Chapter 16 Diner's Cafe

"Drew, Elle!" A guy called them when they sat on the cornered table beside the counter. "Who's that, Drew?" Elle asked as she turned around. It was James, walking towards their table. "Yay! What a small world again, James!" Elle said, laughing. "Ya! I was about to go out from my seat when I saw you two coming in," he responded, smiling at Andrew to Elle. " You can join us, buddy." Andrew invited him. "Right Elle," he added, smiling. " Yup sure! I guess you've eaten your lunch already. So time for dessert!" Elle blurted out. Andrew nodded. "Sure! I like that." James replied with a smile. He sat on the left side of Elle, facing Andrew. James signaled the waiter. The waiter came with menus. "Chicken Fillet, 2 rice and watermelon juice for me please," Elle took her orders with a smile. "Mine is Spareribs, 2 rice also and cold water," Andrew followed up. "How about you, James?" Andrew asked. "Chicken salad and orange juice for me," James told the waiter. The waiter mentioned their orders again and left, headed towards the counter.

While waiting, they exchanged conversations, mostly Andrew asked James about himself. "Ah so you're already 20 years old, James?" Andrew asked. "Ya, I just turned 20 last May 10. How about you, Elle?" He turned to her. "Still 17 but will be 18 on September 25," she replied. "Becoming debutant soon," James said, smiling. Elle just smiled. "How about you, Andrew?" James asked. "I turned 18 already last January 8th. Elle is the youngest among us." Andrew said teasingly. "But even she's the youngest, she's always number 1 in Academics. She graduated as a Valedictorian recently," Andrew added, proudly smiled at Elle. "Wow congratulations, Elle, beauty and brain in one package!" James said, felt amazed of what he heard from Drew. "Thank you, James!" Elle smiled. "But she's always humble," Andrew continued. "Hahaha why am I the topic here?" Elle asked, laughing, and their orders arrived. "Because I'm proud of you, Elle. We are best friends since First Grade until now, and until the time is through, " Andrew said in a serious tone. "Yes of course, Drew, no one can take that," Elle said, smiling. "Wow I like your friendship together!" James interrupted, smiling too. Elle smiled back. "Is this your first time to eat here, James?" Andrew asked. "No. I already ate here several times when my family stayed here for vacation," James replied. "Where do your relatives live here?" Elle asked. "Mcville," James said simply. "Whoah that's where Elle lives!" Andrew butt in. "Really?!" James was surprised. "Yup!" Elle agreed. "Are you staying with them now?" Andrew asked after drinking water. "Nope! My family rented a condo here in Stockton City." James replied, sipping his orange juice. "This is really a small world!" Elle laughed after she sipped her watermelon juice. "It's a small world after all," Andrew sang. "You're in front of the food, Drew," she reminded him. Andrew just smiled broadly. After the lunch, they went to the parking lot and Andrew said, "Text me as soon as you arrive home, Elle," Andrew commanded like an older brother to her. "Sir yes Sir!" She saluted him. James smiled at them. He appreciated the friendship Andrew and Elle had. "How about you, James?" Elle asked. " My car is over there," he pointed at the blue Mazda pickup near the exit. "Okay, I'll have to go now," Elle said. "Yes Elle, I'll follow you as always," Andrew said, smiling. "And I'll follow Andrew!" James said laughingly. "Whoah someone will follow me now!" Andrew chuckled. And they all laughed together. Elle hopped into her car and suddenly opened her window and said, "Are we stil going to see each other on Thursday at Quinton Galleria?" "Yes, Elle!" James replied. "Okay, see you two then, 2pm at Quinton Arcade," Elle instructed. "Ma'am yes Ma'am!" Andrew replied with a salute. Elle smiled and said, "See you!" She closed her window and drove off to McVille in the middle of Monday afternoon.