After lectures, Lily and Jane walked to their cars to drive back home. They got to the parking lot and stopped to talk.
"Awwwnn can't wait to get home to mummy. Such a mummy's girl." Jane teased as Lily chuckled, giving her friend one of her meaningful looks.
"I think it's actually you who's mummy's girl." Jane pouted when Lily teased her back.
"Anyway, hope you have my birthday present ready."
"Trust me, it's the first thing I thought of this week. Your birthday is next week. Happy birthday in addy love."
"Thanks my love." They made kissing faces at each other.
"How about Philip?" Jane hadn't forgotten about him.
"He's okay."
"You sound abrupt, what don't I know girl?"
"What now?" Lily asked.
"Nothing. Just wanted to know what's between you and Philip."
"We are friends that's all." Jane took pity on Lily and left it at that. Lily on the other hand, didn't tell her about Magnus, it was for the best, she thought.
"How are you celebrating your birthday?" Lily redirected their discussion. Talks about Philip and Magnus made her think about her growing feelings for her nemesis. She wasn't a masochist but … no she would not delve into that. Redirecting her wandering thoughts, the new teacher came to mind. It was obvious that Sarah was watching her. But Jane interrupted her thoughts.
"I just want it low key. I'm not inviting anyone. Our mums, you and I will be the only ones present. Just want to keep things simple this year."
"It's the best girl, people are complex and complexity isn't what we need this time."
"Yes Lily, no complexities."
"Can we play video games at home?"
"Okay. I have really missed that Lily. Am I coming over your home or you over to mine?"
"I will come over to yours."
That agreed, they ended their discussion and were about going into their cars when a voice called from behind them:
"May I have a word with Miss Lily?" And Lily turned to face Sarah.
*********
Lily waved at Jane as she drove home, them turned back to Sarah. The woman looked to be in her forties but, instincts told Lily she was more than that.
"This is a small world, imagine meeting you at the mall and here too in a space of three days." Sarah said smiling.
"Yes ma'am, I'm glad you didn't sprain your ankle."
"Oh … no you made sure I didn't, all thanks to you." They both smiled.
"You are welcome."
"How about your parents?"
"My mum is okay."
"Oh nice. Your dad?"
"Don't know him."
"Oh … sorry …"
"Its alright ma'am." There was a pause.
"Do you have siblings? Sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable."
"I have none … just me." Lily said and yes she was uncomfortable with the questions. Who the hell stops someone to ask them all these? Sarah seemed to notice Lily's discomfort and said:
"We will see more of each other. It's nice talking with you."
"Same here ma'am."
"And please can you not call me "ma'am" . I'm fine with Sarah please."
Lily had had enough, no additional strange person in her life. She didn't want new friends, no one to trust.
"If I may ask, why? Others call you "ma'am". Why can't I?" Sarah appeared to ponder on the question and finally said.
"Because, I want us to be close. I'm new here and I feel you and I can get along just fine. Aren't you okay with that?" Lily who couldn't think of anything to say, just stared at the woman.
"Okay if you're not comfortable being friends with me of which I understand, I won't disturb you further Lily. I understand you're being cautious."
"No … it's fine to be your friend." How else would she be able to watch Sarah? If not being friends with her. "Just that seeing you for the second time … and we don't really know each other."
"It is good to be cautious. But this is me, I assure you."
"Okay." That was what they all said, Lily thought.
"See you tomorrow Lily."
"See you too Sarah."
"And one more thing … I love your attention in class." Sarah had misplaced Lily's watchfulness to attentiveness. Lily flowed with it.
"Thanks Sarah."
Lily got into her car and drove off as her teacher did same. A new friendship on the way …
******
Back at home, Lily showered and got ready to see her bestie for the video games. Eucharia was sleeping in her room. Mum is tired from work, Lily thought. She checked the fridge for beef sauce and prepared pasta. She fried some eggs too. After heating up the sauce in the microwave, she served herself and left some for her mum. After her lunch, the young lady packaged some grilled chicken, noodles and veggies for her bestie. Done with the packaging, she headed out to Jane's house. Eucharia was now used to being alone in the big house. It was good to rest as she would be on morning shift the next day.
Jane's house was about five minutes drive. Lily played some neoclassical songs as she drove. Her favourite was "Dargaard – Thy fleeing time". The Latin words were soothing to her though, she didn't understand any of it. She hummed along and suddenly the five minutes drive felt like a minute. When she got to her destination, Jane ran out with her puppy. Lily smiled at the cheeky attitude. She couldn't even wait for me to step out of the car, must really miss me, she thought. Her bestie pulled her to a hug when she got out of the car. People looking at them would think they hadn't seen each other for years.
"Awwwnnn someone can't let go of me." It was Like teasing this time.
"Yes girl, I miss you." Jane showered kisses to her face as the two young ladies giggled.
"That reminds me, I brought you…" Lily opened her car to get the things she brought.
"Oh thank you." Jane was a foodie but one thing was : she hated cooking. It was a surprise that she loved eating a lot as she was a slim girl. Jane and Lily were both 5'10 and 5'11 respectively. The latter always envied her as she never put on weight regardless of what and when she ate. Lily was the opposite, she easily put on weight. She didn't want to ignore her bestie's puppy. So, she squatted and ruffled his fur. The puppy, Bingo seemed very pleased as he placed his head and paws on Lily's thighs.
"He's really growing."
"Of course I take good care of him." Jane's tone was teasing. The other lady rolled her eyes as the teaser laughed
"What Lily? You're saying I can't take care of my own pet?"
"What? I never said that."
"Hmmm". They just looked at each other smiling.
When they got into the house, Olivia asked after her mum.
"She was sleeping when I left the house."
"I see. I should go sleep too."
"Yes mum, you really need it."
It was amusing to watch Jane tease her mum because, Olivia blushed as she went to sleep.
"Did I just see the ever stoic Olivia blush?"
"No you didn't, it was all a dream." Jane drawled sarcastically. Lily turned to her, tried to put up a stern face and failed woefully. They burst out laughing. Bingo joined in the fun. When they had calmed down, Jane brought out the grilled chicken, noodles and veggies. She ate as she invited Lily to join her.
"I will put on weight if I eat that. Just had my lunch."
"Okay then. The ever weight loss coach, your loss." Lily chuckled her friend was always amusing.
"Can we rather watch a movie? I do not feel like playing video games anymore." Lily said.
"Sure girl. What movie do you have in mind?"
When they had selected the movie to watch, there was silence as the girls were concentrated on the movie. The only noise came from the TV. Lily turned to look at Jane and saw she was having fun. She decided to follow up. Both of them used the one fork Jane ate with.
"Oh so much for adding up weight. You couldn't resist." Jane murmured.
"I heard that." Jane feigned shock and they laughed.
As they watched the movie and ate, Lily saw Jane looking at her from the peripheral vision. She turned to face her bestie. Immediately, her bestie turned right back to the movie. She pretended to be engrossed in it but Lily knew better than that. Lily rolled her eyes at the attitude and continued watching the movie. Moments later, she noticed her friend's focus on her again. The young lady was fed up.
"What Jane?" Lily said, concentrated on the TV."
"Just looking at you … particularly this time that you're still single." Jane at this point wasn't making any sense to her.
"Sorry, maybe I'm obtuse but, I don't actually get you."
"In my dream last night, you got married." Jane said looking at her.
"Awwwnn you must be feeling lonely already."
"I'm serious Lily."
"Okay okay. How was this dream of yours? Who did I get married to?" Lily was waiting for the answer and Jane appeared to think.
"Ahhh … do not tell me you've forgotten already."
"Come on, I'm not as forgetful as you are." They smirked at each other.
"The dream…" Lily reminded her.
"Yeah … you got married to a tall, dark haired, well built man. Very handsome. But the most arresting of his features were his very dark intense eyes and some … was it tattoos? Yes, tattoos close to his chest. He was really hot. You guys were so perfect for each other …"
Lily had zoomed off already, her thoughts racing. The man Jane had described was no other than Magnus, her nemesis!