Chapter 4 A FRIEND IN NEED...

JULIA'S P. O. V...

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Once we reached home, I came down from the car and so did Ricardo. I was so happy that

even though today had a bad start,my best friend was able to make it right for me. He

accompanied me to my house doorstep before leaving_______

" Thank you Ric. You really made today feel special for me. It's just like I should start today all

over again. And it's all because of you. Thank you so much.

" Believe me. It's worth nothing compared to you. Just please promise me that you'll always be

happy. No matter what the case might be." I just breathe in a little and breath out______

" Yes. As long as you are with me, I'll always be happy. Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night

Ric" we both hugged each other and he kissed me on my cheek.

" Good night Julia" he replied as I bade him goodbye and went into my house. I saw the house

extremely dark and I almost felt like my mum was asleep until the lights just came up again. I

was so terrified. I didn't turn on the light so who did?______

" Where are you coming from Julia?" I was shocked to my halt when I turned to see my mum.

" Mum!" I stuttered

" Where are you coming from, Julia? So late at night".

" I went out with Ricardo. Sorry I didn't take your permission. You were_____" she interrupted

her statement.

" You should have just stayed there. Seeing you here everyday just gets my heart so vexed.

Knowing how you are the cause of everything I have gone through."

" Mum,why do you keep telling me that? What have I done to you?" I asked her with so much

eagerness in my heart. Cause to a really large extent, these words made me always feel

useless_______

" Are you asking me such a useless question?"

" Mum, it's not useless. Why do you keep making me feel that I'm the cause of your problems?"

" Cause you are the cause of my problems"

" You know what mum? I think I just need to avoid all this drama and just go to bed. I honestly

don't want my mood spoiled. Good night mum" I said walking out on her. First of all, I went to the

kitchen to keep the food in the fridge and then went to my room and locked myself up. I heard

her call my name a couple of times but I just made up my mind to ignore it. I just didn't want to

cry or feel any more pain. So with that, I called it a day and went straight to bed and that was it

for the night...

9:30 a.m...

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I was at work early Monday morning. It's really stressful for a teen my age to take two jobs just

to be able to help out with bills around the house and to save up for college. While I was doing

my work, I got a call from my best friend Ricardo. He means so much to me that I had to pause

what I was doing at work to answer his call_________

" Hey Ric"

" Julia. How are you doing?"

" I'm good and you?"

" Fine"

" I'm actually at work right now. Can we talk later if you don't mind?"

" Umm! Please give me a sec. Please when are you closing from work today?"

" I'm closing the diner by 1pm. That's when my shift ends"

" Ok. Then when are you closing from cleaning the nail salon?"

" Today's my day off at that place"

" That's really so great. I'm so happy "

" But I'm curious to know. Why so many questions about work? Do you have a job for me?

What's the matter?"

" Umm! Can I come pick you up from work today?"

" O...Kay. You pick me up almost everyday."

" Thanks. See you at 1:30p.m." he said as he hung up the call. After that, I couldn't help but

worry about why Ricardo was so inquisitive about my whereabouts. What's on his mind? I just

decided to wait till I see him in person and continue my work...

1:25 p.m ****. ****. ****. ****.

I was through with my work. Fortunately, I was able to get good tips from the customers and that

could really help out with my savings a bit. Of course, I'm sure mum would have also gone to

work at the hair salon. I was outside the diner waiting patiently for Ric. He doesn't fail when it

comes to time keeping. And he actually arrived at 1:30 as planned. I excitedly got into the front

seat. When I got there, I gave him a hug______

" ... How are you Julia? It's so good to see you"

" Yeah. You too Ric. "

" So how was work today?"

" It was cool, y'know. I was able to get good tips actually. At least it could help with the savings."

" Wow! You're really trying to make something for yourself Julia" he said and I could see that his

whole countenance dropped.

" Hey! Why are you looking so worried, Ric?"

" Seeing you labor like this makes me feel bad. Like my mum and I have so much money but yet

you have to suffer. I sometimes feel that I'm not doing enough for you " this made me feel so

somehow.

" Why would you say that? Where's all this even coming from Ric? You do more than enough for

me. I'm grateful for everything you have been doing for me up to this point. You're such an

amazing friend. Your mum's money is and will never be mine. No matter the kind of relationship

we share. I don't like placing demands on you. You also want to go to college don't you? Please

don't say this again,okay? I love you and will always be grateful to you " I said as we both

hugged each other

" Thank you Julie. For not being like the others." He simply said.I quickly recalled that he

actually called me early this morning and told me he wanted to pick me up. So I decided to ask

him the reason for this meeting_______

" Ric,why did you want to see me today? And why were you asking when I'd close from work?"

He then took a deep breath.

" Well, Julia. I know that most of the clothes you wear are old clothes. As it is now you don't

have much. So I think you need a makeover. I need to make some changes to uh... This... This

isn't how I want my bestie to look at all. First of all, we're going to the spa, and after that, we're

going to the mall. At least,we need to change your wardrobe and get you some decent clothes ."

I was honestly left in "awe"________

" Okay. Thank you first of all. But then, how will you be able to pay for all of this? A spa? That

costs a lot of money. That's like my salary in the diner for like 6 months."

" I don't think that should be your problem. I'll take care of the bill.Everything,the bills on me.

Don't worry Julia."

" Sorry to ask. But why are you even doing this? Like, honestly, this is what guys do for their

girlfriends. So why are you acting this way?"

" Like seriously Julia. Can't I do something nice for my best friend? This is my way of being nice

to you. I need you to look presentable, Julia. And also, I know that things aren't easy at your

place. For now, your salary can earn you enough money to take proper care of yourself. Just let

me do this okay. There's nothing to be scared of. I just need you to rebrand a bit. You're saving

for college and please you need to look good no matter what okay?" I was able to get myself a bit convinced. He's my best friend after all. So this is nothing but him being a good friend. He

was right. I did need to change my wardrobe and my look. So I agreed anyway. He was so

excited and then took me to the spa. He's just too much. I honestly pray for the time I'd be able

to give him what he truly deserves...

3RD PERSON'S P. O. V...

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So the journey to changing Julia's look had already kicked off. As scheduled,they went to the

spa and Julia was given the best treatment of her life. She was given a skin wash, got her

facials done and even got a manicure and pedicure session. After doing this, her skin glowed

like the sun. She's never looked this good. She also got a nice hairdo. The hair stylist really

knows her job description.I don't think anyone would have imagined that she would look so

pretty. Before they left the spa,he was sure to get her some skincares and lip care products like

the face mask,eye mask and all those skin care stuff. Right as they planned it,they moved to the

mall. It was nothing but a real shopping spree. He made her try out a whole lot of clothes to

make sure they fit and they looked good on her. She tried out gowns,skirts, pants, cargos,

lingeries,tank tops and so much more. Even the footwears were really exquisite. She tried on

flip flops, heels, sneakers and loads more. She looked so pretty. Of course,we can't leave out

the jewelry and accessories. She tried out a lot of earrings, anklets, necklaces, bracelets, nose

rings and she was so excited. Going home,she carried a lot of shopping bags. She had never

shopped for clothes in a long while. It made her really happy to have gone shopping for clothes.

She was happy that she could finally look pretty like the girls her age. Ric, that guy couldn't take

his eyes off her. She has never looked more beautiful. She tried on every dress and for

everyone that fit perfectly,he bought it for her. At the end of the day,they spent $40,000. She

was so happy as she carried the shopping bags out of the mall so elegantly. Once she got to

where Ric was waiting for her,she had her face decorated with a very pretty smile_____

" Shall we? my lady" She then chuckled.

" Yes we shall, my handsome" she gave him her hand and they both walked hand in hand to the

car. He was such a gentleman that he put everything in the trunk and opened the front door of

the car so she could get in while he went to the driver's seat.

" So how do you feel now Julia?"

" I feel really good. Maybe all I needed was a good body massage. At least now I could wear

good clothes and look my age."

" I'm more than glad I could help. If you don't mind, can we get something to eat? I'm famished."

" ... Look, today's for you. Let's go. Eat whatever. Bills on me. Let's go to Giovanni's. What do

you think?"

" Absolutely great" she agreed as he drove the both of them to the restaurant. It was so nice that

Julia has such a thoughtful friend who thinks of her well being as his well being as well...