---

The sound of music coming from one of Avril Lavigne's songs played at the Grand New York Mall to entertain the visitors who were walking around. One of the malls that opened in 2007 is now a destination for Gabriella and Wendy who decided to meet after Wendy finished working. Because she couldn't just eat and had other interests, Gabriella couldn't help but give in and accompany her best friend to walk around the Mall.


"So, what do you think? Do you accept Ken's offer?"

Gabriella, who was walking on Wendy's right side, nodded her head. "Where else can I get a writing job, the salary is almost seven million. Of course I accept Ken's offer."

Wendy widened her smile, then nudged Gabriella's arm with her hand. "I'll tell you what. Ken is a fun person."


"What the hell."

"But I'm telling you, Ken has a lot of crushes. If you like him, get ready to be attacked by his haters." Wendy picked up her cell phone, moving it in the air before finally saying, "Just stalk his Instagram, it's full of pretty girls."


"What's the name of his instagram?"

"Are you curious now?" teased Wendy, and she laughed. "Someone is starting to have a crush on Ken."

Gabriella poked Wendy's back and snorted in annoyance. "You bummer."

"Okay, okay. Don't be so angry. Let's just go there," Wendy suggested while pulling Gabriella's hand. The two of them then entered one of the clothing stores inside the Grand Mall of New York. From the interior and concept presented, the clothes sold in this shop did seem western and the brands on display were from abroad. Gabriella was a little skeptical about the place chosen by Wendy, but what else could she do, she used her own money anyway, why bother judging? "Is this shirt good?"

Gabriella's brow furrowed. "Wait, wait. Are you actually buying a shirt for you or Ryan? Why are you picking out a shirt like that? Don't you usually like dresses or clothes with less material?"

"It's not lacking material, Gabriella," Wendy said and laughed, Gabriella chuckling along with her. "That's called sexy clothes,Darling. You Can See if you ask the cool kids."

The woman who let her long hair fall freely down her back then crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes narrowed inquisitively, before asking, "Are you a cool kid, Wen?"

"Yes, I am. But it's a bit too much, so I'm free to be promiscuous HAHAHA."

"Hahahaha you bitch!"

Wendy pulled out two shirts with different patterns and colors. One appeared to have a maroon striped pattern, while the shirt in Wendy's right hand looked plain and gray. Wendy flipped through them deftly. "Which one would be suitable for Ryan? It's his birthday the day after tomorrow, so I want to buy him a gift."

"Here?"

"Yes, of course." Wendy hissed in annoyance, then put the shirts on another hanger. "Which one is better?"

"The clothes sold here are really expensive, Wen. You pay for Ryan every month, buy his daily food and now you want to buy him fancy clothes like this? Isn't it better to use your hard-earned money to make yourself happy, Wen?"

The woman whose short hair always looked neat and soft was now pursing her lips. She fiddled with the hem of the shirt in front of her as she mumbled. "Yes, but I'm really afraid of losing Ryan, Elle. Don't you know that I really love and care for him?"

"But it's the other way around, shouldn't he be the one making the effort for you? Not the other way around," Gabriella advised. "I don't mean to be patronizing or anything, but I want you to feel happy. You deserve better than this."

"But I'm happy when I see Ryan happy, Elle. Is it possible that my love language is giving? Because I really like giving things to Ryan, and I'm happy afterward."

Gabriella rolled her eyes lazily, then replied. "Whatever. The most important thing is that you're happy, there's no logic to love. It's hard. But you can't be in denial, you can't lie to yourself."

"Okay, honey." Wendy pecked Gabriella's cheek before going back to choosing a shirt from the shelves.

After all, Gabriella could only remind and give the best advice to her best friend. Privacy is privacy and Wendy is old enough to decide her own life and future.

---

"Elle, is it really okay for me to live like this? I also didn't know that Ryan would follow me here," said Wendy feeling guilty. "I feel bad for you, I really do."

Gabriella patted Wendy's shoulder as she embraced her on the street, before letting go and giving her space. "Just relax. Besides, I still want to walk around the mall one more time, I think."

"Aren't your legs tired?"

"No, you can swap your legs later."

"God forbid! You're so good." Wendy chuckled before she pecked her best friend's right and left cheeks and said goodbye. "I'm out first, okay? See you soon, Bestie."

"Bye."

Without waiting for Gabriella, Wendy immediately ran a little towards the Mall exit. Meanwhile, Gabriella could only stare at Wendy's back, which disappeared more and more in the crowd. The woman was about to turn around, looking for something in the Mall that could comfort her heart, but it turned out that God did not send something, but someone.

"Gabrielle?"

"What, Glen?"

Glen in his green striped T-shirt and slacks gave a small smile, then approached Gabriella who seemed to be waiting for him.

"How did you meet here?" Gabriella said pleasantly.

"I have a client meeting at one of the restaurants, are you traveling?" Gabriella nodded yes. "Do you want me to accompany you?"

"No, I want to go out actually."

"Oh, let's go together. I'm also going to leave, my legs are getting tired from walking around the mall." They both laughed and started taking the route to the exit.

Gabriella's plan to take another short walk around the mall was dashed. She didn't want Glen to follow her, so she decided to just go out.

"Uh, as I recall, didn't you move to Los Angeles after graduating from high school? How come you're in New York again?" Gabriella finally opened her mouth, starting the conversation. "Do you have a job here?"

"Yes, I actually have a job in New York, actually my work can be done anywhere, because basically my work is remote, with foreign companies. But coincidentally, my cousin was getting married the day after tomorrow, so I went to New York. The client I met earlier is actually a friend of my father's who invited me to work with him on a business deal, so it's all in good fun."

Gabriella chuckled and nodded her head in understanding.

"How's your leg? Has it healed?"

"I should ask, are you feeling better or not, Elle?"

---