Lost ~ A KOTLC Story

Part 9

*Tam*

After work, I take my typical shortcut through the park. Linh forbade me from doing it at night, and I gave in, but the sun is just beginning to set so I'm breaking no promises.

I drag one foot in front of the other because it's the end of the week and I'm exhausted.

I picture my small bed by the window in my apartment. Looking out and seeing the dark sky.

I've always preferred the night.

I don't have to deal with people then.

As I'm walking I see a figure sitting on the bench and I stop in my tracks.

It's Biana.

Biana Vacker.

The girl I haven't seen in too long a time.

I blink again and again to make sure I'm not seeing things. Not being delusional.

It's her. With her long brown hair and bright teal eyes.

I carefully make my way over to her as not to frighten Biana.

I hate when girls scream and screech.

I'm about to gently tap her shoulder when she looks up.

Teal meets silver. Silver meets teal.

"Tam? Is that really you?"

"Yeah. It's me Biana. It's me."

She jumps up and wraps me in a tight embrace. I hug her back.

"I've missed you." Her voice cracks.

"I've missed you too."

She sits back down on the bench and I plop down beside her.

*Biana*

My brain is busy trying to process that Tam is sitting next to me. On a park bench. In the forbidden cities.

His fingers brush against mine and I'm reminded this isn't a dream.

It's reality.

"So how have you been?" Tam asks me quietly

"I've been okay." I respond, "I started college and I don't know if I made the right choice. I don't even know what I want to study. I came out here to think. I hoped the combination of nature and fresh air would bring me answers."

"I get it. This whole situation still feels unreal." I nod in agreement, "but I know you," Tam turns to face me, "I know you'll figure it out. You just have to be patient. Not always are the answers right in front of us."

"Thanks Tam," I smile, "and what are you up to these days?"

"I'm working at a coffee shop called ExPresso shots."

"That's cool," I reply, "do you enjoy it?"

"Well with Keefe as the manager..." I feign a groan.

"Omg you and Keefe are stuck together?" I laugh, "talk about ironic."

"I couldn't agree more," Tam says. "Sophie actually works there now too."

"Wow."

"Yeah," Tam responds, "you should come by one of these days."

"I really should," I agree, "it's been much too long since I saw everyone. Maybe I'll even bring Fitz along."

"Now that kind of drama..."

I snicker. "You're right, but it will probably be eventual."

"True, just I don't have to be there to witness it."

"That's fair."

A comfortable silence falls between us for a few moments.

"Well I should probably get home, I don't need Linh worrying about me."

"Please send her my regards."

"Okay," Tam tells me, "you should probably go home too. I don't want you to be out alone at night."

I rise from the bench. "I'll see you around."

"Yeah. See you."

And then I turn away and head home with an extra bounce to my step.