When you encounter your past

After washing up, I went to my luggage and rummaged my clothes.

When I became single, I had a hard time picking what should I wear, I'm not going to a date or anything like that, it just became my habit since then. I should always be presentable, that's what I always say but as always, I ended up wearing casual clothes that makes me comfortable. Since then I care less about my appearance, as long as I'm comfortable with my clothes, that's good enough for me. My antics in choosing clothes became a problem I guess, every time, I look for something to wear, my closet will always be a disaster.

As I was looking for my sweatshirt, Kayla threw a dress at me that covered my sight. "What's this?"

"Stop messing your luggage and use that dress, it's your dress anyway. Your sneakers will match that dress. And don't you dare change it, we'll have our lunch outside. Hurry up!" then she walked away.

I took the dress and looked at it carefully, it is a white stripped dress. It will really match my white sneakers. I smiled while trying it on, it's been a while since I dolled up like this, maybe I dolled up a little, it made me blush. Seeing my reflection from the mirror, I smiled. I guess, I'm not that ugly, still have that Latina looks I got from my mom, but my height is bad. I'm not tall at all.

My dad is a half British and Japanese, sadly I inherited the Japanese height. My dad is also a doctor, but he died while I was still in high school. Since then life became hard, in an instant I became an orphan. My mom died when I was still a baby, since then dad took care of me.

I can still see his smile while saying "Lala, oh my beautiful Lala, you really look like your mom, you are both beautiful."

"Papa, really? I am beautiful?", I gave my dad a questioning stare. He laughed at me and he nodded "You are beautiful like your mama, and you got my intelligence. I hope, one day, you'll become a doctor like me."

"I don't want to; I want to travel the world. Papa, don't get mad ok? I love you." those were my last words to him. He just nodded and said "Of course not, I will never get angry at you, I love you too my daughter. I will support what you like." After our happy morning a tragic accident happened, he left me alone.

I haven't seen my grandparents, up till now, I'm wondering if I have one.

Though dad didn't leave me penniless, it's living alone made it hard. Dad left me some properties, but I never gave any importance to it, I left our house and started living in dorms when I started med school. There, I met Kayla, we were roommates and since then we became friends. After some time, someone hit my head, "You are daydreaming again Lala, what are you thinking about? Or rather who are you thinking? If you say your ex, I will really hit you hard!". I smiled and said, I just remember dad, and the only family I had, you" after saying those, I hugged Kayla. She hugged me back and said "You still have other family, remember Uncle Kenjie and Aunt Nozomi? They are always there for you too, so when we get back please visit them and your house." I nodded and asked her if I look fine. She scrutinized me, made me turn a couple of times and said "Put some lipstick on, you look pale. I'll be waiting for you at the living room."

I looked back at the mirror and applied some lipstick. I wondered, how are they, I haven't called them much lately.

I stepped out the dressing room and went straight to the sofa where Kayla is waiting. She booked a hotel suit with 2 bedrooms. Most of our budget was allocated for our accommodation, I'm curious on how to expand our remaining money for food and tours.

"Let's go" she then stood up and we went outside.

"Where are we going Kaykay, are going to Ximens Night Market? I heard, there are variety of food displayed there." I asked while walking up to the elevator.

While waiting for the elevator, Kayla kept on swiping over her phone then answered me "We'll see." I peeked ay her phone and asked, " What are you looking for?" She showed me her phone, she was searching for nearby restaurants then she said, "Where do you want to go". I'm still looking at her phone when the elevator arrived. As the door opens, I saw Zach and his new love.

I can't move my feet, as I am gazing at him wistfully, Kayla dragged me inside. I stiffened and can't even breath, I'm afraid any moment now my anxiety will kick in. Kayla held my hand understandingly which made me look at her, she mouthed "I am here, don't worry." I breath heavily and tried to calm myself when I heard the girl say, "Aren't you, Dr. Roslin and Dr. Kim?" I slowly looked at her and was about to answer when Kayla said "Yes, and how are you Zach? Are the rumors true? You are now married?"

I was shocked with my friends' question, I unintentionally looked at him. Our eyes met briefly and diverted it to other place, he did not answer immediately which made the lady in his hands answer, "Not yet, but we'll send you an invite". She smiled slyly then the elevator door opens.

Before we get off Kayla said "That's great then, we'll surely come. Thanks for the invite then. Bye." She dragged me outside the building, I am still in daze, my chest hurts, I wanted to cry but no tears came out. My friend hugged me and said, "let's go walk. Maybe, we'll find something interesting..."