𝑨𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒚𝒍𝒆𝒔

    I’m happy Ella came to visit me. I can’t hide my surprise. I say, my eyes widening, “Ella, how unexpected! I’m so happy to see you.”

     I don’t let her react as I wrap her in a tight hug, suffocating her. She’s got no choice but to reciprocate, so she hugs me in return and brushes my back, saying, “I’m also happy to see you.”

     If she hadn’t pulled us apart, I’m not sure I would have done it. I let her into the house and close the door after she’s in. We walk at the same pace. I’m amazed at how beautiful she’s become when I study her. Tall and slender, Ella sure looks like one of those cover girls you’d find on the front page of beauty magazines. Her hair is dark and long, tumbling down her nape and back like a sliding avalanche. It always looks shiny and sleek. She’s got an oblong face and a pointed nose with doe eyes. Her lips are moderately plump in an attractive way.

     I don’t get tired of admiring her beauty. If beauty wasn’t based on one’s perception, I’d have said everyone would find her beautiful. I’ve always wondered why she didn’t pursue modeling as a career with all this beauty and stature. I sometimes make fun of her that she’s throwing away such beautiful looks when she stands a chance of being a cover girl and displaying her looks to the world. It’s a nasty joke, because I know Ella isn’t an attention seeker just like me. I think that’s why we’re friends.

     When we reach the living room, I ask if she wants anything, and she says she’s fine. We sit across from each other. I say, “You look gorgeous. What’s on?”

     She gives me a coy smile and places her right leg on her left, reclining on the couch. “Nothing much. I just wanted to see you and say hi.”

     I grin. I’m happy that I’ve got people who care about me and are constantly looking out for me. In these dark moments, any support is much appreciated. “That’s nice of you, Ella. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts.”

     “Anything for a friend.”

     We stare at each other, and I study her again, as though studying a specimen in a science laboratory. She’s put on weight, and I know Ella is the type who always checks her diet. She goes to the gym every morning, so I’m surprised she’s become plump. Her slender face with sharp cheeks that give her the striking look of a model is now fat.

     She notices I’m overwatching, and she becomes uncomfortable. I lower my gaze and say, “You’ve grown plump. Anything going on?”

     Ella doesn’t look like Ella to me today. My question seems to make her uneasy, and she feels out of place. I don’t know if I’m making her uncomfortable.

     Her lips quiver before she replies, “Nothing, Adrienne.” She giggles, but I can sense it’s forced. “I’m sure you only say that because it’s been a while since you saw me, and that was like—”

     She stops and racks her brain. I don’t remember when I last saw her, but it doesn’t matter. I’m happy to see her now. I notice she’s struggling to come up with the correct time. I think this conversation is getting us nowhere, so I decide to switch it.

     “How’s Nick?”

     She fidgets with her purse. I wonder why she’s so uneasy by my side today.

     “We broke up.”

     My brows pucker. “Really? You guys looked great together.”

     “Yeah, we did until we didn’t.”

     I sigh softly. I feel sorry for my friend. Nick has been her serious boyfriend for. . .  (I don’t remember. I’m sure I lost that too in the accident). Back then, it was always Nick and Ella. I’ve always thought they were created for each other, and I was feverishly looking forward to their wedding. Now there will be no wedding. Worse, my friend is heartbroken, and I’m sure that’s why she’s so down in the mouth today.

     I rise slowly and pace toward her, sitting very close to her and taking her hand. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what made you guys end it, but I do know Nick is a jerk for leaving you.”

     She stares into my eyes, and I notice the color of hers. It’s emerald green. She’s got the rarest eye color, and I can’t stop looking at her doe eyes. I wonder how any man can resist such beauty. Apart from her appearance, Ella is a nice person to hang out with. Nick has lost a treasure. He’ll only realize it when Ella is in another man’s arms.

     I move my hand forward and brush her sleek hair, tucking a handful behind her ear. “I know you’re sad, but don’t worry. You’re pretty. Eventually, the right man will come your way.”

     She just looks at me weirdly, as though I’m a stranger. I can read people’s minds easily and right now, I know there’s something she wants to tell me. But she can’t because she doesn’t trust that I can take it. I’m not offended. I also have secrets that I won’t tell my best friend—like me envying her feminine looks. It’s nothing I can’t control.

     If she doesn’t feel all right to share her secrets, then it’s fine. But she shouldn’t endure her pains all alone. Dr. Hassan told me that half of human problems get solved just by telling someone who cares about you, and I care so much for Ella.

     After a while, she bobs her head and takes her eyes off me. Then she asks, her gloomy mood suddenly becoming lively, “How are you?”

     Oh dear, when will people stop asking me this stupid question? Do I look like I’m getting any better? Truth is, I hate it when people ask me that. I get offended easily. It’s not all right when you ask someone who’s lost her memories how she is. What do you expect to hear? That I’m fine? That would be a blatant lie because I’m not fine.

     I calm myself down. Ella doesn’t mean to upset me. She just wants to know how I am. I don’t know why I get angry easily when people ask me that. How are you? isn’t a bad way to start a conversation. This mood swing of mine is worsening, and I think I’ll need therapy for that too.

     “I’m fine.”

     “I’m glad you are.”

     “Are you sure you don’t want anything? I’ve got lemonade.” I ask again when I think she could benefit from a cold drink.

    She shakes her head and prepares to rise. “No, Adrienne. I’m fine. I should probably get going.”

     Well, that’s brief. I was looking forward to another quality time with Ella, but if she wants to leave, then it’s fine. Besides, I also should be heading to town for the binoculars. I know there’s something she wants to share, but she can’t because of a reason known to her. At the right time, she’ll tell me.

     “Let me escort you to the door. I was even heading out.”

     We rise together, and I see her to the front door. When we reach the doorway, I say with a smile, “Thank you very much, Ella. I truly appreciate your visit.”

     “Don’t mention it. It’s nice seeing you again.”

     We hug each other one last time. She withdraws and turns toward her car parked across the street. I watch her sashay to her car door like a model on a catwalk. When she’s gone, I lock the door and enter the garage. I don’t want Jeffrey to know I went out when he returns, so I have to come back early.