It seemed the happier Emmanuel seemed to get, the more work we seemed to pick up. Why the hell am I covering for that backstabbing idiot. 

He was supposed to come back yesterday, until Lucas said he got extended leave, then personally asked me to cover some of his work.

“Stephany, why do you have so much work”

“I told you don’t call me that”

“Why, it’s pretty funny”

I was walking to my desk with a stack of papers I had to look through and verify for Lucas to approve, but then Emily stopped me and took half of my workload, randomly. She normally isn’t this nice.

We started talking until I spilled the information I had on Emmanuel, she somehow had the exact same reaction as me when I heard the news.

“Wait does this mean I get his stuff, I kinda want a new tv. No why wasn’t I invited, I feel hurt”

“I do too. By the way Don’t tell anyone, I think it should be him who gives out the news”

I started feeling as if I could win the worst friend award for telling his story without his permission. The thing that scared me worse was what if his wife turned on me and gave me that look. How did he marry such a scary woman.

*

I stood there as Stella held my hand and begged for us to give the zoo a visit now.

Speaking for all introverts, this entire experience has been mentally draining, with the most exciting part of the day being able to drive this masterful car back home.

“Please. Please my one and only husband who said he’ll make me happy, lets go to the zoo”

We just visited the mall and got everything she needed and wanted to stay at my place, and was about to get in the car, until she randomly decided she wanted to visit another place. But it seemed only four words managed to catch my attention.

“They have red pandas, and I-”

“Deal, in the car we go”

“Huh, Why the sudden change of heart, Does my husband like cute animals”

I couldn’t focus on what Stella was saying because the fact of seeing a red panda was enough for my mind to block out the outside world. 

I fell in love ever since I saw one as a kid, even looking into if I could’ve adopted one.

As we drove, the picture of red pandas filled my mind, feeling as if we teleported to the zoo, but here we were paying our fee to get in and smelling the scent of animals. While birds chirped,sang and mammals communicated.

“Lets go this way”

“But isn’t the red-”

She pulled me toward wherever her mind wandered to, not giving a care in the world where she was dragging me to. This is still the Stella I knew and grew to tolerate.

While we explored we visited the turtle pond, birds, lions and tigers. We even stumbled upon the reptile enclosure….

“Come on, stop being a baby”

It was more that I was forcefully pulled into the reptile enclosure, but it went fine after my five failed escape attempts.

Then we finally discovered where the main event was. I couldn’t believe how small and huggable they were.

“Remember the first time we saw them.”

“The school field trip. That’s also the same time I got lost and wandered around until you found me”

“And you’re still as incompetent and ever”

I saw the smile on her face, I wanted to preserve it. I couldn’t stand the thought of a frown on that precious face. I said it in my vows and plan to keep it that way, I’ll make sure you’re happy no matter how hard times may get.

“Stella”

“Yeah”

“Wanna get some ice cream”

She just continued smiling and as if I brought her more joy with just those words. Her sparkling eyes staring into mine, Glossy lips were bright red, while her shampoo’s smell changed the entire zoo's scent. She gave a light laugh at my words.

“Come closer for a sec”

I leaned my head closer to her face, thinking she wanted to tell me something in my ear. Until I felt her lips meet with mine.

“That’s the second time now”

It wasn’t for long but it felt as if time never changed. I couldn’t think straight while she pulled me to the store within the zoo.

“You would make me happy no matter huh, I guess you’re keeping that up so far”