"Oh, wait. Tania's so innocent, you probably don't drink." She feigned an apologetic expression.
Relieved, I relaxed a little. But Jessica wasn't done.
"How about this? I'll drink the alcohol and Tania can replace hers with mango juice." The group clapped in admiration, praising Jessica for her beauty and kindness. Even Jerome chimed in.
"Tania, Jessica has gone out of her way to accommodate you. Don't embarrass me."
He knew about my mango allergy. In high school, when I had my first allergic reaction, he carried me on his back for 10 kilometers to the hospital.
I gently tugged on his arm to remind him, tears welling up, "Jerome, I'm allergic to mangoes."
He leaned back lazily, standing up to fill a glass of mango juice to the brim, "Well then, Tania, you need to start building a tolerance. If you drink more, maybe you won't be allergic anymore. You should practice."
I understood clearly, tonight, I had no choice but to drink. If that's what Jerome wanted, then so be it. I forced a smile, "Alright." I sighed.
If not for Jerome's rescue back in high school, I wouldn't be alive today. If this was how he wanted me to repay him, I'd gladly give him my life.