8 Chapter 8

Alex

I'm driving on my way to Sottocasa in Harlem. I tried to think of the things we can talk about during the dinner, she might feel uncomfortable or shy and I don't want to have a ruined dinner today. But I can't make up any scenario. Why is it so hard to think, when I am supposed to be the master of any conversation? I tried to focus on the road and after a few minutes, I am already near the location.

Here we go, Alex!

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Hanna

After a long deliberation with myself, I decided to wake up. It's already 11:00 AM and the scorching sunlight was burning my face. I hate it when the window faces the morning sun, I can't remember the time when I fall asleep last night, and maybe it's already morning when I pass out. I tried stretching my body and sitting up from my bed, I can feel a throbbing pain in my right temple, I might get a migraine later if I won't take medicine. Slowly I stand up and walk to the bathroom door and open it. Reaching for the medicine cabinet I saw my face and it was horrible, dark circles and my hair was a mess. I took the pain killer and shot one tablet in my mouth. Then freshen up my face with water and facial wash. I hope later, Alex won't notice it. I brush my teeth and comb my hair to straighten it and left the bathroom and proceeded to the kitchen to make some brunch since it's almost 12:00 noon.

I made a coffee and prepare some miso soup, fried rice, and fish. When I finished cooking, it's already 01:00 PM. Yep! The Japanese style of breakfast takes time to prepare! My mom said we need a lot of energy in the morning so eating rice will help and some protein, I'm lucky I don't get fat, even at my age. Maybe it's in our genes... (I'm just kidding).

I was eating when my phone rings. I thought it was Alex, but it was actually my mom.

"Hi mom, how are you?" I said with a smile plastered on my face. I miss my mom sometimes. She is in Boston right now and a professor at Boston College.

"I'm good, what are you doing? Have you eaten already?" Her voice is sweet, but a bit demanding.

"I am eating right now, how about you?" I was poking the fish with my chopstick.

"Yes, I'm done. You know why I'm calling right?" Mom said with a disappointed voice.

"Mom please stop calling about this matter. I know what I'm doing. I will decide once I have the reason to do it" my voice is a bit higher but shaky.

"I am just worried about you," Mom said with a pleading voice.

"I know, just let me take my time," I said with a heavy sigh.

"Okay, fine, what's your plan today? Don't tell me you will lock yourself again in that apartment the whole day?" Her voice now becomes stern.

"No mom, I will be going out with a friend. I will continue eating now. I will call you later. I love you. Bye mom!" I said the words without breathing and hang up the phone. I don't want to continue talking, since I know where it will lead us.

After finishing my brunch, I went to my room and collected my laptop to do some work done, since I still have plenty of time.

I was still stuck up with the scene I was supposed to make for my novel, but I can't write something, I was pulling my hair already but no words will make a start. I can imagine, but it's not enough.

I gave up and tried to shift my thoughts to my other work; I need to edit some articles. You see I also manage some brand's social media account. Once done, I sent the final draft to my boss for approval before posting it. It was already 03:00 PM by the time I posted the article; I went back and started reading some novels online when my phone rings again.

This time it was my sister. "Hey, Natsumi, what's up?" My voice was cheerful since my baby sister is on the other line.

"Nothing, I'm just checking on you. Do you like to have dinner with us?" Her voice is as sweet as ever.

"I can't, actually I have plans for today, but thanks for the invite," I am a bit sad since it was a long time when we had dinner together due to the fact that she was busy with her work and with his boyfriend being obsessed with their new relationship that he won't allow her to leave without him.

"Really!? Do have a date tonight?" Her voice was too pitchy, it hurts my ear.

"No, it's not a date so stop!" I said demanding her to stop with this nonsense.

"Fine, but still enjoy whatever you're going to do sister, I'm rooting for you!" She seems ecstatic and I can sense it in her voice.

God, my family is really something!

"Sure, I will enjoy this day," I said "I'll hang up now, say Hi to Justin for me, bye"

I dropped my phone in my side and took my laptop again and instead of reading I took my headphone and started listening to some music to clear my head. The song is taking me over the cloud nine and slowly I was drifting...

I didn't realize I was sleeping when I felt the darkness in my living room. I hurriedly stand up and forgot my laptop was in my lap and without a warning went straight to the ground. I was shocked in horror and grab it right away. Thank god it didn't break, since my headphone was still connected and helped reduce the impact. I checked the time on the phone and it was already 06:17 PM.

I was running to the bathroom to take a shower and prepare myself. I haven't even checked what clothes I will be wearing. Shit!

Rummaging my closet for casual clothes, I have decided to wear a mustard yellow button dress. It looks decent and appropriate for this kind of place. It was given to me by my sister. I left my hair loose and straight and put some light makeup mascara, a bit of eyeliner and lip gloss, and lastly my contact lenses since I have poor eyesight. I took my sling bag and left my apartment. Walking downstairs, I double-check my purse and phone when it beeps.

Alex: I'm almost there. Are you on your way now?

Hanna: Yes, I'm on my way now. See you in a bit!

It took me 5 minutes to walk to the restaurant. I went inside and approached the waiter for my reservation. She ushered me to our seats, it was near the window on the edge of the dining hall. There are people already eating and chatting.

Since I came first I was so nervous my palms are sweating. I drank the water in front of me and check my phone from time to time. Another message came in.

Alex: I'm on the parking lot nearby. Be there in a minute.