Chasing Alana

18 | Almost

Alana couldn't help, but smile as the familiar diner appeared just down the road.

Driving through the streets of Eastwood made her feel a strong sense of nostalgia, but only this time, Asher was the one driving. It was as if nothing had changed, with all the small restaurants and boutiques left in their same locations.

Even after 6 years, the diner looked the exact same. With its retro theme and bright colors, it stood out proudly against the simple boutiques that surrounded it.

"Are you okay?" Asher asked with a concerned tone after seeing how quiet she had gotten. He slowed to a stop, parking his car in the small parking lot beside the diner.

"Huh?" Alana absentmindedly responded, startled at the sudden question that had brought her out of her thoughts. "Sorry, I was just thinking."

Asher nodded, still looking at her with concern, making Alana laugh.

"I promise I'm okay," she gave his hand a small squeeze before opening the car door and stepping out. "Everything just looks the same as 6 years ago."

Taking a deep breath, her smile widened as she took another look around. There was just something about being able to do something as simple as open the car door without having people right up in her face, that made her feel free and liberated. She could actually walk a step without having people crowd her and make her feel claustrophobic.

There was also a feeling of finally returning home, but perhaps this was just because it was Eastwood, the small town where she grew up.

Asher nodded, leading her closer to the diner. "Eastwood seems like it'll always remain the same."

Alana hummed in agreement, thanking him as he opened the door for her. As soon as she stepped into Aunt Cathy's Corner Cafe, she was immediately overwhelmed with the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and burgers.

"Welcome to— Oh my god," Aunt Cathy gasped, dropping the dishcloth from her hand onto the counter that she was wiping down. "Alana?"

Alana grinned, heading over to the woman who she saw as her own grandmother, leaving behind Asher, who was now completely forgotten. "Hi, Aunt Cathy."

"Oh, my dear, you're actually here— Hank get out here!" Shouted Aunt Cathy, trying to get her husband's attention in the kitchen. She immediately embraced Alana in her arms, crushing Alana to her small body. For a tiny woman, she was surprisingly strong. Before Alana could say anything, Aunt Cathy pulled away and began to look her over.

"How long has it been? How are you? For the love of god— Hank get your ass out here now. Have you been eating? Why are you so skinny? Are you-"

Aunt Cathy continued to ask question after question, causing Alana to stifle her laugh. From behind, Asher smiled softly, watching as Aunt Cathy continued to fuss over Alana.

"Aunt Cathy, you're going to overwhelm her with all those questions," Asher chuckled, walking over to Alana who was still within Aunt Cathy's grasps.

"Oh hush, you," tsked Aunt Cathy, picking up a clean dish towel from her apron and swatting Asher with it. "You're no longer my favorite Pierce boy."

Asher pouted, causing Alana to giggle. "You can't possibly like Adrian more than me."

"Who says I was talking about Adrian," Aunt Cathy narrowed her eyes at him. "He'll be my favorite once he finds a girlfriend— my favorite right now is definitely the baby of the family. Now, come dear, let me feed you something good—Hank! Where the hell— is he taking another god damn 5-minute break again? I swear to god all that man does is sit on his god damn ass."