Stephanie & Xander

Chapter 27

STEPHAN.

That was five years ago.

I'm 22 now, working as a freelance graphic artist. Sometimes I do tattoos too. I learned how to do it from Abby but I've bought my own machines 2 years ago.

Emily and I have been dating for 5 years and are engaged for almost a month now. She has cut her hair to a bob because I think it'll look good on her. And, yes, it fits her. She owns a pet clinic. It wasn't full-time so we get to travel a lot as our bonding time. We enjoy visiting new places and knowing locals. And we get to enjoy the view because I've bought a motorcycle when I saved up a little. I even taught her how to drive. As much as me, she also has desires to travel.

Coco is now tending her mom's flower shop. It suits him. He's got this cool and composed vibe around him. And, he's always so good in serving customers like back when I first saw him again in the convenient store and also when he worked as a butler-waiter in Ikebukuro. That sure brings back some memories.

Laqueta has published two books about tips of a successful couples and how two moms or two dads should raise their children. While, Abby still owns Kitchenware shop and does tattooing from time to time. They're still sweet as ever. They don't forget the short kisses when they say bye to each other in the car. They're so ideal.

Dad, on the other hand, is living a completely independent life. He owns a bar and is happy working surrounded with wines. He didn't make up with mom but I've seen them once together. They don't hate each other anymore. That's good to see.

I don't hear much from Jun-nii but we talk over the phone from time to time. He's focused in making and selling sweets online nowadays. It's a total contrast of character but he seems happy about it. He has sent over some Mochi to me last month and damn, it's so good.

Sakiko is still working in a cabaret but she owns them now in partnership with a friend. She's grown to be a beautiful and strong woman. I heard from Jun-nii that she can even beat up perverts molesting her girls.

Ma'am Thuy... Tuan was finally working in an office. I get to find him when I was doing a poster for a branch opening of the company he's working at. I heard from him that Ma'am Thuy died three years ago from choking on a dango. It was a weird way of dying but I guess it's very Ma'am Thuy. It was sad but I think she lived a happy life. That's enough.

Ed Woodward finished his term 2 years ago. He and his wife had a four year old son named Oliver. He was such an angel. He's neat and loves butterflies and flowers. He's too soft, a total contrast of his sister, Xander. And geez... Xander.

Five years ago, after finishing the call with mom, Xander has already vanished. We don't even have a proper goodbye. I guess she's not good at it. Even her parents don't know where she is and it's not even anything new. She's totally independent even five years ago. She probably didn't want it to end just like that too. I understand.

But I really want her to be there in our wedding. I don't want her getting full of herself but I admit it, she's my best friend. The reason why I get along with the people I couldn't get along before was because of her. The reason why I love the sun and outdoors and travelling is also because of her. It was her who helped me find Emily. I just want her to see this until the end. She worked hard for this way more than me.

On the day when we both escaped and she's busy begging for money, there was this old woman who gave me a mug of hot Chocó. I remember her saying that best friends are made in journeys. She's not wrong. She's absolutely right. At that time I couldn't even imagine that Xander will end up almost like a sibling to me. She even bothers saying stupid things about brotherhood. It was overwhelming.