Annika, I realized, was more of a headache than what I initially knew. I tapped my fingers on my forearm as I stood at the park, arms crossed in front of my chest. As I stared at Annika petting Akira while she's in the arms of Harriett.
She insisted on spending the weekend morning on a run with me. Emphasis on me. She had traveled from her place to mine early in the morning and everything about it was suspicious. I knew there was something wrong, especially when I saw Harriett and Akira by the park.
Annika knew that I had been avoiding Harriett for a whole week. But as it turns out it didn't need that much effort because as Harriett did say, she rarely goes out.
And the only day that she does go out is on the weekend. Where she takes Akira for a walk or just simply to buy groceries according to Annika.
"You should've posted this one's picture more. She's cuter in person"
"It's hard to take her picture all of the time though she does listen when I request politely"
"Smart girl"
I let out a sigh as I walked towards them. Both of their gazes instantly went to me as Annika grinned.
"See I know you can't stay away"
Harriett's gaze moved to Annika then to me as if confused about what she was talking about. I only smacked her at the back of her head earning a groan and an annoyed look from her.
"What the hell was that for?"
"For being annoying"
I told her before my gaze went to Harriett who was now smiling at us. It wasn't the sad smile that she gave me back then it was a genuine one. Suddenly smacking Annika at the back of her head again sounded more enticing.
"What? You needed a good run. You're obviously out of shape Alad"
I groaned and suddenly Annika just seemed to be more annoying than how she usually is.
"So, you travelled all the way here just for a run?"
Harriett's right eyebrow was now raised as she stared at Annika who only looked away. So, this was all her plan. I guessed Harriett doesn't have an idea of what Annika's doing right now.
"Yeah well, I'll borrow Akira and go for another run. See ya two later"
Annika hurriedly said as she took Akira from Harriett's arms and ran off with her. Akira obviously knows Annika by the way she didn't even barked when she was taken from her owner's arms.
I heard Harriett let out a sigh before glancing at me, a small smile on her lips.
"Rico's by the greenhouse on the other side, probably waiting for her"
I snorted. Of course Annika's boyfriend would be in cohorts with her.
I suddenly stiffened when I realized that Harriett and I were left all alone. It's too awkward, something that we never had an issue with before.
But what we were before was all in the past. A memory that is to be forgotten and yet all I seem to be doing these past few days was dig around it.
Harriett walked to the nearby bench and stared at me.
"I'll wait for them here"
She said like she was informing me which she absolutely didn't need to do. I nodded at her.
I don't know what to do honestly, I should just go up to my apartment but then leaving Harriett all alone here. It was something I just couldn't bring myself to do.
So I sat beside her. Her gaze followed my every move until it met my eyes. And suddenly, all I could think of was the first and last kiss that we had shared. On that day where I hoped I would have her and took my chances. Only to leave heartbroken and in pieces.
I cleared my throat and looked away as a sliver of my sanity brought me back to the present.
"I heard you left the company"
She stated and for a minute I thought she was still keeping tabs on me until I remembered Annika.
"Guess the blabbermouth told you"
Harriett chuckled before she looked at her fingers and fiddled with it.
"She did, and a couple more stories"
"Yeah figured. She just couldn't keep it to herself"
"But it was good"
At that I had stiffened.
"Good?"
I asked carefully as I stared at her. Her gaze moved back to me and a small smile decorated her lips.
"Hearing stories and updates about you. It was good and I appreciated Annika more for it"
Why? Why would hearing stories and updates about my life be good for her?
"Why?"
"Huh?"
Harriett stared at me confused.
"Why would you find it good? You shouldn't even care for me anymore. Why are you even doing this!"
I shouted and the startled face of Harriett made me want to punch myself. I wiped my hands to my face and stood up wanting to run back to my apartment. Just so I could not see Harriett's face anymore.
"Because you're my best friend. You have always been and I was worried and I still cared."
She said and all that did was break my heart more.
Best friend.
"Nine years Harriett. It's been nine years and all I am to you is still your best friend…"
I did nothing to hide the disgust seeping from my voice as I turned around to stare at her. Another turtleneck shirt and long skirt and a shocked expression decorating her face.
"I shouldn't have met you again. You should've stayed as a memory. That way everything will be fine. I would be fine again"
I stated as I turned my back to her once again and walked back to my apartment. I never looked back. I don't want to care anymore.
Qian Harriett should just stay as a memory.
That's the only way I will be fine.