The Story Of Us

2: BRING ME TO LIFE

"Sis, I know how much you wanted to wait for him. But don't you want to do something productive while you're at it?"

"Like?"

"Like meeting new friends?"

"I don't need to."

"Don't you want someone who'll look after you?"

"Then I should hire a nurse not a friend but I won't because Dustin will do it."

"Dustin. . . Dustin. . . Dustin. Puh-lease, he's not here . . . for five long years, remember?"

"I'll wait. The longer one waits for something the more one appreciate it when one gets it."

I sighed and sipped the last of my cappuccino instead of replying to her. Then I remembered an invitation from a friend in the Company.

"Look, someone in our company told me about this friend of his. He said his friend needs someone to talk to because he's so depress at the moment . . ." I tried again.

"If he needs someone to talk to, what's his friend doing?"

"He's too busy."

"And I'm not?"

"Are you?"

"I'm currently writing a sequel to my second book. I also have to submit my column for The Daily Herald.

"I heard he's gorgeous!" I said, trying to pull the conversation back to my plan.

She rolled her eyes and I thought she already surrendered but I was surprised when she put into words my plan.

"Are you setting me up for a blind date?"

"I think so," I beamed at her. "I'll call him now," I fished out my phone.

"Hey!" she tried to grab my phone but failed and was silenced when dozens of eyes glanced her way.

Yes! Since the day I met Jade, she did her best to have a low profile and I was happy to know that she's still on it. I won! I called my friend, Rey, and let him know about the blind date that he was asking.

"I haven't agreed yet," Jade frowned.

"Oh, Jade, please. . . just this one," I pleaded, clapping my hands together like I was praying. "I can't cancel it. He'll never trust me again if I cancel this."

"Gosh!" she slapped her palm to her forehead, a sign of defeat.

"Please, please, please!"

"When is it?"

"Tonight!" I smiled.

"What?!" she turned to me sharply.

"Nine in the evening in this coffee shop."

"But..."

"Don't worry, I'll help you prepare. C'mon!" I urged after paying the bill.

I grabbed her by her arm and dragged her to my favorite Clothe Shop. I missed having hangouts like this. We tried a number of dresses before settling to a sleeveless, long black-and-white striped dress. She was taller than me for a couple of inches so she looked good wearing a long dress.

"Now time to look for good shoes that'll go well with that," I pointed at the dress.

"Can't I just go with a black oxford?"

"You're joking, right?"

She just shrugged as an answer so we went to Shoe Salon as soon as I paid for the dress. Jade knew I was in control when it came to fashion thingy. I pointed at black sandals and shoes for what seemed like forever already and all I got from her was a shake of her head. I glanced at my wristwatch. It read one in the afternoon. That was when I pulled a pair of black clogs that I thought would look great on the black-and-white dress we bought. I didn't wait for her opinion anymore. After she tried them on, we proceeded to the counter.

We went to my favorite salon after we had lunch. Little by little, I could see she was enjoying the day already. As expected, there were lots of customers that it took us three hours waiting for our turn. Normally, I would've left by now but since I was very determined to see the result of this plan, I waited. If I wouldn't, who else would wake Jade up from her deep slumber?

The long wait paid off when the staff of the salon did her magic so amazingly that my jaw dropped when I saw Jade afterwards. Her hair was tied into an elegant French twist with tiny flower gems attached to it. Her eyes were brought back to life by a trick of smoky eyes and nude-colored lips. We arrived to her house passed seven in the evening already. Luckily, her make-up didn't fade after an hour of travel.

"You look ah-mazing!" I cheered.

"I know. You've already told me a couple of times already," she giggled.

We laughed . . . just like the old days. I couldn't wait to see her this lively everyday. My cell phone rang, which pulled me back to reality. It was from my boss.

~Jade~

I still couldn't believe what I was seeing on this body-length mirror. How did this happen?

"Yes, sir . . . I'm sorry about that, sir. I remember giving it to your secretary, though, sir . . . Got that, sir . . . Yes, sir . . . Noted sir . . ." I could hear Victorique talking.

How I wish Dustin could see me right now! Would he like me this way? He told me he liked how simple I looked, though.

"Sis, I'm really, really sorry but I gotta go," Victorique held my hands, which snapped me out of my daydream.

"I see," I nodded.

"Got something to find. My goodness! How many times do I have to remind him to have a new secretary already?"

I wondered who "him" was but I didn't pry anymore. She appeared to be not in the mood to answer inquiries so I just let her go.

"It's fine. I can manage from here," I reassured her.

"Thank you," she hugged me again tightly.

"Uh, sis . . ." I tapped her shoulder, afraid that I would smudge my dramatic eye makeup.

"Oh, sorry! Give me a call ASAP, okay?"

"I will. Drive safely," I nodded as I walked her to the door.

"See yah!" she waved.

I headed to Dustin's room right after. My mannequin was on the bed just as how I left it.

"Good evening, Dustin! You see, I have a date tonight but it's not really a romantic date or anything like that. It's only favor for Victorique. I hope you understand," I said as I approached it. "Hope this would turn out well. The last time she wanted me to meet a guy, it was a disaster. Oh, the mere thought of that horrible man really pisses me off!" I rolled my eyes at the remembrance of that awful guy. "Hope you return, so I won't have to do things like this anymore. Please . . ." I added with a sigh then left the room.

I wore the dress that Victorique bought for me and paired it with the black clogs then went back to the mirror and absorbed my unusual get up. I suddenly missed my housekeeper, Myra. She used to tie my hair everyday before she fell sick and died two years ago. Myra never let me feel alone. When Victorique was out of reach in the city, she used to sing for me and tell me stories about friends being like stars. She once told me that even though they were far away and seemed to disappear at daytime, they were always there to shine on us. Perhaps I was indeed longing to meet someone like these people . . . someone who would bring me back to life.