The Everlasting Bond

'Lindsy ! Lindsy ! Hold Up !' I called her out while trying to keep my pace with hers. She pretended not to hear it as she increased her walking speed and took wider steps to get loose of me. 

I got so caught up in chasing after her that I totally forgot to pay attention to my surroundings.

** BUMP **

Apparently, I have knocked into someone and both of us fell. I quickly got up, brushed off the dust on me and started looking around frantically to figure out which direction Lindsy went off to. The loud groan of the person on the floor brought me back to reality. The middle-age lady had an infuriated glare and started muttering curses at me for not watching where I was going. I felt so embarrassed as people were looking. Without hesitation, I apologized to her alongside a 90-degree bow to show my sincerity and put up a hand to help her on her feet. She was quite satisfied with my apology and left after that as it is really not a good idea to create a scene in this crowded shopping mall. 

Today is a public holiday and the mall is occupied by shoppers doing their last minute shopping for the upcoming Christmas celebration. The liveliness of the festive songs that lingers in the air, broad smiles on shoppers carrying loads of shopping bags, the elegantly huge Christmas tree that stands tall at the center of the mall, the beautiful lighting and ornaments that decorated the stores lightens up the whole mall like a gateway to paradise but it's a waste that I can't feel a thing.

The 'manhunt' was quite challenging for me as most of the people here are wearing the same 'Promotional Christmas t- shirt' and of course Lindsy, a super thrifter is also wearing one. The stores in the mall have collaborated and came up with an idea not only to celebrate the upcoming joyous occasion with the people but to also boost their sales by providing a deal where people who wear their promotional t-shirt get to shop with a discount of 50% on all items mallwide.

I tried my luck searching for her at the nearby cafes and clothing boutiques but still didn't manage to find her. I tried calling her cell phone only to be put on voicemails.

30 minutes have passed by and I still can't find her. My initially hyped -up mood is gradually turning into a dull musty one. Where could she be; I wondered as I started to lose my patience. There are literally people in every corner. There is no way I could find her.

Out of a blue, a sales girl of a pearl tea stall offered me a free drink after she noticed my distressing look and gave me some life advice. I thanked her for her kind act of concern and walked towards the public bench to chill myself out.

Gradually, I was lost in the sea of my thoughts.

It was a week ago where I broke my promise to Lindsy that made her so mad and upset at me. There was a special sale in 2 days’ time where the first 100 customers with discount coupons can get their hands on a limited-edition diamond necklace at a price of 2500 dollars. It is the best bargain that a hard core, on a budget Chanel fans could ever get as the necklace was originally priced at 5000 dollars. It is said that anyone who wear such necklace is going to look like a princess. Well, that's what she told me. Anyway, because of it, she spent hours queuing up to get her hands on the discount coupons so to be eligible for that deal. She made me promise that I will help her purchase the discounted necklace on that day. She would not have entrusted me with this important task if she hadn't had to spent the night at the hospital to accompany her sick mother. She had emphasized countless times for me to be up and early for the purchase. But on that very fateful day, I missed my alarm and arrived late at the store and as expected, unfortunately, the necklace was sold out. I felt a chilling feeling that runs through my spine. This necklace is like a life line for her and not being able to get her hands on it will be a tip off of the ticking time bomb in her.

Our cold war started as soon as she learned the truth. I tried to compensate by buying her a necklace with almost similar design but she rejected it. My every attempt to compensate for the matter was declined mercilessly.

It may seem like a petty matter to others where Lindsy is responding in a highly-exaggerated manner but I don't blame her. Because deep down inside, I feel for her. She is trying her best to pull herself together while going through the tough times. She was once a person who spend money extravagantly like there is no tomorrow, she was one of those who never hesitant to pamper herself with all the lavish jewellery, best quality skin care products and new arrival fashion clothing. But ever since her mother was diagnosed with cancer, her spending method has changed drastically. Skipping meals and buying on a budget in order to safe up enough money for her mother's medical treatment has become a norm. She refuses help and donation from others as she feels that she didn't want to be a burden to others. She wants to be a filial daughter and she is trying hard to take control of everything. She feels that caring for her mother is her sole and utmost responsibility.

As I gradually came out of my thoughts, I was quite surprised to see there was a group of people sitting beside me without me noticing all this while. I overheard them talking to each other.

' James, have you proposed to Anna?'

' Well no, maybe not yet'

' What's the problem dude ? This is a lifetime chance that you surely don't want to miss.'

'I don’t know how to tell it to her. What if she rejects me? How am I supposed to face her if we ever meet again.'

'Come on dude, just tell her how you truly feel about her. Make her feel special. Even if she rejects you at the end, just take it like a man. You can do it buddy. Trust me.'

'Makes her feel special', 'Makes her feel special' that the one sentence that keeps linger in my mind.

[ Bang ]

The sudden loud blast of the starting gun startled everyone. Indeed, it serves its purpose as it successfully captures everyone's attention. The MC of the event announces the opening ceremony of karaoke center stage in conjunction with the festive season where people who wishes to sing a song only need to pay a meagre amount of 5 dollar to have 3 minutes each on the center stage to outshine themselves and sing till their heart contempt.

That's it. I know what I have got to do.

Lindsy must still be in the mall. She came at around 3p.m. and now it is only 4p.m. so she will surely still be in the mall. The mall's parking fees have a flat rate of 3 dollars for 2 hours. She will definitely optimize on the money she paid.

I paid 5 dollars and waited in line. When it was my turn, I started to tremble and had the idea of backing out but luckily, I managed to convinced myself that this is necessary to bring back a friend.

As I went up on the stage, instead of singing Christmas carol like the others, I started my remorse speech.

‘Lindsy, I know you are out there, somewhere, just do hear me out. Firstly, I am very sorry. I really am. I didn't mean to break our promise. I... I screwed up.'

It is really hard for me to continue. I am feeling rather tense and awkward as I know everyone is looking at me in a seemingly odd and appalled way. But I picked up my courage and continued.

'I know the necklace means a lot to you. Do give me a chance to make amendments. I really hate the feeling of cold war. Please... ' I am at a sudden loss of words when I spotted Lindsy standing against the pillar among the crowd. She was actually looking at me.

I passed the mic to the next person and hurried down the stage to meet her fearing that I might lose her again. I could see her grinning from far away. 

She stretched out her hands as I was approaching and clutches on me tightly. She thanked me for putting up with her nasty attitude and still willing to be her friend. There is something she said that makes my day. 'Luna, the necklace might be a big deal for me. But our friendship means a whole lot more than anything else and it won't just fade off because of a piece of necklace. I apologize too for being a terrible friend. I want you to know this. You are my best friend and nothing can stand between us. You are as previous as my mother.'