IN QUEST OF A SOULMATE

CHAPTER TWO ( THE BEST FRIEND)

THE BEST FRIEND

We walked to the bus station together and I keep telling Leah how handsome Jake looked and how much I like him. I told her it was love at first sight and it was due to the fact that he's the first guy to ever ask to be my friend.

I kept on laughing sheepishly and Leah told me to stop being childish because Jake is just like every other guy. She said he's just here to manipulate me and nothing else. I felt bad about her comment and keep quiet, I mean she might not be wrong, my look said it all.

We got to the bus station and I went in biding her goodbye. She doesn't go home in bus because her boyfriend always brings her to work every morning and pick her up after work. I looked at her, thought about how lucky she is, looked at myself and sighed.

I alighted at my bus stop and started walking home, my phone rang and I brought it out of my bag only to see that it's an unknown number, I picked and I heard Jake's voice at the other side. I couldn't hide my excitement and screamed so loud.

He asked why I didn't wait for him to drop me off and I stood there at the spot thinking about what he just said.

‘We are friends now Leah, let's build this friendship, I want to see you always, I hope you don't leave without me tomorrow’.

I finally regained my composure and I said “I'm so sorry I left, it won't happen again”.

I started jerking home joyfully not minding the funny looks I was getting from passer-by, I was climbing the staircase hastily when I collided with that heavy chest again. I looked up and I met the guy I saw in the morning.

I was really surprised because we are meeting at the same spot the second time today. I looked at him dreamily and he snapped his fingers at my face bringing me back to reality. I stopped staring and he asked me to make way for him to pass. He left and I couldn't stop looking at him till I couldn't see his back anymore.

Immediately I stepped in, I greeted mum and she replied smiling at me. She picked up her bag and told me she's out to see a friend.

I went to my room and met Sarah on the bed working on a file from work l, I greeted her but she never replied that is how much she hates me. She never talks to me unless she wants to b***h me out.

I undressed and entered the bathroom to freshen up. I put on my usual baggy dress after my bathe, picked up my phone and headed to the kitchen. I'm not hungry, just need a glass of water to hydrate myself because the weather was really hot today.

I was gulping down the third glass of water when my phone rang; I quickly dropped the cup to check my caller. I was surprised to see Leah calling me because we separated not quite long.

She called to invite me to the birthday party of her boyfriend's friend Andrew.

‘Rhoda it's weekend, let's hangout’. She tried to convince me but she never won.

“You know I don't like parties” I kept on repeating the same words. After few seconds, she hung out.

Leah is the only daughter of a business tycoon. Her parents were hardly home since her childhood and this gives her a lot of freedom, she grew up with a nanny.

Leah has a perfect life, she has grown to love parties and she can't but go to the club every weekend. Leah has two cars and over five boyfriends and she still get angry if she's not being noticed, she loves attention.

Leah wasn't really smart in school, she literally begged her dad to bribe her way in so that she can work in the same office with Rhoda. She got in and was given a position higher than that of Rhoda because of her father's connection.

She made so many friends when she got employed but never left Rhoda, she made sure that Rhoda remains her best friend. Is been two years since she started working in the library, she was loved by few but hated by many because of his arrogant lifestyle.

Leah always gives the cleaners, attendants and other junior staffs a hard time anytime she's around. Rhoda is the only junior staff who doesn’t suffer in the hand of Leah courtesy of being friends. Sometimes, everyone wonders how a gentle and kind Rhoda is able to tolerate Leah a saucy and arrogant person.

***

My friendship with Jake keep growing as the day goes by, we do eat lunch together with Leah and he always drop me off every day after work so I don't need to stress Leah walking me to the bus station anymore.

I'm kinda fond of Jake and I'm always looking forward to seeing him every minute at work. He does smile at me each time he passes by my desk and a best always skips.

During lunch break, Jake couldn't come with us because he has a business meeting to attend. So I have the opportunity to talk to Leah.

“I think I'm in love with Jake”.

Leah choked on her drink and coughs.

‘what do you know about love? Have you ever being in love?’

“So you're planning on throwing yourself at him like a cheap gala? You better have a rethink, guys like Jake Smith can't stop so low to date a nerd like you”.

“What?” I bellowed overwhelmed by her words

“Rhoda, have you seen yourself in the mirror? You look horrible! Your glasses is scary, I am the only one who is so kind enough to be friends with you, look around” she gestured.

My mouth went wide agape when Leah was pouring out those words, I was shocked to my bone marrow. over 10years with Leah and this is what I get?

I can't believe this was how she think of me, a pathetic loser! My eyes start to get clouded and I raise my chin up to stop it from pouring. I was forced to look back down when I heard her laughing like a maniac.

I waited for her to stop laughing because I want to hear what else she has to say to me.

Right there, I have decided in my heart that we are no longer friends but I still sat down to hear what else she has to say. When she eventually stopped laughing…

“ Rhoda why are you so vulnerable? What if those words I said to you is what Jake will say to you, is this how you will be crying like a baby?”

I was confused

“You have to be strong and always expect anything. Also my dear, don't tell Jake how you feel, it will make you look easy and naive”

“Place yourself high, let him come by himself. Don't forget this darling; don't ever cry in front of anyone no matter what they say to you. It shows you are weak and can be bullied. Do you understand me?”

I couldn't wait for her to finish, I stood up and hurried to her seat, pull her up and gave her the tightest hug ever.

I can’t say how long I hugged her with my eyes closed until I heard her telling me that I'm choking her. I quickly disengaged from the hug and peck her face all over and both of us started laughing.

Don't blame me, I really love Leah, she has been my best and only friend since forever. I don't think I can do without her.

Yes, Leah always teaches me a lot of things. Today, I have learn about self esteem and boldness. That is one of the reasons why I can't let Leah go. I really love her. Leah taught me ways of showing Jake that I care about him but not tell him I love him.

She promised to follow me to the mall after work so that we can pick few things that I can present him.

Luckily for me, Jake wasn't back from the meeting he went to so I have to go home on my own. Leah quickly put a call through to her boyfriend not to come pick her up today because she has somewhere to go.

We board the bus to the mall after work and Leah helped in buying the stuffs. She picked a nice belt, a perfume and roll-on and a tie. She wanted to pick more but I was bothered about the money because their prices are too high. I love saving a lot.

We left the mall after packing and paying the bills, Leah ask me to give it to him the next morning at work. I was so exhausted when I got back home.

I fell right on the bed and slept off.