One hour later…
"We're here!" Fay announced as soon as she entered Cosette's place, carrying flowers and some paper bags. Behind her was Sarah, now in a casual dress, and then Amie. Each of them carried paper bags containing presents and some food.
"Oh, you're here?" Luke greeted, holding a few plates and cutleries. His sleeve was already folded to his elbow, showing that he had been helping in preparation. He scanned the three ladies and then cocked his head in a direction.
"In the garden," he said, telling them where they would have a late lunch. "We're still preparing."
"Oh, let me help!" Fay raised a hand while Luke rocked his head.
"You should. There were more things to carry from the kitchen. Go take them to the garden," Luke briefed them before walking away, just like that.
"God… look at that guy. Hey! At least be humble when someone offers help!" Fay clicked her tongue continuously whilst shaking her head. "The older he gets, the more awful his personality is."
"If this isn't the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is." Amie cast Fay a look of disbelief. After all, Fay's temper also worsened; yelling had almost become Fay's habit.
Sarah chuckled. "Be nice to them, Amie. They might look successful on the outside, but they're under a lot of stress."
"That's right." Fay nodded, casting Amie a judgemental look. "Just because you are happily married and have a successful career, doesn't mean you can just preach to us!"
"I'm not preaching —"
"Tsk! I'll go and get whatever needs to be carried to the garden." Fay cut Amie off by shoving the flower and paper bags to her. "Gosh… this lady. At least be nice to your client who bought that piece without any discount!"
Fay huffed, and just like that change of mood, she stormed away to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Amie blinked innocently, hugging the stuff Fay shoved on her.
"Why is she picking on me so suddenly?" murmured Amie, confused.
Sarah smiled subtly, staring in the direction where Fay went to. "Just let her be. She's always like that around this time of the year. So, let's just extend our patience."
"Right…" Amie rocked her head, pressing her lips into a thin line. "That woman. No wonder she's been yelling all morning and nearly got into a fight on the road."
"Well, I can't blame her." Sarah shrugged, facing Amie squarely. "Let's bring these things to the garden and helped them set up?"
"Sure. Let's do that."
******
"Just put them on the chair. I can't trust you two in decorating the table." Cosette nagged Remo and Luke, who were helping her set up the garden for their dinner. "There, and be careful…"
Cosette trailed off when she caught two figures coming out of the house. She raised her head and her face instantly lit up!
"You're here?!" Cosette excitedly dropped everything, walking away from the table to welcome Sarah and Amie. "Oh, god! I missed you two so much! It's been a while!"
Cosette embraced Sarah tightly and then Amie, smiling from ear to ear. The two of them also looked at her with excitement in their eyes.
"I missed you, Cozie," Sarah expressed while Amie nodded. "How are you, dear? I'm sorry I couldn't visit you much."
"That's fine." Cosette chuckled. "You've been traveling across the globe every single day, so I know you barely have time for yourself. So, don't worry about it."
She then shifted her attention to Amie, only to see the latter keeping quiet while looking at Cosette, teary-eyed. "Don't look at me like that. You know if you cry, I will also cry, right? I don't want to cry, especially with Luke around. He would just poke fun at us. I don't want to make this day his death anniversary."
"Cozie…" Amie's voice shook, taking a step to hug Cosette. However, Amie's hands were full. So she could only lean forward while Cosette embrace her again. "I missed you. I'm sorry I couldn't visit you much."
"Aish! I already said it's fine." Cosette stroked Amie's back to coax her. "An artist needs her time to make her masterpieces. Having you all come today is really something I deeply appreciate, knowing all my friends were successful individuals and excelling in their fields. So don't worry about it."
Cosette glanced at Amie. "Look at you. Gosh. You're still a crybaby. Just what would I tell your husband this time for making you cry, hmm?"
"Why are you even crying?" Sarah chuckled, but then secretly wiped the corner of her eyes. "Amie, come now. Let's help them set up the table. Those guys were useless in this type of thing."
"That's right." Cosette laughed, releasing Amie. "Wipe your eyes first before your husband sees you."
"Will you look at that?" Sarah remarked, puckering her lips in Remo's direction. "Until now, I can't believe how you and Remo ended up together."
Amie smacked her lips, chin up. "Should I tell you about our love story again?"
"No, thanks."
"Sarah, come on!" Amie halted as Sarah walked away after hearing Amie's offer. "I think there were parts I haven't told you yet."
"Remo, please tell your wife to have mercy on me. I'm so fed up with your love story," said Sarah as she approached the table where Luke and Remo were arranging the chairs. Remo cast Sarah a look and then shifted his eyes to where Amie stood.
"Tsk." Amie clicked her tongue while Cosette chuckled.
"Me!" Cosette patted her chest. "I can listen to it again. After all, I like your story. You and Remo. I just find it amazing how you and Remrem ended up together, considering how you used to fear him."
Amie blushed, biting her lips. "Then, should I tell you about it again, Cozie?"
"Mhm!"
"You know those types of guys that are intimidating as if they will crush you in one punch, but actually very soft behind that shell?" Amie started her story with a giggle, walking toward the table to help in arranging the table while telling Cosette her love story.
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