Several hours later....
With her back against the beach, Lucia waited for Manuel to show up at crayon Park but all in vain. She had been waiting for almost an hour.
As she sat on the beach motionless, tense and her face hard and pale, her breathing rapidly, but she was much more curious than afraid.
She was sitting behind a certain couple, who were busy kissing, hugging and fooling around just like lovers do.
She folded up her beautiful slender legs on the beach and hid her face in her hands.
She remained in the same position for quite some time.
"Lucia daring is that you?" a woman's voice asked behind her.
The voice passed through her like a sharp sword.
She held up her head to see who it was as the woman moved in front of Lucia. Just as she feared, it was really her - Sarah Palin. Manuel's best friend.
Sarah Palin was such a hot number that you want a second look. Maybe you are driving a car at a time of seeing her. Most likely, you'll run up on the kerb or have a collision. Then, again, you may be walking along the street and turning your head as she passes, you even bang into the wall or a person. Well Sarah was one of those take-a-second-look-babe. You know what I mean, don't you? An all-metal blonde with a build-up that does something to you and a figure that weakens your resistance.
"Oh may, I so glad to see you." Lucia said standing up to hug Sarah.
"I missed you Lucia, I tried calling you, to inform you that am back in kabwe but your phone was off."
From her purse Sarah premoved an handkerchief, spread it on the beach and sat.
"What you doing here all by yourself?"
"Am actually waiting for Manuel but it's been an hour and a half now and his nowhere to be seen. Where do you think he is?"
She moved comfortably on the beach and touched Lucia's shoulder with sympathy. "Have you tried calling him?"
"I tried several times, I called at his office but I still couldn't get through. Do you think he switched off his phone deliberately?"
"Listen Lucia, I am really not sure what Manuel's motives are, but one thing I can tell you is that, don't let a man torment you like this, his not worth it trust me Lucia. Maybe these are the signs that he no longer needs you, it's painful but it's true."
"How can you say that say, of all the people you know how much Manuel means to me, I love that man with all my heart and am not gonna give him up that easily and am sure he loves me too, he must be cought up with a lot of work at the office." Lucia said and meant it.
Sarah's expression changed to constriction but managed to control it as she met Lucia's gaze.
"I don't mean to offend you but am Manuel's best friend and I know him very well.... And Have you gotten any luck with employment?" Sarah asked changing the topic.
"Not yet, I handed in several applications but not even one response."
"Too bad, but the offer of you helping me out at my flower shop is still open and please don't say no again."
"I appreciate your offer Sarah but I can't accept it, I will just keep on trying my luck."
"Alright it's fine, incase you change your mind my flower shop business will be waiting for you." Sarah said forcing a smile.
"Well instead of sitting here waiting someone how doesn't seem to give a damn, why not you and I go have some fun just to lighten you up, tonight one of my girlfriend is throwing a party and I would love if you could come with me please."
"I don't know Sarah, the party and all sounds nice but what if Manuel shows up and-."
"Don't worry about Manuel, if he really wanted to come he could have been here an hour ago, and tomorrow morning I will personally go to his office and confront him for not showing up and I will make sure that he comes he takes you out in the evening, trust me Sarah am his best friend. His definitely gonna do it, so can we now go, we don't wanna miss out a lot, now do we?"
"You are a great friend Sarah I don't know what I could have done without you!" exclaimed Lucia and huged Sarah. "sure let's go."