10.0 The 'Pretend' Couple Jealousy
In campus, Katherine and Eloise were having lunch by the open park in the middle of the campus. It is the most popular spot for students to eat, rest and hangout. As both of them were just eating, suddenly, they were approached by Brandon.
Brandon asked "Can I join you for lunch?" which caused many heads to turn. Well, it was inevitable since he is one of the popular boys in campus. "Sure. What brings you here?" said Katherine who was startled but was extremely happy. "I wanted to change my view so I came here. Then I saw you two. I hope I am not interrupting anything," he said. "No, no. We are just having our lunch," replied Katherine. She could not hide her smile since she was happy to be eating together with her crush. As Eloise was just sitting there silently, Brandon started a conversation with her. "Is everything alright? You seem tired," he asked. "Me? I'm fine. Thanks for asking," replied Eloise. "It sure feels different eating here. It is calming, don't you think?" he continued. "Yes, it sure is," replied Eloise. Her answers were short and simple but that did not stop Brandon from keeping the conversation going. Katherine who was as sharp as an eagle started to notice that Brandon might be interested in Eloise since he was talking to her most of the time.
After lecture ended, Katherine decided to ask Eloise regarding the matter. "Hey, what do you think about Brandon?" she asked after mustering her courage. "Brandon? He is a nice person…Why do you ask?" she replied. "Nothing. Just wanted to know what is your opinion on him," said Katherine who was trying not to make it obvious. "Girl, I approve of him. So, don't give up and try to win him over. I am sure someone as beautiful, kind and smart like you will be able to get him," said Eloise to encourage and reassure Katherine since she picked up the hints. Startled, Katherine did not know how to respond since she never told Eloise she actually liked him. "Don't worry. If things don't end well, you always have me. I will support you all the way," said Eloise to get her spirits back up.
Just like any other day, Eloise had to work at the café. She clocked in earlier since Hank needed to run some errands. Without many customers, it was like a healing time for her. Then, in came a beautiful woman who came to place her order. "Let me repeat your order. One green tea latte and one iced mocha. That will be $10," said Eloise. "Yes, that is correct," she replied. Eloise prepared the order and notified the customer to pick up her order from the self-collect station. She couldn't help but look at her as she murmured "She is so ideal - beautiful and independent. She looks like a successful businesswoman." Not long after, a male customer entered. Before Eloise greeted him, she saw the customer and immediately freaked out. She hid behind the counter and covered her face. "Why is Nikolai here?" she murmured. She began to peak from the corner of the counter and saw him sitting with the woman from before. They even hugged!
"That jerk! I know we are just a 'pretend' couple but this is too much! We just started yesterday and he did not even text me. Now I catch him on a date!" Eloise vented. Since there were no other customers, she remained behind the counter and waited until they left. The whole time, she was staring at their direction with a murderous stare. "That jerk," was what she would murmur from time to time. "Nikolai, I need to go. Thanks for meeting up with me on such short notice," said Jesse, the woman in question. "No worries. You came all the way from Las Vegas," he replied. "Before I leave, I want to see you smile," said Jesse in a cute manner. "Stop it, Jesse," he said before taking the last sip of his drink. "I'll drop you off," he said as he left first. "Wait up!" said Jesse who rushed after him after finishing her drink in a hurry. After seeing them leave the café, Eloise went over to clean up the table. She didn't seem pleased as she kept murmuring "Nikolai, you bastard."
That night, Eloise was staring at her phone as if she was waiting for someone to call or text her. When she finally got a notification, she was happy but immediately became devastated when it was just a text from Hank who thanked her for covering for him. She then jumped onto her bed and let out a long sigh. "Is he with her?" she wondered as she stared at her ceiling. Then, she jumped out of bed in shock. "Why are you curious? He is not even your real boyfriend! He can be with anyone and it is not your problem! Eloise Washington, come to your senses! You made a promise, remember?" she began talking to herself as if she was trying to brainwash herself. She took a few deep breathes and laid back down to sleep.