Season 4 Chapter 15
Next day we decided to bunk classes and meet at the café nearby. Though Julie, Victoria and Bella were reluctant to this idea, they eventually agreed. Jules seemed excited to play hooky, as for me it was an usual practice so it didn't matter much. Opening the café door, I walked in the café and scanned around finally noticing Christina. Despite her efforts to conceal it with makeup, I could still discern bruises on her face, making my eyes filled with anger for a second but I calmed myself before approaching her.
Me: Looking good. (I smirked) I knew that this color will suit you. (I winked mischievously)
Christina's newly dyed hair shined under the sunlight that entered through the glass window. Her light blue eyes sparkled with new life, her face glowed like spring flowers. For a second I could feel my cheeks heating up, "Wait…..why is Christina looking kind of….." I shook off those weird thoughts and placed myself on the chair.
Christina: You are right, it feels like pink was made for me. (She smirked while sipping coffee) Where are the others?
Me: They are coming. (I replied)
Christina: (she sighed) Are sure that you want me in the team? I have already committed multiple sins and the burden is suffocating me. (She rubs her forehead getting frustrated) I don't know how to face them, I am a sinner who is scared of facing consequences.
Me: Don't worry. (I replied) Julie is ready to welcome you with open arms. So don't make them wait any longer. Keep in mind that this is your last chance.
Christina: I am really grateful. (She smiled)
Me: Don't be, I dislike grateful people, it feels like someone who is below my feet. (I said while stretching my hand) I would rather have equal footing.
Christina: (she shakes hand with me) Sorry but I cannot make promises, you don't know what you did for me, all I can give you in return is my loyalty.
Me: That's more than enough for me. (I said with a wide grin) So….if you don't mind me asking. (I said in a low voice) What happened to that matter?
Christina: Nothing much, just usual shit. Though my father lost his patience this time and felt that it would be better for me to stay in hostel facility than living in that hell. He promised to visit me every weekend. (She sips her coffee) Ah…. It's so cold and bitter….(She says with a hint of sadness then looks at my direction changing her expressions) I meant the coffee. (there was a faint smile over her lips, her dark circles seemed prominent, she gripped the cup tightly trying to control the overwhelming feeling)
Me: Yeah….I guess….. the more it waits….the colder it gets. (I murmured to myself)
Choon Hee: coffee is always bitter. (We both looked up realising that she was towering over us) but u can always add sugar to it. (She said with a bright smile)
Me: I prefer my coffee bitter. It is healthier. You should try as well. (I said moving my chair a bit)
Choon Hee: Thanks for the offer, but I would rather drink milk. That gives you more energy. (She said patting my back)
Me: (I stared at her with disgust) blarg. Don't joke with me.
Choon Hee: seriously? (She pouts before sitting down, Christina laughed softly) Hey there pink butterfly, glad to see you here. (She said cheerfully)
Christina: Thank you. (She smiled)
Me: Where are the rest of them? I am telling you, they should reach before I change my mind of giving them treat. (I said rolling my eyes)
Christina: Hey buddy, that's not fair. (She said in a childish tone)
As we spoke, the Café door opens, some familiar voices made our eyes stare at that direction. It was Victoria, Jules and Bella, they were all dressed up and looking gorgeous, if I knew they were going to work so hard on their looks, atleast I wouldn't have showed up like a homeless fellow.
Jules: Look at this shameless bitch sitting here! (She exclaimed) She didn't even bothered to wake me up in the morning! (She pouts)
Me: I cannot help if you sleep like a sloth. (I replied sarcastically)
Victoria: Now now, don't start arguing in a public place. (She says while pushing her spectacle back using her right hand's middle finger)
Jules: Look at this woman showing us middle finger out of nowhere. (She said sticking out her tongue mockingly)
Victoria: What do you mean? (She smirks) I was just fixing my spectacle.
Me: Yea….right….Milady Victoria is 'so' perfect that she can never show such vulgar signs. (I smiled)
Victoria: Ofcourse. (She replied)
Me: Where is Julie? (I inquired)
Jules: She said she is stuck with a cat in the middle of the road. (Giggles)
Me: In short, she is busy playing. (I rubbed my forehead)
Choon Hee: (she grabs Bella and pulls her to the chair) Why so quiet my baby girl. (She kisses Bella's cheek)
Bella: (she gets flustered) Agh…..no…. don't. (She pouts)
Victoria: When did both of you get so close? (Asks out of curiosity)
Choon Hee: she is like a shy little bunny, so I feel like protecting her. (She said rubbing her cheek against Bella's cheek)
Bella: (she glances at us pleadingly) Help me...
Christina: (she laughs loudly) Dang, I never knew that you people are so crazy.
Me: Welcome to the world of madness. (I laughed softly)
Choon Hee: Look who is speaking. (She rolled her eyes)
Christina: Uhm…..I am sorry. (She feels guilty)
Choon Hee: For what? (She raised her brow)
Christina: Because-
Victoria: (she cuts her short) Don't apologize to us. It is Julie, to whom you should express your guilt.
Christina: (she pressed her lips) You are right.
The door flung open as Julie walked in with a white kitten in her arms.
Julie: Sorry guys, I got late because of this cutie. (She said grinning) I couldn't find her mother so thought of taking it to shelter. But I was getting late, so I directly came here.
Waitress: Ma'am , you cannot bring pets here. (She said blocking her way)
Julie: (puppy eyes) Please?.....this poor little animal has nowhere else to go. (Her eyes sparkles with tears as she please)
Waitress: uhm….(reluctantly) Fine….but only this time. Please don't repeat this again.
Julie: (nods) Yes! (She replied before sitting down with us)
Me: (I glanced at the kitten for few seconds then cleared my throat) Uhm….can I hold it?
Julie: Sure! (She grins before passing me the kitten)
I blushed slightly while holding the kitten in my arms, the baby was fast asleep. It's little paws were so cute!! Everyone silently stared at my expressions as I glared at them to keep their mouth shut regarding it.
Jules: So Julie, did you take permission from your parents before coming here? (She smirks)
Julie: (she tilts her head) How did you know?
Bella: You seriously did?
Julie: (Nods) I don't want to lie to my parents and they don't even mind. I just can't break their trust.
Victoria: Uhm Julie, Christina wants to say something to you.
Julie: Huh? (She glanced at Christina who seemed uncomfortable)
Christina: (she gets up from her chair and stands in front of Julie) I know….I don't deserve forgiveness after everything I did to you. But…..I want to apologize wholeheartedly and want to mend my mistakes. And I am ready for any type of punishment that you will give me.
Julie: Hm. (Julie stood up from her seat and narrows the gap between them then raised her hand. Christina closed her eyes as if preparing herself for consequences but instead of slapping her, Julie hugged her tightly surprising everyone present) welcome to the team. Let bygones be bygones. (She smiled)
Christina: (her eyes gets welled up as she tries to control her tear. Julie's hug made her feel warm after a long time. She finally embraced Julie) Thank you….(The burden was finally lifted from her shoulders)
"Ah….that blinding light again…." It felt suffocating, yet it was wonderful. I wanted to destroy it, drag that damn thing to the bottom of hell, "I hate it, I hate it so much, why can't it be mine?" it was ridiculous that a devil craved for light. I wanted to corrupt it, but instead each time I get drawn towards that thing. "I hate this feeling, it makes me… weak," my inner devil whispered, her voice tinged with frustration and self-loathing. "But I can't resist it. Every time I try to extinguish that light, it only shines brighter, mocking me with its purity."
Jules: Hey, can we order something already? I am hungry. (She pouts)
Christina: ah right, sorry for wasting time. (She replied feeling nervous)
Julie: You didn't waste our time, so don't worry. (For a second, our eyes met before she sat down again)
Waitress: (She stands in front of our table with a wide smile over her face) So….are you people ready to order?
Me: One expresso, along with cheese sandwich.
Victoria: Chamomile tea.
Me: Seriously? (I raised my brow)
Victoria: What?
Waitress: uhm…..sorry ma'am , we don't have that here. (She said hesitating)
Victoria: Iced Americano then.
Julie: Mixed fruit sundae. (She says excitedly)
Jules: One Café Latte.
Choon Hee: One Frappé.
Bella: Water please. Along with a hamburger.
Christina: A refill would be nice. (She said raising her empty cup)
Waitress: Alright. (She said noting the orders before going to prepare the beverages and food).
Me: So~ (I smiled meaningfully looking at Julie) How was the shopping yesterday?
Julie: It was fine, we brought everything we needed. Bruce was being annoying at times but thankfully he was useful. (She replied straightforward making us feel disappointed.)
Jules: Hopeless. (She murmured to herself while sighing)
Julie: Hm? (She blinks getting confused)
Me: (I smacked Jules' back) Just ignore her.
Jules: Ouch! (She winces in pain)
Victoria: I have asked the tailor to prefer the jerseys. The tailor told me to give your measurements, so please do the needful. (They all nodded in agreement)
After completing our meals, it was time for payment. My hands trembled while putting the PIN of the credit card. "So…. Pricey", I felt that I should start some part-time jobs alongside the restaurant work. I want to stop being dependent on my parents for my extra luxuries. Finally we walked out of the café, and stood there having some small talks when Christina tapped my shoulder and whispered in my ear.
Christina: Be careful….my brother wouldn't digest his defeat so easily. (She seemed concerned)
Me: (I smiled brightly reassuring her) Don't worry, he can't even touch me.
Greta: What are you people doing here?
Our faces turn pale, as we noticed Greta's car stopping in front of us, she pulls down the window and glares at us.
Me: We….ar…..(I hesitated, as my throat felt dry)
Greta: Are you people bunking classes and roaming around for no reason? I cannot believe that my beloved daughter made friends with some punks. (She rubs her forehead) You people should learn something from Victoria. She would never commit such nuisance. (She says before the car starts moving again)
We blinked getting confused then realized that Victoria has already disappeared as soon as she noticed her mother's car approaching towards our direction. "This…..bitch….." Before parting ways, we went to a nearby shelter and gave the kitten to the caretakers there.
To be continued....