Two Steps Behind

CHAPTER 2

A familiar figure suddenly appeared in my sight. She is wearing an off-shoulder jumpsuit with leather heeled sock boots which suit her brown wavy hair and white complexion.

I arched one of my brows on her in confusion for the abrupt change of outfit. She just smiled while taking her way close to me. 

"You're leaving? Did you also forget about our meeting today?" I muttered glumly but she gave me a toothy grin as an exchange. 

I still have my confused look while she is trying to light up my mood. How would I be happy today when all of them just forgot me? I must be used to it and not assume something because I am just Blythe, who has everything but lacks attention. 

"Okay, I'll just go home now," I was about to stand but she hugged me tight enough to stop my breathing for a moment. 

"You are not going home because we will be going somewhere!" she excitedly blurted out which made me confused more. 

She pulled herself away and smiled at me. "If all your plans were cancelled, then we will make a new plan for this day. Happy birthday, Blythe!" she added. 

I immediately hugged and thanked her for remembering my day. I'm now nineteen years old but still so dramatic and immature. I must be the woman my parents wanted me to but look at me now, crying over small things. 

Peachie cut our hugs out as soon as she noticed her phone rings. She brought the phone in her ear and then answered the call.

"What's up?" she greeted from the other line. I don't know what they are talking about but she tapped her forehead simultaneously after having a facepalm. 

"Oh my! I'm sorry, I have an important appointment today. Can we move that by tomorrow?" she asked and groaned pleadingly.

A smile made its way to my lips as she said those words and realised that she chose me over that unknown someone on the phone. 

"Alright then, thank you so much, Raven. Take care!" she said as she ended the call. 

She placed her cell back in her purse she was holding and grabbed me towards the doorway. Before we could get out of her place, I threw her a teasing smile.

"Your boyfriend?" I asked, poking her side. 

She laughed so hard while shaking her head in disbelief. She placed her arms on my shoulders and swiftly patted my head. 

"It's Raven, my classmate. We actually have a meeting today for our project but I asked him to cancel it because I'm with you," she started with a smile. She looked at me like she's up to something and nodded three times. 

"I think you should meet him some other time. He's good in math and I'm sure he can help you," she added with a wink. I answered her with a shrug and headed our way on the driveway. 

We used my car instead of driving her own too. I let her run it for the sake of our safety. It's not good for me to drive on this unlucky day either. Maybe I should use my other car next time, I'm sure this car is sinister. 

"Peach, where are we going?" I asked, still not leaving my view on the road. I think I just got trauma about what happened earlier. That was my first time to experience a very traumatic event in my life. Someday soon, I will ride in a cab or with my own driver. I don't want to get killed at this young age. 

"Blythe, kindly call Khassie for me," she demanded. 

Without any questions, I pushed my purse open and searched for Khassie's contact. I dialled the number and waited for three rings before she picked up. 

"Hey, Blythe!" she greeted. Even though I can't see her directly, I know she's smiling ear to ear.

I was about to open my mouth but I was taken aback when she shouted from the other line. "Happy Birthday!" I pulled my phone away from my ear as soon as I heard her loud noise. That was enough to destroy my eardrums! 

"Khassie, meet us at the mall. Now," Peachie deadpanned. 

The ever-demanding Peachie and the charming Khassie were talking for the all of a sudden meeting while here I am holding the phone in speakers. 

"Khass, please be there in twenty minutes," Peachie added. 

Khassie shrieked for a moment before she answered Peachie. "Peach, I can't be there in twenty minutes. Make it thirty because I'm popping at the moment," I laughed at Khassie's expense whereas Peachie just shook her head while releasing a smirk. 

"Whatever, Khassie. Just be there in twenty minutes or else I will tell your crush that you like him," she threatened Khassie who just groaned pleadingly. 

"Khassie, I'll end this call. You two are noisy. Peachie is driving, we might get into an accident here. Just meet us at the mall if you want to. Goodbye!" I said before hanging up. I didn't care to wait for her answer, she's going to be there anyway. 

Peachie is quietly driving on my side while here I am, still wondering about some things. What if there would be an emergency happening on my best friends results in cancellation of this stroll or a sudden meeting of someone else more important than me. I think I'm starting to have a phobia over all things. 

I am afraid that everyone would leave me. They will forget me that easily and I would live on my own without their presence. How ironic is it, I must really be used to it but I am acting that it is new to me. Maybe, I was just hurt for the little hope that they will spend time with me again. 

I was taken back to my consciousness when I felt someone holding my hands. 

"Are you fine? We're already here!" Peachie actively said. I toured my sight around the place where we are in and to conclude, it's the mall that my family owns. I felt a bit pang in my chest when my mom's words suddenly flashed on me. I am now regretting why I let Peachie drag myself here. 

I was about to open my mouth to say something but no words escaped from the inside so I chose to close it again. 

"Do you still remember your 16th birthday?" she asked which changed my mood into a lighter one. 

I smirked at her while reminiscing the whole scene. It was the most hilarious but the best outdoor birthday party I ever had. 

Three years ago, my parents decided to celebrate my birthday at the mall being them as the owner. That was the first time I had a party outside our home. We had lots of visitors starting from my parents' business partners up to the customers of the mall. Though they suggested closing the venue, I still ask them to stay it open and share my party with the people around. Every person who enters the mall can eat in the catered area and will also have giveaways. We also had games for the children and teens like us which was quite exciting. For sixteen years old me that time, the birthday party seems like a children's party for the five-year-old kid. 

There I met Peachie, daughter of my dad's business partner. We joined a game named the boat sinking and ended up for us to win. After our game, we decided to ditch on the party and stroll around the mall. We also went to the movie theatre located on the fifth floor. We, as having fun, haven't noticed the time and have spent time there for almost six hours. 

When we went back on the first floor where the party was held. We saw our moms crying over with some policeman around. We were confused about the happenings so we ran towards them. Questions were shot on us both but the only word we can understand is they are worried. Until we both realised that they were finding us as they thought we were kidnapped. 

We explained everything to them while forcing ourselves not to laugh. Since that day, Peachie and I became best friends. 

"So, come on?" Peachie asked while offering her hand on me. I immediately reached it and went outside my car. 

Walking on the entrance of the mall, we saw Khassie with a toothy grin running towards us. She gave us both a hug and a peck on our cheeks. I gave them my thankful smile as we stepped in the entrance door. I let out a sigh again and hope it will be a fun day.