Chapter 27: Nancy 1

Nancy.

Yes, my childhood friend the one who lied about Ann and me.

She looked different. There was something odd about her. I didn’t really know, and I didn’t want to figure it out. God, I felt like slapping her. Then I felt like asking her why. I mean, she wasn’t like that the last time we were friends. I wanted an explanation, but it wasn’t the priority. The priority was saving my relationship with Ann.

Ann knew of her but didn’t know her face, so she was about to walk away. Then this stupid girl, as if sent from hell, shouted just as Ann and I took a step forward.

Nancy: “Raun Shengan.” She pronounced it perfectly.

Instinctively, I turned. She came closer. “Oh, you’re used to ‘Nath’ now.” She smiled so sweetly. if I hadn’t known what she did, I’d never guess she was a devil. “Hi. At first I was confused. That’s why I used your real name.” Then she looked at Ann. “Hi. Are you Raun’s coursemate? My name’s Nancy. I’m Raun’s childhood friend.”

Ann: “Hi, dear. You look so mature… compared to Nath.”

Nancy: “Yeah, I’m feeding well. You don’t look bad either.” She kept smiling.

Ann: “I definitely won’t when I have such a sweet boy. I’m his girlfriend.” She turned to me. “Baby, you didn’t tell me you had a childhood friend so I could be her friend, too.”

Of course Ann was trying to piss her off, it seemed she coded who Nancy was. So I had to play my role well.

Me: “Yeah, I’m sorry I didn’t mention her. We weren’t really close as kids. She was only here a short time before she left, so the bond never really formed. I haven’t seen her since I’d even forgotten who she was until she said something.”

Ann: “Oh, baby, how could you be so mean? How could you forget an acquaintance? That’s not cute.” She faced Nancy. “Girl, don’t take what he said to heart. Since he doesn’t want to be your friend, I can be your friend. How about I add you on W******p?”

Nancy looked at Ann in shock for a few seconds before quickly smoothing her expression.

Nancy: “Oh, dearie, that’s fine.”

Ann: “You know, my man and I were going to lunch when we saw you. But since you’re our friend” She shook her head slightly. “No, my friend, because this dude here doesn’t keep female friends.” She nudged me with a gentle smile. “We can go back and shop for more jewelry. What do you think?”

Nancy: “You’re right. He doesn’t keep female friends. I used to be his only friend when we were kids.”

Just then, Hamida came in. We were close to the entrance, so it was easy for her to spot us. She sensed the tension immediately and swooped in.

Hamida: “Ann? Nath? Is that you?”

We all turned.

Ann: “Hammy! What brought you here?”

Hamida: “I came to get some couple jewelry for you and Nath. I heard they’re blessings from God. Also, the owner’s wife is Chinese and practices BuddhismI was going to ask her to pray against evil in your relationship.” She paused, then continued, “And if I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have known Nath never treated me or the other girls like Mildred and Clara as friends. It’s all good, though. Maybe we overrated ourselves in his life… especially me, the one he calls his bestie.” She turned to Nancy. “Young lady, I don’t know you, but thanks for the revelation. What’s your name?”

Nancy: “My name is Nancy. I used to be Raun’s childhood friend.” She said looking at Hamida awkwardly

Hamida: “Oh, you still call him Raun? You have no idea how much he hates anyone but family using that name. Anyway, I’m Hamida. I’m Nath’s best friend.”

She extended her hand for a shake.