Four by Forever

Chapter 7: Making Friends

Breana's POV

“Bree, wake up. Hey – “

I felt someone shaking me. I turned to the other side and curled into a ball

“Brean-ahh…”

Then I felt tugging on the sheets covering my body. I ignored it just the same until it became more aggressive.

I grunted.

“I have to go to work. I’ll just leave you then.”

Ugh.

I was still trying to process what happened last night when I heard footsteps walking away and then the click of the door as it shut. I went back to sleeping. Just when I was falling into deep sleep, my alarm started beeping loudly. I reluctantly sit up and tried to find my phone in an unfamiliar room. My head is pounding. Oh god. The beeping just adds annoyance to my current state. I tried following the sound and patting the sheets in search of the source of the noise. I finally found the gadget under the sheets.

- Band Practice @ school gym 8: 00 AM

The reminder flashed on the screen of my phone. I looked at the time. It’s 7 am.

I feel awful. I scanned the room but I don’t have an idea as to where I am. I retraced my memories last night.

Party. Alex. Drinking. Selena. Dancing. Drinking. Dancing. Crap.

Where am I then?

I noticed a note on the bedside table and picked it up.

- Food's in the kitchen table if you're hungry. Aspiring is in the left cabinet at the side of the sink. Take some if you must. Don't forget to lock up if you're going out.

PS. You snore

PPS. Here's my number: 0122-2XXX

-Alex

I’m in her apartment. Well, it is much simpler than what I expected.

So it was her waking me up.

Where did she said she was going again? Work? I must have heard it wrong since I’m half asleep.

Typical Alex. Leaving me by myself after having all the fun, again. I had to stop myself before I delve into self-pitying.

With all the energy I could muster, I ate, locked up, went home and took a bath which alleviated a bit of my aches. It seems like my body I tired too but I have to go to school or else I’ll get scolded by Sunny or Jackson. They’re like the father and mother of the group and strict ones at their roles. Despite of their stern attitude when it comes to band practices, they’re both kind especially Sunny. 

Yet, my problem just got bigger as I had to take the public transportation to go to school. I’m too tired and uncoordinated that I might drive myself to an accident if I force myself to drive my mom’s car.

---

Turns out, I got scolded by Jack either way. This sucks. I’m rooted at my place despite Sunny’s dismissal for a short break.

To my surprise, Ari approached me and actually talked to me nicely. I must admit it significantly improved my mood since morning. I felt more confident. If Ari thought of me differently at first, so was I to her. Turns out, we were both wrong in our assumptions. She is actually sweet and endearing. Far from the image most people make her out to be.

Even Sunny asked our band to excuse me if I promise to make up for the lost time. I thanked both women before heading out the gym.

I messaged Alex while I was sitting at a bench in the school.

Breana: Hey, it’s Breana. Where are you?

I waited for a while. Then a little much later, my phone vibrates.

Alex: Work

What work would that be? And how cold, it took her at least 30 minutes to give a single worded reply. Hmp.

Breana: Huh? School work??

Alex: Nope. Work as in work, a job, where I get paid for doing something

Breana: Oh, where?

Alex: SK Café, just around the corner, gotta go

I can’t remember them owning a café. I thought their family focus on shipping and electronics. Though they might have expanded their business. I googled the location of the café.

A latte and some sweets might be the cure for hangover.

---

The café is like your usual Starbucks with it glass walls but it is cozier and looks better with its personal touches on the lights. There are art pieces hanged on the wall. I pushed the glass door and went to order.

“I’d like a large latte please.” I was digging for my wallet in my bag.

“Anything else, honey?” The employee on the cashier asked.

Hmmnn...her voice is weirdly familiar.

I grabbed some paper bills and looked up to find what might be a good snack to go with the latte when I saw Alex. I don’t know who is more shocked at the moment. 

She is wearing a cap and a blue apron with the logo and name of the café over her white polo shirt and black slacks, wearing the employee uniform.

“Bree…”

“I didn’t think you’d actually work, you know, up front, directly with customers. I didn’t know your family is into this type of business as we—“

“It’s not like that. I actually work here under my boss. I do manual work, not own or run the place. I’ll prepare your order.” She answered even before I finished saying what I had in mind.

“What-” I was starting to say but again, she immediately cut me off saying she’ll explain after her shift ends.

Before I could ask more she turned away and started preparing my drink. I just stood there stunned.

Why would she have to do this? She could like, buy designer clothes and bags whenever she likes. She can even customized them to fit her liking with the prominence and money their family holds. I don't understand.

After she placed my order and I paid her for it, I took a seat watching her take orders from customers.

After two more idle hours, a refill of my latte and three mini chocolate glazed donuts, the clock showed it’s lunchtime. 

Just when will she be done??

Just then, I saw Selena and Ari enter the café although they didn’t see me. Selena approached the counter.

“Hey, Alex. I’ll take the shift after having my lunch with Ari here. We have to talk about our plans for the cheerleading team.” She glanced at the girl behind her.

“Can you prep two sandwiches, two vegetable salad, a plate of cheese and nachos and two matcha milk tea for us?” Sel enumerated and smiled to Alex before turning away.

“Coming right away.” Alex started jotting down the orders in her pad and passing it on the kitchen at the back.

The two who just entered were scanning for a table when Ari spotted me. She smiled and motioned Selena towards my table.

“How’s the practice?” I asked them when they’ve approached.

Selena shrugged. “The usual as last year, I guess. Fancy seeing you here. May we?” Selena gestured at the vacant seats.

“Oh sure. I actually came looking for Alex. It surprised me to find her working here.” I shared.

“How’s the hangover?” Ari sat across me while Sel plopped down beside me.

“It’s better. Nothing sugar can’t cure. Hehe - ” I pointed at the platters and a half full large cup of latte I still haven’t finished. Both Ari and Sel looked at it amusingly.

“Trust me, I was surprised myself when Alex said she’s looking for a part-time job.” Sel glanced at me as we exchange knowing looks. Then she turned to Ari. “You two are close, Ari?”

I looked at Ari, anticipating her answer to the question. I don’t know as well where I stand on her social circle. She looked at me before answering.

“Yeah, we became friends just recently.” She smiled. “And you two?” She motioned to me and Sel.

“We’re good friends.” I said.

“In fact, we were classmates in grade school. Together with Alex but we all kind of drifted apart after and Alex transferring back also brought us back. Sel laughed.

Ari nodded.

A waiter approached carrying their orders. They started eating their food in between discussion of their plans for their showcase and mindless chatting on any topic.

It amazes me how Maria do this. Yes, she said I could call her by her actual full name instead of just her stage name since we are friends and she gave me a cute nickname. Puppy. I don’t know if I’m supposed to be happy or annoyed but she assured me it is more of a compliment according to her. Whatever, she says.

“Can I get your number, Ari?” I said with just the right amount of cuteness.

“Ohh…why Pups? You want my number, next thing, you’re going to ask me out? Woah.” She smirked at me.

“Don’t flatter yourself. You might be the one ending up to ask me out. I’ve been told I’m amazing, artistic and talented.” I confidently announced, remembering our earlier conversation at the gym.

“Woah, not ay you using my words against me. Haha.” 

Selena cleared her throat. “I’m still here guys. Why don’t you just give her your number Ari, we still have to finish this and I’m starting to think you two are flirting just now.” She rolled her eyes for dramatic effect but the slight upturn on the corner of her lips says she’s just joking.

Finally, after a few more minutes, Ari decided to continue their planning another time for Sel still have to work right after Alex ends her shift. We said our goodbyes but I got Ari’s number before that.

“Let’s go to my apartment. It’s better to talk there.”

Alex is carrying a duffel bag and in her casual clothes now. Loose shirt, ripped jeans and in her Chucks.

“Okay.” I walked beside her as we go back to her apartment.