My Angel

6 - Tea Leaves

Dr. Ziegler's heart fluttered excitedly, and she even felt her face begin to flush. These fuzzy feelings soon halted as her phone began to buzz violently, causing her to jump in shock. Her anxiety levels sky-rocketed as she saw that the wretched ginger had called. How could she have possibly gotten her phone number?

Almost instantly after finishing that thought, Dr. Ziegler's eyes widened as she recalled the events of early this morning.

"Guten Morgen," a young voice spoke up in a bad accent.

Dr. Ziegler let out a small squeal and dropped her phone in the process.

"Oh, I'm so, so sorry! I didn't mean to frighten you!"

Looking up, she saw that the woman who had greeted her was Mei-Ling Zhou, a short and chubby woman. She wore a baby blue blouse under her labcoat, and styled her dark hair in the same bun she always had it in.

"I'm sorry to have bothered you, Doctor," Mei looked down at her feet as she spoke.

"No worries, dear." She tried to laugh it off. "Is there something you needed?"

She hesitated a moment before speaking up. " I just wanted to let you know that I'll be leaving the base soon... I'm not sure the exact date, but Winston helped me find a new job that pertains more to my field."

"Are you sure you're ready?" She asked sympathetically.

"Yeah... I talked with him, and I'm ready to face the real world again head-on."

Dr. Ziegler smiled " I'm so happy for you."

Mei only nodded, and began to fidget with her fingers.

"Well, I'm going to miss you. We all are," she leaned forward and gave the doctor a soft embrace.

"I will too.." at that note, she began to quietly cry into Dr. Ziegler's shoulder. " I was so thankful that Winston was able to get me a job with some familiar faces to help me after the incident... and... and I'm so happy you guys accepted me so easily... everyone is too kind to me!"

The two doctors shared the intimate moment a few minutes longer until Mei finally calmed down.

"Whatever you need these last few days, I'll be more than happy to help. Even if it's with that pesky boyfriend of yours," Dr. Ziegler giggled.

Mei smiled and her cheeks began to blush deeply in embarrassment. " I guess Johan told you already."

"Yes, I still don't understand why your with Jamison. You're way too good for him!"

"Aww, I don't think so..... But he's really sweet and gentle,"

"Enough boy talk, ladies," Dr. Mählmann spoke as he walked by the office door "I told you it's not allowed unless I'm included!"

The girls laughed slightly before exchanging good byes. As Mei left, however, Dr. Ziegler's phone buzzed. With a dreary sigh, she ignored it again before getting back to work

*****

Dr. O'Deorain's car came to a slow stop as she inspected the new restaurant she came across.

"Tea Leaves Café...." she muttered the title to herself. It was odd, but intriguing.

The building was fairly modern and surrounded by it were several variants of herbs and flowers.

Head held high and hands in her pockets, the woman walked into the shop, and was greeted by an array of delectable aromas ranging from lavender to freshly baked dough. She ordered a bubble tea along with a sandwich that contained several vegetables she never even thought to put on a sandwhich, however, she was nonetheless satisfied with her purchase.

With a wide smirk, she left the restaurant and returned to work.

*****

Covering her face frantically, Dr. Ziegler walked swiftly back to her bike. She couldn't believe she almost bumped into Dr. O'Deorain leaving a shop... again. Luckily she was at least paying enough attention to swerve around at the last second and avoid another physical confrontation with the loathsome geneticist.

Hopping onto her rusted bike, she attempted to clear her mind by breathing deeply and decided to focus on getting lunch somewhere else.

She arrived at an older cafe just a few moments later, but anxiously scanned the perimeter for any red-headed gremlins before heading inside.

After ordering her food, she sat down on one of the worn down benches. She took out her phone and was delighted to find that Fareeha had sent her another message.

"Call me and we'll set up the details over the phone. I want to hear your voice!"

With a deep breath, Dr. Ziegler dialled Fareeha's number and anxiously waited for her to answer.

"Hello?"

The Doctor was paralyzed for a moment. So many nostalgic feelings rushed through her as she heard that soothing and familiar voice.

"Fah.... Fahreeha?"

"Angela! It's been awhile since I've heard your voice."

"Almost eight years I believe," she smiled

"I guess your right, Angie. I can't believe it's been that long."

"Me neither," she couldn't stop smiling "well, I do get the occasional update from your mother, so maybe that's why it hasn't felt that long."

" Oh really? What embarrassing stuff has she told you already? " Fareeha laughed lightly. Her laugh was so cheerful and welcoming.

"Well let's just say I've heard of more than a few incidents of you trying to sneak into Overwatch as a child."

"Oh those stories! Ah, well, my mother hasn't exactly been quiet about you either, so I think we're pretty even."

An unenthusiastic teenager walk toward where Angela sat. He carried a plate of food.

"Hier ist deine Essen." He spoke in a monotone voice.

"Oh! Entschuldigung!" Angela responded to him. "Fareeha I'll have to let you go, my food is here."

"That's alright. I've been reading up on this new restaurant in your area - tea leaves i believe- anyway I'll text you the address and meet you there at noon. "

"Oh, uh-"

"Good bye, Angie!" She hung up.

Dr. Ziegler was speechless, and prayed to whatever god was listening that Dr. O'Deorain wouldn't come back to that restaurant tomorrow.