11 Meeting

A normal day passed by just like that, aside from the overly excited employees talking about the upcoming company outing.

Mia walked out of the building towards the bus stop which was her usual routine after work. As she was heading there, there seemed to be more people than expected at this usual hour which was 5:30 pm the people going home are few. Mia prefers to ride the bus at this time because of that reason.

As she was approaching the bench where she usually sits to wait for the bus, the noise became louder. Some people are trying to get a glimpse at the person who was sitting on the bench. The weird thing was even though there are lots of people around, they were avoiding this single person like the plague.

Mia's curiosity grew as she came closer, she saw the most beautiful girl, sitting on the bench like a goddess while waiting for the bus. She looked around to make sure this wasn't a taping of a certain movie or series. However, there weren't any crew and cameras around, only the curious people like her watching the beautiful girl from afar.

While Mia was staring, the lady suddenly looked up as if she has sensed something. Looking from one side then to the other, which Mia was located at, the beautiful girl squints her eyes then used her hand as a shield from the sun, as if she can't see because the light was blinding her.

Oh, she still looks pretty even when she squints, her form could be used as an inspiration for a painting. While Mia was thinking that, the said person suddenly stood up and waved to this side.

The people around Mia were looking from side to side trying to confirm who this pretty lady was waving at.

Mia was also one of them. The pretty lady then walks toward the crowd of people, now the people around Mia are getting excited to see the pretty girl up close.

Mia thought to herself, "She is way prettier than Melissa."

The beautiful girl is already in front of Mia while the people gave way as she was walking.

"Mia, it is you!" The beautiful girl said happily.

"Excuse me, but who are you?" Mia asked as she was confused who this pretty girl was. She was quite sure that she doesn't know any beautiful women like her, well aside from Melissa.

"It's me, it's me, Stephanie. Remember?" Stephanie said while pointing at herself.

"Oh my God, Stephanie you're a girl!" Mia exclaimed.

Sfx *thwack*

Stephanie sudden reaction to whack Mia's forehead came as a surprise.

"Oh, it is you. This is surprising," Mia exclaimed still in disbelief.

This idiotic couple is perfect for each other, Stephanie thought to herself.

"Let's go to somewhere else. Do you want to grab some coffee with me? There's a nice coffee shop just a street away," Stephanie said.

"Sure, lead the way," Mia said with a beaming smile.

The people around were surprised at the fast happening of events.

They follow their sight of the pretty girl as they left.

...

At the coffee shop.

"What do you mean I'm a girl now? That's rude you know. I've always been one," Stephanie said.

"But you were our school's little Prince. The girls really looked up to you," Mia said as if reminiscing about the past while Stephanie is now massaging her forehead.

"Look here, it was my father's choice why I got the same haircut as my brother. The clothes were ordered in bulk since me and my brother are almost the same size before. That's why we used the same clothes." This time Stephanie was grinding her teeth as if Mia was trying to open a scab that has already healed.

"He he, but you've become so beautiful now. What are you doing here? Do you work near this place?" Mia asked.

"Something like that," Stephanie replied.

Mia hesitated first before asking her next question. Stephanie who was looking at her actions has a guess where the next topic is heading.

"So how's William?" Mia asked in a tiny voice.

If Stephanie wasn't listening intently, she might have missed the question.

"He's doing well. He's been quite busy ever since he has started working," Stephanie said while looking intently at Mia's reaction.

She was fidgeting and playing at the coffee cup in her hands.

"I see, so he's back. I mean you're also here so you must have returned. Yeah, that's it." Tears were starting to well up in Mia's eyes as she said this downhearted.

Stephanie did not think that her reaction would be like this so she held her hand and told Mia softly, "You know there were circumstances. He'll explain on his own once he has the guts to approach you, okay."

Mia's only reply was a "hmm."

"Don't worry, he is working somewhere around here so he'll certainly give you a good explanation," Stephanie said while giving Mia some tissue to wipe her tears.

"He has always been a shy person since before." Mia smiled while remembering Williams' face.

No, he has changed a lot. He only acts that way towards you. If you could not even recognize me, you would never recognize him in this lifetime, Stephanie thought to herself.

"So where were you going? Why were you waiting for the bus?" Mia asked Stephanie, wondering if they are headed the same place.

"Uhmm." Stephanie could not reply for a while thinking of a reason why she was sitting there.

"Are you also living in the old neighborhood?" Mia asked excitedly trying to confirm whether Stephanie was still living in their old house.

Unfortunately, Stephanie's answer disappointed her. "I wanted to visit our old house but I am living in this area now with my family."

I am sorry for lying to you Mia, Stephanie said to herself.

Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa.

Editor - Chocolate Cake