Amala walked into a store and turned to the shelves. She stood in front of two fridges. One contained ice cream and the other contained cold drinks. She stared at both fridges blankly, contemplating on what she really wanted.
"If you are not buying, then make way for those who are'' A voice said and Amala turned. The one who spoke was a senior high school boy in his uniform. He was wearing a white checkered shirt with brown pants and black sneakers. He looked very neat and handsome.
Amala opened the fridge and took out a drink. Without saying anything to the door, she turned to leave but the boy spoke again.
"Are you sure that is what you want? It's still early to be drinking juice that contain acid. It will only give your stomach problems.'' The boy said and Amala turned back.
"Mind your own business!'' Amala said and walked to the counter. She removed a $50 dollar bill and gave it to the woman behind the counter.
"Don't you have something smaller? Or a card to pay?'' The woman asked.
"No!'' Amala replied indifferently.
"It's on me!'' The boy walked over and scanned his phone, making the payment.
"I don't want it anymore!'' Amala said and turned to leave.
"Is it because I paid for it?'' The boy asked.
"Do you always pay for things on behalf of people you don't know?'' Amala asked back.
"Yes, if they can't afford it.''
"It's not that I couldn't afford it. She just didn't have enough physical cash to give me.'' Amala retorted. The more she looked at the boy the angrier she became. She found him obnoxious.
"Isn't that the same thing?'' The boy asked and picked the drink and walked out.
Amala followed him out hastily. She nudged him off and walked away. "So nosy!'' She muttered.
The boy stopped in front of his car and turned to look at Amala. He got into the car and the driver drove away.
"Is everybody in this damn city so nosy?'' Amala muttered as she walked away. The boy rolled down the window of the car and said to Amala.
"Next time someone helps you out, you thank them.'' He rolled up the window of the car and the driver drove off.
"What? Hey!'' Amala yelled and clenched her fists tightly. "Don't let me see you again!''
...
MUSE PR CONSULT.
The workers of Muse PR walked out of the building chatting as they went towards their cars.
"Everyone, good luck on finding new potential clients.'' Carine said to the others when they came out of the building.
"Good luck too.'' Kiana responded.
"Miss Jolene, let's go!'' Kai walked out of the building and said to Jolene.
"Yes, sir.''
"Sir, my car broke down on the way. May I join you since we are going to the same place?'' Kathy asked and everyone turned to look at her.
"Kathy, you don't really need to follow the CEO and Jolene. My car is free. I will drop you off before I go to Rosa Park.'' Carine said and Kathy's face changed.
"Let's go, Jolene.''
"Yes, sir.'' Jolene looked at Kathy and turned to go. She saw a familiar face at the roadside quarrelling with a driver.
"My sister works here. I will go in and take money from her and pay you.'' Amala said to the driver.
"Young lady, do you think I'm running a charity. Pay me my money.'' The driver got down from the car and said aggressively.
"I don't have money on me. My sister works here.'' Ama insisted and stepped back when the driver tried to hold her hand.
"If your sister works here then my brother is the owner of the company.''
"Are you calling me a liar?''
"Amala…'' Jolene rushed over.
"Jolene….'' Amala turned when she saw her sister.
"Amala, what is going on? Why is he being aggressive?'' Jolene said and pulled Amala to her side protectively.
"I told him to let me go in and get the money for him but he called me a liar. See now? This is my sister.'' Amala told the driver.
"How much is the fare?'' Jolene removed her purse and asked.
"$20 dollars.''
"Here, next time don't be so rude.'' Jolene gave the money to the driver and turned to Amala. "Back to you, what are you doing here? This is my workplace.''
Amala turned and noticed the people looking at her. She met with Kai's gaze and exclaimed. "Jolene, isn't that… isn't that the boy you used to like back at high school.''
"Shut up.'' Jolene covered Amala's mouth immediately. "Hey, tell me what you are doing here?''
"Jolene, who might this be?'' Kathy asked the question that was on everyone's mouths.
"She is Amala, my younger sister.'' Jolene said when Amala kept quiet and was staring at Kai curiously. "Amala, say hi…''
"Hi!'' Amala said dryly.
"Whoa! The resemblance is uncanny, Jolene. Your sister looks exactly like you, maybe much younger but it's undeniable.'' Martin commented.
"Yes, we do get that a lot.''
"Guys, we are getting late. Shouldn't we get going?'' Kiana said. She noticed the uncomfortable look in Jolene's eyes and wanted to help.
"Right! We should get going. Amala, it's good to see you.'' Carine said and pulled Kathy along.
Everyone left in their cars, leaving Jolene and Amala with Kai.
Amala walked closer to Kai and said to him. "I know you!''
"I know you too, Amala.'' Kai replied and his lips curved into a smile.
Jolene looked at both of them and wondered what exactly was going on. Kai hadn't smiled like that before since they met again. Amala didn't even look happy seeing her last night. But they are smiling at each other as if long lost friends that have just reunited again.
"Amala, I need to go somewhere with my boss. Take this money and take a cab to Rosa's place. I will pick you and Erica up when I close.''
"Can't I go in your car? You can just drop me off there. Jolene, I'm still a stranger here. What if I get lost?'' Amala asked.
"You… you found your way here. I doubt you will ever get lost.''
"Let's go, I will drop you off before we go.'' Kai said.
"No! She… she will take a taxi from here, right Amala?''
"Thank you, brother….'' Amala smiled. She stopped midway when she saw Jolene's glare. Amala turned towards a blue car. She stopped and asked. "I didn't ask which one was your car.''