me then winked at him before pointing at our table, he nodded then left. I jumped onto the dancefloor and turned my party mode on.

Whenever I turn around to look at our table, I can see all four of them whispering to one another, but they will stop when they see me looking. They were very obvious.

I don’t mind though, I understand. It’s because until now, they can’t solve the mystery behind my sudden change.

I know they're not used to me being like this. Back then, I can’t even talk to Steve and Robin because I was shy.

I feel like it's unfair to not tell them anything. To not let them in on what happened almost 3 years ago but I can't help it.

I really can’t force myself to tell them anything. I’m pretty sure they’ll find out soon. But not now, I just can't.