Always, It's You

Chapter 17

Ashley's POV:

A storm of heatwave stroke me as I stepped out of the airport. I should have guessed the weather of the Mediterranean beforehand. I took off my light jacket.

I have to go shopping afterward. The clothing I brought with me was no match for this hot and dry weather.

I called Maya. As usual, she took some time to answer leaving me impatient under the scorching sun.

"Isn't it surprising that you are calling me two times in two days?" Maya's sarcastic voice came over the phone.

"Shut the crap out and tell me where to find you," I answered, already annoyed.

"Wow, wow, easy girl....somebody is irritated!" she laughed. And suddenly she stopped,
"What do you mean where to find me?" Disbeliefs were taking over her tone, "don't tell me you did...."

"You bet I did. Now are you going to tell me or what?" I almost cracked.

I had to take the phone away for a second from my ear as I barely identified the scream coming out from the phone as humane!

"Where are you now? Airport?" she screamed.

"Yeah," I answered.

"There is a cafe nearby. Stay there. I am coming over."

she immediately hung up the phone not giving me any chance to say anything.

I looked around. Yes, there was a cafe. I went inside with my backpack and handbag.

I chose to sit around a corner ordering an ice tea and observing people. I like to observe people.
It's fun to watch random people and anticipate the story they were acting as the role in their life.

My life, yes, it's just my life. Work, watch and live.

Sometimes I think maybe it's my destiny to watch the lives others live into, not getting for myself.
I am an observer and probably will end up being one only and never to participate.

I didn't have to wait for long.

"So, what should I do now? Scream? "

I was distracted for a bit and pulled back to reality by the girl in front of me whom I haven't seen for a long time.

I stood up and was immediately dragged into a hug.
Things were not as I imagined before. I imagined her causing a scene, of course, a happy scene!!
But we both were quiet, just hugging each other between our arms. She whispered in between her sobs, "I missed you Pip."

I just hugged her tighter, "I missed you too M."

She pulled away and kicked my knee, "You are a horrible friend, you know?"

"Aweee......" I rubbed my knee, "who came to see you then? Should I just go back?"

A smile appeared on her face at last, "Whatever... let's go. I have a lot of things to tell you!!"

We were at a small hotel in Xlendi. It's a small village in Gozo.
Maya was staying here, so am I. She didn't let me reserve another room, and yes, there was no point in doing that.

I came here in the morning. Now it's almost dark.
We were out wandering around a bit and ended up sitting outside a restaurant for our dinner. We were waiting for our rabbit meat meal, it's famous around here. As usual, we were talking gibberish. This night reminded me of lots of other nights with her, except it was in a faraway land with no worries for our future in front of us now.

The Milkyway was visible in the sky with trillions of tiny stars.

I remembered Tae, the night we took a walk along the beach. His smile, his happy eyes, melting moon, the sound of crashing waves, breeze that carries memories of ancient fairytales........ would we meet again?