Almost

1.

I didn't feel like getting up. It was the last day of my summer vacation. I felt like relaxing in bed the whole day like a clinomaniac. I was brought back from my reverie when there was a knock on the door, for a second I thought it must be my dad and I opened the door. I was surprised to see my best friend, Clare standing in front of me.

"C'mon it's the last day of summers, I want you to spend it with me! Go and get dressed we're going out." She said with loads of enthusiasm.

"But Mom?" I asked worriedly as me and my mom were going to spend this day as a mom-daughter interaction or bonding day.

"I've permission, get going, freshen up. I'm in the living room" She said,
hopping off.

I immediately took a shower and changed my clothes into some fresh
colored clothes as they are fashionable at this time of the year. It was a floral blouse along with high waist shorts. I got out of the room and saw that Clare was sitting on the couch, telling my mother some stuff and entertaining her. I didn't know how mom catches up with her so well. I walked over to the kitchen, drank some water to energize myself and went out in the living room to talk with them.

As soon as I was nearing them, Clare got up and said "Good! Let's go!" with a wide grin on her face. I gazed at Mom over my shoulder and saw her waving at me, smiling.

Soon we were at the cafe and I was startled to see a splendidly decorated table in the corner. Maybe it's not for us. I whispered, "Why here?" And the response I got was just a shut-up-and-follow-me look from Clare.

Shortly, we were stepping into our regular stop, the cafe and the fresh
smell of caffeine abruptly hit me, relaxing my nerves. I advised her that
we should take the table next to the billing counter. Instead, she mouthed "bad idea" and pulled me till we reached the decorated table.

I was wondering what is on her mind while I took down a seat at the table. She summoned the waiter and whispered something in his ear and he simply nodded. This is something suspicious, she has never done this before.

After a few minutes of sheer reticence, we were served with a coffee and chocolate chip cookies. My favorite. I looked at her with a questioning expression and she affirmed that we're going to meet someone; that was why she had booked this table earlier. Yeah, she could never do these things unless it's a birthday or an occasion. Well is it someone's birthday? I started scrolling the names of the people I know in my mind with their birthdays...none. Who is it then? Why does she want me to meet that person?

This is something really questionable. Thousands of questions started circling
my mind and while I was busy conversing with my subconscious I didn't notice that someone already sat at our table. I hesitated at first, then glanced at the person who took a seat next to me.

I was surprised to see the person who was sitting at the table me and Clare shared.

Wait. He is...really does it have to be him?... Why the hell is he here?... Well now he is and I cannot help that...but really... him?

My blood ran wildly through my nerves as it was filled with fury. I didn't mind if my body language explicated that I was irritated already and charged with annoyance. I chose to get up and leave but resisted the idea as Clare was watching me worriedly. I scowled at her and glanced at him again.

Why are you here boy?

***