I know, right?

She ran a hand through her shorter hair. It had thankfully grown out since the inital ear length cut, but it wasn’t quite where she was comfortable with it yet. At least it was less of a hassle. Most of the time. She idly wondered if Chloe would be surprised. Maybe it would distract her from how awful she was at keeping in touch. A girl could hope.

She stood outside the café and took a deep breath. She could do this. She had taken on the pokékom leagues and won. Surely she could handle a reunion with a friend who she hadn’t seen in more than half a year. Who she also kept in the dark about where she had been during that time. And who had run a dojo. No worries. This would be a cake walk.

She narrowed her eyes as she failed to spot her friend. Was she early? Wouldn’t that be different? She made to sat down, pausing as she finally recognized Chloe a few seats over. “Hey, your hair! It’s so cute,” she exclaimed. Of course she wouldn’t look exactly the same. She smiled. Should she hug her? She wanted to, but wasn’t sure if it was appropriate. “It suits you!”

She hoped the compliment successfully broke the ice. Ice, why was there ice? “Looks like we both felt like a change,” she mused, slipping into the seat across from her. She smiled to her favorite waitress who gave her a thumbs up, signaling she’d have her regular order ready in a second.

“So do you. Never thought I’d see you with short hair. It’s nice to see you again, Sabrina.” She decided to order a burger and some soda, not feeling for anything super fancy today. Quite honestly she was just happy to see her friend.

“I suppose you do, yeah. I guess I do too, although I don’t know how much… explaining there is.” Chloe said and let out an awkward chuckle. They’d both been busy doing very different things.

Her smile returned for a moment. “It’s good to see you too! Sorry it’s been so long. It’s . . . well, a long story,” she continued. She flashed a smile to the waitress as she brought her drink and refilled Chloe’s. “You should probably go first. But I will if you want me to.”