A Long Awaited Reunion

Shanti just turned 23 years old a week ago, and had recently gotten her bachelor's degree in college. She eventually decided that applying for a job would be the first step to being successful in life, and Shanti settled on applying for the coffee shop she went to for years.

Certainly, she could've applied for a better paying job, but from what she had heard from Keith, they were in need of more workers and therefore more likely to accept her application.

"Besides, I really just enjoy the overall vibe the shops give off. It makes me happy to see customers so cheery when they receive their drink!" Shanti concluded her statement with a small smile. The interview wasn't all that bad, and as she was talking to Keith, who had taken over as the boss of the coffee shop now, was able to be more relaxed.

Keith nodded, seemingly satisfied.

"Alright, the job is yours! You can start officially tomorrow, but…" Keith glanced at his watch, "There's still a bit of time left. I can show you the ropes around here, ready?"

Shanti nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, thank you!"

"And this is how you make a caramel frappuccino," Keith gave Shanti an approving look as she poured the drink into a cup.

The scent of caramel and coffee drifted towards Shanti, who let out a small sigh of contentment, "You still remember that a caramel frappuccino was what I ordered the first time I came here?"

"Of course!" Keith grinned, and added, "If you want, feel free to drink it. We're about to close anyway…You did well today."

Shanti beamed at Keith's praise, and double checked, "So, the afternoon shift. I'll come over at 12:50, yes?"

"Correct," Keith confirmed her words, "I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

"Mhm, goodbye!"

Shanti headed back to her apartment, thankful for now having a job.

As she flung open the door, Shanti let out a gasp of dismay. Ilithyia and another male busily kiss in the middle of the room.

"Ilithyia! I did not need to see that the moment I come back home!" Shanti complained, crossing her arms with a look of pure irritation.

"Which one is that? The 4th one you brought back this week?" Shanti whisper-shouted into Ilithyia's ear. Ilithyia gave her a look, somewhat embarrassed, "Shh, be quiet! And I really think that I like him…I might settle down for good this time."

Shanti stared at her disbelievingly, "Sure, if you say so…"

Just then, the male extended his hand with a polite smile, "Hello! I'm Haru, nice to meet you! Ilithyia told me all about you…you're Shanti, right?"

Shanti took his hand and shook it, "Yes. I really hope Ilithyia was saying nice stuff about me…"

"Don't worry, she was," Haru assured her.

Shanti's lips curved into a smile. Haru was quite attractive, and certainly seemed polite, which was certainly a relief from all of Ilithyia's previous flings. Ilithyia stared fondly at Haru, and Shanti's azure blue eyes twinkled with amusement. {Perhaps she really will settle down for good…}

Ilithyia suddenly perked up, "Oh, Shanti. I forgot to ask…Did you get the job?"

"Yes, I did! Is there food in the kitchen?" Shanti asked, and as Ilithyia nodded, Shanti ended her sentence, "Okay, I'm gonna go grab something to eat. Have…fun?" And with that, she left.

It was funny, really.

Shanti originally met Ilithyia when searching for an apartment to rent near the school campus. After finding this apartment, the two of them quickly became close friends despite distinctively different interests.

And now, 5 years later, the two were still close, and still renting the same apartment.

"Hmm, leftover pizza. That's fine," Shanti said to herself, and shrugged, proceeding to place a few slices in the microwave, then went to take a shower.

{Ahh…I feel great now, and hungry.} Shanti swapped into a fresh pair of clothing - just a casual white shirt and some shorts, nothing fancy, and left her bedroom.

"Here Shanti, I took the pizza out for you. Aren't I a great friend?" Ilithyia approached Shanti with a smug grin, "Now thank me, peasant."

"Pfft, alright. Your Highness, I thank you from the very bottom of my heart for not letting my pizza burn," Shanti bowed deeply, then collapsed into a fit of giggles.

After a bout of faint laughter and wheezing, the two finally collected themselves and sat down on the couch.

Shanti finally shook her head slowly, and said, "Ilithyia, so…you really like Haru, huh?"

Ilithyia glanced meekly at the floor, "...Yeah. He's just- You know-!"

"Actually, I don't know," Shanti raised an eyebrow, waiting for Ilithyia to explain.

Ilithyia groaned, "You're not gonna back down, are you?"

"Indeed."

And so, Shanti and Ilithyia sat in silence, an intense staring contest going on in the meanwhile.

Finally, Ilithyia threw her arms up in exasperation, relenting, "Fine…I'll tell you. Despite knowing him for like, 2 days maximum, he's been so sweet and polite all that time! Being hot is a great bonus as well…And I just feel like, you know, he's the one?"

Shanti smiled at that, "Well, if he is, congratulations!"

"Thanks…" Ilithyia responded softly.

They sat quietly together, in a comfortable sort of silence.

After a bit, Shanti stood up from the couch and announced, "Good night! I need to go to sleep now…"

"Alright. Good night," Ilithyia replied.

Shanti opened her bedroom door, and practically flung herself onto her bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

… … …

Rays of sunlight seeped through the windows, illuminating all corners that it touched. Shanti opened her eyes and blinked several times, mumbling incoherent words. She slid out of bed and checked her clock. 8: 32.

She hadn't much to do, not until the afternoon. {What should I do today…Hmm, I'll just read.}

Shanti changed out of her sleeping garments, and into more pragmatic wear instead, for when she starts her first day working in the coffee shop.

After taking out the book "War and Peace", Shanti nestled down on her bed, and began to read.

Time flew by, for what only seemed like 30 minutes was actually 3 hours…It was now 11:47, and Shanti decided to finally put the book away.

{Should I order takeout? It's Saturday today, so Ilithyia's probably going to be eating outside…}

Shanti shrugged, finally deciding to just order some Chinese food, and sat waiting at home for it to arrive.

A pleasant "ding" roused Shanti from her silent session of aimless staring out the window, and she opened the door, thanking the delivery man.

{Mmm, I really should get Chinese food more often.} Shanti munched happily on her lunch, and soon finished.

By now, it was 12: 32, and so Shanti quickly exited the apartment, hurrying towards the coffee shop.

"A-am I late?" Shanti panted, and gasped out the words. Her eyebrows furrowed with worry, and she twisted a strand of tawny brown hair nervously.

Keith smiled, "No worries. I think today you'll just take orders from the counter, alright? The other employees can make the drinks. Just relax, and I know you'll do great!"

"Okay, thanks," Shanti let out a sigh of relief, and made her way toward the counter.

The first few customers began to arrive, and Shanti had a relatively smooth time greeting the customers and taking their orders. Then, a male that Shanti thought she might never see again entered the coffee shop.

His fluffy, caramel brown hair and azure blue eyes - just like Shanti's - led her to know immediately who he was.

"Seth?" Shanti whispered, her eyes widening in shock.