CHAPTER 4: LUCILLA

Avita ignored her so-called friend and continued with her shopping. Avita didn't have much money, so she skipped the high-end stores that were enticing her, instead going straight to a local wholesaler that sold the hair items she was seeking for.

Avita worked as a hairdresser part-time and mostly on weekends in a world where one cannot rely on a single source of income. 

This type of job saved her and supported her throughout the university. She is an orphan who grew up without parents, therefore life was difficult for her. However, growing up in an orphanage did not dampen her spirits or cause her to have low self-esteem; instead, her love and thirst for knowledge made her very confident as she read many books and biographies of successful people. 

Most of them were uneducated and worked odd jobs until they became wealthy. So, if they can do it, how come she can't? Of course, she'd be lying if she said she could become a multi-millionaire, but she can get rich enough to afford a house and a car if she works hard and saves more. 

Avita entered this busy store, ignored the other customers, and proceeded to the department she desired. Avita walked into the store with a cart and purchased many packets of braids and hair sprays before paying for them.

The long weekend was towards the end of the month, and Avita hadn't yet received her paycheck. Despite not having a salary, she just utilized her savings to buy what she wanted. 

She went outside after purchasing and received another phone call from her so-called friend informing her that she was waiting for her in a nearby parking lot. Because the other person was already waiting for her, Avita rejected the idea of fleeing and walked with her luggage to the car lot where her friend was waiting.

Avita sighed with mixed emotions after noticing a familiar and flashy yellow Porsche Cayenne after a few minutes of walking. 

'I can't even buy a used vehicle, but this so-called friend owns numerous cars, all of which are worth millions of dollars. Is this the distinction between affluent and poor people?' She can't help but be envious. 

This was one of the reasons Avita despised associating with the so-called buddy who had been bothering her for the previous three months following that terrible night.

Her head hurt just thinking about it. When the rich lady saw her friend approaching with several plastic bags, she quickly placed her phone on the side and exited the car happily. 

Avita stared in astonishment as her so-called friend left the car, and her attire definitely set them apart. 

"I don't get to see cars like these every day!" 

"Umphh, with how poor you are, you can only see these kinds if you visit those places infested with rich people!" 

"This makes me wonder. Why is such a wealthy individual here?" "

Why can't they be on this stretch of CBD? We are all Oshua residents." 

Avita shook her head, ignoring the gossipers, and walked over to the enthusiastic young woman, whom she wished she could hit in the face with a baseball bat and teach a lesson.

When the rich lady saw Avita's scowl, she became even happier. Nothing made her happier than seeing Avita irritated with her. 

At the very least, this demonstrates that she influences her and has an effect on her. And if her friends found out she was acting like a child and craving attention like a malnourished child, they would be appalled. 

“Avi!!!! At long last, I see you!" The affluent lady exclaimed joyfully as she walked energetically towards Avita in her high-heeled stilettos to lend a helping hand. 

Avita frowned when she saw how tall those stilettos were, but because she wasn't too concerned about her wealthy buddy, she opted to mind her own business. 

"Umphh, will you die if you don't make any noise?" Avita was irritated by how much attention this wealthy friend had drawn to herself by pointing her out amid the crowd. 

“OMG! Does that poor-looking person know such a wealthy individual?" 

"What kind of b.s. is this?" 

"Umphh, yet another bootlicker!" 

"Don't be a jerk. Can't you see that the rich person is bootlicking the poor person and not the other way around?" 

"Who cares?" 

When the rich friend realized what she had done, she blushed, but it was too late. It's not like she was ashamed to befriend someone like Avita. 

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I will compensate you. Let's get out of here!" 

Avita watched as her companion effortlessly removed one of her suitcases and returned to the gleaming Cayenne. The luggage was loaded into the trunk. Avita sat in the front seat and belted herself up with ease. Her wealthy companion grinned cheerfully and started the car, leaving the stunned onlookers who couldn't believe the couple's bond. 

"Lucilla, what are you up to at this time?" Avita inquired solemnly as the car exited the CBD area where she had previously been. 

Lucilla smiled at Avita and replied, "I just missed you and wanted to see you." 

Avita scoffed at Lucilla while turning her head away, "umphh, do you take me for a fool?" 

Lucilla felt defeated as she observed the other remaining alert toward her. She realized she couldn't be impulsive or flare up because she owed this person a lot and was really honest in wanting Avita as a friend. So, she can only endure until she gets her reward which she wasn’t so sure when she will get it.

"All right, you got me there. I just wanted to see if you had anything planned for the long weekend," Lucilla finally said defeatedly. 

Avita gave Lucilla a double look before responding, "I will be at the salon. What exactly do you want?" 

"Oh, is it absolutely necessary for you to go there?" 

"Should I just sit at home and starve?" 

"No way. I am not implying anything of the sort. I just wanted to spend some time with you this weekend and bond," Lucilla said again in defense as she drove away. 

Avita gazed at Lucilla, wondering what was going on in her head, "the last time we bonded, I ended up lying in the hospital for a week. I'm actually terrified of bonding sessions with you!" 

Lucilla became guilt ridden as she remembered the time Avita was referring to. She was truly humiliated, but what had been done could not be undone. 

"I'm sorry for my childishness, Avita. That won't happen again. I simply want to be your friend, and I mean it!" Lucilla turned to face Avita as she stated this.

But was Avita ready to believe it? She had no idea, which was really concerning.