Answer Me

Chapter 18

It had been a couple of weeks since my books were lined up on the bookshelves at the bookstores all over the country. The feedbacks I received were all good so far. Most of the readers even posted it on Goodreads, saying that my books had taught them to love themselves more and to accept their flaws. Some even tweeted about being so happy that their girlfriends started to feel good about themselves. One of them even said that he was grateful that she stopped ranting about her looks.

I was sitting alone at the Starbucks, finishing my college assignment. I heard footsteps behind me, not sneakers or Riley's shoes, but high heels. Did Ann or Ali know I was here? Because I wasn't really in the mood of tagging along the girls for a shopping day.

Then, I heard her. I heard her voice reading the first line of my book.

Was it really her?

She kept walking until her pace stopped beside me. I looked up. A gasp caught in my throat.

It was Sam.

My eyes were puffy because of crying. Crying because of the longing that I had been holding back all these years had fled away. Sam didn't change a bit. Only that she was more stylish than she used to be. Sam was wearing a chartreuse-colored dress shirt over a pair of jeans. Her straight hair was gone. Now, her locks were loose black curls with honey-colored highlights. Her lips and eyes were applied with light make-up and she looked so stunning.

"Sam, how did you find me? I mean, you're living in Hong Kong and we're, like, lost contact of each other."

"Honey, you're kinda famous now." She smiled so wide. "I managed to talk to my parents about going to US. I went back to our old neighborhood and found your mom. Your mom said you're in Florida. English studies? Amazing choice, honey. I'm so proud of you." She seemed to have a lot to tell so, I just listened to her stories. It was always good to be with her again.

"So, um, have you found any special ones?" She cleared her throat playfully.

"Um, kinda." Should I tell her about Riley McDonough? Should I mention that my boyfriend was a member of Before You Exit, the rising pop sensation? Nah.

"Tell me about it." Curiosity colored her tone. I bit my lip before answering.

"Well, he's a very good guy. With dark hair and hazel eyes. He was the one who helped me through thick and thin. He loves me for who I am."

Sam pinched me lightly on my shoulder with a naughty smile on her lips. "Aww, that is so cute. He's a lucky guy. I want to meet that guy so badly," she said but, I started to feel nervous when she wanted to see Riley. Uh oh. "But I'm afraid my flight ticket is tomorrow night. I'm sorry I can't spend much time with you, Erin. I know it's been years and for God's sake, I miss you loads." She kept on. Sam pulled out a piece of tissue and wrote something on it. She handed it to me.

They were her phone number, Twitter username and Instagram. Technology era.

"We'll surely meet again sooner. I promise."

If I could wish for one thing at that moment, I would definitely wish for Hong Kong to be located anywhere I went so I could spend my time more and more with Sam.