Aster and Care reunited in the book café where they frequent. Settled in the farthest table. Usual order of iced caramel macchiato and lemon cake slices. Definitely reading materials like two nerds. Most importantly, safe from nuisances for now.
Being withdrawn from conversation is a typical behavior of Aster whereas the likelihood of Care doing the same is 1 percent out of 100. See, the lady could multitask. She commonly talks non stop while browsing on a chic magazine while Aster listens, losing the point of reading but not putting it down, anyway. Unlike what was happening now.
Care was sulking on her seat. Aster kept glancing at her, bothered by her silence. A minute later, Ivy joined in bringing her thick, heavy books with her. None of them acknowledged her presence thus Ivy had to take initiative by faking a cough before announcing, "Caspian informed me that our parents arranged a double date for us with you and shy boy Lark."
Care nods, her expression showed disinterest.
"I heard you're pestering Eli?" Ivy said casually, although her hidden motive is brandished in plain sight.
Care groaned, immediately diverting her gaze anywhere else except her rival's prying eyes!
"Who spilled? Perhaps, Marigold the tattletale who has eyes and ears everywhere on Aurum?" she mocked.
"I don't assume he's all healed up so I guessed pushing forward to that commotion must be painful. How noble he is to aid your rescue when he himself is suffering from fresh wounds." Ivy pressed further, testing her reaction.
Successfully, Ivy caught the glint of guilt passing briefly in her eyes. She definitely has her speculations. Caress Aragon never falters nor tolerates any man but Eli was the exception to the rule. With him, she acts inconsistent.... tactless, indecisive and irrational!
This is a usual dilemma for people who are new in love. They possess no idea how to handle their arduous passion. Either it ruins them or the person they harbor it for. Worse, both.
She smiled evilly upon spotting new customers at the entrance. Bingo, she rejoiced.
"Look, Eli and Penny are here. What a coincidence!" she whispered.
"Iv." Aster interceded. By her tone, she was practically begging her sister to be hushed.
Care was easily lured by her instigation. She observed unblinking as Eli and Penny approached the counter. They were grinning and touching! Care's attention shifted next to the bouquet of baby's breath she fisted tight that its stems might split.
"This was for her?!" It took her entire will not to scream her thoughts out loud.
Penelope Johnson was Care's childhood playmate. Right terms, a former friend. They grew distant growing up though their mothers are still the best of friends until to this day. She did not particularly hate her until now. Her blood boiled seeking revenge as she watched the hand of the witch clinging on Eli's arm like tentacles of an octopus.
"Wanna greet them, Care?" Ivy asked.
"What?" Care replied, realizing she was already half-standing.
She abruptly sat and put on a I-don't-give-a-shit façade.
"Who do you think you are, Eliseo Manaloto? I will never ever be affected by the likes of you! Who cares if you probably go out with her?! It's just Penelope Johnson. I am the best; all the others are mere scraps compared to me. Hah, who needs you?! I have several better suitors!" she inwardly whined in a livid fit of rage.
Indeed, love is an unexplored domain which tends to be a deadly battlefield, especially one's first. Is Caress Aragon prepared to risk her all in the name of love or will she defend her heart even if it means losing the one her heart wants?