The exchange student

II

As predicted within two hours the bar was almost completely packed. Most of the tables were occupied and the seats at the bar were filled. For the most part she really liked it, a lot of people meant staying busy. She liked being busy, it meant the time would pass by much faster. With a kind smile on her face, she gracefully made her way through the bar taking orders left and right. She was nimble and light on her feet, making it easy for her to maneuver in between all the tables and costumers. She knew the layout of the bar so well she could probably wait tables with her eyes closed. Balancing the tray on her hand she put down some drinks at a table, placing the empty glasses back on her tray. "Enjoy your drinks." She said polite before she took off to bring the glasswork back to the kitchen.

All the running around had made her thirsty, she filled a glass of water and chugged it down. She filled the glass again and drank it slower this time. The second she put the glass down the service bell already rung again. After a quick glance to the clock she made her way back to the bar, just a couple more hours. She filled her tray again and walked over to the table that ordered. When one of the girls sat at the table faced her, she almost dropped the tray, nothing prepared her for this moment. Her eyes widened and she felt her heart pounding harder in her chest. Is it really? No.. it couldn't be, right?

The girl in front of her looked about as shocked as herself. "W..Willow?" She stuttered, still nailed to the ground. There was no denying it, she'd recognized those piercing eyes everywhere, a perfectly balanced mixture of periwinkle and moss, reminding her of a gentle stream flowing through a field. The girl at the table nodded at her, flashing a smile that didn't seem to reach her eyes. "Oh.. Hey Asta." Upon further examination she noticed Willows eyes had lost the shine and happiness she remembered them to possess. She didn't get the chance to ask her how she was as they got rudely interrupted, by an obnoxious nasal voice.

"Uhm hellooo? Our drinks?"

Asta looked up to the girl seated next to Willow who was snapping her fingers, the girl glared at her in disdain.

"What does a girl have to do to get some service around here, geeez.."

The girl had turned to complain to one of their friends, as if her behavior wasn't rude enough on its own. The guy who had his eyes glued to the screen on his phone looked up. His lips pursed as he looked her up and down, making it evident he thought himself to be better than her.

"Ya.. I know right."

Immediately he diverted his attention back to his screen, not wanting to bother even one more second with her. Asta couldn't help but furrow her brow, she bit her tongue and mustered a smile. "Of course."

She quickly placed the drinks in front of the people sat at the table, glancing sideways at Willow who mouthed a sorry. Still shaken by seeing her long lost friend she struggled forcing her legs to move. She picked up the last of their conversation before getting out of earshot.

"Eww.. Can you believe that girl, so rude. Do you know her or something?"

"Eh.. sort off."

"What a bitch, making us wait for our drinks so long.. And who actually wants to voluntarily walk around with that hair color.."

Her mouth slightly dropped, not at the comments about her appearance, but at Willow. She came across as being ashamed to be associated with her. Slowly she regained control of her legs again, urging them to bring her to the kitchen as fast as they could. She placed the tray down with a smack, resting her hands on either side, the stainless steel table feeling cold at the touch. Asta couldn't believe what just happened, she hadn't seen Willow since the day she was adopted.

The last time they saw each other the nuns had to drag Willow away. She was kicking and screaming until they put her in the car, at that point she just started balling her eyes out. Asta felt her heart snap in two at the sight of it, but wanted to remain strong for Willow. It wasn't until she was alone in her bed at night the tears started streaming down her face. She remembered crying in her pillow, not wanting anyone to hear her, until she finally fell asleep from exhaustion. She felt more dead than alive in the weeks after, but did her best not to show it.