Loving You Too Long

A week had passed since Haisley’s conversation with Gilbert in the car. She still hadn’t told her family about her plan to return to America because Haisley herself was now on the brink of confusion. Should she go back to her hometown and waste the golden opportunity to continue her education at a prestigious university just because of a broken heart? Or should she endure in a foreign land, far from the family she loved, with the possibility of getting hurt again someday?

Haisley wanted to be wiser and more mature. She didn’t want to rush into decisions and end up with regrets. She had worked for three years to get to this position. Just because of Nathaniel, she felt like the world’s biggest fool.

Haisley took a deep breath. She was now sitting in the campus courtyard with friends she had recently met. Studying abroad turned out to be not as terrifying as she had imagined. Because, as it turned out, she had made good friends. Although sometimes they had different opinions, their high tolerance allowed Haisley to be more easily accepted and adapted.

From a distance, Haisley could see her tall friend approaching them. His left hand waved while his right hand carried a backpack slung over his shoulder. Say what you will, Gilbert stood out. Besides his above-average height, he also had a handsome face. His outgoing personality made him easy to get along with, and, honestly, Haisley was proud to be one of his friends.

“Day off?” the man asked as he sat down next to Haisley.

Haisley nodded. “I need to give my body a break,” she said softly.

Gilbert just nodded. “Haisley, Mama intends to have a party at home. Will you come?” he asked hesitantly.

“A party? What kind of party?” Haisley asked in return.

Gilbert looked at his friend with a raised eyebrow. “Did you forget what month it is?” he asked with a pout.

Haisley immediately widened her eyes and reflexively covered her mouth with both hands. “Oh my God, G. I’m sorry,” she said regretfully. “So, Aunt wants to throw you a birthday party?” she asked, answered by Gilbert’s nod. “Are you unusually willing?” she asked suspiciously.

Gilbert chuckled. “It’s not that I want to. I usually have a small gathering with friends every year. Simple, just a barbecue party at home. But because Mama is here this year. She wants a slightly grander party. So that she can feel the house is alive,” he said.

Haisley laughed along with him. Yes, she knew about Mrs. Gilbert’s love for socializing. Because Aunt Monica had chosen to be a full-time housewife. After Gilbert and Nathan grew up, she spent most of her time socializing with her friends. Church gatherings, community events, neighborhood moms’ groups, and many more she participated in.

“So, are you coming?” Gilbert asked again.

“I have work,” Haisley replied softly. Not because she couldn’t ask for time off. But she was reluctant to meet Nathaniel.

“I know you’ll use that excuse. But I already talked to your bosses first. You’ll have permission on that date,” he said with an innocent grin on his face.

Haisley could only glare at her friend. If Gilbert took the initiative first, what could she do?

“Alright, if the master commands, what can a servant do?” teased Haisley, receiving a ruffle of her hair as a reward.

“This isn’t a fancy party where guests are required to flaunt designer gowns and tuxedos. You know I don’t like stuff like that,” Gilbert said. “Wear something that makes you comfortable. I know very well that you’re strongly against wearing a dress that could make you trip and end up flat on your face,” Gilbert teased, earning a punch on his upper arm from Haisley.

***

A knock on the door drew Haisley’s attention away from the washing machine in front of her. She walked towards the door and peeked out. Outside, Reia and Steven were standing, glancing at their watches impatiently.

“What are you guys doing here?” Haisley asked, confused.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Without waiting for Haisley to invite them, the two walked inside her unit. Reia even stared at Haisley with disbelief. “H, we should have been on our way to Gilbert’s house. Why are you still dressed like this?” Reia tugged at the end of the long-sleeved shirt Haisley was wearing. “Aren’t you planning to go to G’s party?” she accused.

Haisley rolled her eyes. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go. She just chose to delay it. Haisley planned to arrive late and then leave early. She would go just to maintain courtesy. Say hello to Aunt Monica and Uncle Samuel, then greet Gilbert and a few of his invited friends before choosing to leave. That’s what Haisley had planned before Reia and Steven showed up as if they were picking her up.

“We have to leave now. Don’t say no, H,” Reia complained again. The girl even walked towards Haisley’s closet without asking for permission and started looking through her clothes collection. “And it’s highly unlikely that you’ll go to Gilbert’s party wearing an old T-shirt and worn-out jeans,” she commented.

“Why not? Gilbert himself said the party isn’t a fashion show,” Haisley retorted. She herself saw Reia wearing a simple cocktail dress, and Steven? He was just in a short-sleeved shirt covered with a leather jacket and jeans.

“Well, it’s not a fashion show, but it’s not a servant’s job either,” Reia replied. “Okay, it’s settled. You’re wearing this.” She pulled out Haisley’s only mini black dress with a heart-shaped neckline and puffy patterned sleeves.

“Not that, please. Can’t I wear something else?” Haisley requested. She still had another dress she brought from America. Wearing that particular outfit, for some reason, Haisley feared she might feel uncomfortable. Especially since the back of the mini dress was quite open. But Reia shook her head.

“Have you showered?” the girl asked. Haisley nodded. “Then hurry up and put it on. Or do you want me to dress you here, so Steve can watch?” she challenged, to which Haisley responded with a playful sticking out of her tongue.

With a grumpy expression, Haisley took the dress into the bathroom. Shortly after, she emerged. Steven instantly widened his eyes at Haisley’s appearance, which could be considered elegant even though not yet complete. Meanwhile, Reia whistled happily upon seeing her. The girl pulled Haisley to sit on the bed.

“I’ll do your hair. Then, I’ll make your face look fresh,” Reia said. She pulled out small items from her bag and began to style Haisley. She applied a bit of lipstick on Haisley’s face, brushed her eyebrows, shaping them into a more perfect arch than before. She dusted powder and then reapplied the lipstick on Haisley’s lips. “Perfect,” she praised her hard work. She then knelt behind Haisley and started playing with a comb.