One Last Time

One

“It’s been roughly three years since we graduated, but here I am... still the same old Tiffany, I feel like I’m stuck in grad school and nothing’s really happening,” she scoffed.

Frustrated, she opened her wallet and stared at her graduation photo. She flipped it to the other side and smiled at the photo of her and Taeyeon wearing togas, bragging their diplomas.

“But I guess we’re still the same, right Taeyeon? Look at us, so innocent, playful… and happy.”

Taeyeon peeked at the photo and then looked back at Tiffany. She knew her words of comfort wouldn’t really be helpful for her best friend. She knew she only had to listen.

She then grabbed hold of Tiffany’s wallet, opened it, and saw a couple of paper bills. “Wow! Who’s loaded today, huh? Will you treat me another chocolate cake?”

She made a cute face and blinked twice. “Please?”

“Hey, you’re not listening to me.” Tiffany sulked. “That’s the only money I have.”

Taeyeon returned her wallet, pouting like a kid across the other girl. “How many times do I have to tell you that I believe in you? And you should, too.”

Tiffany sighed, “It’s just so frustrating, you know. Look at you. Just three years after graduation, here you are, starting your own brand. And now, lots of companies even want to partner up with you. It’s amazing how you did all that.”

“Well, I think you’re amazing,” Taeyeon had to say it out loud. “Among all of us, you’re the only one who pursued grad school. If anything, we should all look up to you. You’re actually part of the reason why the Earth is continuously innovating! Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up finding a cure for cancer!”

“Taeyeon-ah…” Tiffany frowned at the thought. “I’m sorry. It’s just that... It’s so tiring to keep up with you. The pressure in grad school is killing me. I’m already 25 years old, a full time PhD student without a stable income. And the fact that you pay for the both of us whenever we go out is not helping either. I want to be the one who pays too!”

“Since when has the money become an issue? I told you, many times before. You can pay me anytime. No rush.” Taeyeon smiled genuinely, reaching out to hold her best friend’s hand.

“I know you’re thinking about that Europe trip that we’ve dreaming about since college. Am I right?”

Tiffany squeezed Taeyeon’s hand. “I really wanna make it to that trip with you. But I feel sorry for myself. I’m afraid it might take years for me to be able to save up for that. I don’t wanna travel cheap because it’s gonna be with you! We will enjoy Europe for a month!”

She released her hand from Taeyeon and pointed her finger to the latter.

“And please. No free ticket. No free stuff. Don’t even start.”

‘I guess I have to wait patiently then, huh?’ Taeyeon thought.

“Don’t worry, Fany-ah. Whatever it takes. It will happen. I believe in you.”