HURRICANES

There was once a lover who sat under a lonely sky. The moon shone brightly above his head together with the stars.As he was stargazing, he was dreaming that someday his love may see how much he cares and adores her. A shooting star fell down. Seeing it, he fervently prayed that he may be heard. But then nothing happened. They graduated from the university and went their ways. He stayed in the town. She went somewhere north. Separated by miles, yet his love for her remained.

One fateful afternoon after his work, his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"How are you, George?" the caller said.

"I’m fine. " He answered. "by the way, who’s this?"

"It’s me, Sam. I missed you."

A smile filled his face, and he was silenced in awe. Sam was his next-door neighbor and a childhood friend, and the very woman he loved.

"Hey George, are you still there?" She asked.

"Ye-yeah, I’m still here."

"I’m in town, just thought you’d be surprised so…"

He heaved a sigh of relief. “Would you care for a cup of coffee?”

"Sure, I would love to!" She replied. 

He smiled, now like an idiot and his office mates are staring at him awkwardly as they pass by him. “Let’s meet at Rachel’s after 30 minutes, will it be all right?”

"Actually I’m already here."

"Really? Okay, I’m on my way." He said, with extreme excitement. “See you."

Rachel’s had been their favorite spot to eat, drink coffee and study since they were young. The place holds too many precious memories they both shared. George celebrated his birthdays with friends there, and Sam…well, had all her blind dates there.

Driving his black sedan out the metropolitan traffic and to the suburbs, George grew more nervous every time he stopped at the red lights. He was trying to remember what he heard about Sam after they graduated. Sam became a writer at a major newspaper, and after five years upon graduating, she was already an editor. As for George, well, he is an accountant in a local branch of a trust and banking company.

It was 5:30 PM when he arrived at Rachel’s. He heaved a deep sigh, and went out of his car. Then he went out of the car and into the cafe. He saw Sam sitting on the table on the corner where they always were when they were younger. As he approached her, another man sat beside her.

"Hi Samantha." He said to her, as they finally met. The excitement to see her was still in his eyes although he’s afraid of what might she reveal.

Then Sam stood up then embraced him, like a child hugging her favorite teddy bear. “Oh, George. I really missed you, a lot! How have you been?”

"I’m fine, doing well lately. " He replied. "How about you, how are you doing?"

"I am really doing great!" She said.

"By the way, may I know who this handsome gentleman is?" He asked her, then gulped down his saliva and almost crossed his fingers wishing he’s not her boyfriend.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" She replied. "This is Jake Salomon, a news writer also from The Seattle Times. He’s working for me."

"Hi Jake, great to see you, pal." he said to Jake.

"And this is George Starling," she said, introducing him to his colleague. " He’s a very good friend of mine."

Then Jake’s phone rang, and he asked to leave the two. He said a college pal invited him to a house party nearby and that he won’t be back ‘til sunrise. That left the two of them at the table. 

"So what brings you here back in Medford?" He asked.

She hasn’t been home since both of her parents died three years ago. Her sisters were already married and were living in California. She focused on her career and spent the past years to elevate her status at the Times. Little was known about her love-life, though.

"We’ll be covering Medford’s July 4th celebration." she answered. "Plus, I get to see you. I haven’t seen you in like three years?"

"I see." he said. "Wait,I’d order a black coffee for you. No sugar, no cream. Would that be fine?"

"Yep, the old order will do."

They enjoyed their coffee and talked about what happened in the past three years. They talked about career, family and plans.

"I really thought that guy was your boyfriend!" he said to her.

She laughed. “Oh, George. Jake’s not my type. He’s a party nut.” She said. “And I’m not really into that.

"Well, are you at least in a relationship?"

Then they looked at each other’s eyes. It took long before she answered.

"George, I have to tell you something."

“What is it?” George asked.

“Well, I’m engaged.”

George was silenced. But in a short while, he regained courage to speak.

“Wow. Congratulations!” He said. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

Sam burst into laughter. He didn’t know what to say, and she laughed at him.

“Come on, George. You know me. I’m just joking.” She said.

He stared at her pretending to be laughing, but deep inside he wasn’t sure if he’s mad or just relieved she really wasn’t engaged.

I just bought this book really. I'm looking forward to reading it. 

Been wanting to have one since then. :-)