Adjustments

Adjustments 16

One Year Later

Noah

It's been one year since I've seen Sarah's gorgeous face. I miss her more than words can describe. I should've never let her walk out the door. I went to her house the next day and nobody was there. She's either in another state or dead. I hate not knowing which. I want to call her but I can't find the courage.

Once a week, I go to Claire's Coffee Shop in hopes of seeing her standing at the counter. But it never happens. I haven't seen her since April last year. It's June. I feel like every day without her, I grow weaker. It's like I'm a superhero whose powers have been drained.

Sarah

I am so tired! I just came home from California yesterday. I finished my first year of college at USC! They called last year and asked me to attend.

Ashley's meeting me for coffee. I miss her. We spent two months together before I went away. She is like my sister. As we walk down the street, I smell the delightful scent of pollution.

"God, I missed this place!" I say, putting my arm around Ashley.

"I refuse to have you leave for that long ever again!" We laugh as we cross the road. She opens the door and I see the back of a man's head. It looks too familiar. He turns around and reveals his face, stunned.

Noah

I knew it would happen! She's here! Oh my God she must've gotten more beautiful, if that's even possible! She's so tan! And she's holding her head up high with confidence! She's finally found herself! And she's here! Standing in-front of me! She's not saying anything. Say something Noah!

"Hi." I say, stuttering while trying to find my words.

"Hello." She says, with confidence. Her friend moves to the counter, leaving Sarah and myself alone.

"How are you?" I ask, my voice shaking.

"Great. How are you?"

"Great." Great? More like jumping off the walls! I love her! Where has she been? Should I ask? "What have you been up to?"

"I actually have been at college. USC, in California." That's amazing! Oh my God, she got in! I am so happy for her!

"Good for you."

"How about yourself?" Her skin looks like porcelain and her voice sounds like she belongs in a black and white film. Sarah has a certain level of sophistication now, more sophisticated than she ever was with me.

"I haven't been doing much." I say. I want to pull her into my body and never let go. Sarah's friend comes around the corner with their coffee.

"Ready?" She asks, handing her the coffee.

"Sure." She turns to leave, then faces me. "It was nice seeing you, Noah."

"Yeah, you too." Then, her face disappears. I should run after her! I should stop her, but it isn't fair for me to interfere with her life now.

Sarah

"Are you alright?" Ashley asks.

"Yes. I think so." I say, in shock.

"He looked handsome."

"Thank you, Ash." There's a moment of silence. "He didn't look like himself."

"What do you mean?"

"He looked pale. Do you think he's sick or hurt?"

"Why do you care? He cheated on you."