fourth of july

prologue

Everything seems different. Not just the scenery from the building where she used to spend her hours doing absolutely nothing except thinking of what will happen when she is just gonna be on her own. But all of it. This place feels unfamiliar to her, maybe it was because of the exotic blazer that was once an un-ironed uniform with little ketchup from lunch, maybe it was because of a handbag that was used to be a school bag full of unfinished homeworks and books that she can never seem to finish, maybe it might be because of the neat short hairstyle just laying above her shoulder without an effort to look expensive and conditioned when not long ago it was just a layer of uncombed hair that just hang on her shoulders when she failed putting in a ponytail so she wouldn't have to struggle with it constantly blinding her eyes and hurting her cheeks, or maybe because she wasn't what she used to be anymore.

Isn't this what she always have dreamed of? Being successful and facing the world and being known for her own sacrifices and hardship? Being above others whom have belittle her just because she doesn't live in a home? Having the possession of enough money so that she can finally live on her own without expecting, wishing, for others to help her?

Why is both the hardship and the outcome hard to accept?

She closed her eyes, finally setting her mind on the breeze she have longed for to feel again. The small town appears to be big up there, just like how she remembers it. You can clearly see the town people busy with their lives to let their past affect them, so why should she?

She suddenly heard a ping from her handbag, interrupting her train of thoughts. She carefully searched her phone in her bag and pull it out to see the notification.

From Julia:

Did you arrive yet??? Hasn't been long but I miss you already, it's been like an hour but it feels empty without you in here. By the way, have you seen him??? Hope it didn't turned out bad than we anticipated. I'm sure you'll handle it wisely. Update quick! xoxo.

She chuckled at the text knowing how miserable Julia must've been without her there. Sliding her bag to the front of her elbow she type at the keyboard on her phone, updating Julia from the happenings

Yes, I have arrived. I hope Justin wouldn't give you a hard time there, but knowing him I won't expect less. And no, not yet, and I hope not too soon. I wouldn't know what to say. I'll update you about everything, don't worry.♡

She lay her arms on her side and take one final breath of the place, walking towards the exit and taking the stairs to walk down the building.

Maybe she could face him.

When she reached the last step on the ground floor, she was met by a crowd that was apparent from the inside because of the transparent glass that served as the window and the door of the building she was currently in.

She flew towards the door and opened it. She was met by a euphoric wind that sends her hair flying out of her face and to the back of her head. She tucked the few strands that was covering her face behind her ear. Wind a hand still gripping the handle of the glass door, she closed her eyes and enjoy the free wind breeze that she came here for, a wind that she hasn't felt for a long time.

The town was filled with laugher, echoing through the road and settling on her ear, she couldn't felt anymore free.

She let go of the door and started walking towards the sidewalk with a concrete railing overlooking the mesmerizing sun that was settling across the clear river. The town was filled with a color of orange die to the help of the sun. She felt her face bright.

She started a stroll, away from the building she stayed for about an hour or two.

She felt free, she hasn't felt that in a long time, this place seems to be the only one that brought her calmness. This was her home.

She picked her tie from her bag since her hair keeps getting annoying, flying wildly if not on her head, infront of her face.

She silkly combed her hair with her slender hands and tie it carefully. And now her hair tied up, with that tie seems recognisable.

Out of the corner of her eye, a diner caught her attention. It seems that it must be new, since racking her brain, she can't really remember ever seeing that place when she was still here. She can't put it clearly but that place brought her familiarity, she doesn't know why.

Breakfast was the last time she ate and it's getting darker. So she made a walk towards it, which was placed across the sidewalk she was currently standing.

After reaching the entrances, she opened the door. The place was not crowded, which was a relief. And besides, it was Tuesday after all.

A few people was conversing with each other, catching up on how their week's went. Others are busy with their own world, no company. Like the girl that was sitting on one of the table besides the window with a perfect scenery of the outside. Papers are all over her desk and a computer was settled infront of her that she was typing fast that her glasses was crooked in her nose, seems to be about to fall before she caught it in her hand and placed it on her nose perfectly. There was also a girl, a high school student probably, reading a book, sitting behind her. The light outside made her glow.

She began walking towards the table infront of the girl with a computer, a table for two, but since it was the only place that you can look at outside with a clear vision, it was also near a window. She sat on one of the chair and settled her handbag on her lap.

Not seconds long before a waiter was standing on her table.

"Can I take your order, madam?"

"A coffee with no cream please, thank you"

He walked away after scribbling on his notepad. She checked her phone for any notification which were none, a sight that brought her relief. She placed her phone on the right side of the table infront of her, and patiently waited for her coffee.

Not long before the same guy placed it infornt of her with a warm smile which she gratefully give back.

This month have been depressing for her. Days are spent writing, writing, and writing. And besides writing, thinking about what to write. She haven't even finished her book.

But, as Julia said, she needed a break from all the stress, which was understandable. She haven't left her apartment for months and haven't eaten anything besides pizza and fries and chips. So maybe a break is what all she needed, to get her back on track.

This was the place she first thought of. She realised it's been forever since she set foot I this place. And sitting her in a diner that was still unknown to her, drinking the coffee that tastes like home unlike those the ones in the city, being blinded by the sun she thinks she haven't seen for a long time now, and being surrounded by people that was familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Maybe this break would be a good thing, it was.

After finishing her coffee, she settled it down and a check was placed on her table, after placing the money inside, she was about to stand up to look for any apartment she could stay in this town and thank the waiter before she realised it wasn't the same guy that brought her coffee.

She speechless that she felt like she couldn't even stand. She couldn't take her eyes off of him. And nor does he. His faced showed shock and relief, she didn't know why. Maybe her face was showing the same expression too. But she couldn't really give it a second thought knowing that she was face to face with him.

He changed, a lot. But his eyes, as she could see it, contain the apparent blue that was surrounded by green, it must've been the light from outside.

"Oh"

Oh