Somewhere in Between

Chapter 4: Family Dinner

(Troy’s POV)

* flashback *

Though worlds apart

Yet God made a miracle

That we met

Somewhere in between   

So even when tides try to drift us apart,

I won’t have a single ounce of worry

For fate will find its way

For us to be bound together.

Amy and Troy – forever.

Her left hand intertwined with mine as her other hand scribble these words at the back of the receipt. Ever since we got together, she always writes a poem or a quote that would express what she feels.

“Love, I want to eat the Sun and Moon Club Sandwich again.” She demanded. This will be her third sandwich already. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this refined lady is a certified foodie and she only acts this way when I’m around.

I got up from my seat and went to the counter and ordered the sandwich she requested. 

“Give me the receipt.” She said as soon as I sat beside her and I obediently handed over the piece of paper. She copied the first four lines of the poem she earlier wrote. 

“This is your receipt, and this shall be mine.” She handed me the first paper and kept the second paper.

“Why do you only have the first four lines?” I asked.

“So that in case you forgot, you’ll be reminded that Amy and Troy should be together forever.”

***

“It seems that you were the one who forgot. You should’ve kept this one instead.” I shook my head as I returned the piece of paper to my wallet.

Amy and Troy should be together forever. And I will do everything I can to make this happen, no matter what.

I turned on the engine of my car and drive my way back home.

The sun’s setting down as orange streaks of light reflects the edge of the sky. Cars were building upon the highway as people go back to their respective homes to rest. Almost a month ago, I was looking forward to a life together with Amy and picturing her waiting for me to go home after work. It was a dream, our dream, that I thought would soon come into reality.

But I will never lose hope. I will continuously wait for you to be here in my arms again. As you said, fate will find its way for us to be bound together.

As I was lost in my thoughts, I felt a drop of fluid made its way to my cheeks. D*amn, I’m a man but I’m such a cry baby and only Amy has this effect on me. 

Few minutes passed, I arrived home. As I entered the house, I was greeted by my mom who enthusiastically called for dinner.

“What’s the occasion?” I kissed my mom on her cheeks then I looked at the scrumptious feast set on the table.

“Oh, Jin-Jin called and said she will bring her friend from the states tonight.” I shrugged and cared less knowing my sister’s excitement on bringing over her best friends for a sleepover. 

I walked towards my room to take a shower and change into some comfortable shirt and sweatpants. Then I took my phone, ready to head down when suddenly my phone rang. 

It was Mason calling.

***

(Amy’s POV)

“Lie, are you done?” Hye Jin called as she knocked on my room’s door.

I looked at myself on the vanity’s mirror the last time before I took my purse and opened the door.

“Whoa! Missy, we’ll be just having dinner at home.” Hye Jin asked looking at me from head to toe. Tonight, I wore a plain shirt paired with vertically striped square pants making me look taller.

“Why, what’s wrong?” I asked.

“You looked great, sissy. Let’s go?”

Hye Jin and I entered the elevator to the underground parking and boarded her sports car. 

***

After 45 minutes, we arrived at their family villa. It was a three-story house having a Spanish contemporary design. We were welcomed by Hye Jin’s parents as soon as we entered the living area. 

“Welcome, dear.” Mrs. Song said as I bowed my head in respect to them.

“Even though you’re American, it seemed like you’re also accustomed to the Korean culture.” Praised Mr. Song.

“I learned it by observing while staying here for a while here in Seoul.” I modestly responded. They then ushered us to seat in the sofa while the maids prepare the dinner in the dining area.

“Do you like Seoul?” Mrs. Song asked.

“I actually haven’t had the time to visit places,” I answered honestly. Mr. and Mrs. Song looked at me puzzled so I continued to explain. “I lost my memory when I arrived here because of an accident. It has been almost a month.” I looked down, holding myself to show sorrow in my face. I was invited here so I must show optimism in front of them, I scolded myself.

“It’s alright dear.” Mrs. Song tapped my shoulder. “Feel free to consider this as your home.” She consoled.

“What do you remember now, so far?”

“Well, I tried to find clues from the things I brought with me. The only thing I knew is that I had an American passport and living in Berkeley, California.” I responded.

“Oh, I remember. Hyun Joo, Jin-Jin’s younger brother, graduated at the University of Berkeley and knew a lot of people there. Maybe he can help you.” Mrs. Song then called one of their maids and told her something in Korean.

“Let’s continue our chat during dinner, shall we?” Mrs. Song ushered us to the dining area and was greeted with mouthwatering American and Korean dishes. “I hope that they are to your liking.”

“They all looked delicious, Mrs. Song” I complimented. To be honest, since I got here in Seoul, I had no problem with Korean food and it seemed like I was used to eating them. It reminds me of happy memories though I can’t decipher it.

I sat on the dining chair beside Hye Jin. Across her sits Mrs. Song while Mr. Song at the head of the table. 

“Where’s brother?” Hye Jin’s eyebrows furrowed.

“The maid said he was dealing with important matters in the study.” Mrs. Song responded.

“Ah, he’s escaping again from my guest like he always does.” Hye Jin snorted.

“You know your brother doesn’t like being around with other people.”

“Yeah, he only likes to annoy me.” And everyone laughed at her statement. It seemed like what Hye Jin claimed about her brother was true by just looking at her parents’ responses. I felt warm conversing with them that they feel like they’re family. They feel like home.

As dinner continued, a familiar figure appeared.

It’s not that I knew this person personally.

It was like I knew him from a memory.

“Amy?” the man’s voice seemed familiar. 

I felt a throbbing pain in my head and suddenly everything went black.