The Meeting, Lasting Impressions.
1048 Words
Chapter 3
The airport bustled with travelers moving in different directions, but for Jamii and Helen, this wasn’t just another trip—it was the beginning of a new chapter. As they exited the arrivals section, a sharply dressed chauffeur stood by, holding a sign with Helen’s name on it.
“Mrs. Helen, welcome back,” the driver greeted warmly, taking their luggage cart and leading them toward the sleek black car parked outside.
The drive to their new home was smooth, with Helen gazing out the window, lost in thought. Jamii, sitting beside her, scrolled through his phone, occasionally glancing up to take in the view of the city. It had been years since he was last here, but everything still felt strangely familiar.
As they pulled into the estate, Helen smiled. The apartment complex was even more stunning in person than in the pictures she had seen during virtual inspections. The security was tight, the streets clean, and the building itself had a modern, luxurious touch.
“Wow,” Jamii muttered as they stepped inside their new home. The high ceilings, polished floors, and elegant decor immediately caught his eye.
Helen sighed in relief. “Nancy really did well with this. It’s exactly what I wanted.”
They spent the next hour going through the house, checking the rooms, the kitchen, and the spacious living area. It was nothing short of perfect. The moving team had already unpacked most of their essentials, but there were still a few things they needed to get.
“Let’s go shopping,” Helen decided, grabbing her bag. “We need to pick up some personal items. And I need to make arrangements for hiring domestic staff.”
Jamii nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”
They left the house, eager to start settling into their new lives.
Back home, Winny was finally getting the break she had longed for. Sitting across from her dad at the dining table, she felt a wave of comfort wash over her. It had been a busy and exhausting week, but being home made everything feel normal again.
“I still don’t like the idea of you staying in that dorm,” her dad, Ethan, said, his voice filled with concern as he took a bite of his meal.
Winny sighed. “Dad, we’ve been over this. I want to experience university life properly. Plus, my dorm isn’t that bad.”
“You just told me your roommate always has friends over and leaves a mess everywhere,” Ethan pointed out.
“Okay, yes, she’s a little too… social. But I’ll manage,” Winny insisted. “I’m not moving back home.”
Ethan shook his head but smiled. “Fine, fine. Just make sure you’re not overworking yourself.”
Winny nodded, feeling grateful for her dad’s care. After spending the weekend catching up, she packed her things and headed back to school, ready to tackle another week.
The text from Kathryn came just as Winny settled into her dorm.
Kathryn: Party. Tonight. No excuses.
Winny groaned.
Winny: I just got back. I need sleep.
Kathryn: Come on! My team won today, we’re celebrating. You owe me one.
Winny sighed. She did owe Kathryn a night out after dodging her all week.
Winny: Fine. But I’m not drinking much.
Kathryn: We’ll see about that ;)
The party was already in full swing when they arrived. Music pulsed through the air, and the crowd buzzed with energy. Kathryn, ever the social butterfly, dragged Winny toward a group of her teammates.
“Loosen up, babe,” Kathryn teased, handing Winny a drink. “You look too stiff.”
Winny wrinkled her nose. “You know I don’t drink much.”
“That’s the point. A little fun won’t kill you,” Kathryn said, nudging her.
Winny hesitated but took a sip. The warm burn hit her throat, and she immediately regretted it. “Ugh, why do people drink this?”
Kathryn laughed. “Because it makes everything funnier.”
As the night progressed, Winny found herself getting a little too lightheaded. Before she could stop herself, she hurried outside, stomach twisting in protest.
Leaning over the sidewalk, she emptied her stomach.
“Ugh,” she groaned, wiping her mouth. Looking around, she spotted a guy walking past and weakly raised her hand. “Hey… can you, uh, pass me a tissue?”
The guy barely spared her a glance before walking away.
“Jerk,” she muttered before stumbling back inside.
Meanwhile, inside the party, Kathryn’s phone buzzed. She grinned as she saw the name on the screen.
Jamii: Where are you?
Kathryn: At a party. Why?
Jamii: Guess who’s in town?
Kathryn’s eyes widened. No. Way.
She quickly texted back. Kathryn: Shut up. Are you serious?!
Jamii: Turn around ;)
Kathryn’s head snapped up just in time to see Jamii walking toward her.
“JAMII!” she shrieked, launching herself at him. He caught her in a tight hug, laughing. “You’re really here! I can’t believe it!”
“Surprise,” Jamii said, grinning. “Thought I’d make an entrance.”
Kathryn pulled back, still beaming. “This is the best surprise ever.”
Before they could continue their reunion, Winny stumbled back in. She was still a little disoriented but determined to find Kathryn.
“Kat, I’m heading back to my dorm. Also, you won’t believe this—some random guy totally ignored me when I asked for a tissue. Can you believe that? Such a jerk.”
Kathryn blinked, then slowly turned to Jamii, who raised an eyebrow.
“Wait… Winny,” Kathryn said, trying to hold back her laughter. “Meet Jamii, my childhood bestie.”
Winny’s stomach dropped. Her gaze flickered between Kathryn and Jamii as realization dawned on her.
Jamii gave her a knowing smirk. “So… I’m the jerk, huh?”
Winny felt her face heat up. “Oh my God.”
Kathryn burst out laughing.
Winny groaned, covering her face with her hands. “I need to leave.”
Without another word, she turned and bolted for the exit, leaving Jamii chuckling behind her.
“Great first impression,” he mused, shaking his head.
Kathryn grinned. “I think you two are going to get along just fine.”
- Writer
