Chapter 3: Hangout

"Where are you?" I ask over the phone call

I am 17 already and since I reached k-12 program, I have to finish grades 11 and 12 before college.

Crimson High is for basic education students, it means from preparatory to grade 12. Behind it is Crimson University where the college students are.

It is a prestigious school for the rich, but they accept scholars. and we, me and my bestfriend are one of those who plan to apply for scholarships!

Jilliane also came right away so I didn't have to wait any longer. She was wearing a maroon sleeveless dress and black doll shoes, while her waist -length hair was just loose.

The weather is so hot, next time I'll take her for a haircut!

"Let's go inside?"

We are still outside the school premises yet I feel so nervous. I can do this! We can do this! I need to get in here! If I am not lucky enough, I will still insist! whatever it takes!

"Wait, D! I did not have breakfast at home because I am in a hurry eh ..." she replied. frowning while squeezing my palm, trying to look pity.

"ahm-"

"my treat!" wow. Jilliane Cortez, you are really very silly. There is no hard work.

she really know that I would not refuse the free food, she immediately cut me off. hmp!

Quickly without second tought she hooked her hand on my arm and we started walking. Even though I didn't answer yet, she seemed to know already my answer.

I stopped to notice what place we are heading. It was already infront of us.

How many months have passed since I last stepped inside it? And still as usual, from the other side of the road was a view of the many costumers who were in it.

I smiled bitterly.

"I thought we were going to eat?" I tried not to stutter while saying these words. Not to be made it obvious.

"yes ..." even though I didn't looking at her, I knew she is smiling.

"Maybe you're just mistaken. This is Coffee shop, not fast food chain nor restaurant." I even pulled her away from the Coffee shop.

"what's with you? My treat right? I want here!" She is now pulling me again.

"No, there's a McDo on the other side, let's just go there!" I insist

"why so scared, D?"

"of course not!" to prove what I said I was the one who pulled Jill across.

Even though I was nervous for no apparent reason, I tried to fight myself not to leave Jill here.

I know bestfriends should shared all teas, but I just can't. Not now atleast.

"Are we really going to eat here?" I tried not to stutter while saying these words. I'm still in the tone of convincing that we just ate at McDo.

"yes, what is that, D! Isn't this coffee shop your favorite?" it smiled, seemingly interested in what she was saying. She is now the one dragging me until we can get inside the Coffee Shop.

Cafe Mendoza.

right. a bitter smile drew on my lips. I used to like to hang here. before. before Francis left me.

the sun was bright not like that afternoon. People don't make a fuss to find shelter, people walk outside normally and those inside the coffee shop talk weakly.

"I don't want to be here anymore. Let's just find another place to eat" I suggested. I really can’t bear to be here again

"eh here we are oh! another one, this is the closest coffee shop to Crimson. What's your problem, D?" we started to stretch our arms.

Even though she ia my bestfriend, I haven't been able to detail how francis and I split up in the place that once became my favorite. all she knows is that Francis has talked to me separately without giving any valid reason.

She also did not ask because I was really broken hearted in the first months of our separation, and in the months that followed, we considered pronouncing his name as bad word.

I just let it go because that's also what I want.

Hesitantly, I followed her to the counter. I will admit, I missed this place. I missed drinking coffee and hanging out with him while reading a book. Francis will wait and tell what happened in the past few days that we are not together. There are so many memories of this place.

"--- a cappuccino for me and one cheese cake" she paused to cover my eyes. "how 'bout you?"

"Mocha. Just coffee mocha." Jun was the guard at the counter, he was even a little surprised when he realized I was behind Jilliane. Though, he knows it's my bestfriend, I don't know.

I smiled at him sparingly, it immediately recovered and started writing our name on the cup. we just took it out to make sure we had a long queue at crimson high later.

he quickly delivered our order. it already wrapped in a brown paper bag. we also bid goodbye before leaving the shop.

Still, the sun was bright and hot. I turned to Jill, I refrained from laughing at her appearance.

"D? Aren't you carrying an umbrella? What a waste of my skin care huhu" she cried hiding behind me to take shelter, terrified of the sun.

"Do I look like using an umbrella? You're the only one who's scared of the sun. Maybe you're a vampire" I couldn't help but laugh.

We hastened to walk because at any time I was sure she would disappear with me. I was just shaken