I knew Coco is gossipy. But I didn't know Coco is THIS gossipy. By the end of the day, everybody in my department, more than half the people in the marketing department, the security guards, the IT guy, know that I went to lunch with Oscar. Even the nice guy at the receptionist desk when I first came here looked at me in a weird way. Oh god.
"Coco, I think you should fix this. We're not seeing each other. Oscar and I just met yesterday, so we decided to have lunch together today" I tried to explain things to Coco. "Sure. But why did you have lunch, alone? You could've brought some people."
"I didn't know, I thought we were gonna have lunch with his coworkers"
"Why didn't ask us, your team mates?"
"Well, because he treated me, so I don't —"
"He treated you to lunch!??!?!"
"Well, there's a story behind that okay, it was because he was thankful and sorry"
"Why was he thankful to you? You only met him yesterday"
"Well, when I kind of stumbled upon him when he was sick yesterday night and—"
"DID YOU TOOK CARE OF HIM!?!?"
"S-sort of?"
"Oh my god! This is just getting better and better! Okay, what else?"
I swear I have fallen into the devil's trap. I glanced at the excited Coco and close my mouth. I squint my eyes and shake my head. Only then, Coco shut up but still with a hint of glee in her eyes. I just roll my eyes and think I should discuss this with Oscar later.
When I went home, I met Oscar in the lobby again. "Oscar!" I called him. And then he turn his head towards me. Then I walked faster to reach him.
"Oscar I think you have to know the rumors and gossips about us" I said panting a little. He seemed to not understand what I mean at first, but then his face lit up and he smiled lightly.
"How are we gonna fix this?" I said. Still a little frustrated. Because this is the first scandal I've been in, I don't know how to handle this.
"Relax, I know how to handle this" Oscar said. "Huh? Are you sure? What should I do to help?"
"You don't have to do anything" and then suddenly the elevator dings. We're on my floor. I have no choice but to get off.
'But tomorrow's weekend. Is he going to handle this on Monday? Whatever let's not think about it. He said he'll handle it, so let's just trust him'
***
Today is Saturday, I sleep in. when I wake up, I checked my phone and I realized I got 10 missed calls from Coco. I got up and immediately call Coco back.
"Hello? Coco what's up? Why did you call me?"
"Oh my god! Ran did you just wake up!?!?"
"Uh, yes. I usually sleep in on Saturday. What's the matter?"
"Did you know Oscar has a fiancée? Are you feeling okay? I was shocked when Adriana told me this morning. I know I'm being nosy, but if you need to vent your sadness, find me okay? We can probably have a drink together"
First of all, I didn't know Oscar has a fiancée, but it is better this way. Secondly, I'm not even sad and heartbroken, instead I feel relieved even though I was a little disappointed. Thirdly, who is Adriana?
"Hey, you were the one who jump into conclusions. I never said I wanted to pursue him. I told you, those are all baseless rumors okay? And I feel perfectly fine. By the way, you called me ten times this morning just to tell me this?"
"Oh, haha. You're not angry right? Haha. Okay, gotta go. See you on Monday!"
And the call disconnected. I almost instantly laughed. She definitely has a good intentions, but her nature is just like that, gossipy.
On Saturday, I usually call my parents. And I told them everything about my week to them. Then in return, they updated me on everything happening to them.
"Yeah, mom. Actually I learned a new recipe yesterday. It was super simple. But it tasted really good"
"Really? Tell me about it later okay. How is your work? Are you adapting well?"
"Yes, really well. Actually I even got myself into some sort of scandal with my co-worker"
"What!? Hahahah but it's only three days since you started!"
"Yes, I know right. One of my co-worker, she likes to gossip. And I was just hanging out with this guy once. I don't even know why it escalated to that"
"Hahaha, but it could be a good thing you know. Maybe I will have a son-in-law soon"
"MOM! No, he has a fiancée already. Am I the kind of girl who likes to snatch other people's man?"
"Okay, okay. By the way, Ingrid called me yesterday"
"Hmm? Mrs. Ingrid? Why?" Mrs. Ingrid is Bumi's mom. I wonder why she called my mom.
"She said she's getting married again. I'm so happy for her. Since Graham died, and Bumi left her, she lived alone with her mother in the country side. But then her mother also died two years ago. So I'm very relieved she got herself a companion"
Mr. Graham was Bumi's father. "When is the wedding? I want to come too"
"Oh, it's 2 weeks from now. Let's go together. Come here and we'll drive to the venue"
"Okay, sure" after that we talked a little bit more before we hang up.
Bumi's mom is marrying again. 'Does Bumi know about it?' I wonder whether Bumi will come to the wedding or not. Because the last time I heard, Mrs. Ingrid couldn't contact Bumi at all. And I am sure it has been that way for a few years. Bumi seemed like vanished into thin air. The thoughts of Bumi kept occupying my mind for the rest of the day, even a lot later into the night. Bumi kept me awake.
'I miss him'