23 A New Friend or Old one?

Shirley was surprised to see her here. The world sure sometimes seems like a small place, she mused. She was the air hostess who provided her with a drink during her previous flight.

'Hey, sorry I bumped into you. Are you fine? You did not get hurt, right?' she asked getting up. Shirley too dusted her dress as she got up.

'I am good, nothing hurts. What about you, are you okay?'

'Yup, fit as a fiddle. Samantha George, you can call me Sam, my friends do, all the time.' Sam said extending her hand for a shake.

'Shirley Grayson, you may call me by any name. I won't mind.' Shirley felt a bit awkward as she added the last line. She surely needs to practice her introductory line more often. It is a little rusty. However here practice was not the one to blame, whenever she feels sad or too deeply hurt she had this difficulty with communication. This problem has been with ever since her parent accident. She gets really awkward and as a result more reserved. But once you get to know her, she gets to know you then you will know that she is quite loquacious.

'Then I will call you Sherry.' Sam chimed. She did not notice any awkwardness or anything. She was glad to meet her.

'So why are you here, on holidays?'

'Yes.'

'Same pinch. It was my last flight before my vacation started, the one in which you arrived so I am on holiday too, for one whole week. Yippee! I am so glad, to have this small relief. I love my job but sometimes I just could not wait to leave the plane and be on land. This my third time here and I am still excited as my first time. There is something in this air that intrigues me. I am happy I met you here. Do you have any plans?' Shirley was stunned to silence for a while.

Sam has said so much in a single breath, Shirley wondered if needed breather. Shirley looked at her closely for any signs of unease. But it definitely was not the case she was not winded at all. Sam was beaming at her with hopeful eyes. She could not resist those doe-like eyes, she felt powerless. In addition, she really did not have anything arranged to go to. She was aimlessly wandering around, looking at the beauty all around her. So she spoke the truth.

'No'

'That's great. I know many beautiful places here, I will show you around and you could tell me all about yourself. I know this great landmark, Imaret. It is a monument and also accommodates people. Last I heard it is on lease for fifty years, can you imagine what would happen to this beautiful place after the time is over. I already feel sad thinking about it. What's more intriguing? Here is an MOHA, just opposite to a church. How inspiring it is, mixing of cultures and coexisting in peace? It all sounds wonderful. That's why I love this place. I know you will also like it. And you have to tell me, why were you crying at that time? We are friends and friends help each other out. So, don't hide this from me, I will help you in any way I can. Ok.' Sam took her hand and both of them started walking together. Well, it was more of, Sam leading her but she did not resist.

How would she? As once again, she was stupefied. She knew her eyes were red from crying but she had thought that she did not notice. But then why did she not say anything at that time and why now? Moreover, when did they become friends? Shirley did not know why she was feeling a bit warm in her heart and not panicky.

In a literal sense, Sam was just a stranger whom she met on the plane and nothing else. How could she just let Sam drag where ever she wants to? And why was she calling her Sam in her head? It was not a difficult question to answer. Shirley was reminded of how she met Sara.

Sara has come to introduce herself to her and then dragged her all along where ever she went. By the end of the day when they had to leave for their homes, it was then that they had realized, she has not told her name yet. They had laughed and gone home. The next day when they came back, she has asked for her name and a cycle was formed. It was the start of their friendship and the rest is history.

Looking at Sam, Shirley mulled over something. In no way that these two girls resemble. Sam is tall and slim and fair with blonde hair and brown eyes while Sara is short, curvy and black hair black eyes and dusky skin. Their looks are poles apart but Shirley somehow saw a glimpse of Sara in her. She did not feel uncomfortable at all. She was feeling tingly and good for a change.

So she let her drag her off to the so-called Imaret, feeling pleased with the situation, feeling that something good will come out of it.