When I met you

Amanda - Chapter 2

I walked back home, the temperature was pleasant, and it was getting dark, on the way I saw a huge group of people in what seemed to be a party: there was music, and it was loud, people seemed to be having fun with each other. As I approached, I realized it was not just a party, but it felt like a kind of local festival: food stalls, people getting tattooed and pierced, there was an amusement park, dance groups, and other things I could not identify.

When I got to the entrance, I was surrounded by a group of teenagers trying to get me in, but I managed to get rid of them. I only wanted to get home for a bath, some wine and my book.

That was exactly what I did as soon as I got home: bath, wine, book... my cell phone alerted me to incoming messages. I had completely forgotten about it. I read all the messages and answered them, too.

The wine made me lighter and more relaxed, so I went to my room and ended up sleeping; it was a peaceful but dreamlike sleep with the festival I saw earlier.

I heard a boring and annoying noise that I could not identify where it came from, of course it woke me up, so I realized it came from my cell phone - a call from my friend, I answered:

"Who bothers me so early in the morning?"

"I see you're really enjoying this trip, am I right?"

"I'd be enjoying it more if you hadn't woken me up so early."

"Early? Do you know what time it is?

"No. But, I know you'll be kind to tell me."

"Ha ha. It's 1:30 in the afternoon. What are you doing?"

"Wow! 1:30 pm? I have to prepare things for tomorrow, it's my first day..."

"Prepare things for tomorrow? First day of what?"

Oops... What now? What will I say? I have to come up with something quick and convincing, or I'll have endless questioning to answer.

"Sorry, dude. I think I'm still in the effects of the wine I drank yesterday. It must have confused my neurons."

"Ok, dude. I'll let you sleep some more. Take care of yourself and have fun."

"Fine. I'll take care of myself."

"Kisses."

"Bye."

I turned off the phone. Wow! I almost ruined everything. But, I think what I said was convincing, and he will take time to call me again.

After looking back at my watch, I decided I had to get up, because I really had a lot to do for the next day; I remembered that since yesterday afternoon I had not eaten; so, I made my bed, showered, got dressed, and went out to look for a different place to eat.

I decided to walk, and passed in front of the place where yesterday was taken by people in a kind of festival, I still do not know what that was, but living here, I will know.

As I walked, I was looking at what was left of the party, and then I saw through all that mess someone who called my attention - tall, slightly tanned skin, blond hair...

I passed him without looking sideways or backwards. For a minute, I forgot what I was doing and where I was going. I gathered myself without showing any sign of puzzlement, and moved on as if nothing had happened.

Who is he? Is he also just spending a season in this city?

I found myself in front of that restaurant again, walked in and the waiter led me to a table near the window. He handed me the menu and walked away, leaving me to choose what to eat. Instead of choosing what I would order, I found myself remembering what had just happened.

When I realized, the waiter was by my side, and asked:

"Are you all right? Are you ready to order?

"I'm sorry. Yes, I am. I'll have a green salad without the dressing and a grilled chicken fillet."

"Are you going to drink something?"

"Water, please."

"I'll be right back with your order."

"Thanks."

The waiter walked away and I looked out the window and told myself: remember the reason you left everything behind and ended up here. Even before I could do anything else, the waiter brought my order. I ate, paid the bill, and returned home. It was late, and I still had to organize things for tomorrow: my first day of work in this city.
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