Beneath the Shadows

Switching sides on my very stony bed was I. I didn't know if I was strong or feeble. I also didn't

have an idea if I actually had a sweet night's rest. This was always how my life was. Most times,

I'd wake up with very swollen eyelids signifying that I didn't get enough sleep at night. To make

matters worse,it was almost like I lived with a woman who didn't care about my well being at

all.Unfortunately, she happened to be my mom...

" Julia!!" I heard someone scream my name as I was adorned with fatigue and I whispered a

reply. I shuffled myself off my bed and reluctantly went to see why my mum was calling me. I

walked out of my room and to the living room to see her looking so drunk on our weevil infested

couch.

" Mom? You're drunk? By this time of the morning?"

" What the hell is your business?" She said, sounding like a complete junkie which she is.. I

twisted my neck left to direct my eyes to the clock. I was so shocked to see that it was just

11:30a.m_______

" Mom, it's not even 12 o'clock yet and you're this drunk?"

" Just Shut Up You Fool!!!" She shouted. As she stood up staggering.

" You're the cause of all the problems I had to go through in this life. If only you never came

along then maybe I would have been happier. You stupid girl.. I actually called you cause I'm

fuckin' hungry. Get me something to eat" she ordered me as all I did was breathe a sigh and let

her be. I went to the kitchen to cook something for my mom. The truth is, my mum doesn't value

me at all. She always sees me as the cause of all her problems.

It makes me feel really bad each time she tells me shit like that... I actually care so much about

my mum cause she's all I've got... I kept being drowned in this pool of thoughts as I kept stirring

the food and thought to myself... Was this all because my dad abandoned her and because her

family left her and threw her on the streets that got her to be so cold hearted ¿??

"Julia!!!" She screamed my name at the top of her voice. The rate at which she shouted made

my heart skip a dangerous and horrified bit. I had to run down to my psychopathic mother's

room and saw her lying down on her bed so tired. All I could feel for her at that point was

pity_______

" Yes mom?"

" Where's my meal?" Is she insane? It's not even up to 5 minutes since she told me to make her

meal and she's already asking for it.

" Mum, I'm not done yet"

" What the fuck is taking you so long? I'm fuckin' hungry. "

" Please give me some more time, I'll make it soon"

" ...why should I be Julia?? You didn't give me time to enjoy my youthful days before you just

came and ruined my entire life so why should I give you time?" I was actually just left so

dumbfounded at her statement. Did she really have so much anger and grievance towards me?

" Answer me Julia. Why on earth should I give you time? My whole life has been ruined. I don't

have any family. They all abandoned me at your birth." It put me in very serious tears and a tear

just crawled down my mother's eyes. I've never seen her so unhappy. This was the first time I saw my mother cry remembering this. The experience made her so stony that she doesn't even

cry anymore_____

" Mum, I know you're hurting and I'm so sorry for everything you went through because

you_______" before I could even finish my statement, I received a huge slap on my face that

led straight to the ground.

" Just shut up... Just shut the f**k up Julia. You aren't sorry. Cause if you were sorry,then you

would have never come in the first place. I hate you Julia. You disgust me and I hate the fact

that I'm the one who gave birth to you." All these things she said plus the slap she gave

me,made me tear up heavily. I just let them all flow.

" Get up from the damn floor and go and get me something to eat immediately. I'll forever treat

you as a slave till my last breath. Get out" I immediately stood up from the floor

" But mum" I sniffed

" GET OUT!!!!" She screamed so I just obeyed her and left. As I got to the kitchen,all I could do

was just shed tears. I was so disheartened and sad.I didn't want to think about it too much so I

quickly made her food and took it to her room for her. Once she opened the door, I gave her the

tray of food______

" That's better" she dragged the tray from me. She didn't even say "thank you"

" ... What are you doing standing there? Stop looking at me like a fool which you are and get out

of my sight" she rattled as I left her. After that I went to my room and started sobbing profusely. I

was so sad with unhappiness.

" Why does she have to hate me so much? " I asked myself as I kept crying and crying...

RICARDO'S P. O. V...

*****. *****. *****. *****.

I just climbed over the fence at noon to go see my best friend through her room window. I

climbed up the tree to her and her mum's apartment which was at the last floor of the building.

Once I reached there, I dived into the window and fell to the ground. I noticed she was sitting on

her bed facing backwards so she didn't know that I entered her room. I decided to play the trick

which I normally do each time she doesn't notice that I entered her room. She falls for it all the

time and it never gets old. I tiptoed to her and then I'll made a sound

" Bhooo!" She gasped in fear as she turned around and I started laughing_____

" Julia, you keep falling for this trick everytime_____" I took a quick pause when I noticed that

her eyes were red and swollen. She must have been crying again. I honestly hope it's not the

reason I have in mind.

" Hey,why are you crying? What's the matter?"

" It's nothing Ricardo"

" What do you mean nothing? You're obviously not happy. Like you're literally looking like

someone who just got beaten up and you're saying nothing?"

" Nothing happened Ricardo. If you are gonna make things harder for me then I suggest that

you just leave. Please " she raised her voice and continued sobbing. I couldn't help but still feel

worried about her. So I gently sat down by her side and put my arm around her shoulder to

comfort her_______

" Just take it easy on yourself. Please just calm down. Take a deep breath. Everything is going

to be ok Julia." I said calmly as she immediately pulled me in for a hug. I could feel her pain in

my heart with every sniff she took in and every tear that she shed.

" Ric, I don't even know what to do. I can't bear this anymore. I'm always insulted. She talks me

down with every chance she gets" just as I had earlier suspected. It was her mum who made

her cry. That woman is such a parasite________

" Hold on a sec Julia. Don't tell me it's about your mum again."

" It is Ric. It is"

" Oh no! What happened this time around?" I asked curiously. She then started narrating

everything to me. She explained so descriptively as though she was some author. I felt so bad

to have heard of all that happened. Her mum's just so cruel and cold hearted.

" But you don't deserve this. Why does she keep doing this to you time and time again? You did

nothing wrong"

" I know but she has a lot against me. She had to raise me alone on her own terms. Everyone

left her because she decided to keep me"

"...and how's that your fault? It's not your fault at all. Besides, you didn't tell her to have sex

while still in high school. This was her decision and she should have been ready to face the

consequences of her action. No one told her to be a loosed girl____"

" That's enough Ricardo" she interrupted

" Look I know you don't like what my mum is doing to me but that doesn't give you any right to

say such ruthless things about my mum. Please if not for anything, I've never insulted your mum

before. She's also a single mum and we're almost alike just that your mum was more privileged

than mine. Please don't do this again"I immediately cautioned myself and quickly apologized to

her

" I'm really sorry Julia. Please don't be annoyed. But it doesn't change the fact that I detest

everything your mom does to you. It gets me pissed each time I hear it."

" Thank you Ric. But I still want to change her and I believe she can change. My mom wasn't

always like this. It's never right to judge someone before you get to know them. If my mom was

so heartless and hated me, then she would have never preserved my pregnancy. It's just that

sometimes she gets constantly reminded about her horrible experience. I still love her no matter

what. And please I'd really appreciate it if you respect that " I just looked at her and smiled.

" Okay Julia. I'll respect your decision to respect and love your mum. I'm sorry for all that I said. I

just said it cause I don't like what your mum does to you. Please don't be mad at me."

" It's alright, Ric. And thank you for always being there to care for me. It's really sweet. Thank

you."

" It's not a problem. What are friends for?" We both chuckled in amusement.

" So Ric,why did you come to my house in the first place?" She asked and that reminded me of

my real intention behind coming here.

" Oh! Right. That reminds me. You've heard about the new movie coming out today."

" Yeah. You mean BEYOND SUSPICION? The Nollywood movie right?"

" Exactly. I got us both tickets to the movies to watch it" she was so excited as I brought it out

and gave it to her

" Really? OMG! Ric... Thank you, thank you so much. I always wanted to watch that movie. I

really appreciate it. Thank you " " It's alright Julia. The movie is at 4:00 p.m... So just get ready."

" Right. But honestly I need your help before then."

" Okay, what for?"

" The house is a mess. And I also need to pick up a few groceries. Can you please help me out

with the cleaning and drive me to the grocery shop?"

" Sure,why not?" I agreed and she was overwhelmed with joy as I did.

" Thank you so much Ric"

" So where do we start?"

" I'll go clean my mum's room,the toilet and my room, while you clean the living room and the

kitchen. How does that sound?"

" Good. I'll do it " so that's how we got to work. I just feel that Julia does quite too much for a

woman who doesn't even consider her as a priority. She doesn't even act like Julia's her blood

daughter. It's quite unfortunate that she has a good daughter who puts her first. Since she wants

me to never insult her mum then I'll respect her decision....

JULIA'S P. O. V...

****. ****. ****. ****.

Ric and I were done with the house chores. We made the house look sparkling clean. We

scrubbed,swept and even removed all the cobwebs. Since it was a weekend and mum didn't go

to work,she was having her beauty sleep. She normally slept longer during weekends so it gave

me enough time to rest and still do some house work. So before I go to the movies with Ric, I'll

make sure to prepare her meal and put it in her cooler so it doesn't get cold. But first we had to

go to the grocery store. I came out of the room after taking a shower and getting dressed to

meet up with Ricardo so he could drive me to the grocery store.

" Ricardo, I'm ready"

" Okay, let's go." He said as he grabbed his car key from the table and we were ready to go. But

I couldn't help but notice that Ricardo did a very good job in keeping the house spick and span.

" Wow Ric! Who knew you knew how to clean up like this?"

" Very funny Julie."

" Each time I've got a pile of chores on weekends, you'd definitely be there with me"

" ... Of course, most definitely I will. Now if you'll stop messing around, let's get to the grocery

store before it closes"

" Yeah right. Let's go" I said as we went downstairs and straight into his car. We drove some

kilometers while chit chatting in the car and laughing. We eventually got to the grocery store and

stepped out of the car. I walked through the store alongside Ric. I saw a few groceries that I

liked to get for the house and picked them and put them in the trolley. After I was done with

everything, I decided to go to the counter to pay for it.

" Is that all you want?" " Yes. This should last us for a while. Let's head to the counter"I said as he helped me carry the

stuff to the counter. The woman by the counter started calculating everything which we

brought_______

" That'll be $15."

" Right. Let me get my card." I then opened my little purse and to my surprise,I didn't see my

card.

" Ummm! Ric, did I give you my card?"

" No,you didn't" that's when it set on me. I had forgotten my card at home. Oh my God!!

" What's the problem?"

" Ric, I have forgotten my card at home. How am I supposed to pay for everything?"

" Ok this is bad"

" Umm, ma'am please you're holding up the line" the lady by the counter said as I turned around

and saw a long line behind me.

" Oh Ric. Let's just return everything back"

" ... No wait. Let me sort this out. Ma'am please how much did you say it cost again?"

"$15" immediately,Ricardo put his hand into his pocket and brought out his own card. I was

shocked.

" No Ric. You don't have to. You've already done so much "

" It's alright Julie"

"Ric but____"

" Just let me handle it " he insisted as I just reluctantly agreed and he paid everything off. While

we carried the stuff to the car truck, I just wondered how nice he was. We both entered the car

and I decided to ask him about the stunt he pulled at the grocery store___

" Hey,Ric. Why'd you help me back there?"

" What do you mean?"

" You know you didn't have to pay for it. "

" Huh! Look Julia, I am not just your friend, I see you as my sister. Look, what's the need of

having a friend who can't help you when you need it? Just know that no matter what, I'll always

be here for you. You don't need to worry when I am here. Alright?"I looked at him and was so

happy and also felt so lucky to have him as a friend.

" Thank you so much Ric. "

" You're welcome. Now I think we should get something to eat. Maybe lunch at our favorite

spot?"

" I'm up for that." He then started the car and we whizzed off. You know it's really a vibe when

you have that male friend who's not your boyfriend but he's willing to take a million bullets for

you. That's the kind of friend Ricardo has been ever since we were kids and I am really glad to

have known him...

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

****. ****. ****. ****. ****.

The evening came so fast and the two people were already ready for the outing. As earlier

planned, Julia had made her mother's meal and put it in the cooler so it wouldn't get cold. She

wore a black t-shirt,blue jean shorts with her slides. She didn't have much clothes to her name

so she just made do with the ones she had. She went to Ricardo who was waiting for her in their

living room just going through his phone in the meantime.

" Julia,are you done already?"

" I'm coming, Ric. Just give me 2 minutes"

". Hurry up or we'll be late for the movie" he said as she tried to fasten her speed. When she

was done with getting dressed,she made her way to the living room to meet up with

Ricardo_______

" Okay Ric. I'm done" Ric saw her and didn't look so pleased with the way she appeared but he

didn't say anything.

" Okay. Let's get going. We don't wanna be late" as the both of them left the house but Julia

made sure to lock the door with the key since her mum was still sleeping like a rock. They both

walked down to the car and she sat at the front seat while Ricardo sat at the driver's seat.

" Julia, can I ask you something please?"

" What is it, Ric? Is there a problem?"

" No. But please don't take whatever I'm about asking you too personal"

" Huh! Alright. Spill the beans"

" I don't see you putting on so much clothes. You wear a particular set of clothes. Why's that?"

" I get what you're saying Ric. These are the only clothes I have."

" So don't you think you should change your wardrobe?"

" I wish I could but I can't. I don't have that kind of money. Yes, I work two jobs but I'm still trying

to save up for college. That's just it"

" Alright. I'm sorry if you were mad at my question. Please, I just thought of it. We're friends

so______"

" You don't need to explain anything, Ric. I understand you perfectly well. You just care earnestly

about me and I get it. Thank you so much "

" It's alright. Let's just head there now"

" Yeah" as he quickly dashed into the road like an arrow shot in the air by an archer.He drove

through till they arrived at the Movies. He acted like a gentleman would and opened the door for

Julia to step out of the car. He also held her hand till they entered the movies. It was a sight.

They were also able to grab some popcorn and some drinks. Good thing they came at the right

time cause the place was already full and they were also able to get a good seat as well.

" I'm so glad to have seen this movie. Thank you so much Ric"

" I'm not just happy to have seen it. I'm happy that I'm seeing it with my favorite person in the

whole world" I could feel Julia blushing profusely and was almost turning as red as a tomato.

" Awww! Thank you so much. You don't know how happy it makes me."

" Okay drama queen. Let's start the movie. It's almost time" so they started the movie as the

light dimmed and the big screen started displaying the movie. Somehow, to a large extent,

Nollywood has started gaining their feet in the movie industry. It's so nice how they've started

producing nostalgic movies. Beyond Suspicion from what I'm seeing here was actually produced

by an upcoming movie production called STORYVERSE PRODUCTION. I think the movie's cool

actually. Well, let's all just sit back and enjoy this movie. I can see the two , Julia and Ricardo,

eating their popcorn and being seriously engrossed in the movie. Wow, this is a work of art. At

least,they were sure that the hour and thirty minutes spent watching the movie wasn't a waste.

They both enjoyed the movie while Ricardo couldn't help but imagine himself and Julia were in

that situation. He tried imagining if for a moment, Julia was assumed to be dead just like for a

moment Dave thought that Stella was dead.

"Ummm! Ric,what are you thinking about?" Julia snapped him out of it.

" Oh nothing! Just letting my imagination run wild. "

" Okay. I just wanted to say that in case you didn't notice, the movie is over." He then looked at

the screen and noticed that it was over indeed.

" Wow! That was a real case of absent-mindedness. I was so lost in thoughts that I didn't even

know the movie was over."

"... Yeah, so let's head home."

" Home? It's too early for that?"

" Well,so where do we go from here? The movie is already finished."

" Let's get dinner. Isn't that just better than going home? Then maybe we can do some sight

seeing "

" Sight seeing? Where exactly?"

" I know the best spot" he said as all Julia could just do was wonder. So she just decided to

follow Ricardo like a puppet. After the movie ended,they both made their way to the restaurant

which happened to be on the ground floor. He made her order any food of her choice and it was

really a nice one. She ate a lot of fries, she wasn't really conscious of getting fat but all she

knew is that she needed to eat to her heart's content.

" Seems like you were really hungry back there Julia Austin" Ricardo said as he winked slyly at

her and she looked at him while corking her eyebrows.

" Really Mr. Ricardo Thompson? I know. At least you were able to get it for me. And yes, I was

hungry. Aren't you?"

" Huh! Aren't I? Of course I am." They both laughed and gave themselves a high five and

continued eating their meal. These two are really just very sweet friends. Their friendship has a

lot to it beyond what meets the eyes...

JULIA'S P. O. V...

****... ****... ****... ****...

Ricardo and I had just finished having our meal and were set to go home. I felt so full and was

even able to get some for take away. At least, my mum and I won't bother about our food

tomorrow cause it was quite a lot packed in a paper bag. But, I ate till my heart's content. I

wasn't even able to stand up______

" Julia,you look stuffed"

Look Ric, I haven't eaten this much in a really long time. So what do you expect? You can't

blame me " I know but dude, you can't even stand up from the chair. So how are we gonna do what we

planned?"

" Well if you are really serious, then at least try to get me up from here. That'll help alot." He just

sighed,stood up and just rolled his eyes.

" Huh! Fine. I'll help you " he said as he lent me his hand. I gripped it tight and helped myself up.

" Yes. That's what I'm talking about" I said as he just smirked and held me till we reached his

car. Surprisingly,he opened the front door for me to enter and he was really giving me some

sweet romantic vibe. When he finally entered the car, I finally told him_______

" Now that's who I call a gentleman"

"... What the hell is your problem?"

" What's up? I called you a gentleman. Is that such a bad thing?"

" Julia, you're just too much. You're such a vibe" he said.

" Okay. Enough with the playing around. Now I remember you saying that we're going sight

seeing. So where the hell are we going?"

" Relax Julia. You're being too paranoid. Just calm down. We're going towards the edge of the

city"

" Edge of the City!!?" Are you seeing the time Ricardo?" I asked in exclamation.

" What? It's just 7:00p.m... We're going to be back before you know it. Just trust me. "

" Huh! Can we please do this tomorrow?"

" Will tomorrow be fine for you? Remember, you're going to work on Monday."

" Oh! Yeah right! I am"

" So let's get going Julia" he immediately zoomed off without getting my reply.

" Whoa! Take it easy Ricardo. Why do you love driving like this?"He then shrugged.

" I don't know. How do I like driving?"

" You love driving like you've got two lives . What the hell is that about?"

" Really? Why would you say that?"

" 'Cause right now, there was a car just right in front of you and you just dodge like nothing ever

happened. It's safe to say that you're a very reckless driver. Why's that?" He then started

laughing.

" What's funny?"

" It's how you're analyzing the way I drive"

"Okay "

" In life, you've gotta take some things by force or else you'll never get some things done."Out of

the situation, I narrowly escaped a car.

" Phew! That was a close call"

" Yeah,now you see what I'm talking about."

" Hey it wasn't my fault y'know. You were distracting me with your sermon, that's why I couldn't

concentrate. So how's that my fault?" He asked

" Wow! So, you're saying that it's my fault?"

" Well, maybe " he said as I playfully started hitting him.

" Hey, what's your problem? Can't you see I'm driving ma'am?"

" So now you know you're driving?"

" I always knew that but maybe you didn't. If you did then you wouldn't be hitting me so much.

You stress me alot Julia. I honestly deserve an award for putting up with your tantrums. Don't

you think so Julia?"

" You love messing around. I have always cleaned your mess ever since we were kids and now

you feel you deserve an award for putting up with my tantrums? What tantrums?"

" You're such a drama queen. You nag a lot and so many other stuffs"

" Wow! That's cool "

" But in all, you're still the sweetest Friend ever."

" Awwnn, thank you. Now please if you excuse me, I need to get some sleep before we get

there"

" Sleep,but I thought that I'm a reckless driver?"

" Yeah, you sure are reckless but I have confidence in you Ric. So please now let me sleep " I

said as we both chuckled.

8:00p.m...

*****... *****... *****...

I felt the car come to a halt while I was still sleeping but surprisingly once I opened my eyes,

everything was black. I felt so dismayed. Had I actually gone blind or something?

" Wake up sleepy head"

" Ricardo I am awake. But I can't seem to see anything. Everything's black"

" Oh! Really? Why wouldn't it?"

" What do you mean " why wouldn't it"?"

" Cause you're wearing a blindfold dummy" that was the time I then felt that actually there was

something covering my eyes.

" Oh! Right. Now why the f**k would you cover my eyes with a blindfold?"

" Cause I wanna surprise you."

" And where did you even bring me?"

" To a lion's den. To a den of kidnappers. Just stop asking questions okay. Do you think I'd

kidnap you?"

" I know you won't "

" If you know then just come out" he said but I obviously couldn't cause I wasn't seeing anything.

So he came out of the car, opened the door for me and held my hand gently as I pushed myself

out of the car.

" Gosh! Julie, you're so heavy"

" What did you say? Are you tryna tell me that I'm fat?"

" Of course you are. After eating all those foods,you think you'll still be skinny?"

" You're so annoying Ric."

" Fine,fine. You just have a flare for drama. Please let's just go now" I just shrugged. He had

already blindfolded me.

" Alright fine. Let's go"So he kept holding me as we kept moving in quite some directions. He

held me as though I was a blind woman who needed someone to carry her around. I just kept

mute and continued following him. Afterall, I was under his control now. But it kinda got

awkward,so I couldn't help but ask _____________

" Where are we going, Ric? Aren't we there yet?"

" Could you be patient?"

" Ok"

" Yeah,at the right time cause we're there now"

" Thank Goodness. Finally, So can you at least take off this freakin' blindfold now?"

" Oh yeah! Sorry. Just a sec" he said as he quickly removed the blindfold from my eyes.

"Now open your eyes." I slowly opened my eyes and I was so dazed with the sight. It was so

glamorous. We were by the edge of a cliff and looking beneath the cliff was a whole valley with

clear streams and the finest trees. Birds flying in their numbers across the sky,their feathers as

fine and as silky as wool. It was such a sight to behold. It might not have been so good but I

appreciated that moment

" I know how much you love seeing nature so I just felt that you needed to see a bit of nature.

So how do you see it?"

" Oh Ric! This is amazing. I love it. Thank you so much for bringing me here" I said as I gave

him a warm and happy hug.

" Now let's sit on the grass don't you think?" We both sat on the grass and believe me when I

say there was nothing that felt so good. I just laid down on the grass and it was as cool as a

carpet. While laying down, alot of memories started kickin' in. The memories were of Ric and I,

when we were kids. His mum was really very nice to me and she always saw me like her own

daughter. We always used to go to the park and suddenly while having all these remarkable

memories, a moment which I wasn't expecting just chipped in. That was the memory of how I

and my mum have never been close. How she always treated me. It hurts me each time I

remember it...

RICARDO'S P. O. V...

*****... *****... *****...

Julia and I laid ourselves down on the grass and started gazing at the stars. It was so

enthusiastic and fantastic seeing how they decorate the night sky. Heaven didn't make a

mistake when God was creating the sky. It's so beautiful and the moonlight is so warm and cool.

" The sky's so beautiful, Julia. Don't you think?"I asked and noticed that I didn't get any

response from Julia. So I decided to ask again thinking she was lost gazing into the night sky.

" So what do you think of Julia?" She didn't reply for the second time. It got me worried since

she wasn't responding. So I turned around to look at her and even called her name.

"Umm! Julia!?" I called as she snapped out of it. I'm shock.

" Ric!" She replied as she turned her face left to look at me. Once she did that, I noticed that she

had been pouring out tears from her eyes. It got me sad to see her crying______

" Hey Julia,why are you crying?"

" It's alright Ric."

" It can't be. Tell me what's the matter? You just stayed and decided to start crying?" She just

chuckled slyly_____

" Very funny Ric, " she said. As I just got more worried and decided to keep pushing. I pushed till

she finally decided to tell me what had happened.

" Okay. I'll tell you.You know,at first I was just gazing into the sky and started thinking of how

much we've grown Ric. But suddenly, I remembered how my mom and I have never been on the

same page, Ric. She doesn't like me despite being my mum. I feel really bad. It's just that, I

never knew my dad and my mum have been the only ones who've been there. I honestly

believe that there's more to my mum beyond what meets the eyes. She has really been through

a lot. And if I'm being really honest with myself, she's not far from the truth"

" What do you mean she's not far from the truth?". I asked feeling weird

" Because Ric, If I never came along, maybe she wouldn't have been rejected by her family.

Maybe she would have been happier. My dad was her boyfriend and once he heard she was

pregnant,he abandoned her. And it ruined alot in her life. She couldn't go to college,she was

thrown out of her family. I'm sure it was a whole lot to take in considering how young she was

back then. I honestly wish things could be different." She said in dismay and unhappiness. I also

felt her pain. I know I've never been a fan of Julia's mum,but honestly,she has been through alot

in her life. If things were better then maybe she wouldn't have treated Julia like this. But still,I

don't feel she's doing the right thing by venting out the anger on Julia. She's a supportive

daughter. She takes two jobs just to make sure she helps out with the expenses. She even quit

going to college just to help her mum as well. She doesn't deserve this_____

" Julia, honestly please can you just sit up?" She then sat erect.

" Look, Julia. I know how you feel. Cause, if there's one thing I know we've got in common, it's

the fact that we were both raised by single moms. The only difference is, my mum happens to

be from a rich family and is rich but your case is totally different. But please, I don't want you to

play the same blame game that your mum's playing. It's not gonna do either of us any good.

Please just calm down. You're Not the cause of your mum's problem. Can you just please not do

this again?"

" But Ric, I ____"

"... No ifs and buts. Please. You're my best friend. I also see you as my sister. I'm going out of

my way to do all this just so you can be happy. Please don't let my hard work go to waste. Or

else I'm gonna cry." I then feigned a few tears just to make her smile a bit. She then chuckled

" You're just a drama queen " she said as she hit me

" Ouch! That was painful " she then laughed.

" And then you'll say that I am a drama queen. You're even more dramatic than I am."

" It doesn't stop you from being a drama queen. You should go to acting school don't you think "

we just laughed and there was nothing as priceless as seeing her smile. She then pulled me in

for a hug. As her chest was pasted on mine,my heart just pounded as I could feel the massive

energy. It was one I never felt before.

" Thank you Ric. Thanks for taking it upon yourself to make me happy. I really appreciate all

your efforts to see me happy. Thanks for always being there for me."

" It's alright. It's my job of course." I said as we both chuckled and continued glaring at the night

sky. Some minutes later, she then started talking______

" Umm! Ric,can we talk?"

" Sure" she then took a deep breath and that made me just wonder about the gravity of what

she wanted to say.

" Ric, you know that we've been friends since we were kids. And we've also grown to love and

understand each other?"

" Yes"

" Ric, I want us to make a promise to each other. We're gonna be best friends forever and

nothing even after we get married,no one and nothing will come in between us" she said this

made me feel a bit weird especially when she said "even after we get married" it made me

wonder if she had someone else. But I had to promise her

"Yes Julia. I promise. You'll be my best friend forever. No matter how far life takes me" after that

we gave each other a warm hug. I didn't just know why but hearing Julia say that made me feel

a bit awkward. But why did I feel this way? Julia is my best friend and she deserves all the good

things in life. So why do I feel offended simply because she was talking about us staying united

even till marriage?

"Umm! Ricardo, how about we just call it a day and head home?" I was also feeling moody so I

decided to go home as well

" Yeah. You're right. Let's go home. Besides,so that the food doesn't get sour. I think we should

just go home." We held each other and walked to the car. While I was driving us home, I couldn't

help but feel sad knowing that one day, I and Julia would get married. That means we would

also not have enough time to spend with each other. But not just that, doesn't this bother

Julia?