It was Sunday evening. Tina and Cherry were making dinner. Cherry stood over the boiling water on the gas cooker, adding macaroni and giving it a stir. Tina stood at the kitchen table, preparing vegetables for a salad.
"You got over Victor so easily, bitch. What's up?" Cherry asked.
"Uhm, nothing much behind it. I know I was really into him, but I just needed one heartbreaking reason to move on. When I saw how he flirted with other girls while asking me to come back to him, that was enough. I started to dislike him, and it made moving on easy."
"Ohh. I thought there was another guy or something."
"You're not completely wrong. There is a guy. Nothing serious between us, but talking to him helped uplift me a bit."
"Who is it?"
"Remember the guy I told you asked me a lot of questions?"
"Yeah. The driver?"
"Yes—but he's not a driver. He's a surgeon at the City Hospital."
"Uhm, okay... You told me he was a driver."
"I thought so too, but he isn't."
"Okay. So what's up with him?"
"That day I went to send Victor the break up letter at the post office, we ran into each other. He was here afterward and stayed with me. I wasn't feeling too well."
"Aww. That's sweet."
"He asked me to call him... but I haven't."
"Why?"
"I'm afraid of using him to heal from Victor."
Cherry opened the pot. The steam from the macaroni swept the chill off her face. She stirred slowly.
"I get it. But you have to give friendship a chance. If it turns into love, then great. Just don't shut him out—especially if you think his intentions are pure."
Tina scooped the veggies into a bowl and squeezed lemon over the mix. She stirred thoughtfully.
"You're right. I'mma give him that call later."
---
Edward sat still in his office. The decor was a blend of white and blue. His portrait hung on the wall—one he painted himself. The table held the usual items you'd find on a doctor's desk. His grey suit and white shirt complemented his composed, masculine look.
Yet, he kept wondering why the gorgeous girl hadn't called.
He remembered everything about her—her skinny frame, oval face, her books and handouts, her "Facts on Science" book. The way her gown had fit her that night. If he hadn't had strong values, he might have done something regrettable.
His phone rang. The number was unfamiliar. Could it be her?
"Hello," he said, trying to sound composed.
"Hi, it's Tina. The girl from the other night."
He didn't need her to explain—he knew it was her. The NYU girl. The crybaby in the Uber. The quiet, thoughtful girl. The Billie Eilish freak. He'd recognize her from any angle.
"Uhm—yes, Tina. I didn't catch your name before. Nice hearing from you. Nice. Really nice," he stammered.
"Are you okay?" she asked, laughing lightly.
"Yeah, I'm fine. You finally called. How are you feeling now?"
"I'm better."
"Great. Are you booked for the rest of the day, or will you be free?"
"I have plans already. I'm going book shopping with a friend. Finals are coming up."
"Oh, alright. I wish you all the best with that. Maybe let me know when exams are over?"
"Alright. I will."
"Thanks for calling."
"Yeah. I'll hang up now. Have a nice day."
"Thank you. You too."
---
Cherry was in the living room reading when the telephone rang. She picked up.
"Hello?"
"It's Sally."
"Tina, your sister's on the phone!" Cherry called out.
Tina came in, smiling, and took the receiver.
"Hello, Sal!"
"Wow. Seriously?" Sally's voice sounded disappointed.
"Yo, what's wrong?" Tina asked, sensing something was off.
"You changed your number and didn't inform me?"
"Oh, Sal, I'm really sorry. I thought Mom had already told you."
"No, she didn't. I've been calling and your line wasn't reachable. I decided to phone your apartment."
"I'm very sorry, Sal."
"That's by the way. What's up with you?"
"I'm good, girl. How's school?"
"Law is eating me alive, but I'm in control."
"Sorry, small girl. And Kanya? How's she?"
"She's doing great. I might be coming back to New York for the summer."
"Nice! You bringing her?"
"Girl, my babe's never been to New York. I don't think she's even left Thailand more than three times."
"She's a home girl, haha."
"She might be busy with her book club meetings and all that. She's into that stuff—especially during summer."
"There are book clubs and book parties here in New York. Queer events too. Cherry knows people who can plug her in."
"Alright. I'll let Kanya know then."
"I'll text you later, Sal—with my new number."
"Cool."