TWO - Part 1

Exelle

"Hey," Jules greeted me with a warm smile as soon as her eyes met mine upon entering the grand entrance of the hall. Jules has been my friend since our high school days, and her creative talent as an interior designer always left me in awe.

We shared a history, just like Sam, and she knew about the profound struggles I had faced in the past. Time seemed to have stood still for Jules; he still possessed that porcelain rosy skin and a perfectly slim physique, resembling a true deity. It was undeniable that he had inherited his mother's striking features, Aunt Juliean.

"Aunt Juliean! Oh my God, auntie. I missed you," I exclaimed playfully, embracing her tightly. She responded with a playful scowl, pinching my arm gently, causing me to retreat a step while laughter escaped my lips.

"What? Are you happy? Are you truly that happy, huh?" she teased, pinching me again. "I may resemble Mama, but I am even more beautiful. Care to laugh some more?"

"You're utterly crazy," I chuckled, playfully distancing myself from her. "Yes, I am happy. Why do you even need to ask?"

She shot me a mischievous glare, igniting another round of laughter from me, and soon she joined in, their echoes blending into one harmonious melody. It was a familiar rhythm we had danced to for as long as I could remember, reminiscent of carefree teenage days. In spite of the trials that life had thrown our way, we found solace in shared laughter.

"Seriously, Xielle, I missed you so damn much," Jules confessed, her voice tinged with genuine emotion, as she enveloped me in a tight embrace. "We genuinely believed you would never return."

A smile graced my lips, spreading warmth throughout my being. It was a comforting feeling, knowing that there were people eagerly awaiting my homecoming. Despite the passage of time, they remained steadfast in their loyalty, patiently waiting for my reappearance. It was a silent testament to the depth of our friendship. I chuckled inwardly, grateful for their unwavering presence.

"Tch. You possess such a flair for the dramatic, Jules. As if I had journeyed from Pluto and could never make my way back," I teased, watching as she took a step back, her laughter intermingling with mine. Her hand playfully swatted my arm in retaliation.

"Ouch. Jules, it's as if time has stood still for you. You still derive immense pleasure from pinching and playfully hitting people. Seriously, Jules," I jested, shaking my head as I look at her disapprovingly. "You seem frozen in time, forever the mischievous troublemaker."

"You're truly insane, Xielle. Pluto is no longer considered one of the nine planets in the solar system. How could I return if I came from there, right? Duh, Xiellenna. Duh," he retorted, sweeping his chocolate-colored locks aside in a playful gesture.

"Of course, I returned to save you."

Suddenly, a masculine voice resonated behind us, causing both Jules and me to pivot our heads in unison. A surge of joy coursed through me as I beheld the figure of a man who defied my expectations, appearing almost unchanged.

"Nerdy?" I exclaimed, my laughter now unrestrained as I struggled to contain my lips from laughing. A wide grin adorned my face, mirroring the genuine happiness that enveloped me.

"Hon," I heard Jules whisper affectionately as he closed the distance between himself and the man, wrapping his arms around him. Their tender embrace and impassioned kiss made it seem as if the world around them ceased to exist, momentarily forgetting my presence.

I sighed in front of them and thought they looked like love birds, chirping and embracing each other without shame to the world.

I couldn't help but feel a wide grin spread across my face as Jules's gaze met mine once again. "Oh, come on, Xielle, he's not Nerdy anymore. Tsk. Not anymore," Jules scoffed, rolling her eyes. I couldn't contain my laughter, but it was met with another sharp glare from her. Who would have ever thought that two former mortal enemies, like oil and water that couldn't mix, would end up becoming such sweet-and-spicy lovers?

"Well, Xielle, whatever thoughts are running through your mind right now, there's only one reason behind it. Love is what keeps these two opposite creatures together," Milo chimed in, his deep voice carrying a touch of amusement.

Milo, a friend of mine as well, was known for his serious nature. In the past, he was a guy who seemed to reside within the walls of the library, completely engrossed in his studies. But times change, and people change with them. Just like Milo had, and just like I had.

"Yeah, yeah, fine. I already knew. From the very beginning of our 'war,' I could see what would eventually happen to the two of you," I chuckled once more, and Milo joined in, his laughter blending with mine. Jules pouted silently, stealing occasional glances at Milo and then at me.

"Hey, Milo, chocolate drink. Why are you laughing?" Jules nagged playfully, pinching Milo's side. He simply shrugged, leaning in to plant a tender kiss on her forehead.

"Alright, alright. You two can be sweet," I said, settling myself onto the comfortable sofa in the lobby.

"We're always sweet, and every now and then, we get a little spicy," Milo teased, a mischievous grin playing upon his lips. Jules playfully smacked his arm, causing the three of us to dissolve into laughter, while Jules blushed and pursed her lips, unable to hide her affectionate reaction.

"Lovebirds. You could have just flown over here so we could finish what I need to do," I remarked, allowing myself to relax against the plush cushions.

Since my arrival from New York earlier, I hadn't had a moment's respite. The encounter I had with him had drained the majority of my energy for the day. Just the mere thought of it made my head throb. Jules and Milo approached, taking seats in front of me. We found ourselves in the lobby of Jules's building, where we had gathered to discuss the renovation plans for my house in the Philippines.

"So, let's get started," Jules declared, her eyes brimming with enthusiasm.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as we delved into the discussion. The familiar banter and laughter shared among friends provided a much-needed respite from the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me earlier. Jules, with her undeniable talent as an interior designer, presented a myriad of ideas and concepts for the renovation, while Milo, with his practical mindset, offered valuable suggestions and insights.

As we continued to brainstorm and exchange thoughts, time seemed to stand still. The weight of the world gradually lifted from my shoulders, replaced by a growing sense of excitement and anticipation. This renovation project held far greater significance than a mere physical transformation of a house; it symbolized a fresh start, a new chapter in my life.

The lobby itself became a hub of creativity and energy. Ideas flowed freely among us, igniting a collective synergy. We delved into discussions about color palettes, furniture arrangements, and intricate details that would infuse life and warmth into every corner of my soon-to-be-renovated home.

Throughout it all, our bond as friends grew stronger and stays the same.