Chapter 5: Friendship

-Zaria's Pov-

Waking up to the sound of my alarm. I was still so high and drunk. I glanced around my surroundings only to discover I spent the night on the pool side along with Kate.

“Kate!” I screamed, making her roll into the pool. I gasped to hurriedly go help her out of the water

“I cannot believe we stayed the night here! What the f*ck? I have got an interview today! My gosh!” I hurriedly went into the house.

“It was a big mistake sending all the staff to their chambers,” she yelled, rushing in with me

A big one I thought to myself. However, my mind was going places, especially with the interview today.

“Where is the way to the guest room?” I asked her, which made her throw a glare at me.

“Gal, we are bathing in my room... Hurry up, I have a client by 10 am,” she rushed me. We ran through the stairs like drunken high school girls.

We went into the bathroom.

She sighed in relief as soon as she saw the tub was made ready for her.

“It is good to be rich, baby girl!” I laughed.

I was happy with her honesty. I had no issue with her. I mean we were sisters back in college. She had my back, I had hers.

“How could you bathe in a hot tub, girl?” I asked her, shocked.

“Welcome to San Francisco,” she replied “We are used to the weather and lifestyle.”

“I sure was not,” I answered her, which was followed by her laughter.

“Kate, do you have any clean outfits? The one you wear to business occasions.” I pressed.

“Yes, I have a new one I bought recently, I was about to return the color knowing I was not into green suits.”

I frowned; Green? This was going to be the most disastrous day ever.

“Do you not think green is too shiny for an interview?” I asked her curiously while stepping out of the shower.

“No. Besides, I thought you are a fan of bright colors?” she questioned.

“Yes, but not for an interview,” I answered, walking out of the bathroom with her

“Darling, it is a Monday. Change the atmosphere of the work environment, and you will get hired, trust me.”

I was going to hold her to her word. She was saving my ass from walking into that office with nothing but a pair of pants and a bra.

I smiled at her warmly immediately after I got into the outfit.

It was beautiful.

A perfect size.

“This will go with either a green heel or a black heel,” she smiled.

I glance at her black outfit. It was similar to mine...the only difference was the color: same designs, same pattern, same style.

“I will go with the green heel!” I answered her! After all, it is a colorful day!

“That is a bad idea, Zaria. Go with the black,” she suggested.

I quickly took it, put it on, and headed to stand in front of the mirror.

“Beautiful! Now we must go."

“Kate, can we perhaps stop by my place to get my stuff?”

Sh*t, I was opening my a*s to her. If she saw my apartment, I was done for. However, I had no choice.

Maybe I will tell her to wait for me a few blocks from my apartment.

Yes, that is what I would do.

“Okay!” I got my phone and other items I came into the room with and headed out.

“My clothes!” I yelled immediately as we stepped out of her room. I was about to rush in when she stopped me, saying...

“I will get one of the helpers to get it cleaned and ironed when next you visit. You can always use it as a spear cloth.

Were we doing this?

I nodded while we proceeded to the staircase. I decided to thank her for hosting me for the weekend.

“You will have to be visiting every weekend, girl. Except for occasions I travel out for work-related issues.”

Her request came in the most pleasant way possible.

As soon as we headed out, the driver rushed quickly to get the door.

What a gentleman

“Thanks…” I paused, trying to get his name, I knew Kate had mentioned it.

“Caleb.” I smiled, so that was his name. Okay then

By the way, I was not a Muslim because I do not believe in religion. I am more of facts than hope.

Since my Dad left us, I was not allowed to practice hope, but I had the choice to believe in living in the moment. I did not have time to grieve his disappearance.

Responsibilities.

I mean, we were a middle-class family, but…

I had to fight for my right to get into university on a scholarship. I am glad my sister followed me in those footsteps.

We are girls, not weaklings, I reminded myself.

Sadly, as the car drove off.

The drive was short because I soon could recognize my street. I quickly told Caleb to stop a block away.

“I won't take long. I just need to grab a few documents and use the opportunity to drop my grocery.” I told her.

“Ah, yes. Your groceries. Caleb, please help her with the items at the booth.” Kate warmly ordered him.

“Thank you,” I told him as he handed me the item.

He only sent me a nod, which baffled me, but I shook it off.

I quickly rushed down the street.

Little did I know that Kate was trailing behind me.

“Zaira! Is this where you stay?” Her voice shocked the daylight out of me, and made me drop my items.

“Yes,” I answered her weakly.

“Well, I am going to meet with the landlord and tell him that he should refund your money. I will pay him the period you have stayed.

I shut my eyes. I knew she was going do this for me.

The moment she noticed, she held unto my arms.

“Okay. I am not going to judge you. However, I can make you an offer. I get a house for you. You get to start paying me for the house when you get a job. How about that?”

I shook my head; I did not need her favors.

Zaria, Look at it this way... The money the landlord is going to refund you will help you in the long run. You told me about your sister and how you are going to send money to her and your mom at home. Think about them.” she tried, convincing me.

She was right, though...the money could go a long way for me. However, I did not want her to go through this.

I shook my head again still not convinced. “Zaria, you are borrowing the money, and you are going to pay me back the money!” she said in a very convincing way.

“You promise to receive the money when the time comes?”

“Yes, I promise you.” I smiled at her. I was so grateful.

“Okay.” I agreed.

“I will tell Caleb once he drops us off to come to get your belongings...do you perhaps have any furniture?”

“No,” I said softly.

“All the better, he will come pick you up once you are done at the meeting and take you to your new apartment alright?”

“Please do not get an expensive one,” I begged her.

“As much as I want to because you deserve it, I would not. I will respect your choices,” she assures me.

“Now hurry up! It's 9:30 am” she screamed which had me running into my apartment.

…and that was when I fell.