The Last Stop. ( ON HIATUS )

5. Lunch time ( Part 1 ).

Gotta hide this from Lia fast! She's got eagle eyes... extremely sharp! I grabbed a small cloth from the counter and covered the jewellery box.

I then turned around and told Lia while pointing at the covered box,

" Hah!?! What!?! Oh! This! This is just an ordinary box! Filled with pictures of me when I was just a toddler! ".

" You sure? I'm sure that box looks like it's covered in Swaro- ".

I immediately shouted at the two idiots at the back where one was still trying to kill the other while the other was hanging on for dear life.

" GUYS! ".

Both turned their head simultaneously at me.

I clapped my hands multiple times while saying that we all should grab lunch. I gave a quick glare at both of them, then secretly pointed at the box behind me and soon at Lia.

Lia gave a confused look but didn't say much.

As for Polly and Jordan, they both soon realised the actual situation.

Polly smacked Jordans back and said,

" Yeah! You're right! Lunch time is here! Umm, Lia? I'm sure you're familiar with the area here! Got any recommendations? ".

Jordan stood there and said with an excited tone,

" I'm starving! Good reminder! ".

Lia looked dumbfounded. She gave a small awkward laugh and continued,

" Umm, there's one restaurant that I think you all might enjoy! Is that cool? ".

All of us agreed.

We then grabbed our stuff and soon left my apartment block. Luckily the restaurant was just a good 15 minute walk. Throughout the journey, Polly was talking to Lia all about girl stuff or problems, but mainly, trying to get Lia to forget about the whole mysterious box that was back at my place.

Jordan and I however, were just following from behind. I then asked Jordan,

" So, who gave you guys the box? ".

Jordan looked at me with a " are you for real? " face. He gave a sigh of disbelief.

" What's up man? ".

" Oh c'mon dude. I just had to go through a good hell of 5 to 10 minutes struggling with her! She got some strong ass muscles.... And all you care is about that box! ".

" Quiet down man! Polly's trying to distract Lia! Don't remind her about it! So, answer me! ".

" Your mother gave it to me and Polly when we went to your house to say goodbye to you. But by the time we reached, unfortunately, you already had left for the airport. So, your mother cried a little because she was worried for you, she misses you a lot! She then asked us to visit you here in New York and give you your present. The one present that will make you remember that your mother and brother who are back at home, will always support you.".

I was in shocked. Suddenly, I too felt like crying. But, I had to stay strong. When small, I've always cried because of being weak. I shall not repeat that mistake again. I must never cry. I must be strong.

But, I'm extremely glad my mother cares for me. My friends and brother too.

I then told Jordan,

" Look. I really appreciate you guys fulfilling my mothers request. But at the same time, you guys are putting risk into me keeping my identity safe. That box isn't an ordinary box. It's a limited edition made from Swarovski! Lia was even able to spot it easily. I've only told her that my family is just an average one. If she found out that the box belongs to me, she'll be asking non-stop. ".

Jordan patted my shoulder and said,

" Dude! We got your back! No need to worry. You're my best friend, and I'm gonna make sure your identity stays safe! ".

I smiled with relief.

About 10 minutes later, we've finally reached the restaurant that Lia suggested. It's called, Free Hour. What a peculiar name.

Once we stepped foot inside, it seemed like the inside of an ordinary coffee shop. There were  stalls selling their own dishes from the left side of the place to the right. Customers were rushing to get seats of their own. It was quite packed. Good thing there's an air conditioner.

I'm not a huge fan of crowded places, due to it being extremely stuffy. But, I can bear with it.

I grabbed Lia by her arm and asked,

" Umm, were you able to get any reservations here? ".

She looked surprised.

" Haha! Of course silly! I've actually made a reservation here for myself. I've specifically booked a special room. But since you guys are here now, I might as well let you all join. ".

We all smiled grandly. Polly squealed with delight. Me and Jordan were relieved.

" Thanks Lia! ", I said while smiling.

We all followed Lia through the crowded environment, more like a war if I'm being absolutely honest. Our bodies were consistently being pushed by other people. This place must be insanely popular.

Once we've finally reached our room, the waiter came in and handed us the menu.

I scanned through the dishes, it seemed simple and delicate. Looks satisfying and the price was pretty affordable.

I looked at everyone else, Jordan seemed pretty pumped up about trying the foods. Polly was scrolling through social media, probably learning about the place. Lia, on the other hand, she was just calmly staring at the menu. But, she looked a tad down.

I then asked Lia with a concerned tone,

" Hey! You alright? You look a bit sad.. ".

" Oh! Umm.. nothing! It's just... this place wasn't just for me. It's my moms birthday today and I wanted to celebrate with her here, at her favourite restaurant.  ".

" Oh! I'm really sorry! ".

She looked surprised. She tucked her hair behind her ear and said,

" It's fine! At least I didn't come alone. I'm glad I met you and your friends. ".

Suddenly, my heart started to beat fast. There was this weird sensation or feeling inside of me that made me want to... I don't know.. Like I wanted her to be by my side at all times? I didn't want to get away from her. But, if she knows my true identify, will she still stay with me? Argh! What am I even thinking.. but.

Is this what people normally call it as, a crush?

Out of nowhere, Jordan screamed asking where the waiter was to take in our orders. Polly spat out her water, then pinched Jordan on his thigh.

" You idiot! Please remember that we're not the only ones here! ", she said with a ferocious tone.

Jordan then apologised. But also, he really wanted to call the waiter cause of his impatient stomach.

Polly looked over at the both of us and asked if we've finished choosing our meal. We both agreed.

Polly soon called in the waiter and we all ordered our meals.

In the meantime, while waiting, we all started chit-chatting about each other. But, the conversation was starting to get awkwardly, hilariously and of course insanely, weird.

Writer's Note :
I'm sorry everyone that this chapter is short! Like every short! Due to some complications of my health ( chest pain ), I'm not able to write a full chapter. So this is just part 1. I hope you all can forgive me! See ya'll next week for part 2!