Blake
My head aches so badly.
We stayed up too late last night at Jay's party. I'm not gonna lie. Yesterday was super fun. The mocktails were going down so good. I also had a lot of fun playing a couple of games with my friends and Nadia, of course.
We're supposedly having guests today. We're having brunch with the Smith's. Yes, Kaia's parents and mine are good friends. To be specific, business partners.
I quickly got ready, not wanting my Mother to come up here again to wake me up.
When I went down to the gazebo, I was surprised to see Nadia and her parents. What was going on?
"I'm surprised to see you here."
Happy, too.
"That the point of a surprise."
Nadia replied.
"Don't just stand there. Join us."
Aunt Viv said.
I took my seat right next to Nadia's.
"They'll be here soon."
Was Mum talking about the Smith's?
"You look tired."
"Whose fault is that?"
"Ugh. It's not my fault you kept losing to me."
"I only let you win coz you're still new to this."
"Yeah, right."
"Right on time."
Dad announced as Kaia and her family took their seats.
"We apologise for the delay."
Mr. Smith said.
"Nonsense. We're glad you made it."
Mum said.
After the pleasantries were done, we were allowed to finally dig in. I was starving. Nadia obviously made fun of me for that.
"I hear you three are in the same class. How fun is that?"
Ruby excitedly said.
"It's something."
Nadia nodded.
"I didn't know you guys were family friends."
Kaia spoke for the first time.
"We've known each other for the longest time I can remember."
Mum said proudly.
"So, why the sudden decision to relocate here? I heard you were abroad all this time."
Silence.
We all put down our cutlery to look at her.
"Personal reasons is all. I don't think we're that close to disclose that."
Nadia replied with a tight-lipped smile.
That seemed to shut Kaia up because we didn't hear her say anything for the rest of brunch.
"Do you care to join us for some tea?"
Mum was asking Mr and Mrs Smith. Nadia's parents were obviously gonna have some, as they usually do. No need to ask them.
Our parents made their way back inside the house for their cup of tea, leaving us kids.
"So, how's it like being a model?"
Nadia asked Ruby.
"It's a profession I'm proud to be in. I love it so much."
"Nice."
"You wanna get into modelling?"
"I'm still thinking about it but yeah. Hopefully."
"You should. I promise it'll be rewarding in more ways than you think."
Ruby moved from her spot to join Nadia.
The two quickly got along, talking about modelling and the like. They excused themselves saying that Ruby wanted to direct Nadia on how to pose by taking some pictures by the pool. I went and sat by the swinging chair, overlooking the pool area and turned to my phone to scroll through Nadia's IG.
"Stalker."
Kaia came out of nowhere and looked down at my phone screen.
"You scared me!"
I turned off my phone, putting it in my pocket. She took a seat beside me.
"I didn't know you two knew each other longer than we have."
Kaia said.
I didn't know what to say to that, so I just stayed silent.
"I envy her, y'know."
"Why?"
That came out of nowhere.
"She seems so carefree. I doubt she has any burdens whatsoever."
"That's such a rude thing to say. You don't know her like that, so stop making assumptions about someone you don't even know that well."
"I'm not wrong Blake. What problems could she possibly have when she has such wealthy, loving parents?"
"You also have wealthy, loving parents Kaia. Don't be a hypocrite."
"What makes you think I have a loving family? Not everything is what it seems."
I scoffed. To say I was baffled would be an understatement.
"So what? You want me to feel sorry for you?"
She didn't expect that. Her eyes turned red.
"You're my friend. The least you can do is understand and not judge me Blake."
"That's a lot of crap coming from someone who was just judging Nadia."
I abruptly got off the swinging chair and joined Ruby and Nadia by the pool.
"How's it going?"
"Great! Nadia's made for this. Take a look at these pics I took of her."
"They look good."
"Just good?"
Nadia asked.
"They're beautiful."
"What about..."
I cut her off.
"You're beautiful to, Nadia."
That dimpled smile returned on her face.