Welcome to L.A.

Flowers on the snow

Kass is gone. She's working today. I didn't even wake up when she turned off her alarm clock. What woke me up is Cath's ringtone. I'll remember that song by heart until the day I die. I swear. I could've guessed it was her from the other room.

"Milou! How have you been?" She's so happy that she makes me smile.

"Hey, Cath! I... I'm good." I had to yawn. "What about you?" She laughs with a childish laugh and it makes me feel like we're still in high school.

"Were you still sleeping? Wait you're in California it must be so early, I'm really sorry!" Now, I'm laughing.

"Don't worry. It's only fifteen before ten." She doesn't understand.

"Weren't you in L.A. with Maude?"

"Yes, Maddy and I were in L.A. a day ago. She still is, but I left for two days. It's my grandma's memorial today."

"Are you okay?" I've never been in that situation. "You can tell me if..."

"No, it's okay, it's always the same old speech anyway." She sights.

"Poor Milou... I hope it'll get better one day." She pauses. "Oh my God I wanted to tell you! How come did you two meet DnA in person that's so... unlikely to happen to anyone!" Oh no...

"What are you talking about?"

"Please. Don't tell me that this wise and beautiful girl in Dan's arms wasn't you in Mau's car! I know that they say that you'll all deny it if asked, but I know it's the truth." Did I say that or it was when I was sleeping? "Anyway, if it is true, don't ever let Dan go! He's so sweet and fans around the world want the "mystery girl that I won't say is you, but that I know it is" has to be dating him. Usually, they all hate the girls that they hang out with, but, surprisingly, no one has hated you for being in this position. Must be because of how denying you are. You don't believe in him loving you and don't try too much. That's the key, it worked! If I'm right, just... don't listen to your head now. Listen to your heart... for once."

"Thanks, Cath..."

"Are you okay? You don't seem okay. Aren't you usually talking to me in French? I almost never hear you calling Maude that way."

"I... I don't know, I feel bad about how things have gone with time. French used to be in my culture and... and it just feels like a foreign language by now."

"Don't say that. Trust me. I live with both English and French every day and I'm totally fine with it. You don't have to make a choice." That's the wisest thing I've heard so far.

"I never thought about that. Thank you." I'll soon be running out of time. "Hey, Cath, do you mind if I call you back later? I have to get to Church by ten thirty and I just woke up..."

"Of course you can!" I know she's smiling right now. "Oh, and Amé?"

"Yeah?"

"I won't say it's you. Pinky swear promise." We used to say that... I miss her so much...

"Thanks, Cath. Even if... I never said that I'm the mystery girl."

"You never said anything about it, but I know you well enough to know I can't be wrong. Will you be back in Montreal anytime soon?" I wish I was...

"No, unfortunately... I miss you a lot too." She's disappointed.

"When am I going to see you, then?"

"We'll be at the airport..." I'm looking for my ticket. "Around ten forty tonight to be early. My flight is at midnight."

"That's amazing I'll see you there, then! I can't wait to see you again! Christmas seems so far. I see you even less than my Ontarian family..."