Chapter Fifteen: Joanna

I had finished everyone's laundry when I left to prepare lunch. I ensured I wasn't a minute late. Nissa was upstairs talking to Preston on the phone. Max and Silvia weren't home. They had left for the cinema. Mr and Mrs Pertel were at the office and Brixan was outside with Tan, one of his close pals. I could hear their laughter and yells right from the kitchen while they were seated, outside.

Lunch was ready and I left to serve the security guard.

" Lunch is ready" I told him and he thanked me, sincerely.

I walked up to Brixan and looked downwards.

" Lunch is ready" I said and he nodded

" Ok. I'll be in a moment" he said and I nodded.

" Hey. Can you get me a glass of water and some chips?" Tan said. I felt a bit embarrassed that my school mate was sending me on errands like that.

" I.."

" Hey. Who do you think you are to order her around?" Brixan chastised him " If you need anything, go get it yourself" I watched Brixan's expression. It was serious. I felt relieved he didn't make me go through that

" Ok,man" Tan said

I started walking away when I heard someone yell my name.

" Hilda"

I turned around to behold my best friend.

" Joanna" I screamed as we ran to hug each other.

" Oh how I miss you" she said

" Me too" I said and we hugged again.

" Is that Brixan?" she whispered

" Yes" I said

" He's even more handsome in person" she whispered

" Come on. I have missed you so much" I said. I watched as Brixan sipped his juice, watching us. His eyes sent shivers down my spine. Tan's eyes were transfixed on Joanna. I watched as he winked at her and she smiled. What was going on? I sighed as I dragged her to my room.

" I want you to meet someone" I said " Someone who wants to be my second best friend"

" What?" she said, jealous

" Don't worry. I told her I have a very cool one already" I said.

" Already here" Nissa said and I smiled

" Well, that saved me the distance. Joanna, this is Nissa." I said and they shook hands. " Nissa, this is Joanna " I said

" Hi" she said

" So you are the one who wants to snatch my bestie from me " she said

" I like Hilda. Besides, a friend of Hilda is a friend to have" she said and I looked at Joanna. She understood my look.She accepted the open hug and I smiled.

" Why did you tell Mum about my situation?" I asked

" She came unannounced. She requested to see her daughter or she'll commit suicide. It was the only option "

" She's still home?" I asked

" Yes. She's staying for a week. She has spent three days already. She says she'll visit regularly. She feels bad she wasn't present to protect her daughter. She misses you, Hilda"

" I know. I don't want to feel guilty" I said

" How is the restaurant?" I asked

" Boss says he misses you. He can't wait for your leave to get over" she said and I smiled " He says your smile attracts customers. They always ask after you" she said and I smiled, feeling loved. " They're making me jealous" she said,cutely and I burst into laughter.

" Come on. We're like a pair. If you're absent, they'll miss you. If I'm absent, they'll miss me" I said and she smiled

" I'm sure Nissa won't understand " I said

" Well, I want to apply for a job there. We'll be a threesome " she said and we burst into laughter. Hearing from my friend made me really happy. I watched as we spent the best time of our lives, together. I knew nothing could separate us.

I loved her like the sister I never had.