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*A decade later…*
"Did you have to keep pestering me with calls? I kept telling you that I will be fine…"
"I can't help but be worried about you, you know… After all, this is your first time to ask for a month off DIRECTLY from the boss…"
"It's perfectly reasonable for me to visit the place I came from, right? Then there is no problem! Anyway, you take care of yourself over there. And PLEASE tell your girlfriend to STOP asking you for money… It's been 4 days and I thought we agreed to that!"
"I'll let her know. You take care of yourself too."
I hung up my call as I walked out of the airport.
"Hello again, America… It's good to be back…" Yes, this is still me. I'm all grown up, a working biomedical engineer in a great hospital in Canada.
10 years since I have last been here, yet I don't feel a lot has changed about this place. Could be the nostalgia talking, actually.
I'm actually meeting someone here right now.
"Hey, I just arrived. Where are you?" I asked them through text.
"I'm almost there, just go and sit around or something!" It seems that they are taking their precious time. I decided to go to a nearby vending machine and get myself a can of orange soda.
It's refreshing to drink something cold on a hot day such as this.
While I was drinking, I felt someone tap my back, I quickly turned to find who it was. Unfortunately, no one was there, until I turned back again and…
"WELCOME BACK, ALROSE!"
"AHHHH!!! You scared me, Lisa!" The one and only Lissandra Eclipse. Jesus, she made me jump and almost spill my soda.
"I couldn't help myself, it's what you get for not telling me you left this country to study in Canada and work there for 3 years!" She pouted, grumpy with her arms crossed and her foot repeatedly tapping the floor. I never told her about my departure. she was left in the loop. Syrra probably told her about that while I was away.
"It slipped my mind during my stay… A lot has happened." So much has happened during the course of my college, it's been tough dealing with it.
"Maybe share with me some of the moments happening there?" Lisa led the way out of the airport.
"Be patient, and let's go to Syrra and Serra first." We went to get a taxi, and we then rode back to surprise Syrra and Serra.
"So, did you have a girlfriend while you stayed in Canada?" Of course, that's the first question she asked upon meeting me again.
"We already know that is impossible." No matter how many girls I meet, it doesn't change the fact that I have no interest in love anymore.
"Aww… No one to continue the Alrose bloodline~ Poor you~" She snickered. The damn bloodline ends with me, Lisa. Let that be known.
"And even if I do get a girlfriend, it won't end well. You know what happened last time!" I crossed my arms, looking out the window remembering the chaos that shan't be named.
"Jesus… That was 10 years ago! Get a move on already!" She was right up my face, I was surprised when she suddenly just leaned to me like that. 10 years ago or not, Lisa… That seriously affected me so much.
"I'll consider it…" In 1000 more years or something like that, as I looked away from her face.
"You didn't call the two and tell them you came back?" She sat back upright and was then curious as to why I didn't call Syrra and Serra.
"I prefer surprising them. Are they working right now?" I asked.
"Hmmm... I don't know, I don't work with them. All I know is that their shifts take all day. I wouldn't recommend waiting for them." She shook her head, genuinely not knowing. Looks like I'll have to do a little "disturbance in the workplace".
"What are their jobs, Lisa?" I asked.
"Serra is both an artist and a psychiatrist! She's improved BIG TIME, Alrose! Her clinic is just a few miles from here, so we should approach her first!" This was no surprise from me, but what I am surprised about is the fact she made it this far. So the dream she chose is to help others from the experiences that hindered their growth and to have a life they always wanted.
I feel proud of her work.
"And Syrra?" I wondered about Syrra's.
"She's a professor of Sylvester Aura. She honestly is doing a great job! Though I did overhear that she has a 2nd career, I just can't tell what it is…" So she took my 2nd career path. I envy her. Though I am satisfied with the work I currently have.
"What about you? Are you a journalist or something?" I asked Lisa.
"WHAT THE- HOW DID YOU KNOW MY JOB?!" She was taken aback that I hit the mark.
"Come on… Everything about what you are wearing right now SCREAMS writing." White polo, red tie, brown sweater, brown skirt… Come on, that's the textbook definition of what a journalist wears for her duty!
She sighed and slouched, disappointed I managed to guess correctly.
"I almost mistook you for a psychic… You're honestly spot on with the guessing… I can't help but start taking note of all the news and drama happening in this country, you know? I gotta keep the world updated, for they should know what occurred in our generation!" She's began talking about her line of work ending with her hands in the air. She is VERY enthusiastic.
"Like what they always say: When the future learns past history, it won't be doomed to repeat itself. Am I right?" I giggled. Ethics class surely has embedded that in my mind.
"THIS GUY! YOU TRULY GET ME! I COULD KISS YOU RIGHT NOW!" Her happiness really was bursting, followed by her patting me heavily on the back.
"Ah... I appreciate it, but… Not the kiss…" I do not want to be kissed again… Honestly…
"Hahahaha! I was kidding! Learn to take a joke! I'm married, see?" She showed me her wedding ring. How did I NOT notice that?!
"I can clearly see that." I sat back and relaxed as we journeyed forward to Serra's clinic.
And we arrived there in several minutes.
"The psychiatrist takes her job very seriously, so I'd recommend that I go in first." Lisa went inside and I waited for more minutes. I looked at the door and it's labelled:
"Serra Alrose
Psychiatrist"
I smiled having to see that. Then I looked at the sky while looking back on what Serra was. She's poker-faced, didn't like to show emotions, had a lack of trust in anyone, and had experienced some of the most heartbreaking moments in life. Psychiatrist is the right move for her, and her part time as an artist really boosted her creativity.
I looked up the internet to see what her works were, and it's deep meaningful arts that conveyed every aspect of her life and defined what the current society is. She's honestly thriving.
"Hey! She's going to the bathroom, come in quick!" I entered under her response.
The clinic… It's honestly breathtaking. The décor is mostly light brown with satisfying materials and equipment to watch, which spells "comfort" all over the place and I sat down on the sofa which…
You guessed it.
It was comfortable. I waited for a while and eventually…
"So… How long are you going to vi-"
Serra walked out of the bathroom and froze as she see me. She took a moment to wipe her own glasses and eye sockets to make sure she wasn't hallucinating. I was just sitting there, giggling at her reaction… It's so priceless!
"Nice to see you again, Ms. Alrose~" I stood up and bowed to her.
"So… If it isn't the all-grown-up, mature-looking Renn Alrose. I never thought you'd return for… 10 years, was it?" Her smug face appeared. Look at her, showing emotions again. I never thought I'd see the day she'd greet me with a smile, even if it's not the kind of smile I was expecting.
"Like I mentioned to Lisa, a lot happened. She wanted me to share my experience abroad. I thought I'd reunite with you and Syrra first." I gave it to her straight. The truth is, I wanted to stall her. Knowing that she's a journalist, she is going to take note of my experiences. It will be very noisy and it will be such a disturbance.
Now drop your pitchforks. I know I caused a disturbance at Serra's psychiatrist clinic, but there aren't many people here compared to back at the airport. And no, it's awkward to tell it to the taxi driver.
"Well, since no one is requesting my services today, I'll go and tell Syrra that we can meet to share our experiences." Serra was about to call Syrra.
"SERRAAAAA!!!"
A girl entered, calling out Serra's name in distress. We were all shocked to suddenly see her burst in here.
"Syrra?! What is it?" Serra quickly put her phone in her pocket. Wait, that's Syrra?! She's really grown into a fine woman.
Although she's a little childish and she's still flat as a board… That part of her will never change, sadly.
"I NEED HELP! WE MANAGED TO TALK TO EACH OTHER AND I NEED A WAY TO ASK HIM OUT!" So Syrra's got a dose of "lovestruck syndrome".
"Try to buy him a gift, maybe he'll like to go out with you at one point. Who knows? You kept saying he's single so you better not miss your chance." She gave Syrra some advice for her newfound love. I can't wait to hear more about this.
"Oh! A gift, huh? Alright, I'll get him somethi-" She took the advice and turned around, she then happened to see me and froze on the spot, just like Serra.
And then she was in disbelief and pointed at me, just smiling in her view.
"Serra… Am I dreaming…" I'll let her cook until she realizes.
"How can you tell?" She asked her.
"Well… I can see Lisa, that's a given… But the one next to her is…" Her face went from disbelief to laughing out of excitement. I think it's time I start talking.
"You haven't changed, Syrra. I never expected seeing you like this." I giggled, standing up from my seat as I fixed my hair.
"OH MY GOSH!! RENN!" She ran towards me and gave me a very tight and very happy hug.
"Whoa there, Syrra! You're getting real excited seeing me return here!" I hugged her and gently patted her back.
"There's no such thing as getting too excited! It's been 10 years! Now look at you, all grown up to be a man! What's your job?" She asked about my occupation as soon as she let go of me.
"Biomedical Engineer. Working in Canada has surely been worthwhile." I answered.
"Ooooooh! That's a very nice job you're working in! Takes so much hard work getting things done, right?" Serra asked further.
"No arguments there. It's nothing I can't handle, though... I'm happy with what I have." As long as you get the experience of working, it's going to be satisfying.
"I think it's time to celebrate by going to a café I really recommend! My treat!" She declared with a confident thumb pointing to herself. Syrra's paying?!
"Uhm… I think I should pay…" Syrra quickly turned to me and shut my mouth using her finger. She was then having an intimidating stare and an intimidating smile towards me.
"No, Renn Alrose. You came all this way. If you pay for all of us, it's going to be bad. Please, I insist!" She's really serious about paying huh. I pull her finger away, slightly scared at what happens if I keep persisting.
"I have no choice then... Are you two coming with me?" I asked Lisa and Serra.
"I don't mind. I got time."
"Let's go!"
They both are in agreement. Lisa stood up and Serra sorted her stuff.
"I'll get the car!" Syrra exited the clinic.
She can drive? That's amazing.
We all went out as we spotted Syrra's purple Lamborghini. I was happy to see that she actually can drive.
"(So glad I don't have to take a taxi ride again.)" We all got in the car and Syrra started driving to the cafe.
"You said something along the lines of having to ask someone out?" I asked her.
"Ah… So you're heard and been aware of it now… Well, it's just this guy I've been interested in recently." She answered.
"Name?" I continued.
"Hesmond Hayes, he's someone I've taken a liking to. There's just something about his look… He's quite athletic, is smart, and not to mention… HE'S SO HUMBLE AND HE'S GOT SUCH A GENTLE VOICE! HOW COULD YOU NOT FALL FOR HIM?!" Syrra's so enveloped in her answer that her driving started to get a little wavy. The rest of us are getting slightly scared.
"Calm down before you get us all killed!" Serra quickly patted Syrra's shoulder.
"AH!! I'M CALM!" She quickly regained her senses and stabilized… Phew…
"Let's continue when we get to the café… I almost had a heart attack…" You and me both, Lisa… My soul almost left my body. Our hands were tightly grasping our hearts. Holy shit.
After a while, we managed to make it. Hm? The name…
Barista Chen & Hinari's Blends and Desserts
"(It appears they got married.)" I giggled as we all got off and entered the cafe.
We each took a look at what we wanted to order.
Syrra took their best-selling chocolate cake slice.
Serra took the same cake, only she ordered half of a whole cake. She doesn't show any signs of stopping herself.
Lisa took the cupcake trio set, where it featured vanilla, raspberry, and blueberry cupcakes.
And I took the only thing I got interested in: "STRAWBERRY CAKE." I ordered a slice of it.
We sat down and enjoyed our desserts peacefully.
"It feels and tastes the same…" Serra was smiling, really into the taste and feel of the chocolate cake.
"I remember just how cute she smiled for the first time enjoying this cake! I really wanted to take a picture." Syrra giggled as she pulled out a camera.
Wait, SHE SAW HER SMILE WHILE ENJOYING THIS CAKE?!
"And this was at the same time I was depressed for 3 whole goddamn months?! YOU COULD HAVE SAID SOMETHING!!" I stood up, literally mad that I missed such a moment.
"You never told me you were coming back. So we're even." Syrra showed a smug face towards me. I frowned at her, but she has a point. She then took pictures of Serra enjoying her cake.
Lisa was enjoying her cupcakes. Now it's my turn on the strawberry cake. I tried a bite and… My eyes widen and I froze upon tasting it.
Suddenly, the flavors of strawberries EXPLODED in my mouth. Like my brain just became a single strawberry dangling in my head.
IT'S THIS AMAZING?!
"Say strawberries!"
Syrra took a picture of me, and I was shocked to see a flash from her phone. I regained my senses but had to blink rapidly because GOD DAMN THAT WAS BRIGHT.
"You could have left the flash off…" I rubbed my eyes… This woman… Honestly…
"Sorry! Had to get your attention, plus you had something to share!" Syrra said as she finished her cake slice.
"It's finally time! Renn, share your memories about your time in Canada!" Lisa quickly finished her cupcakes and leaned closer to the table to listen.
"I'm excited to hear your story there. Enlighten us, muppet." Serra was also done with her cake and moved her chair slightly closer to mine. Hearing her call me a muppet again was satisfying...
Syrra did the same and moved closer to Lisa.
The three are ready to listen about what had unfolded during my stay Canada.
I smiled, took a deep breath, and looked at them one by one with confidence.
"Alright, it goes a little something like this."
END
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