Unknown Mishaps

Chapter 2

KHIONE CYRA

After the talk with Jase, I called my best friend, Alessia Valentine, or Essia as I like to call her.

"How many times am I going to tell you to just break up with that guy?!" She exclaimed loud enough for other customers to look our way.

I shushed her, "I love him, Essia. I'm just a little hurt and jealous that his ex gets to go with him."

"He could've dragged Xyler with him, but nooooo! He wanted that b***h Joey!" Essia mocked, snorting as she then shoved a piece of cookie in her mouth.

"It's Joelle, not Joey," I sighed and just sipped on my caramel frappé.

"Ughh. Who cares? Look, Khione Cyra Bashford, you are a stunning and confident woman. That guy is an insecure, lonely, jerk who keeps you by his side for security and convenience!" Essia explained.

"I'm insecure, too, you know? Just look at me," I gestured to my body, and she just raised an eyebrow at me.

"I look fat, Essia," I pointed out.

"Then what am I? A cow?! Girl, you are curvy yet still damn sexy! What's your deal?!"

"My stomach is spilling out of my pants," I muttered.

She groaned and rolled her eyes at me, pointing a breadstick at me, "That body is to die for. So what if your stomach is spilling out?"

Since when did she order breadsticks?

"Elle is the definition of sexy and pretty, while I'm... chubby and shy," I replied, looking away from her.

Even if our eyes don't meet, I can feel the intense glare she's giving me. I sipped my drink, still avoiding her eyes.

"Alright. Fine. I give up. Let's change the topic. When are you going to tell him that you're leaving for the United States?" Essia said.

I finally looked at her, "I... want to surprise him when we get there. I'm a little upset we would only have a month to spend time together, though."

"You'll be able to join him after 2 months. Don't sulk, dummy," she laughed.

"That's 3 months of not seeing each other," I pouted at her.

Essia just laughed even louder and louder, making the people around us turn in our direction again.

"Keep it down, you crazy ass. Everyone's going to think you're a psycho or something," I groaned, checking my phone to see if I got any messages.

He didn't even text me where I was or anything.

"Shut up. You're more psychotic than I am," she poked my cheek, "But seriously, it's better for you two to just break up. I have a feeling once you two reach the US, there will be more drama."

"There's no way. He also said that he'd be quick so..." I said, nervousness overcoming my system once more.

"Honey, let me tell you. A business contract needs to be discussed properly, and it does not take only a few days to do that. It can take weeks depending on the company," Essia stated, leaning forward as her elbows rested on the table.

"But..."

"Just... trust him if you want. But remember, that guy is an oblivious flirt so... I'm telling you to prepare yourself. Just in case," Essia handed me a pastry, which I accepted immediately.

°°°°°°°°°°

When I got home from my meeting with Essia, I was immediately greeted by Apollon, our cream-colored chow. He jumped onto me, pressing his whole weight on me.

I laughed, "Hey, baby! I'm home!"

I noticed my family wasn't home, so I decided to just enjoy my time alone. I walked to the kitchen and checked the fridge for something to nibble on while I watched.

I looked down to see Apollon looking up at me with his tongue out. I giggled and picked up a bag of treats.

"Come on, Apollon. Let's chill in my room." I said, and he immediately followed me when I made my way up to my room.

Plopping down on my bed, chips in hand, I turned on my laptop which I left on my bed earlier this morning. I saw Apollon climb onto my bed and lay on the edge of it. I smiled and then proceeded to find a movie.

Dumb Jase. He must be busy doing something else. Fine. I don't care.

I sulked while munching on my chips. I decided to watch a mystery thriller just to ease my nerves. It's my kind of comfort movie, ok?

Just before the movie got to the exciting part, I heard my phone ring. I looked at the caller and sighed, swiping my phone to answer.

"Hey, baby. Are you home yet?"

Jase's voice was soothing and, suddenly, I felt my anger and sadness dying down just a little.

"Yeah. I met up with Essia earlier so..." I trailed off, voice low and hushed.

"Oh. That's... That's good."

There was hesitation in his tone.

"Uhm... Would you like to join me in buying some stuff I need for... the trip?"

He was slightly embarrassed and I could sense it. I fell silent for a moment, thinking whether I should go with him or not. I still felt a little jealous and upset, but I still wanted to spend time with him before he left.

"When?" I simply asked.

"Tomorrow? No. Maybe next Saturday. Is that good for you?"

I checked my calendar hanging on the right side of my room. Saturday was a clear day, so I decided to agree.

"Yeah. Next Saturday works," I bit my lower lip, "See you then."

There was a long pause which made me think that he dropped the call or something.

"Wait! You won't meet me tomorrow?"

And he dropped the bomb. The question I expected him to ask when he called. It wasn't like I didn't want to see him, but I felt like if we saw each other, all the ugly feelings inside me would come back.

"I need space, Jase. I... I'm still pretty upset about... earlier."

I know I sounded so petty, but honestly, who am I to compete with his ex? I mean, she's way more of his league than I am and all the insecurities wash over me. That makes it hard for me to even go out and have fun.

"Plus, you have work tomorrow, don't you?" I said.

"Y-Yeah... I do have work tomorrow."

He sounded disappointed and sad, but I had to stay firm. I can't always be swayed.

"Friday. Let's have a date on Friday," I suggested.

"That sounds great. Yeah. Do you have anywhere in mind you want to go to?"

With the tone of his voice, I could tell that he was already excited. His mood changes easily like that.

I rolled onto my back and in an instant, Apollon was laying his head on top of my stomach. I gently patted his head.

"Not really. Let's just... hang in your apartment as usual," I stared at the ceiling, "See you on Friday then." I bid. I lost my good mood earlier and now, all I want to do is lie in bed and watch some movies.

"Y-Yeah. See you, baby. Love you."

"Love you, too," I replied. I dropped the call and sighed heavily.

Most of my friends told me that whenever someone says 'love you' only, they mean it half-heartedly.

"Sis?! We're home!" My sister's loud voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

Apollon immediately got off me and ran outside. Probably to greet the rest of my family. I let out a grunt before getting up and heading downstairs to where my family is.

"Hey, dear. You're back early." My mom smiled and then kissed me on the side of my head.

I hummed, "Jase had work to do... Oh! I met up with Essia, too."

"Oh? Well, at least you didn't go home too late. The traffic was crazy." My mom complained, setting groceries on the table and taking them out of their bags. I decided to help my mom unpack the other things.

"Dad's making curry for dinner. That alright with you?" My sister, Reika, asked.

I looked at her and saw that she was already cuddling with Apollon.

"You know I love curry. Especially when it's spicy," I snorted.

She chuckled and looked at Mom, "Apparently, someone doesn't like curry, though."

"I just don't like the taste, ok? I like it, but not that much." Mom grumbled, fixing the cans on the cabinets.

"Are we seriously leaving so soon? I mean, I haven't even said it properly to my friends," Reika suddenly said.

Mom and I stopped what we were doing and looked at her. Reika looked like she was about to cry. She may be rude and sassy, but this girl was weak emotionally, especially when it came to family and everything.

"Well, it's not like we have a choice. Your father wanted to work there. He said that it's a big opportunity and I kind of agree," Mom was reluctant about it at first, but she also realized that it's great to start anew, and maybe our life will progress a little.

"We're not living with Dad... are we?"

I looked at my mom, and she looked like she was hesitating to answer.

"No. We're not. You girls aren't going to change your decisions, right?" Mom gave us a questioning look, but Reika and I just shook our heads confidently.

Dad wanted to live with his other family and well... he wanted us to live there as well. Fortunately, Mom did not agree. It was also lucky for us that one of our relatives in Europe offered us a place to stay.

"Good. Because I swear, I cannot live in a foreign land without you girls." Mom sighed.

Reika looked at me and gave me a knowing smirk. I smirked back and waited for her to move.

"I'm going to prepare the ingredients for-- Oh!"

Reika and I hugged Mom from behind, which made her flinch. Both of us giggled, making Mom giggle as well.

My family might look perfect from the outside, but I know deep down that it is not. I'm not complaining because I have the best sister and mom in the whole world.