Chapter 3
838 Words
“How long have you been here… in Toronto?” Mike asked after they walked out of class.
“Almost a day,” Meredith chuckled. She had recovered most of the color in her face.
“I see.”
“And yourself?”
“I’ve been here my whole life.”
“Sounds interesting,” Meredith nodded.
“I actually did my bachelor’s degree here.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. I was awarded best graduating student from my class,” he said, trying not to sound proud.
“Wow… I’m inspired.”
Mike laughed, "I’m glad you are. I could help you get familiar with the place, if you don’t mind.”
“That’d be lovely, thank you.”
Meredith was glad she had met Mike that day, though she knew she would have gotten herself acquainted with the school on her own. She enjoyed the tour, with her mind running back to the fact that William was now her lecturer. They visited the school’s major library before going to the cafeteria.
“What would you like?” Mike asked as they sat down.
“Coffee with extra cream would be great, thank you.”
Mike placed the order while Meredith pretended not to pay attention.
“Do you intend on going back home after your MBA?” Mike asked.
“Yes, I have to.”
“Why?”
“My father lives there.”
“And where is your mother?”
“She died when I was six.”
The waiter brought their order.
“I’m so sorry to hear that. What happened to her?” Mike asked once the waiter walked away.
“She had brain cancer.”
“That’s awful.”
“Where are your parents?”
“Here as well,” Mike sipped from his coffee.
“I see.”
“I would like us to be friends, Meredith. You seem really cool and mature… I hope I don’t sound weird.”
Meredith laughed, “no, you don’t sound weird. I would love to have a friend.”
“Friends, then,” he smiled.
Meredith sipped from her coffee, “have you been elsewhere? I mean… apart from Toronto.”
“Yes, I have. I traveled a lot with my father and mother. When I was ten, we went to France because my father…”
Meredith looked past him, and she saw William sitting while facing her direction. He was writing something on his iPad with a lot of concentration. She watched as he scratched the back of his head, put down his Apple Pencil, and placed a cup of black coffee on his lips. Then their eyes met.
William choked and aggressively put the glass on the table, causing the coffee out of the cup and onto his white shirt. He pushed the chair, together with himself, backwards.
“Oh my goodness,” Meredith said and faced down.
“… last year. Meredith, are you alright?” Mike placed his hand on hers, concerned.
“No, I don’t feel well. I should probably go back and rest.”
Mike signaled for the waiter.
“My treat,” he said when Meredith tried to pay for her coffee.
Meredith stole one last glance at William, who was being helped by a waitress. The waitress tried to wipe his shirt with a napkin, when he grabbed it and carefully wiped himself.
“Shall we?” Mike stood and picked up both of their bags.
William watched them walk out and frowned.
******
“Should I call a taxi?” Mike asked as they went out the school premises.
“No, there will be no need. I don’t stay far from the school. I can walk.”
“But you are not fine.”
Meredith recalled that she wasn’t fine.
“Don’t worry about that. I’m probably just tired from traveling. It’s nothing serious.
“Then I’ll walk you.”
“What?”
“I’ll walk you to your house.”
“That won’t be necessary, really. I’m okay.”
“I insist,” Meredith knew he was serious.
“Alright, then. We can walk. But that isn’t necessary.”
“You never give up, do you?”
Meredith chuckled, “I just did.” They were quiet for most of the walk.
“Walking with you everyday wouldn’t be a bad idea,” Mike said when they got to her door.
“I am not boring at all,” Meredith laughed.
“Yeah, I noticed that. Now that I know where you hide, I’ll be dropping by for coffee one of these days.”
“Sounds great,” Meredith said, all smiley.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then… for class, I mean.”
“Yes, class. I’ll see you tomorrow.” They both went quiet.
“Bye,” Mike broke the silence. “Take care of yourself and make sure you feel fine tomorrow.”
“I will. Goodbye, Mike.”
Meredith waited for him to walk a little further before getting in.
- Writer
