CLINING
Lea walked into the cafe, where her eyes were sharp. Finding the figure of her close friend Nana, who was waiting for her, sitting in the corner of the cafe room.
So Lea hurriedly approached her friend. She realized that she had made Nana wait long enough. And when she arrived, Lea who was now sitting opposite Nana smiled awkwardly.
"I'm sorry I'm late. It's because I was looking for my smart phone earlier, I thought it disappeared. But I put it in the bathroom. Luckily Jack found it, though it still made me late,” Lea said.
"Take it easy. Why do you look bad like that? It's not like you're talking to your close friends." Nana chuckled. "From your story, it seems like you're getting used to Jack's presence. Didn't you know that?"
Lea smiled wryly. She remembered how before she got married, she kept going to Nana and telling her endless complaints. That she was going to be married off by her parents to a man she didn't know.
"I knew that. After I lived through it, I could still tolerate his existence a little. But that doesn't mean I'm completely comfortable and used to his presence. Let's just say that right now we're like boarding school friends. Nothing more nothing less,” Lea said.
Nana chuckled. "Well that's something only you and Jack know. I just know some of the developments, if you want to tell me yourself."
"Please don't talk about him. We didn't meet to discuss him. What do you want to talk about Nana?" Lea didn't want to beat around the bush about Jack, she herself was quite curious why Nana asked her to meet and wouldn't tell her the reason.
"That... I didn't get married. And I broke up with my boyfriend,” Nana replied casually as if she felt no burden at all.
“Huh?!” Lea's eyes bulged in disbelief. "Don't joke around Nana. I know your joking and casual nature but this time, I really can't believe it." Lea suddenly got excited and shook Nana's body violently.
"Wow... wow take it easy Lea. You have to listen to my explanation first beforehand. There is no smoke if there is no fire." Nana still looked relaxed as if there was no burden.
While Lea herself was really feeling anxious to death. How could her friend who was about to get married cancel her wedding just like that? And now instead of remembering crying or sadness, Nana actually looks like she has no burden.
"Nana, please tell me everything. You can't be like this. You're making me panic to death." Lea was afraid that her friend was actually hiding her sadness so she wasn't being honest in front of her.
Nana looked at Lea calmly, her eyes imparting a remarkable resilience. "I'm serious, Lea. I've really decided to end things with Jonathan."
Lea was silent for a moment, trying to digest the information she had just heard. “But... why? You looked happy, you had everything planned out...”
“Yes, it looked that way from the outside,” Nana replied as she took a deep breath. "But you know, Lea, there are many things that are invisible to the eye. Jonathan... he's a narcissist. And you know I feel bad for spending two years with a man like that."
Lea frowned. "Narcissistic? You mean, he only loves himself?"
“It's more than that,” Nana continued. "Narcissistic is a personality disorder where a person has a sense of grandiosity, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Jonathan has all of that. In the beginning of the relationship, he could be very charming, caring, and make me feel like I was the only person who mattered in this world. But as time went on, I started to see another side of him. Well you could say it's like you've been trapped alive and find a thousand regrets once you realize it,"
Lea nodded, listening intently. “So, what happened?”
"He started neglecting his medication. Jonathan was actually diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, and he was supposed to regularly consult a therapist and take certain medications. Before we decided to get married, I made it clear that I wanted him to take his medication seriously for his own recovery. But, she felt healthy and thought it was all unnecessary. Stubborn, and preferred to listen to herself. I even almost went crazy because of her. Even though I had worked hard for her sake. Oh my God... how stupid I was. You know Lea when I tell you stories like this, I feel like I'm emphasizing my own stupidity which makes me feel ashamed."
Nana paused for a moment, swallowing as if trying to calm her turbulent feelings. "And to make matters worse, he started getting close to Linda, a coworker in his office. I felt neglected, even though our wedding was just around the corner. I saw him getting too close to Linda, while I myself felt lonely and forgotten. It was so painful, Lea. For some reason, I really wanted to punch Jonathan in the face."
"Oh my, Nana.I don't know what to say,” Lea grasped Nana's hand, trying to offer support.She was both shocked and sorry for her close friend's failed relationship.
"I don't want to live in the shadow of Jonathan who only cares about himself and makes me feel worthless. I've thought about this many times and decided to be single and focus on myself.In fact, I've decided to return to my hometown in Italy.I wanted to spend time with my aging grandmother.I want to find peace there."
Lea was surprised to hear Nana's drastic decision."But... Nana, are you leaving?What about me? I'll miss you so much.You know how much I need you?"Nana smiled gently, “I'll miss you too, Lea.But this is something I have to do for myself.I need time to heal these wounds and rediscover myself after all this time wrestling with Jonatan, who is apparently a high-class bastard.I'm even grateful that I didn't become toxic like him after our relationship ended like this."Despite her calm demeanor, Nana's sadness could not be concealed.Lea was silent, thinking about everything Nana had said."I understand, Nana.I just want you to know that I'm always here for you, no matter what.""Thank you, Lea.Your support means a lot to me, you're my friend and I know that you'll support me,” Nana said as she hugged Lea tightly."That's why I want to throw a consolation party for my broken relationship with Jonathan.Wouldn't you like to celebrate with me?""Of course.Even if you want to kill Jonatan, I will also go along with you to kill him,” Lea said enthusiastically.BUK
Nana hit Lea on the head."You criminal, of course I won't do anything like that.I'm sorry-I'm sorry, I have to let myself commit crimes for the sake of someone like you."
Lea rubbed her head that was hit by Nana. “Then what do you want to do to comfort your heart? I'm always here to keep you company.”
Nana smiled wryly."Come with your husband Jack.I'm inviting you two to have a picnic with me at night. It just so happens that I really want to see the stars.Would you do it for me?"
Lea swallowed her own saliva. “Is there nothing else?”
"Do you mind?I honestly feel disappointed.But I can't force you." Nana had a sad expression on her face and folded her arms across her chest.“Whatever you want.”
Lea bit her lip. "Alright.I'm doing this for you and our friendship,” she said reluctantly.