"So, Clara, anywhere you wanna go", Aaron asked his friend who was enjoying the view outside through the open window of the car. She looked more peaceful now that she put off her indifferent expression.
"Our old place itself", Clara said with a smile on her face.
"I thought you forgot about that place. After all it's been more than two years since you went there", Aaron said in a sad tone, concentrating on his driving.
"I...I'm sorry. I was too engaged in..."
"oh when did the almighty Clara started to apologize. Hope the sun won't rise from the west tomorrow", Aaron started to crack some lame jokes throughout the entire journey. And yes it paid off, the uneasy feeling Clara felt soon vanished and it was just laughter that was heard from the car.
Clara took no time and jumped out of the car when they arrived at the place which held most of their memories along with some other friends. Aaron was happy and relieved to see his friend in her childlike manner. Aaron almost knew the entire story of Clara, at least what is revealed. He was one of the few people who was hurt when Clara abandoned her original self and started to put on a cold appearance. He missed his former friend a lot and was determined to bring her back to her original self.
Aaron quickly climbed up the hill and saw Clara sitting on a swing they had put years back, lost in thoughts.
"You climbed up too fast", Aaron said while panting.
"Old man you are just too slow", Clara made fun of Aaron.
"Hey dare you make fun of me again", Aaron went and pushed the swing for Clara.
They both ignored the outside world and enjoyed their time with each other talking about memories from childhood and any other thing they could think of.
"Hey do you remember the little girl who would cry when no one help her push her swing", Aaron tried to tease Clara.
"Yeah yeah only you were there for me", They continued their baseless talk for a few more minutes before heading home. Aaron dropped Clara at her apartment and went to his home.
Clara got in to her apartment and flopped onto the couch, after a long tiring day. She moved out of the Sullivan family house two years ago and only goes back during festivals or for functions when she was called. Even after staying in her apartment for nearly two years, it didn't feel home. All the furniture and appliances were bought by Aaron and Madison when they saw her friend showing no interest in decorating her own place.
Looking back, Clara felt that she was avoiding the reality and was too engrossed in building up her company. She missed to enjoy her life which she always believed that no one could stop her. Something hit her that she decided to go for shopping the next day and spend some time with her friends. But she was too tired to think anymore and went to sleep after a quick shower.