Rita's mother said, "Rita, Gilbert messaged. He is coming to pick you up."
Rita was thrilled at the thought of seeing him today. It was the first time she actually wanted to look good in front of him. She carefully chose her dress and did her makeup.
Gilbert was standing outside the house, leaning against his car, waiting for Rita. After a while, Rita came downstairs, dressed beautifully and wearing makeup as if she were going on an outing. Gilbert didn't say anything; he simply opened the gate for her. He couldn't help but think, Today, something is different about her. Is it her makeup or her dress?
Inside the car, Rita was smiling. Gilbert couldn't stop himself from glancing at her. She never smiles like this before. Is she drunk? he wondered.
"We are going to a funeral," Gilbert said while driving.
Shocked, Rita looked down at her dress. "What? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Because someone still hadn't unblocked my phone number," he said playfully.
"Oh, I forgot." She took out her phone. "See? I unblocked you now."
"Thank you," he said.
"Whose funeral are we going to?" Rita asked.
"Laura's mother," Gilbert replied.
"Oh. How is she now?"
"How do you think she'll be?"
"Are your parents coming as well?"
"Yes, they've been there since morning with Laura."
"Your parents are really nice. They care about her so much."
Gilbert chuckled. "You think they are nice?"
"Yes. Your parents have always cared about me."
"Well, your so-called in-laws told me last night that they want us to have kids." He glanced at her, eager to see her reaction.
To his surprise, she started laughing instead of looking disgusted. She looks better like this, he thought.
"Are you so shocked that you started laughing?" he asked.
Rita was simply happy to be sitting next to him. She didn't want to fall for him, but he was the first man in her life who had ever given her attention. She couldn't help herself.
The thought of having kids with him made her shy, but she couldn't reveal her true feelings.
"Nothing," Rita replied. "I was just thinking—they really treat us like a business deal. First our wedding, and now kids."
"Exactly," Gilbert agreed.
At the funeral, Rita whispered, "Do you really think this is okay? I don't have to change?"
"It's fine. We're already here," Gilbert replied.
They went inside and saw Laura standing with her father.
Rita hugged Laura. "Take care."
Then Gilbert hugged Laura. He looked at her with genuine concern. Rita noticed, and a strange feeling stirred inside her. I know Laura is his friend, but maybe she means more to him than I do. I've always seen him surrounded by women, but he's never looked at anyone like this. Before, I never cared about what he did with others, but now... it bothers me.
Sara and Ray were sitting in the third row. Gilbert and Rita sat beside them. After the rituals were over, they all went out to eat together.
Rita sat next to Sara, stealing glances at Gilbert again and again. He seemed to know exactly what Laura needed. Even his mother cared for Laura like her own daughter. Rita felt more and more like an outsider.
"Rita, do you want some of this?" Sara asked.
"Okay," Rita replied.
"So, Rita, how have you been? It's been a long time."
"I've been good. How about you?"
"I'm good too," Sara said.
Laura and Gilbert joined them. Gilbert, still worried about Laura, prepared a plate for her. Rita watched closely. He even knows what she likes to eat. Does he like her, or am I just overthinking?
"Rita, did you eat?" Laura asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. I should be asking you—how are you?"
"I'm okay," Laura replied.
Rita placed her hand over Laura's. "You're really strong."
"Thank you," Laura said softly.
"You're looking really pretty today. Are you going somewhere after this?" Sara asked, eyeing Rita teasingly.
Rita shook her head quickly. "No, no."
"Maybe it's the effect of marriage," Sara said playfully.
"Yes," Laura agreed.
"Come on, Gilbert. Tell us—who do you think looks the prettiest?"
Everyone looked at him except Rita. She never expected anyone to compliment her.
Gilbert knew exactly what they wanted to hear, but he couldn't say what he was really thinking, nor could he choose someone else in front of Laura.
"I don't want to play these games with three beautiful women," Gilbert said.
"Seriously, just answer," Sara insisted.
"Because whoever's name I take, I'll be the one who loses."
"Seriously, it's not that hard," Ray said.
"Then why don't you answer?"
Now all four of them were staring at Ray.
"My future wife," Ray replied immediately.
Gilbert laughed. "See? Even you can't answer properly."
Everyone burst into laughter. Laura tried her best to act normal, while Rita grew disappointed. Why couldn't he just say my name? Maybe he was shy.
Gilbert decided he'd had enough of the conversation. He stood up.
"Laura, do you want some water?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll get it."
Ray called after him, "We're here too, you know. Bring some for me."
"If you want water, get it yourself," Gilbert replied playfully.
"Okay, okay."
"Bring some for us too," Sara added.
Gilbert returned with water for everyone. He set the tray on the table, then handed Laura her glass first. Throughout the funeral and lunch, Rita found herself constantly watching him. She kept reminding herself, Laura is upset. He's just helping her. They're only friends.
After a while, Gilbert said, "It's getting late. I'll drop you home, Laura."
"I'm going with Ray and Sara. You don't need to worry," Laura replied.
"You should head home," Sara said. "Rita might be tired."
Rita, feeling a little heartbroken by Gilbert's behavior, decided she needed to stop developing feelings for him.
"No, I'm fine. You can go with them. I'll take a taxi."
She hugged Laura. "Take care."
Then she invited everyone to dinner at her house someday before walking outside.
The others were too stunned to respond.
"Is she jealous?" Ray asked.
Gilbert frowned. "Why would she be?"
"I think she is," Sara said. "You should have handled that better."
"I can't believe this. Is this really the time to think about such things?" Gilbert said.
"Go after her," Laura urged.
Gilbert couldn't believe she was actually jealous. He had never thought teasing her would be this entertaining.
He stepped outside and found Rita waiting alone for a taxi.
"Who are you waiting for?"
She glanced around. "Where are your friends?"
"I don't know. Let's go home," Gilbert said, walking toward his car.
Rita eagerly followed him, but quickly reminded herself not to fall for him.
"Why aren't you going with them?" she asked.
"I choose my wife," Gilbert replied.
Rita immediately felt guilty. How can I be so insensitive? Today is someone's funeral, and this is what I'm thinking about.
Inside the car, Rita sat quietly, staring out the window. Her heart and mind were at war.
Finally, she asked, "How do you know Laura?"
"We've been friends since eighth grade," Gilbert replied. He glanced at her. "Why are you asking?"
Rita's heart sank. They had known each other for so long.
"Nothing. I was just thinking—I don't know much about you. What did you do after you left that school?"
"Nothing much. I made new friends—Ray and Sara."
"And Laura," Rita interrupted.
Gilbert paused before replying, "There's nothing going on between Laura and me, so you don't need to worry."
Rita froze, caught off guard. She quickly denied it.
"I just wanted to know why you changed schools. Don't overthink it."
But inside, she was overjoyed. She did her best to hide her smile.
"I changed schools because my dad had a lot of debt, so we had to move in with some relatives," Gilbert said.
"Okay."
Finally, Rita's heartbeat returned to normal.
Gilbert smirked to himself.
Just wait. I'll get my revenge on you.