"What do you mean by "Didn't feel like it"?"
Thomas mimicked her words. He couldn't believe that she hid this information from them! But then again she wasn't one to talk about her family issues with them even though they were best friends. Their circle was a complicated one infact.
It all started when they were in the University. Thomas and the others were already friends back then before they met Esmeralda. She was almost invincible except for the times she attended classes with them, only appears when it starts and disappears when it's over. She was hardly seen in the cafeteria or the school grounds. It was a hard time in getting her to open up and become friends with them. Sometimes they still wonder why she agreed. Ever since they became friends they were inseparable, almost like siblings. But though they were close and knew the littlest things about each other she was still mysterious.
Ethan ignored Thomas who was being a bit too dramatic and continued to ramble on about unnecessary things. His gaze settled on the quiet man who was leaning leisurely against the counter and he was slightly taken aback. He has seen him before and even done business with him but he never looked at him carefully. The resemblance was there. He could see Anastasia in him except for the masculine traits that differentiated their gender. The only thing the man had in common with Esmeralda was their skin type.
"Robin, congratulations on your wedding. She's a pretty lady."
Esmeralda stated with a straight face She was happy to know that one of them had settled down and was expecting a child. She was surprised to hear that it was the notorious player in their group. With the way Robin smiled brightly she could tell that she was the one.
They couldn't tell if she genuinely meant her compliment due to her expression but knowing her they knew she was telling the truth.
"Thank you. But how did you know?"
Robin frowned a little. His wedding was a private one and few people where invited so how did she know?
"Sources."
"You should have seen him shortcake. He couldn't stand waiting any longer and told the priest to skip to the 'I do' part."
Mark who had been quiet since their reunion suddenly chuckled drawing the attention to him. Unlike the others who were carefree, Mark was different. He was more like Esmeralda in terms of personality but he smiled a little bit often than Esmeralda whose poker face remained the same even after a funny joke.
Kyle who had been quietly listening to their conversations was dumbfounded. He didn't know his sister and her friends were this close! To the extent of calling nicknames. And shortcake and mimi?! He really needs to sit down. He had heard from Anastasia how close they were but he didn't expect it to be to this extent. Doing business with some of them made him know a thing or two about their personalities but this was a whole new level.
Kyle leaned towards his sister's ear and whispered " Honestly, if I stay here any longer I'll collaspe. Who would believe these powerful men are this soft and carefree? I'm fortunate."
Anastasia rolled her eyes at her brother. She felt like hitting him on the head. "This is only the beginning."
"Don't you think it's time we go? I have an early meeting tomorrow and I don't want to go there looking like a zombie because of lack of sleep."
Kyle straightened his body and looked at his sister who conversed with her friends. Even though her poker face was still there he could tell that she was jovial.
"And then Mark kicked him out of his house."
Thomas smirked at Ethan who glared back at him. He was enjoying telling Esmeralda about what happened in the last few years.
"I only came to him for some advice. After an hour and a half of telling the tale he just said "Sorry but I can't help you. Find someone else I'm busy." Honestly, he could became like a demon sometimes." Ethan glared at Mark who pretended like he wasn't being attacked at the moment.
"But I did advice you, I told you to seek someone else's advice. Didn't I?"
Mark replied nonchalantly with his hands folded across his chest.
"You... "
Ethan felt like strangling Mark's neck. Ruthless and evil that's what Mark was. He didn't know how they even became friends in the first place.
"So I think this ends our little reunion." Esmeralda started. She didn't want any sort of violence to start up knowing how badly Ethan wants to strangle Mark.
"I need to go, infact we need to go." Esmeralda gestured towards her siblings and continued "It's been a long day and I'm sure we're all tired. I'll contact you guys when I'm ready to have lunch with you, okay?"
"Okay."
They all grumbled. They were indeed tired and spent but the euphoric feeling of seeing her again made their tiredness fly out the window in a giffy. They all exchanged contacts.
"I can't wait for our lunch date! I have so much to tell you."
Thomas' eyes sparkled with a promise. He has a gossipy spirit and Esmeralda never failed to point it out. He was always the one to state the lastest news be it entertainment or business. Sometimes it was helpful and that made them well informed about the world outside their own but other times it was annoying. With his crowned title as the gossip king in their group, he never failed to live up to his title.
"I'm sure you do."
Esmeralda gave him a wary look and turned to look at the others.
"I'll be leaving first. It was nice to see you all again after a long time."
She gave them a tiny smile that didn't go unnoticed. The men were shocked and then rejoiced in the inside. Though the smile was smaller than normal but still it was enough than that usual poker face of hers. Maybe things was going to turn out different this time now that they've finally reunited.