Tell me a secret

Party [2]

Abelina

The clock finally strikes 12 o'clock. Its finally lunch time, I've been on my feet for hours and I feel like crap. I feel i can never get used to the workload my job has on me. Im pretty surprised, I've never fainted at the job at this point.

I open the drawer that is attached to the counter. After sliding my hand in. I pull what I'm looking for. The "Lunch break- be back in 30mins" sign is placed ontop of the counter and I'm officially on my break.

I walk outside 'Scrumptious bites cafè". Im standing next to the door entrance and waiting for Erica. Erica and I always sit together during lunch time. While the other two workers get their lunch time after us.

Erica walks out carrying her normal worn out tote bag and we start walking to our usual spot. Once we get to the bench I place my purse on my lap and Erica does the same. I love coming here its so peaceful, the little pond across from us is occupied by a family of ducks. While the breeze blows on my face gently, I could stay here all day.

I start taking out my lunch box and open it to the banana bread I'd prepared yesterday. I offer some to Erica but she refuses. Its weird of her to refuse food. We usually swop some of the food we bring with each other.

"About what you were going to tell me. Its finally lunch time, so I'm listening" I ask facing her. She is never this dull and even now she hasn't touched her food.

And now that I've noticed. I can see how puffy her eyes are, how pale her usually glowing skin is. It just breaks my heart seeing her like this.

She clears her throat and looks down at her hands. She doesn't want to look me in eye, she never does that. I move closer towards her and place my hand around her shoulder and she easily lays her head on my shoulder. "It..its Simon..." I hum wanting her to continue.

"I found out that he was cheating on me with Rebecca. Like out of all the people he chose her." she says her tone filled with hurt.

Let me clear things up.

Simon is Erica's boyfriend of two years. He and I, have been friends since childhood and I'm just shocked at his actions. I'm out of words really. Why would he choose Rebecca of all people, she is such a bully. And she thinks she's all that because she knows everyone's business. What could he have seen in her that would make him leave a sweet girl like Erica.

'Sigh'

"A-and my mom" she continues her words getting caught in her throat. "Go on. What happened to her?" I ask concern laced in my voice. My heart is racing so fast as if its my mother she is speaking about. In all honesty Erica's mother has a place in my heart. Her mother was there for me when my mother died, she even offered to adopt me but I couldn't risk her life in the process. There are people I share relations with, that I wish I didn't, but that's a topic for another day.

I place my hand on her lap urging her to continue. "She has been getting worse and I'm scared I'll lose her to this disease" her wails grow louder. I eventually let go of all my nerves take a deep breath and wrap my arms around her to embrace and comfort her. Her pain in understand it, the fear of losing a parent is the worst. I've been in her situation and I would've wanted someone there for me too.

"Shhh. Shhhh. Let it out" I say gently brushing her hair.

We are disturbed by my phones alarm. I hesitantly let go of Erica to check my phone and it turns out our lunch break has come to an end. I stand up and put my lunchbox inside my bag, and wait for Erica to do the same.

With a final sigh me and Erica head back to our tiring job. "Just know that i think this breast cancer can never defeat a strong woman like your mom. I think she's going to fine in the end" I say along the way and Erica gives me a genuine smile, one i haven't seen the whole day. Im happy I could give her the motivation to atleast smile and feel better.

My shift is finally over! I take off my apron, the plastic gloves and net hat that's been suffocating my head the entire day. What a relief i tell you.

I wait for Erica near the door and she finally arrives. Erica usually drives me home since we live in the same neighborhood. We walk the employee parking area and Erica unlocks the car with her keys. I hope inside and turn my body to place my bag at the back seat. "I forgot my phone on the counter!" Erica exclams and without another word sprints back to the cafè.

'What is that?"

I think stretching my arms to take the paper that is lays on the seat in the back. When I turn to see it its a crumpled piece of paper. Curiosity gets the better of me and I open it slowly to not rip it.

'Note from : Angelic hospital

Payments for chemotherapy are due. Please pay the fees for continuation of treatment. If these are not paid we will have to stop the patients treatment. Please do necessary payments. Final amount: $5000

Oncologist name : Dr Edwin

Due date: 05/06/20..

My eyes are coated with moisture immediately, after seeing the due date.

Why didn't Erica tell me?

I'm her best friend. Maybe, she didn't want me to be involved in her personal matters. But I also deserved to know. Her mother is like family to me and my sister. And knowing that she might not receive the help she needs is heartbreaking. Its absolutely devastating.

Today is the 4th May, which means that the due date is only a month away. I have to do something to help her, anything.

'Maybe this is the reason she's been so sad the whole day. She is stressing over hospital payments for her mothers chemotherapy'

Now, I'm sure I'll be attending Jericho's lame party. It'll be a simple one lady mission. Make the dumb ass send me loads of money, when his intoxicated and leave.

I'm, sure I can do this much for Erica. She might not have had the courage to tell me, what she is going through. But I'm sure as hell going to help her with her situation. She deserves this much.

When I lift my head up, I can see Erica strutting towards her side of the car. I quickly crumble the paper and throw it on the seat. I quickly adjust my posture and pretend to be on my phone.

"WHEEW!"

I can't believe I almost forgot my phone. How clumsy of me" she says and let's out a soft chuckle, climbing onto her seat. After shes done buckling her seat belt she starts the car and we rude off.

"Bye! See you tomorrow" I wave Erica goodbye and she waves back.

.....................................

After a few minutes of going through my wardrobe. I end up picking a simple summer dress. Its simple yet appealing at the same time. I walk into the shower and begin stripping off my clothes.

The lukewarm water dripping onto my skin feels like heaven. I can feel my tense muscles loosening up as the water continues dripping onto my body.

If I wasn't attending this party, I would drowned myself in this heaven for a little while longer. But I have no choice but to reluctantly close the tap and get

prepare myself.

After abit of concealer, blush and a touch of concealer and went with nude lipstick topped with lip gloss. I stare at myself at the mirror and I look okay. I like how my makeup is subtle abd not screaming for attention. I stand up from my chair and wipe my dress making sure its not creasled and smooth out the fabric.

'Perfect! Its time to go'

Before, heading out I had made sure to feed Sandy dinner. After that I'd asked Ms Ruth to stay with her until im back later on tonight. Im standing outside waiting for Jericho to fetch me near the sidewalk. I called him ten minutes ago and he said I shouldn't go via taxi, instead I should wait for him.

I am startled when the screeching of tires, and the sound of hooting coming from a familiar car stand before me. Was there really a need for hooting?

I rub my temple already regretting my decision. I walk towards Jericho's car, the door doesn't budge. Its only then i notice that the i***t forgot to unlock it. He is so irritating how come he doesn't notice that the car door won't open. Its only when I furiously bang the window that I can hear the ping of the cars lock opening.

'Dumbass'

I get into the car and close the door. "Hey J", I greet trying to act sweet infront if him. I don't get a proper response only a hum. What's with him? Though I don't like the guy I've never seen him act cold towards anyone especially me. That shouldn't bug me, so I just shrug it off.

The drive is silent with soft music to fill the silence. I don't want to lie but I like when his quiet and not yapping about random s**t. In the blink of an eye I realize we are parked outside the Sanchos mansion.

I step out of the car and fix my bag on my shoulder. I take in the view of mansion infront of me. Its beauty and extravagance is overwhelming. Though me and Jericho have been dating for a while I've never been into his house. Actually I was never interested coming over and getting to know his family, because at the end of the day i was one his playtoys when bored.

A slight gasp escapes my mouth as I feel Jericho's arm wrap around my figure. I tilt my head to see the expression on his face as if practicing for an audition he inhales and exhale than grins from ear to ear. "Let's go party mamacita" he says guiding me inside the house.

'It's going to be a long night'

________________________________

Hey guys! This chapter might be longer than what y'all were expecting. Im not gonna lie I put a lot of effort and thought into it, and I hope you enjoyed it. Though its not much, but its the introduction and development stage of each of the characters. Im trying to give a little insight on the relationship dynamics between both her situationship and her friendship with Erica.

I really hope all of you enjoyed it. There's still alot more.

Love y'all !!