After The Ending (John Frusciante)

Chapter 1

2000

Alright, milk, John thought to himself as he wondered around a supermarket on a certain afternoon in the month of September, already a bit too frustrated over his inability to find the most common among the food necessities.

It was the closest convenience store to his house and even as it was, he still had a hard time navigating the building. Truth be told, he had visited the store probably only a few times in his life, considering that he had spent most of the year on the road touring, but that didn't mean that he couldn't believe that he knew where the items were located.

It was his home store, he should know where they stock milk, right?

After yet another unsuccessful attempt of locating the mentioned product in a store that wasn't even that big, he decided that perhaps he didn't even need it. He had only made it home yesterday and it was safe to say that even as he had already managed to have some good hours of proper sleep in his own bed, he was still tired. He was so very tired and so very drained and he decided that sacrificing coffee with milk and a few bowls of cereal were worth it – getting back to bed was far more important.

So, he took the cart with the items that he had and began making his way towards the cash till – at least he knew, where that was. And he almost made it there, but not quite, because suddenly, something so very unexpected caught his attention.

Or a rather someone.

I know these movements, he thought as he observed the person in shock, not absolutely sure in his judgement, but still more convinced than less.

It was the same long, strawberry blonde, wavy hair. The same tanned, glowy skin. The same tiny frame, only a little over 5 feet tall.

And it was the same movements.

She still supported her free hand under her cheek whenever she read something, she still slid her hands over whatever she touched in the most graceful of ways and she still walked so confidently, yet so lightly.

"Amaya?" he called hesitantly, the person then turning on her heel in an instant.

She stared at him in confusion for a second, then smiled as she seemed to recognize him.

"John?" she questioned in a surprised manner.

He stared back in silence, smiling the same way.

"I.. I can't believe it's you," Amaya then made her way towards him, the shy smile stretching wider as she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.

John was taken aback for second, then returned the hug.

Her hair smelled sweet – just the way he remembered.

"And I can't believe it's you," he finally worded as he looked at her again.

"How have you been?" she then inquired, the smile never fading from her lips.

"Uh.. Good," John mumbled and nodded, feeling nervous for a second for some whatever reason.

Even if he was the one to notice her, he was still struck by her. Still after all those years.

"Just got back from the tour," he then added, "And you know.. Buying milk now."

Amaya observed his cart for a second, then noted, "It's on your left."

"What?"

"Milk," she specified and almost giggled, "The shelf on your left."

"Oh," John said and smiled, "Of course."