A/N: It's been more than a month since my last update, I have no excuse except school. Sorry. :)))
Jade looks at her reflection on the mirror, her body buzzing from the nervous energy she's had all day. The press launch and the interview with the reporters will start in about an hour but before everything goes crazy, excused herself to go to the restroom for some much-needed alone time and retouching. Paul, who was forced by their dada to accompany her to the event, merely rolled his eyes when she left their table and went back to talking to one of his batch mates in attendance.
At least he's enjoying himself.
It's not that she's not enjoying - she is. But the whole events feels kind of incomplete.
Jade checks her phone for a text message she's sure still isn't there. She fishes her phone out of her Balenciaga and sure enough, no text messages or calls. At least not from the person she's expecting to text her.
It's been ten days since she last saw or talked to Althea. Jade has sent her a message or three asking if she will attend the launch - Althea is the photographer after all. She called her a few times too. But the other girl never replied or picked up. Jade was tempted to go to the photographer's office or condo unit, but she didn't want to impose her presence, especially since the last time they were together was... weird, for a lack of a better term.
She doesn't know how to feel about what happened before she left. She's pretty sure she likes Althea, but she's hesitant to do anything about it. She's pretty sure Althea likes her too. Or maybe Althea's just friendly? Maybe Althea kisses the neck of all her friends too? Maybe Althea looks at her friends like how she looks at Jade too? Jade is confused to say the least.
She isn't supposed to like Althea. She's supposed to like (be in love with) David. But she's not.
She had dinner with David and his parents that night, but all she could think about was if Althea was okay. If Althea was still crying or hurting. She wanted to go back after the rather uneventful dinner (thank God David didn't propose) but she wanted Althea to rest, too. She sent her a text instead, saying good night and wishing that she feels better. Althea replied with a 'good night' and 'thank you for the food.' It was the last time she heard from Althea.
Jade knows she isn't entitled to Althea's attention or whatever, and that she's probably busy with work and other things. But Jade couldn't help but to expect more; couldn't help but think that maybe she's different. Special.
Couldn't help but think that maybe Althea would care enough to be here. Was Jade just work to her?
Jade sighs sadly, thinking about how great this night could be if Althea was here to share it with her. "I thought we were at least friends," she mutters to herself as she puts her phone back inside her bag. She looks at herself one last time in the mirror before making her way out of the restroom.
x
Jade is thinking of calling Sally and asking her to cheer her up but that plan immediately goes out the window when she sees the woman talking to Jeremy.
Suddenly the night is perfect.
Althea's wearing a black top and white palazzo pants and the big, genuine smile on her face eases the tension Jade didn't even know she had on her body. Jade's shoulders sag from relief - the last time she saw Althea, the photographer was hurting and confused. She seems okay now, and that's more than okay for Jade.
