75 Date (4)

Melissa looked at her phone, she was surprised to hear the person with a Chinese accent over the phone. The number registered was under William's name which made her have some doubts if she misdialed, but with the current technology, it was impossible as everything was registered under the phone contacts. William has been using the same number since their college days and she has memorized the number. She was full of doubts but decided to try calling the number.

Sfx*ring ring*

Melissa dialed the same number once more and with a couple of rings someone picked up. Before she could utter a single word someone spoke once more in a hurried tone.

"Chu-chu's Chinese restaurant, What's your order?" It was the same female voice from earlier.

Melissa was infuriated as she checked the number she called. A vein was popping on her forehead and her expression turned grim. The other person on the line repeatedly asked her order while mixing hello's.

"Hello… Hello… Are you there? Do you want to order?"

Melissa did not know who the other person was but she had the urge to strangle the person who was playing a prank on her. She tried her best to calm her nerves before she spitefully utters her words, "Where.Is.William?" It took a lot of effort to say those words as she was on the verge on exploding from anger.

However, the other person on the line still acted with the same tone, "We don't sell William's here. We have Chu's Ham if you want. We do not have the other product you want. If you do not want to order then stop calling, we have lots of customers."

Sfx *bip bip*

Sfx *crash crack*

The call ended with the all so familiar beeping sound. Melissa could not contain her anger anymore as she threw her phone on the wall with all her strength. She was breathing in and out as her chest kept rising and falling. She knew William was supposed to be going out today with Mia. She specifically designated a person to watch over Williams schedule and affairs, she decided this was the best time to make an appointment to sully their plans, but she never would have thought that her plans would be destroyed.

"Whoever you are, you better watch out." Melissa said full of spite and malice.

Stephanie on the other hand was enjoying herself while sipping tea and reading a novel.

She was giggling as her shoulders heave up and down. It seems she was reading something hilarious from her action. She did not care for whatever Melissa's next action would be, she knew what kind of person Melissa was since the beginning. She might act all lady-like and proper in front of William but she was a different person behind his back.

...

At the zoo.

The two were standing in front of the cage while looking at a majestic figure lazily lying on a tree.

They were following the sea of children as they had a guide to introduce the animals. Although Mia was not sure why William decided to follow the children, she found herself enjoying the laughter of the kids as they fascinatedly listen to the story from the guide. The guide was entertaining and yet giving educational information.

Some of the kids were noisy and mischievous as they try to knock on the glass or lean too close on the railings, in the end, they get reprimanded and scolded by their teachers for not complying with the zoo rules.

Mia heard laughter beside her, she looked at the person who was laughing and caught William looking at the children being scolded by the teacher. Mia was curious what was so funny so she asked, "What's so funny?"

"I just remembered a scene from our childhood when you were scolded for doing the same thing. You went too close to the railings and got scolded by the teacher. Though your reactions were different, those kids seem to be more mischievous than you." William gave Mia a sweet smile as he retold the story.

Mia was embarrassed as she too remembered what happened. She did not want to break the rules but her excitement got the better of her. She could not see because the animal was hiding in its nest so she decided to lean on the railing without realizing she did something wrong. After that she was more conscious of the rules and tries to avoid making trouble for others.

Mia looked at William's smiling face and could not help herself from pinching his side. She did not use too much force which only made William laugh more because of the tickling sensation.

The old people around them saw the two who looked like lovers displaying affection. They could not help but smile at the sweet scene happening in front of them. However, the teachers of the students, especially the single ones were biting their lips from envy as they saw how the handsome man was laughing happily with his beautiful girlfriend while taking their time observing the animals.

Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa.