DEFYING MY MATES

Crazy BFF

I f****d up. Didn’t I?

Shutting my eyes for a moment, I peeked a little and saw a look of dread wash over her face. I didn’t even want to think about what it looked like. Probably a murderer who was hiding the evidence before fleeing the crime scene.

“Uh...I c...can explain. It’s not what you think. He misbehaved, but I ignored it. I swear. I came in here to cool off and he came after me with his perverted self. I just defended…and... and…” I stuttered rambling nervously, as I thought I was screwed.

“Geez Girl, you look awful with those busted knuckles. And, stop spouting nonsense in an alien language.” She said, smacking her dark red-painted lips with her hands crossed on her chest.

I signed in relief. At least she doesn’t think that I’m some kind of a psychopath.

And, I’m glad she was kind of crazy. That's the ultimate reason we hit it off in the first place.

“Is he dead? Do we have to bury him? I don’t want to ruin my nails digging his grave, as I just did it a day before.” She tried to pout for an exaggerated effect, but it looked like she had constipation.

I might have laughed at her childish antics if I was in any other situation, but we might get in some real trouble with Jake.

“Stop making that constipated face. And, he is not dead, just semi-conscious, he will be up in a few minutes.” I answered her stupid question annoyed.

After I explained to her exactly what happened, she helped me clean the blood off my knuckles and the p*****t’s face. We struggled a bit with his body to lift him off the floor, but we got the hang of it soon.

As we supported his heavy body on each side, we walked towards the VIP lounge. Dumping his body on the leather couch, we sprawled along with him, stretching our numb muscles in the process.

“It felt like I was on an adventure. I hope he wasn’t someone of huge importance, or he might report you to the cops.” Nia jokes, chuckling at my misery.

“Ditto. You know what we should get out of here before he regains his consciousness. I don’t want any more trouble than I’m already in.” Standing up, I suggested, as I eyed the man lying on the couch cautiously.

“Let me ring Jake, wait a sec…” she said, holding my hand while dragging me out of the club.

“Nahh, it’s alright. You don’t have to. I’ll take a cab back home.” I interrupted, as I didn’t want to ruin their night because of me.

“Bullshit, we came together and we will go back together. End of the discussion. And, if you are worried about ruining the night, don’t be. Jake will understand and I don’t really mind because my friend is more important to me than some night out.” Nia said as she rang up Jake.

When the adrenaline rush wore off, I felt exhausted. I didn’t have it in me to argue with her anymore. Nonetheless, I felt grateful that I had somebody to rely on in my hardships.

Standing in the parking lot, we waited patiently for Jake to pick us up. I stared at Nia for a moment. I didn’t know if it was the right moment or not, but I didn’t want to hide it any longer.

“Nia, I...uh...I wanted to tell you something. I…I swear I tried several times, but something kept popping up. I was waiting for the right moment to disclose the truth but…but..”

“What are you talking about?” She interrupted, scratching her head confused.

“No…No…No…Are you getting married?” I nearly jumped out of my skin when she suddenly yelled, shaking me back and forth.

“No, why would you think something as ridiculous as that?” I replied, annoyed, as I loosened her grip on my shoulders.

“Oh my god, are you pregnant?” She exclaimed with a horror-stricken face.

“What? No…No.…I’m not.” Her wild imagination irked me to no end.

“Don’t tell me, you want to remain single all your f*****g life?” she exaggerated with a vexed look on her face.

“My god, will you shut up before I gag you?” I said dramatically, flaying my arms up in the air.

She gestured, zipping her lips and throwing the key away.

“Good.”

“Perhaps, attending the graduation ceremony won’t be possible for me, as I got a job in Athens, and on the 16th of November, I have to report there.” I rambled nervously, like a child caught stealing a cookie, and hung my head in guilt.

I waited and waited for her to punch me or something. But, the punch never came. Instead, she pounced on me whilst I lost my balance, and we both ended up lying on the floor laughing.

“You sly vixen! When did this happen and how? Oh my god, we need to go on a shopping spree, maybe buy some sexy formal outfits and pointy heels. Don’t even think of putting on awful shoes or flats on your first day.” She rambled, poking her fingers on my shoulder to make her point clear.

In the queue, my stomach grumbled and my cheeks turned a shade of pink in embarrassment.

“I’m starving. How about we drop by our favorite restaurant? We can eat and talk about anything.” I suggested, slinging my arm on her shoulder.

“Perfetta! Jake is here. Let’s go, girl.”

“What happened? Is something wrong? We can go to the other club if you guys want.” Jake inquired out of breath, as if he ran till he reached us.

“A VIP p*****t tried to push his luck with Marie. But, she handled it perfectly, you know. And boy, he was in bad shape. I wish I could see her in action.” Nia said like a proud mama bird.

“Who the f**k was he? Did you see his face or ID or anything for that matter? Why didn’t you tell me then and there? I would have stripped him of his privileged access or banned him from the club or something. I shouldn’t have left you alone in the first place…I...I’m sorry.” He walked back and forth like a lunatic while his enraged face turned remorseful, as if he thought it was his fault.

“Oh...Please...I’m not a stereotypical damsel in distress, and you have nothing to be sorry for. Like Nia said, he got what he deserved, and from now on, he will think twice before molesting any women.”

“But, I’m your favorite brother. It’s my duty to look after my favorite girls.” He pouted in a strange way, and there was an uncanny similarity between a duck’s beak and his pout.

“Whatever, brother. You can buy me dinner, if that makes you feel any better. Hurry up because I’m starving.” I exaggerated by rubbing circles on my stomach.

“Deal. Where do you wanna go, principessa?” he asked, amused

“Becoffino.” While Nia and I chimed in unison, we looked at each other giggling like teenagers.

“Becoffino, here we come.” Jake whooped in enthusiasm, as he turned the ignition key and the car roared back to life. Hopping into the car, we secured our seatbelts and were on our merry way to the restaurant.

I rested my head on the tinted window, gazing at the cars zooming by, colorful lively shops, market swarming with people, the roadside trees and sidewalks illuminated with lights. One could see the beauty in the hustle and bustle of Milan city.

I stared at the couple seated in the car fussing about how Lionel Messi was a better player than Ronaldo.

I can't believe how I got these two as best friends. Jake was more like a brother I never had while Nia was ….Nia.

I’m glad I stayed behind for my college and got to meet my personal psychologists, Jake and Nia.

In high school, I was a loner: a loner + a nerd. Wow, it's a brilliant term, isn't it?

“We are here.”

I snapped out of my trance as I heard Jake’s voice. Unfastening our seatbelts, we hopped out of the car and the brightly lit restaurant came into view. It wasn’t a very expensive restaurant, but the food was mouth-watering.

We entered and moved towards the corner seats of the bustling restaurant, to keep our privacy intact. Sliding in our chairs, we got seated when a waiter came to the table to take our order.

The waiter’s name, John Black, was imprinted on his badge, pinned to his uniform. He was probably in his early 20’s. He glanced at each one of us while his eyes lingered a little longer on me, he smiled politely and asked, “Allora, cosa posso portarvi, ragazzi?”

[So what can I get you guys?]

We perused the menu and ordered steaks, mashed potatoes, lasagna and risotto.

As we waited for our food, I informed Jake about my job that I had to report on 16th of November. The most prominent reason is that I have to move out of the dorm room the day after tomorrow. I will pay a visit to my parents for a week and push off to Athens the very next day.

“I’m happy for you. But, if you ever need help with anything, you know we’re right here for you. OK?” Jake said to me, as he turned to Nia, who bobbed her head in agreement.

“I know.” I gave him a gentle smile as appreciation.

After a few minutes, John served us. “Eccoci! Buon appetito!”

[Here we are! Enjoy your meal!]

“Grazie!” I said, smiling politely at John.

[Thank you!]

“You didn’t tell us how you landed the job,” Nia inquired while taking a bite of her steak.

Flashback: At the Art Exhibition

I was admiring a beautiful painting of a girl standing in a mustard field with my mother while my father stood bored, glancing at the art admirers as if they were lunatics on a vacation.

“Nick? European school, 1992 batch. Oh my God, I’m Vincenzo Alfano. Do you remember me?” The man said excitedly. He had a beard with some white streaks in it, wearing a typical three-piece suit carrying a businessman's aura around him.

“Oh my heavens! Of course, I do. It’s wonderful to see you after so many years.” My father greeted him with the same enthusiasm.

They shared a man hug as they exchanged pleasantries.

My father introduced us to the man. In the meantime, we came to know a lot about him.

Mr. Vincenzo worked for The Mirror, one of the most admirable media companies globally, as an editor. He had a wife and an 18-year-old daughter back at home. He came to Milan with his boss and decided to visit the art exhibition.

He was staring at me from time to time when he said to me,” You seem a little familiar. Have we met before?”

“I don’t think so,” I said, laughing nervously.

Later, he got to know that I was the author of “Seven Lives”. He praised my work and offered me a job as a content writer in a newly opened branch in Athens, Greece. It was a great deal, as I'd get time for my unfinished manuscripts and could tend to my needs financially.

We exchanged numbers.

A few days later, he contacted me for the required documents. I did all the formalities one could do from afar. They mailed me my acceptance letter for the job. Voilà, all done.

Flashback Ends:

Jake dropped us off at our dorm late at night. We sneaked back into our room as quietly as we could.

Freshening up, I changed into my short shorts and a camisole. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.