TIMELESS (englot GirlXGirl)

Chapter 9. It's Tough, Isn't it?

The first day of Amara without the company of Freya proved to be a difficult experience, comparable to an authentic turbulence of emotions. Each nook and cranny of her residence seemed to be filled with the lingering essence of her dear Freya. She stumbled upon a note, revealing that one of her treasured sweaters had been secretly taken by the girl, only to be exchanged with Freya's own sweater, imbued with the evident essence of her scent.

In the freezer, a bountiful supply of cooked food awaits, enough to sustain one for an entire week. Accompanying this culinary treasure are carefully written instructions, detailing the methods of reheating each delectable dish. The refrigerator, too, brims with an abundance of sustenance - a bounty of food, fruits, and vegetables, alongside an assortment of cola bottles, refreshing juices, and an assortment of other delectable treats, including the irresistible chocolate. A delicate post-it note ornamented with the sophisticated writing of Freya catches the eye, bearing a profound sentiment: "This is how it feels when you're marrying me."

"Marry her, and I won't have to worry about you anymore." Apsara's eyes widened with surprise as she saw her sister's refrigerator.

"She's only nineteen!"

"You send her to Japan earlier than she had planned, and by the time she returns to Bangkok, she will be twenty-one years old."

"I'm thirty-two."

"So what? Our mother was twenty when our father married her when he was thirty-four."

"Makes sense."

"If I talk nonsense, please don't call me Apsara." With a graceful motion, she reached into the dark recesses of the refrigerator and carefully selected one of the food containers. A silent expression graced her face as she thought about the passing of time. "How long has it been?" she mused, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of concern.

"What?"

"How long is Freya in Japan already?

"It had been nearly a month."

"Have you checked her social media?" Apsara's lips curled into a mischievous smile, her eyes sparkling with playful intent.

"I did," she murmured softly, her voice barely audible in the calm of the room. The weight of those two simple words hung Amara's countenance turned into a sulky expression as she observed Freya's constant updates on her social media platforms. Each post served as a significant reminder, intensifying Amara's longing for her presence. The ache within her grew exponentially, as she yearned for Freya's company with an intensity that closed to madness.

"She's gorgeous, isn't she?" Apsara delicately placed a piece of food between her lips, her eyes fixed on her sister. "Do you truly believe you possess the determination to endure this struggle for a span of two years?" she inquired, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism.

"Don't you have a training session or a date with a girlfriend?"

"Oh, don't worry, I do. I'm just messing with you." Apsara's laughter filled the air as she cautiously retrieved the container filled with delightful cashew chicken, known as Gai Pad Mamuang Himaphan. This particular dish, carefully crafted by Freya, was one of the few remaining culinary delights reserved exclusively for Amara. "I'm going to heat up this chicken and leave you alone, P'Mara."

"That's my chicken, Sara!"

"Your name isn't on it!" With a loud scream, Sara bid her farewell to the narrow corridors of Amara's luxurious condominium, before she finally closed the front door and left Amara alone filled with Freya's presence once again.

Freya, carefully set aside three containers of delicious cashew chicken. Her intimate knowledge of Amara's preferences, allowed Amara to savor each bite with the greatest of joy. The girl is aware that she would rather have chicken leg than breast, and the cashew chicken dish includes large, juicy chunks of chicken leg flesh stir-fried with browned cashew nuts, garlic, onions, mild red and green chilies, green onions, and mild sun-dried chiles in a thick, sticky sauce. She loved the delicious taste that danced on her tongue, harmonizing perfectly with the steaming, fluffy white rice. As an accompaniment, she decided to grace her plate with a sunny side up, its golden yolk glistening enticingly. In a moment of pure culinary joy, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Ah, shit! She makes me crave for her presence more."