THE STARKS ALLEY

8

"I don't know about you but I'm satisfied," Kristie said, pushing her plate away.

"There's always room for dessert Kristie. I remember you used to be obsessed with vanilla," Izzy said trying to flag down a waiter.

"I can't believe you still remember that!"

"I can never forget, Kristie. Even if I tried." Kristie was flattered by this, but she tried not to show it. The truth is, she felt guilty. Izzy tried his best to keep in touch with her but she just didn't reciprocate that energy. They made a promise to each other before Kristie left for Australia and she broke that promise. She understood this quite frankly.

"It's funny how fate can be huh?" Izzy began, "You, me, Australia. I mean, who would've thought. We were just two teenagers in love in Poland." Kristie was not expecting Izzy to be as blunt as he was. This made her to shift uncomfortably in her seat, not sure of what to say next.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you feel..."

"Your order sir!" The waiter came back just in time to save Kristie from this quick sand she had been put in and she took the opportunity.

"Mmmmh I LOVE this so much! How do you make it?" She asked the waiter before he left.

"I don't make the food, I just get it from the kitchen to the tables ma'am."

"Alright," Kristie said softly, "Anyway, thank you so much this. I had fun catching up!" Kristie said, getting her bag. She then started going toward the exit.

"Hey wait..." Izzy said, holding her back, "Let's just go back to our table for a few minutes then we can leave without any awkward feeling between us."

Izzy and Kristie slowly walked back to their table.

"I didn't mean to bring any of that up. I know it's..."

"Izzy, listen to me. It's been so many years and we're not the same people that we were. I have a boyfriend now and I'm happy. I know we promised each other to..." Just then, someone interrupted them.

KRISTIE'S POV

"Izzy hi! Sorry I'm late. This town is so complicated you know." It was a fairly short girl with overflowing innocence in her voice.

"I'm glad you could make it," Izzy said, standing to hug her. He was genuinely happy to see her.

"Kristie," he said sitting down, "This is Monic, my girlfriend."

What?

"Nice to meet you Monic," I said as she took the seat closest to Izzy. She was dressed in a simple sun dress with heels.

"Izzy has told me so much about you!!" She said, gripping his arm.

Funny, he's never mentioned you

"That sounds great!!" I wasn't expecting this at all!

"I wanted you to meet my girlfriend tonight. She's also part of the program at The Starks Alley."

"I'm so glad we got to do this together babe," Monic said and they laughed together.

The waitress came to take Monic's order but she refused to eat anything.

We chatted for a few minutes, most of which I told them about The Starks Alley.

"I really have to leave," I said, packing my bag.

"Let us take you home at least," Monic offered.

I didn't want Izzy and Monic to see the perfect priceless palace that I lived in, of course not.

"I already have a cab waiting for me outside but I'll see you over at The Starks Alley!"