Chapter 17

Saturday came on such short notice. Nancy blinked in discomfort as rays of the sun fluttered through her window and hit her eyes that morning. This was one of the moments that she wished she was wearing her glasses at the moment. She squinted her eyes at the window and turned her head at the other side. Her eyes immediately met Julian's. Memories of their activities the previous night flowed through her mind as she stared downwards at the sheet covering their naked bodies. A small smile appeared as she knew it was worth it. It was her first time after all and she wouldn't have thought it better than to give it to the man who captured her heart from a young age. Pride filled her heart as she compared the similarity between herself and the female protagonist of one of her romantic novels.

"What are you smiling at?" Julian's voice interrupted her thoughts.

She wrapped her arm around his waist and rested her head on his bare chest. Julian ran his hand softly over her ebony hair.

"Nothing serious." She replied.

She raised her head to stare at him.

"Do you know why my favourite color is green?" She asked.

"No." Julian was surprised at her question.

"It's because it's the colour of your eyes." She poked his nose.

"You're being silly." He shook his head.

She giggled uncontrollably and laid her head on his chest again.

"Hey, we have to be silly every now and then. Once in a while at least." She said.

"Well," He hummed. "I can't argue with that. But don't expect to see any from me."

There was silence for a while.

"Are you staying over?" She asked him.

"Well-" He pretended to think about it.

"Please." She raised her head and unleashed her weapon. Her wide blue-eyed stare.

"Fine," He rolled his eyes. "But I'll need to go home and get a few things."

About thirty minutes later, The couple were out of bed. Julian put on his clothes from the previous day while Nancy wore an oversize T-shirt. They linked their arms together as they headed to the living room.

"So what do we do about her? " Nancy asked as they reached the door which led to the exit.

" I'll find a way and go back home today or tommorow." Julian replied.

Nancy gave him a confused look.

"I meant my family home," Julian clarified. "The one I grew up in. The home where the sword of my ancestor is."

Julian stared ahead as the memories of the past flowed through his mind. Nancy knew what he had in mind. Going back to the family home meant one thing. He was going to encounter the one person he hadn't spoken to in a long time.

"If that's the only way, then do it. I'll be waiting for you when you get back." Nancy said. She caressed his cheek and gave him a small smile.

Julian leaned towards her and kissed her temple. He opened the door and was about to step out when he saw Randal standing in the doorway. Their eyes met and both men looked surprised. Nancy, conscious of her state of dress, quickly walked out of the living room.

Randal followed her retreating figure with his eyes. He then faced Julian. On seeing his friend's rough appearance, Randal put two and two together. He knew what had transpired between the two.

"Randal?" Julian cleared his throat. "It's been a while. I called several times."

"Yeah," Randal rubbed his neck. "I was a bit busy."

"Oh." Julian said.

The awkward silence lingered between the two men until Nancy entered the living room fully dressed this time.

"Hey guys," She raised her eyebrow. "You're still here?"

"Right," Julian coughed. "I'll see you guys around."

He swiftly walked to his car. Sending a small wave to them, he drove off.

Nancy smiled at the moving vehicle, a small sigh escaping her lips. She turned her gaze to Randal.

"So," She said. "What's up? What brings you here?"

Randal stared at her momentarily as he contemplated his next actions. All the years of feelings he had for this woman was wrecked. And by his best friend nonetheless in a twist of irony. He was devastated.

"Nothing." He replied, turning around and walking away. "I forgot. Silly me."

"Okay," Nancy had a bemused smile on her face. "See you around."

As she soon as she closed the door, Randal turned around and stared at it. For the first time in his life he had that feeling. A feeling of the need to take something by force. For the first time, he saw his best friend as his worst enemy. His worst enemy who took something precious from him.

"Nancy," He whispered.

$Chapter