Stranger In A Friend
615 Words
The scene unfolded in Melissa's cozy living room, the warm glow of the afternoon sun casting a comforting ambiance over the space. Melissa, lounging on the couch, was engrossed in a book, her dark hair falling in loose waves down her back. The soft hum of the air conditioner provided a soothing background noise, punctuated only by the occasional chirping of birds outside.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, shattering the peaceful atmosphere. Melissa's head jerked up, her eyes widening in surprise as she glanced at the clock on the wall. She hadn't been expecting any visitors, especially not at this hour.
Curious, Melissa set her book aside and made her way to the door. She peered through the peephole, her eyes locking onto a familiar figure standing on the other side. It was Carol, her friend from medical school, looking a bit disheveled and anxious.
Melissa's expression softened, and she quickly opened the door, ushering Carol inside. "Hey, what's going on?" Melissa asked, concern etched on her face.
Carol stepped into the living room, her eyes scanning the space as if searching for something or someone. She looked a bit out of breath, her cheeks flushed, and her hair slightly mussed.
Melissa closed the door behind Carol and gestured for her to take a seat. "What brings you here? You look like something's wrong," Melissa said, her voice laced with concern.
Carol hesitated, her eyes darting around the room before finally settling on Melissa. She took a deep breath, and Melissa could sense the tension building inside her.
The air was thick with unspoken emotions, the silence between them palpable. Melissa waited patiently, her eyes locked onto Carol's, as her friend struggled to find the right words to express whatever was troubling her.
As they stood there, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner, Melissa could sense the weight of Carol's emotions, the unspoken words hanging precariously in the balance. It was as if the entire conversation was poised on the brink of a revelation, waiting for Carol to take the first step.
Carol: (apprehension) What's going on Melissa? You've been avoiding me!
Melissa: (nervously) Carol, I...I am not avoiding you. It's just that...your mom is really mad at me because of you.
Carol: (sighing) She is not mad at you... Is me she is angry with.
Melissa: (angrily) I regret helping you.
Carol: (shrugging) I am sorry Melissa... Is that... Eish (shaking her head)... James was suffocating me.
Melissa: (angrily) You made me a fool...that water-carrying man!
Carol: (blushing) Oh...him? We're just friends.
Melissa: (raising an eyebrow) Friends? You were laughing and smiling with him like I've never seen you do with James. What's going on, Carol?
Carol: (sighing) Honestly? I don't know. My mom is forcing me to marry James, but I don't want to. And then I met...Denta, and...I don't know, it's just different with him.
Melissa: (outraged) Carol, I don't understand you...that water-carrying man?
Carol: (smiling) See Melissa. (Carol pulls out a handmade card and gave it to Melissa)
Melissa: (shocked) He make you this card?
Carol: (blushing) Oh...he gave it to me when I went to visit him at his construction site after the class. Yesterday he said he had something for me, and I brought him some leftover cake from the party.
Melissa: (surprised) Wow, he made this stupid card? (Melissa hand Carol the card, and Carol's face lights up as she look at it)
Carol: (smiling) Yes...It was thoughtful of him.
Melissa: (angrily) Carol, please I don't feel well, so please let me rest.
Carol: (embarrassed) Okay, let me go and please be well.
(Carol stood up, open the door and left with confused mixed emotions)
- Writer
