En was so happy that she was able to buy the stuffed bunny as a present for her little sister. She still have 2 hours to idle away time before Posy's classes are over. She took a lot of photos of the stuffed animal as she sat inside the coffee shop across the school. A tray with 2 coffees and 2 slices chocolate cakes were laid down on her table. Alina sat on the chair in front of her.
"People love chocolate cake here, don't they?"
En asked Alina as she placed a cup of coffee and a slice of the cake in front of her.
"I thought chocolate cake is your favorite too?"
Alina asked in confusion.
"No, I'm not a big fan of desserts. I only take a bite or 2 and that's it."
En explained as she makes a little laugh.
"Oh! I thought I heard the other lady said that it was your favorite."
Alina explained.
"She was joking. She knew I'm not fond of sweet stuff. But it's fine, thank you for the cake."
En responded smiling as she took a bite of the sweet dessert Alina gave her.
Most of the time, En prefers the company of herself when going out. She feels more comfortable spending time alone. But not today, she and the woman with stacked books talked and talked like they were close friends trying to catch up.
"So you have never been to other places here apart from the farm and the commercial market?"
Alina asked En.
"Yeah, I really don't understand how bus codes work here. And if I get lost, I'm not sure how to ask for help since my book and the app are both useless."
En jokes around about her statement.
"Hmm... Well there's definitely a lot of amazing places here that you'll be amazed to discover. You just need to take a risk and try exploring."
Alina challenged the newcomer.
"Maybe soon. I'm just starting to adjust from this new environment. But which place do you recommend going?"
En curiously asked.
"There are many of them here. Temples, sacred mountains, museums, beaches, historical places and more."
Alina continued on sharing.
"And which among those places do you love the most?"
En showing interest in their conversation.
"My favorite place and the one I often visit is not a known location. It's a little cabin in front of a lake in 73rd street. You'll have to ride bus 732 to get there."
Alina answered.
"And what made that place special?"
En continues to interrogate the woman.
"The place is not known to a lot of people. So it's not crowded and noisy. It's the one place I can spend the day to relax and be myself. Plus the view at night is mesmerizing. The only thing that luminates the place are the stars, the fireflies and the only lamp inside the cabin. It makes me feel calm to watch both the lake and the night sky at the same time."
En can't help but smile hearing what Alina has shared with her. Because those were the things that she does herself back on her Nana's place. Finding a peaceful quiet place to lie down and relax as she connects herself with nature.
The two found themselves comfortably talking about personal stuff and have been enjoying every moment they are spending on the coffee shop. However time was not their friend today. What seemed to be 2 hours of talking felt like seconds as the school bell rang, indicating that the classes are now over. En can't help but feel a little blue because she had to leave soon with Rosa and Posy.
Just as En sees a few kids slowly coming out of the school exit, she saw Rosa arriving as well. En had to bid goodbye to Alina and thank her for keeping her company while she waited for Posy.
As En makes her way out of the coffee shop, Alina called her name.
"En, I look forward to seeing you again."
YOU ARE READING
Bus 732
RomanceEn thought that moving into the new, unfamiliar place would be her biggest struggle - but she was wrong. . .
