Shadows of Love: Healed

10. Hazel

Hazel's POV

Today is the last exam for the semester. I asked Char if I could stay at her place for a few days since our summer break starts right after our exams.

I'd been searching for a place near my internship and part-time job, ideally an apartment. I was planning to buy it because we'll be last-year student. s after the break, and I need a place to live. Plus, Manhattan's cost of living is quite high.

Ash suddenly broke my thoughts, "Guys, since today is the last exam, let's go out and enjoy a bit. We'll be final-year students soon, and we'll be more busy. And anyhow, nobody's going anywhere until this weekend. Let's go street shopping, try new restaurants nearby, and enjoy the whole week."

It sounded like a great idea, but after the exam, I needed to check out my new place and get familiar with the surroundings. I even needed dresses for my internship.

I announced, "Then after the exam today, can you guys help me with my new home? Can you come and check it out? After that, let's eat at a Chinese restaurant, and the bill's on me."

There was a brief silence before everyone shouted, "Hurray!"

Char said, "Today's exam will be great, it's Hae's treat."

I spoke up again, "Okay guys, let's go, or we'll be late. All the best!"

—  ∞ ❁ ∞  ❁ ∞ —

"Guys, it's already late and you're still getting ready! Are you even interested in coming?" Sar shouted while checking the time on her watch.

I walked towards her. "Leave them. Did your parents allow you to go to Germany?"

She smiled weakly. "You know who asked them? My brother. Who would dare to talk against it?"

Yeah, her brother seemed like a control freak, yet he clearly cared about Sarah. I don't want to jinx it.

"Woah! This building is classy and tall," Ash exclaimed as we stood in front of my new apartment building.

I giggled, "What about the apartment you live in?"

"My parents bought it, not me. You're awesome, Hae," she replied, beaming.

I smiled, and then Sar chimed in, "You live on the 17th floor. What happens when the lift doesn't work? You'll have to climb all the way up there."

Char added, "Yes, Haze, live with me. Why live alone and deal with this potential problem?"

"Guys, why would such a big building have only one lift? There are multiple lifts, and if it really comes down to it, I can walk. It's not like this is the Burj Khalifa or something. So don't worry," I assured them, amused by their concern.

We went inside and checked all the rooms. It's beautiful, and from one of the rooms, I can even see the sea. I felt so alive in this place. I bought it with my own money, all my savings and salaries from part-time jobs. I wish my parents were here to praise me, to be proud of me. And my brother—if he were here, he'd probably buy the whole building. But those are things I can't see or ever have.

Charlotte, Sarah, and Ashley were so excited that they wanted to have a sleepover here, but I didn't agree. Of course, this place is a symbol of my pride. I let them take as many pictures as they wanted, but they insisted that I take the pictures. All those idiots.

'There is a reason why queen is the most powerful piece in the chess.' I am a queen of my ownself .

We went downstairs and explored my new neighborhood. It's peaceful and lovely. The routes are simple, and it's close to my workplace and my friends' places.

After leaving the place, we went to a restaurant nearby. I knew the food would be quite costly, but I wanted to keep my word. It was a nice Chinese restaurant, and it had been years since I last ate in one.

We ordered a few cuisines, and everyone wanted to use chopsticks, inevitably wasting some food. Of course, it would look odd to come to a Chinese restaurant and eat without chopsticks, but I had no trouble. I helped Sarah learn how to use them. She proved again that she's a quick learner. Char, who made me like Chinese cuisine, had no problem using chopsticks. Finally, Ashley tried to eat with chopsticks. We helped her, and somehow, she managed it. Well done, Ash.

After paying the bill, we walked to the bus station. Suddenly, everyone became so money-conscious. I wish they were health-conscious, living on junk food all the time. But I love traveling by bus, especially at night, and I had my friends with me, so I could be less responsible.

The night breeze was cool and calming. We chatted about our plans for the summer break, sharing jokes and laughing all the way. Despite our worries about the future and the challenges we'd face, moments like these made everything feel worthwhile. As the city lights blurred past us, I felt a sense of contentment, knowing I had friends who would stick by me no matter what.

The night clouds looked like tiny fragments, broken into little parts. It would rain in a day or two, I guessed. The buildings blocked the view of the moon, and pollution obscured the stars, but NYC still looked beautiful at night, as if the stars had settled down into the city. Suddenly, the bus arrived, and we climbed inside. I love the window seat, and fortunately, there was only one available—my favorite spot. I quickly occupied it.

We all arranged ourselves as the bus began its journey. I opened the window, letting the cool air whoosh inside, and put on my earphones to listen to my playlist, 'my favorites.' The city lights flickered like distant memories, each one holding a story of its own. The rhythm of the bus, the sway of the night, and the music in my ears created a perfect blend of nostalgia and anticipation.

As we drove through the city's heart, I watched the familiar streets pass by, feeling a mix of comfort and longing. The view was obscured by the skyscrapers, but the occasional glimpses of the cityscape, with its lights shimmering like a sea of stars, were enough to fill me with awe.

The faces of my friends, chatting and laughing, added a warm glow to the night. Even though I was lost in my music, their voices were a soothing background, reminding me that I wasn't alone in this journey.

It was a long journey, so I got out my planner to check what I needed for settling in and other bits and bobs. Suddenly, the bus stopped at a signal, and one of my checklists flew out of the window!

I worried it might cause trouble for the traffic, but when I looked out, it had already disappeared. No point stressing over it—I remembered what was on the list.

I rewrote the checklist, though there was this nagging feeling I was forgetting something. Whatever it was, I'd buy it later if needed. For now, I just focused on planning and getting ready for what's next.

I closed my planner and started packing my bag as we neared my stop. My dear friends didn't have a clue what I was up to, so I told them to pack their things too. They followed my lead.

As we got off the bus, Char asked, "Hae, why did we get off here?"

"Because it's our stop," I replied.

Sar looked surprised, "What?"

"Guys, have you never been on a bus before?" I teased.

Ash added, "We have, but why did we get off here?"

"Because it's the closest stop to our dorm. We're not heading to campus; we're going to the dorm."

Everyone finally caught on. "Oh! I get it now."

We all walked back to our dorm. Everyone looked knackered, so I got them some hot water. After drinking it, they crashed out straight away. This kind of journey is pretty routine for me, so I wasn't as shattered as they were. But after the exam, I did feel a bit knackered, so I hit the sack too.

We've got to wake up early tomorrow as Sar's off to Germany. We need to doll her up and go over her plan. She packed her bag yesterday, and her flight's in the evening, so we've got plenty of time.

Tomorrow's going to be an interesting day.

___________________________


"Responsibility is the price of greatness."


Hazel has always been a responsible person and she will be till the end.

How's hazel's outfit of the day? The top pic. I wish you guys liked it. 

COMMENT IT DOWN

          Love for Haze (hae)

                     Comment your favorite line and possiblity and how you wanted to have the next chapters, till then bye guys.

*.*    take care.

              Love from salacia.