CHILDHOOD FRIEND
1004 Words
Chapter 6
Glenira's pov
I couldn't fully grasp the words being exchanged, but I knew one thing for sure it was about me. The tone of their conversation carried a weight that felt personal, too intimate to be anything else. I pressed my ear closer to the door, straining to catch even the faintest hint of what they were saying. But suddenly, an eerie silence fell over the room. Had they sensed my presence? My heart quickened in panic.
Just as I was about to retreat to my room, the shrill sound of the doorbell cut through the stillness. I took a quick breath, my pulse racing, and bolted back to my bedroom, hoping to avoid any suspicion. From the hallway, I heard Kathleen's footsteps moving toward the door. Curiosity tugged at me, and I risked a glance through the narrow crack in the door.
Her face lit up as she greeted someone warmly. Intrigued, I tiptoed out of my room and settled at the edge of the dining table, positioning myself just out of sight but close enough to listen.
"Michelle is doing fine," Kathleen's voice reached me, clear and steady, though it carried an unusual warmth. "She misses you so much."
*Misses who?* The question rattled through my mind. *Magnus?* His name flickered in my thoughts, but that didn't feel right.
I tilted my head slightly to get a better view, and to my surprise, a woman walked through the door. She didn't look like the person I'd been expecting. As soon as her eyes landed on me, she dashed over with an energy that took me off guard. Her hands cupped my face, and before I could react, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight, affectionate embrace.
"How are you, my love?" she asked softly, her voice thick with warmth and familiarity.
I froze. My thoughts tumbled over one another, my heart racing as I cast a confused glance at Kathleen. The unspoken question echoed in my eyes: *Who is she?*
"Michelle, darling," Kathleen said with a knowing smile, "you remember Danielle, don't you?"
I blinked in confusion, the name meaning nothing to me. "Danielle?" I repeated as if saying it would trigger some hidden memory.
"Yes, Danielle Steel," Kathleen added, watching me closely.
The woman beamed, gently lifting my chin so our eyes met. "Michelle, it's me-your best friend, Danielle."
Suddenly, it all hit me at once. *I'm not Glenira anymore,* I reminded myself. *I'm Michelle. And as Michelle, I should know her-Danielle, my best friend.*
Summoning a smile, I carefully extricated myself from her embrace. "Danielle, of course. Forgive my manners. Please, come sit. You've arrived just in time for breakfast."
She looked at me, slightly taken aback. "That's new," she remarked with a soft laugh. "You've never invited me to breakfast before-at least, not willingly. Usually, your mom had to force you to share meals with me. But since you're offering, I won't say no." She took a seat beside me, her eyes watching me with a trace of suspicion.
I did my best to maintain my composure, though inside, I felt like a fragile thread unraveling. *How did Michelle behave around her? How long had they been friends?* My mind raced with questions.
"So, are you still taking your medication?" Danielle asked casually, stirring me from my thoughts.
I nodded quickly, perhaps too quickly. "Yes, of course," I replied, trying to sound convincing.
Just then, Matthew strolled into the room, his usual bright smile lighting up his face. Both Danielle and I greeted him, and he responded warmly, taking his place at the table.
As we ate, I could feel Danielle's gaze flickering toward me now and then, as though she were silently probing, waiting for something. I kept my eyes on my plate, trying to fend off whatever question she seemed ready to throw at me. But her patience wore thin.
"So, Michelle," she said, breaking the silence, "have you spoken to Magnus lately?"
I barely had time to register her question before Kathleen interjected, her voice sharp. "Let's eat in peace, Danielle."
The conversation ended abruptly, and the rest of the meal passed in tense silence. The unspoken questions swirled in the air, heavy and thick.
After breakfast, Danielle invited me to go shopping with her. I hesitated but eventually agreed. I told Kathleen before leaving, but she wasn't happy about it.
"You're still recovering, Michelle," she said firmly, concern etched on her face.
Before I could respond, Matthew chimed in. "Going out might help her recover faster. She needs fresh air."
I shot him a grateful glance before following Danielle to her car.
As we drove, she glanced at me, her tone laced with curiosity. "You're surprising me today, Michelle."
I raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"Don't tell me you've forgotten," she chuckled. "You shop four times a week, and today is one of your shopping days. If you didn't want to come, I could've picked up your things for you."
I smiled awkwardly. *How long have we been friends?* I needed to know more. "You're so kind, Danielle. But... just how long have we known each other again?"
Her laugh was lighthearted, but a hint of concern lingered. "Since childhood, of course."
I nodded, pretending to have known that all along. "Of course. I just wanted to hear you say it."
She gave me a playful nudge. "Well, we're headed to City Mall to pick up some things, and after that, we'll stop by the fashion house to get you the latest outfits. Just like old times, right?"
I smiled, but inside, I couldn't shake the growing unease. *How long could I keep up this charade*
"But what about the money"? I asked
"Michelle, what is wrong with you"? Danielle asked stopping the car angrily.
"What's wrong"? I asked surprised by her reaction.
"What the hell is wrong with you"? What is your problem? She asked.
"Talk to me, Danielle". I asked.
Danielle stared at me for a while before speaking.
- Writer
