I Will Always Come Home to You (Ally and Stevie)

13. Second Chances (Stevie said)

My ex, Sarah, is back in town and I was not so sure how to feel about it. I have waited for the moment when I could face her without regret. People have all their own notion of a perfect girl or boy and I could say we were that of the other. Our problem was we were not right for each other.

Sarah requested me to join her team in the next three days, including this weekend. I hesitated because Ally invited me to babysit Hera together on Sunday. With the current circumstance, I think there would be no need to tell Ally I could not make it. I have not even heard from Ally since this morning.

Sarah was taking on a musical film that she described as 'a two-hour long music video.' I agreed to work with her on the project because why not?

When the meeting ended, Sarah invited me for dinner. She brought me to our favorite restaurant for old time's sake.

"Good evening beauties," the waiter greeted us, he was a familiar face. "It has been a while since your last date here. We're glad you're back."

Sarah and I looked at each other and smiled. I caught myself off guard. I forgot how beautiful her bright, blue eyes are. I expected my breath to be taken away by her stare but it was not—I was breathing normally. She ordered her usual but I tried the new house specialty, surprising myself even more.

"How have you been?" I asked.

"Busy as hell. But I always find the time to follow your music videos. The last one with that new artist, is she called Andy? It was pretty splendid! It's a bonus that you starred in it. I got to see you," Sarah said. "How about you?"

"Her name is Ally, Ally Hills," I corrected her. "Well, I am still my boring self, nothing changed."

"Still living your Hannah Montana life huh?"

"Ha-ha. Do people still use that reference? Can we just say I am still a member of the clone club."

"Good one."

She told me her wartime stories—initially she was doing all the dirty work for the directors in their network. When she was given the break, she performed very well. The projects keep on coming.

We finished dinner and did some catching up. After a few drinks, we decided to call it a night.

"Can I visit our— I mean the kittens when I drop you off later?"

"Of course! You are always welcome."

When we got off the car, I saw Ziggy and Whiskey, meeting us at the door. They probably thought Ally was with me. They both developed fondness for Ally. For the past nights, they welcomed Ally every time she arrived because Ally spoiled them with treats.

"Are they that responsive now?" Sarah asked.

"Only lately," I answered as a matter of fact.

While Sarah was playing with the kittens, I conceded and called Ally's house. I had to check if she was okay.

"Hi Helen! This is Stevie, Ally's friend, I mean co-worker."

"Oh hi, Stevie! Are you looking for Ally? She's in her lair but I can bring her here."

"There's no need for that. Just checking if she got home safely. Please do not tell her I called."

"Okay, I won't. I am neither meddling nor patronizing Ally here. But, Stevie, I think you called because you care. It's just obvious."

"Oh. I will take that into consideration. Thank you, Helen."

I hung up. At least, Ally was home. It gave me temporary calmness. I went back to the living room where Sarah was.

"Stevie," Sarah said gently. "A thought crossed me when I was on my way to LA earlier."

"What was it?"

"Do you believe in second chances?"