The train

Ch. 3 [Z]

Flashback

Why were they so interested in me? I kept walking, acting like I heard nothing.

Once I stepped outside, the warm feeling of the diner was gone. It was more crowded than before, I dug into my pocket to fish out my phone while bumping into people and apologizing. Some people gave me dirty looks.

"Hey!" A familiar voice called out.

It was one of those voices where it caught everyone's attention. Along with everyone, I turned around confused, and stopped walking. The girl of the familiar voice pulled me over gently so that people could keep on walking.

"Sorry about him, he didn't mean to make you upset," said the girl from the diner I was in just a few moments ago.

"It's fine. I got my meal and paid you guys. Everything should be fine," I told her politely.

"I am glad to hear that. What's your name?" She asked me, waiting for a quick response.

"Lyra. What's yours?"

"Beautiful name, Lyra. Mine's Rose. Nice to meet you," she said with a heartwarming smile.

I smiled back, but it seemed like she still had a lot to say. We had to talk to each other in an almost yelling voice because of the noises surrounding us.

"Lyra? Do you mind coming back to the diner? It's emptier than usual, and I thought maybe you can accompany me. It's okay if you don't want to," she offered.

I didn't have anything else to do, but I was nervous to see the waiter boy again.

"Sure, sure. I would be happy to join you," I took a long time to respond, making her wait for a little.

"Great! Ivan will be there too," she added.

His name's Ivan.

Ivan.

Rose pulled me by my hand, making me walk to the diner again. She did all this without making it awkward. I liked Rose's energy. It was hard for me to make friends without making it seem weird. She was my role model.

We were finally at the diner again. The warm feeling inside captured my whole body. Rose was right. This place was empty and silent. Maybe it was empty since it's just the morning.

"Look who's back," Rose said, breaking the silence.

A familiar person turned around, and I immediately knew who it was.

"Hey Ivan," I said, making eye contact with him.

"Hey..." He paused.

"Lyra," I finished for him.

"Hey Lyra," He repeated.

"Apologize, idiot," Rose said.

I was scared for a second, I thought she meant me until Ivan spoke.

"I'm sorry that was rude of me. I hope you can forgive me, Lyra," He apologized.

"You still on that? It's fine," I chuckled.

My last words made the atmosphere around us more warm and friendly.

We started long and deep conversations standing up. We didn't realize we were standing up this whole time until a customer walked in. Ivan was helping the customers while Rose and I were carrying the conversations.

We were together the whole day, even after their shift was over. I didn't have any friends in New York since I was pretty much new around here until I met Ivan and Rose. This friendship felt strong. It was something I needed for a long time.