CHAPTER EIGHT

Anika's P.O.V

I awoke and let out a yawn. I was expecting my alarm to rouse me, but it stayed silent. It suddenly dawned on me that I had broken it, though Nana should have replaced it already.

A groan escaped as the memory of the dream I had resurfaced.

It would have been interesting to know the taste of his lips or whether he was a good kisser or not since I couldn't do that in real life but Laura had to ruin it all by yelling my name.

She had quite a talent for ruining dreams. What even triggered such a silly dream in the first place? I should put an end to the absurd thoughts I was having and find a way to make amends with her. Maybe I'd visit her at her workplace, the only spot where we can talk.

I got out of my generously sized bed and stretched my body. As my gaze swept the room, it landed on a photograph of Richard and me encased in a frame on the wall.

Why hadn't I noticed it there all this time?

I lifted the frame, took out the picture of us, and tore it before disposing of the scraps in an empty waste bin.

I entered the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and proceeded to step into the shower, turning on the faucet.

Post-shower, I left the bathroom, wrapping my body in a soft yellow towel and applying body lotion. I discarded my shower cap and applied hair lotion to my strawberry blonde locks.

I slipped into a yellow jumpsuit paired with a black jacket and elegant black heels, aiming for a casual yet stylish look. 

Settling into the chair in front of my mirror, I retrieved my hairbrush and proceeded to leisurely brush through my hair. With the brushing complete, I returned the hairbrush to its spot and moved on to applying makeup.

Admittedly, I appeared quite enchanting. Selecting a pair of heart-shaped earrings, a cherished favorite of my mom's, I adorned my ears with them. I matched them with a love-shaped necklace from her collection, which complemented my overall look splendidly.

Retrieving my phone from the bed, I secured it within my bag. Alongside, I stashed a few other feminine essentials, including money (naturally), lip gloss, and some candies that caught my eye in the wardrobe.

Making my way downstairs, I encountered Nana, engrossed in preparing breakfast.

"Let me assist with spreading the peanut butter on the bread," I offered, simultaneously placing my bag onto a dining chair.

"No, thanks. I'll manage," she replied, a faint frown creasing her brow.

"Nana, are you still bothered by what happened yesterday?" I inquired, wrapping my arms around her from behind, but her response remained silent. Instead, she placed a peanut butter sandwich and a cup of black coffee on the dining table before taking her seat.

Without delay, I joined her at the table and began to eat.

"Nana, don't be annoyed, I'll apologize to Laura today," I muttered, words slightly muffled by the food in my mouth. 

She regarded me with a puzzled expression, and as I sipped some coffee and paused my eating, I continued.

"I realize Laura did the right thing yesterday, but there's still a soft spot for Richard in me, even though I don't want to admit it. Nevertheless, I'll extend my apology to her," I confessed, and she offered a reassuring smile while grasping my hands.

"That's my girl. You shouldn't have reacted that way yesterday. Laura was only trying to be a supportive friend, and you're well aware of her struggle with anger issues," she advised, prompting a chuckle from me.

"Yeah, I know" I chuckled. 

"That reminds me, Nana. Could you perhaps get me an alarm clock?" I requested, resuming my eating.

"Oh, indeed. I witnessed your 'altercation' with that poor alarm clock while tidying up your room. You know, the alarm clock was merely performing its duty by waking you up on time," she recounted.

"Well, that's what it gets for disturbing my sleep," I retorted, and together we shared a hearty laugh.

Having Nana back felt wonderful.

After sharing laughter and engaging in various discussions with my nanny, I glanced at the time and realized I was nearly twenty minutes behind schedule.

"I should head out before someone questions my tardiness," I muttered.

Swiftly finishing my sandwich and savoring the last sips of my delightful creamy black coffee, I rose from the dining chair, grabbing my bags from the table.

"Goodbye, Nana," I waved, closing the door behind me.

***

Arriving at the office, I forcefully shut the door and slumped into my seat, cursing inwardly.

The audacity he had, insulting me and then having the nerve to smile. It felt reminiscent of Richard's smiles.

My phone rang. Assuming it was Laura, my heart raced, but upon seeing the caller's name, it felt like my heart skipped two beats.

Richard?

Kelvin's P.O.V 

My eyelids gradually lifted as I let out a sleepy yawn. Surprisingly, I had managed to wake up on my own this time.

Typically, it was my mother who would rouse me from slumber, especially on important occasions. Stepping down from my bed, my gaze landed on the wall clock.

"Six am? thank goodness," I exhaled with relief, stretching my body before flicking on the bedroom light.

Approaching the window, I peered outside. The gentle breeze that rustled through the air sent a shiver down my spine.

Two Robin Redbreast birds caught my attention as they cheerfully chirped from their nest within a tree. 

'Lucky birds,' I thought.

The wind continued to dance leisurely, causing a few leaves to gracefully descend from a tree and drift across the ground. Everywhere exuded an air of tranquility, with the scent of nature filling my senses.

I inhaled deeply, my excitement palpable. Perhaps it's a stereotypical "girl thing," but the allure of nature's fragrance was irresistible. My gaze shifted to the garden of my neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson.

Although they were elderly, their garden remained a breathtaking haven. The sight revealed an array of meticulously tended flowers that painted a picturesque scene.

Roses, Daisies, Daffodils, Snowdrops, and an array of other blossoms adorned the landscape.

The garden's high wall boasted climbing rose branches that intertwined with the trees, at times cascading like curtains.

Truly, it was an enchanting and splendid sight to behold.

The garden suddenly evoked memories of my dream, and my smile vanished, replaced by a furrowed brow. I used my fingers to brush my hair back in frustration.

"What a ridiculous dream," I muttered, leaving the mirror. The light illuminated my gray eyes as they shimmered.

I had to admit it, I looked damn good. I undressed, neatly placing my clothes in the used clothes bin. 

After brushing my teeth and showering, I wrapped a towel around my waist and approached the mirror. Thanks to my consistent gym visits on Fridays and Saturdays, my body was undeniably attractive.

Using a hair dryer, I dried my damp hair before applying lotion to my body and hair. I chose a white shirt, white office trousers, and black shoes. Combing my hair, I expertly styled it with gel.

With my bag in hand, I headed to the dining table where my mother was setting up breakfast as I had predicted.

"Good morning, Mom," I greeted, planting a peck on her cheek.

"Morning, son. You're up early today, and I didn't have to wake you. Quite the surprise," she commented, taking her seat at the table.

"Yeah, thanks to that bossy boss who complained about my tardiness. Had to get up at 6:00 AM like a fool. Who does that?" I grumbled under my breath as I served myself some pancakes.

"Did you say something?" Mom inquired with curiosity.

"Hmm, no, I said nothing," I quickly replied.

We ate in silence, the clinking of our forks on the plates filling the room. I downed my tea and grabbed my bag.

"Mom, I'm off to work," I informed her.

"Alright... take care of yourself. Goodbye," she responded, resuming her meal.

Opting for a taxi, I made my way to my new workplace, feeling inclined to spend a bit today. I couldn't quite pinpoint why, but I was undeniably excited about my new job.

The cab pulled up to my destination, and I paid the driver his fare. Stepping out, I entered the company premises. As I took in my surroundings, I suddenly collided with someone engrossed in their phone.

"Hey, jerk! Can't you watch where you're going?" the person snapped, turning to face me.

"You," we both exclaimed simultaneously.

"Just because I hired you doesn't mean you should follow my lead and bump into me like that," she retorted.

"You were at fault. You were chatting while walking and not paying attention to your steps," I countered.

"What?" she exclaimed, drawing the attention of onlookers.

"Do you forget I'm your boss? I could fire you right now. And are you suggesting I'm not careful in my steps? Am I blind?" she shouted, capturing the gaze of both staff and customers who seemed more interested in our confrontation than their tasks.

Don't they have work to do?

Her tirade continued, but I couldn't help but smile at her angry expression.

"So, you're still smiling, huh?" she interrupted my thoughts, and I wasn't sure if my smile had manifested externally.

"Oh, I'm genuinely sorry for bumping into you, ma'am. I admit it was my mistake, and I apologize for your phone," I said and walked away, hearing her protests as I rolled my eyes and retreated into my office.

Inside, I let out a sigh as I spotted my seat partner.

Laura’s P.O.V

Having showered, I went down for breakfast. The scene at the dining table evoked memories of my dream.

I couldn't help but wonder who that boy was.

"Good morning, Mom and Dad," I greeted, settling in to eat.

"Morning, love," my dad replied.

"Morning, sweetie. How was your night?" my mom asked.

"Fine, I suppose," I replied, my thoughts lingering elsewhere.

"So, are you finally going to spill the beans about what happened yesterday?" my mom asked, her gaze fixed on me.

"It's just a typical BFF drama between Anika and me," I explained, and she sighed knowingly.

"You two are always at it," my dad chimed in.

"She might be bluffing; perhaps her boyfriend broke up with her," my annoying 14-year-old brother, Lim, interjected, followed by laughter from the family.

"Very funny," I retorted, rolling my eyes and giving his ears a playful squeeze.

"I've got to head out for some business calls," my dad announced, looking at my mom, who nodded in response.

"Goodbye, kids," he said, rising from his seat and making his exit.

"Bye," we all chorused.

"Ouch, Laura, ease up on the ear torture. If you're upset, take it out on the guy who dumped you," Lim suggested, prompting me to tighten my grip on his ears.

"Mom..." Lim whined, seeking my mom's intervention.

"Laura, let go of your brother," my mom instructed.

"No, Mom, he deserves it. Let him squirm a bit," my 17-year-old sister, Madison, chimed in.

"Madison, why don't you mind your own business? Nobody asked you to meddle in this," Lim retorted, earning a roll of the eyes from Madison.

"Release me, you annoying jerk. Madison is miles ahead of you," Lim complained.

"Aww, thank you, Lim. That's probably the nicest thing you've ever said to me. I'm genuinely touched," Madison replied sweetly.

"Wait, did I say that to you? Ugh, never mind, I just wanted Laura to be envious. You're the worst," Lim muttered, sparking laughter among us. I released his ears.

"Really? What if I spill the beans about how you've had a crush on Daisy since you were nine?" Madison blurted out, causing gasps all around.

"Did you have to announce it in front of these ancient folks? I regret ever telling you," Lim mumbled, his face reddening as he concentrated on his food.

"Aww, my little boy's growing up, with crushes and girlfriends. I'll need to start saving for his wedding," my mom teased, pinching Lim's cheek. More laughter ensued.

"Hmm, excuse me, I suddenly need to... um, iron my shoes," Lim stammered before dashing off to his room.

We burst into laughter, thoroughly amused by the exchange. After we finished breakfast, Madison and Lim headed off, and I made my way to work.

T.B.C 

Noeline.