CHAPTER 3
"C'mon, Gloria, pick up the phone," I sighed aggitatively, watching the call end because Gloria didn't pick up. I tried again, and she picked up after the second ring.
"Wassup, big head?" her soft and happy voice spoke.
"You freaking suck at taking calls. What if I needed saving?" I went ahead to nag.
"Oh, please cut me some slack. Where are you?"
I narrowed my eyes in the environment, "I'm headed to your place, make me lunch".
Gloria giggled softly, "You gotta be fast, I'm preparing for the new job interview you convinced me to take".
This information made me very happy. Gloria was not the working type. She was comfortable making money from the men who made advances at her, and I wasn't cool with that.
"Ouu.. That's my girl right there", I responded like a proud best friend.
When the door fell open, my best friend stood there. Her dark skin complexion always glows because of the constant oil she applies. Her short black hair swayed over her face. Her dark eyes gleamed with joy. "I miss you, sweetie pie", she says, leaning in for a hug.
"Too bad, I didn't miss you much", I said sarcastically.
Gloria's home was well furnished, had the latest interior design, and always changed the settings when there was a new thing.
My best friend never lacked, and men were always ready to meet her needs. She contrasted me when it came to getting things and being liked. I didn't see it as a problem because there are certain things we couldn't just humanly control. I looked more beautiful, but there was something about her. Everybody liked her, everybody wanted to be in her 'good book,' and I wasn't an exception.
"How have you been, big head?" she says, pouring me a glass of water.
I smiled nervously, "I've been stressed lately".
"With work?"
"Yeah, a part of it," I replied with a half-grin.
She looked at me sternly, "And the rest of your stress is from that silly man of yours. When will you start doing better, Hannah?"
That name, that pronunciation—I knew she meant business when she called me by my full name instead of her usual nicknames.
"He isn't that bad, Ria", I responded.
"Oh, please don't defend him. You're worth better, Hannah. You're a pretty girl, and a lot of men would come running at your feet. You just need some touch-up."
I took a sip of water and steadied my gaze on her. I watched her rant about my looks and the kind of men I want. I let myself drift to the first time I met Anderson. He was the sweetest person I've met. He came to me when my world was shattered and helped me pick up the pieces that had fallen apart. Those were his kind days, and I still use them as a subtle reminder that he can still do better and would change when he sees my undying love for him.
"Han.., Han", Gloria called, and I jerked back to reality.
"Pardon my manners", I said.
Gloria's eyes gleamed with curiosity, "It seems you don't like the kind of men I listed for you. Please, remind me again what your spec is".
My lips parted into a broad smile, and I looked up to her and found her smiling, too. "Anderson is enough of me," I said boldly.
"Anderson is enough for me", she mimicked angrily. "Since he's enough for you, it's time you paid for your flight tickets, our trip is around the corner". She reminded me of our friendship anniversary.
We would always go to a country or any state around us to celebrate our years of being friends. Although it was Gloria's idea, I never had an issue with it, since I worked and could make payments with my salary. But that was until I met Anderson. Now, my salary is paid to his account, and I get permission before gaining access to the money. I'm not sure he would let me use the money for a trip with my best friend. He doesn't even like her, to start with.
I told her, "I'll make the payments when I get home."
Gloria raised her eyebrow, "Yeah, you should".
The atmosphere was quiet, so I changed the topic to, "What are you wearing for your interview?"
Gloria's angry expression was suddenly replaced with a proud and happy one. "I got this cute leather skirt and this crop vest. It was a limited edition, and I couldn't afford not owning one of them," She said as she handed me the outfit.
"This is too short, Ria. You are going for an interview, not a club night," I frowned at her.
Gloria took the clothes back, "What do you mean? They are the perfect fit for the interview. Everyone doesn't have to appear in long skirts and baggy T-shirts like you, Han".
Gloria was right, those were my signature looks.
I narrowed my eyes at her, "Well said, Ria, well said".
"I love you," she said playfully, and I responded.
"I want to get my makeup done and get dressed. Go get your food from the microwave."
I smiled sheepishly. "Thank you for being a sweet person, even though I had to serve myself," I said, bringing out the steaming nuggets and fries. "It looks delicious," I added.
I began eating happily, not until my best came running towards me. "What is this on your neck?" she asked curiously.
I had forgotten I needed to be conscious of myself. "It's…nothing", I stuttered, holding up my top to cover it.
Gloria yanked my hand off softly.
"Did he do this to you?"
I tried to feign surprise, "Who are you referring to? It's nothing, Ria", I reassured again.
But Gloria was the best friend who wouldn't let an abusive man have his way. "Hand me your phone", she ordered.
"I can't do that, Gloria", I responded.
"You don't have to. Give your phone to me," she ordered again, and I refused bluntly.
Grabbing her car keys, she dragged me out of the house and straight into her car.
"Where are we going?".
"To your lover's poor home", Gloria responded, already driving.
"We can't go there", I struggled with the car door.
"You had better sit back gently or be prepared to fix my expensive car".
I took a deep breath and steadied my gaze on her.