One

~~Kate~~

I stop in my tracks, startled as my gaze settles on my best friend, Yssa, entwined with her new boyfriend, Bob with a bob cut that doesn't suit him. I only left for a moment to get some drinks and now they’re almost eating up each other’s faces.

“Ugh…” I cover my mouth, holding my breath for a second and slowly breathing in.

Yssa’s usually well-behaved, but often loses herself when captivated by a man she finds appealing. Yet, I am not very fond of Bob. To me, he appears unsettled, a man still searching for direction, indulging in fleeting pleasures rather than pursuing substance. Such qualities, I find, uninspiring.

If Yssa were to ask me, I would encourage her to entrust her heart to aomeone of true character. A man who values devotion over a fleeing passion, and who would remain steadfast long after the initial thrill has passed.

This Bob, well, he’ll likely get rid of himself as soon as he gets what he wants from her and it’s aching to watch my friend cry over his spoiled nuts later. But Yssa won’t listen to me, after all… We have different tastes in men. In her dictionary, I’m the ‘boring’ one.

As to what they’re doing now. It’s indecent.

“Excuse me,” I tap my friend’s shoulder twice after faking a cough. I have an entire speech prepared in my mind, but this time, I will keep it short.

“Our break’s almost over. Let’s go,” I say and shift my gaze to Bob, who is smiling like a dog in heat, his coquettish stare fixed on Yssa.

Nasty.

I almost roll my eyes at what he's doing. Yssa deserves better, but I don't want to get ahead of her decisions, especially in this matter.

I don't have enough experience, no, scratch that… I don't have any experience in dating. But that's only because I haven't found someone appropriate. Someone worthy.

Yssa finally pulls away, her cheeks flushed, and links her arm through mine as though nothing has happened. “Bye, babe,” she waves at Bob as we walk away.

“Don’t be such a prude, Kate,” she teases, her tone light as she giggles.

I smile faintly, extending my patience and understanding. “I am not a prude,” I reply evenly. “I simply prefer elegance over spectacle. I'm not the only one who saw what you did, Yssa.”

She laughs, unconcerned. “Oh, come on. Bob is a hottie,” Yssa insists, and it makes me want to puke a little. “Why don’t you get a boyfriend, hm? You’ll understand the joy of dating if you start doing it.”

Seriously. I don’t understand why she likes dating around. Why not find the right one, date and get married instead?

Sighing, I halt and face her. “Why don’t you get a room next time?” I raise an eyebrow, making her laugh harder.

“What? I’m not kidding. It’s not like Bob’s saliva has flavors,” I retort. “I would rather suck on a lollipop than do what you did there with a random guy.”

Yssa looks at me with tear-eyes, holding back her laughter like I’ve said something funny. She’s always like this whenever we’re talking about things related to ‘dating’.

“Oh, please, Kate.” She leans close, her breath touching my ear. “You’re only saying that ‘cause you haven’t stuck on a di—”

I interrupt her with a subtle gesture. “Please, stop. Even hearing you speak of it feels like a strain on my heart.”

Yssa tilts her head, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “A strain on your heart? Honestly, Kate, you sound like a grandmother clutching her pearls.” She nudges me lightly with her elbow, her laughter bubbling out in a way that makes heads turn.

“You need to loosen up,” she insists, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Not every man is a scandal waiting to happen. Some of them are just… fun,” she continues and shrugs.

I arch a brow, keeping my composure intact. ‘Fun’, in Yssa’s dictionary, is synonymous with reckless. In mine, it is simply another word for trouble. If I don’t want trouble, then I won’t have ‘fun’.

“No thanks,” I firmly reply.

“You don’t get it,” she continues, her eyes sparkling. “Dating is exciting. It’s like riding a rollercoaster... and uh, you can ride someone you're dating if you want, too,” she chuckles.

That definitely means dirty, and I hate that I get it!

Well, spending time with Yssa taught me a lot of things about the forbidden knowledge my Mom often reminds me to avoid.

Speaking of my Mom, they’re supposed to be back tonight.

Just as the thought crosses my mind, my phone buzzes in my hand. I glance at the screen... It's Mom. I answer immediately, straightening my posture as though she can see me through the line.

“Kate,” her voice comes brisk, yet composed. “I’m afraid we won’t be home as planned. There’s been a complication with the negotiations, and your father and I must extend our trip in the north. It may take several more days.”

Mom sighs, sounding exhausted from a long day.

I press the phone closer to my ear, my heart sinking though I keep my tone even. “I understand, Mom. Please don’t worry about me. I can manage.”

She exhales softly, the sound of papers shuffling in the background. “I know you can. You’ve always been my good girl. Just… remember what I’ve taught you, alright? We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

The call ends as swiftly as it began, leaving me staring at the darkened screen.

It can’t be helped. Business comes first.

A quiet sigh escapes my lips. Holiday’s coming up and I’m alone again… as always.

“Hey! Looks like you’re stuck with me for the holidays,” she says, nudging my arm. “Cheer up! It will be fine. This only means you’re coming to the Reids’. And nope, no excuses.”

Her words linger, and though I force a polite smile, a strange unease stirs within me… an intuition that this holiday will be unlike any other.

“Come to think of it. You haven’t met my dad, have you?” Yssa asks, tilting her head to the side while staring at me for an answer.

Softly, I shake my head. “No, I don’t think so.”