Chapter 4: A DIFFICULT CHOICE

Chris Pov

I spent close to an hour or two in the restaurant before finally, I agreed to return home and get some rest. I found Axen sitting comfortably on the cushion watching one of her favourite TV shows, as she calls it though I've never believed her.

She swept a cold " Hi " across to me, I stopped and turned to look twice at her. She was so engrossed in watching the TV that she didn't even care to look at me.

“Are you alright?” I asked.

" Yup," Axen replied, stood up and walked to my fridge to grab a milk drink. I held my head with my palms, " That is the only bottle remaining you self-centred brat." I muttered inaudibly.

" I heard you well." She answered back.

At times Axen can act childish and clingy like a cat, it's not been three days since I refilled the fridge with a dozen of the milk drink but she has taken it upon herself to finish them. "Woah!"

" Sorry, I just can't help it when it comes to milk drinks. You need to send for a refill." She replied sticking out her tongue at me.

I didn't know whether to cry, laugh or yell at her, however even if I did, nothing will change. Axen is a real pain in the ass.

"When are you getting yourself a boyfriend?" I asked her. I needed her to be fast about it so that I'll be free from having to deal with her lot.

" I have no idea. Maybe I should continue being single, it's fun."

I groaned. " I can't take it anymore," I said half pleading.

" Are you that ready to sell me off to a man? You're all I've got, Chris and there is no other man that will replace that fact." Axen said, her face sullen.

" I'm bringing a girl I love into my life will it be okay if you become the supporting character?" I asked her.

Her expression darkened. I was unable to tell what she was feeling at the moment. I know how much Axen likes me and wishes to be my lover but she has been my best friend since childhood and I respect the fact that she is. I need to face her with the truth and hurt her once not multiple times.

She shot an angry look at me and walked out on me. I wanted to call her back and apologize but then, my phone rang, I looked at the caller ID, and it was Jace.

"Hello?"

“Chris, I know you’re taking a break from work, but you need to get your ass down here right now,” Jace said.

“Is everything okay over there?” I asked, wondering what the case might be.

“Come find out yourself, you have thirty minutes,” Jace said.

I grabbed my car keys and rushed out of the house, my mind still on what Jace had said.

Joanna's POV

“ I think someone’s watching us” I whispered.

“Huh?” Yolanda asked I look over her shoulders and she slowly turned her back.

Her mouth dropped as she looked at the man who was now smiling.

“ Jay Jay” she stood up, quickly running into his arms.

Right, he’s not a stalker. He’s Yolanda’s boyfriend, the great Jay Reaves.

Yolanda talked about him all the time. I’m a little disappointed he doesn’t have a masculine build like Yolanda’s exes. She falls easily for guys with a strong build and I wonder why the one before me is an exception. Maybe she is tired of them.

“Baby, you look lovely” He complimented her, he winked and blew a kiss, she blushed at his words and I couldn’t help but get irritated and bored.

For the next seven minutes following, it seemed as though I was invisible.

Such a stupid love, I dared not to say that to Yolanda’s hearing else I’ll be roasted.

I cleared my throat a few times to get their attention.

“Oh! Forgive me, Joanna” Yolanda pleaded, right now I feel like tearing her into sheds.

“I’m leaving” I announced.

“So soon, let’s stay a bit longer” I felt my head explode, I’ll be kind enough to starve her tomorrow.

“So sorry, but I have work to do now, I’ll see you later” I smiled and walked out of the restaurant.

“Hey, Joanna,” Yolanda ran out to me.

“How could you do that?” She asked. I simply rolled my eyes.

“I didn’t even get to stay with Jay Jay” she sighed.

“Don’t blame me for that Yolanda, you neither introduced us nor talked to me and you expect me to sit there and watch you like a fool” I almost yelled, she’s going to drive me crazy right now.

“I... I’m sorry okay? I don’t blame you for anything, please don’t be mad” she pleaded softly.

Even though I was burning with fury, the look on her face melted my heart like ice.

“I’m not mad, you can go back to Jay Jay or whatever and I’ll head home,” I tell her.

“No, we’re going home together” she smiled, as we both walked down the street to get a cab.

We arrived home after about thirty minutes. Today’s been fun and pretty exhausting, I need to rest now.

After a cold bath, I wore my red pyjamas and went to the sitting room.

I gathered all my files and designs that were done a month ago.

Even if I needed to make the most of my remaining days, I lost that passion, the drive to do my favourite thing.

Now I’m empty inside, with no desire, no source of inspiration, just so disheartening.

“ Joanna, you need to come to see this” Yolanda called from our bedroom.

I wondered what she wanted this time.

“ Joanna! It’s urgent, ” she yelled, she’s going to pull down this house if I don’t make myself available.

“ Give me a sec, ” I shouted back whilst chuckling as I took an empty cardboard box containing plain sheets and my pen with me.

Since the inspiration won’t come, I might as well force it out.

“What’s the matter?” I ask, sitting down on the bed.

“What do you think about elephants?” She asks.

“They’re beautiful large beasts?”

“No, I mean for a wedding” she smiled.

“Is anyone getting married soon?” I ask.

“Of course!” She screamed excitedly.

“Anybody, I know?”

“Yes, it’s this pretty lady sitting before me, ”

My cheeks burned and I felt pain stab my heart again.

“Are you making fun of my past?” I asked, the smile had faded from my lips.

“No no no, I’m not, it’s just that I want you to pretend to be a bride” she pointed at her screen.

“ I’m making a video, and I want you to wear this dress and pretend to be the bride. She wants to see what her dress looks like” Yolanda explained and I sighed.

“I’m sorry Yolanda, I must’ve gotten the wrong idea” I smiled and she reciprocated.

“I’m not angry, just play along already” she set her phone camera.

“Okay then, let’s do this” I raised my thumbs, and Yolanda raised hers too.