Main course

"Welcome Home," squeaked Maddie as she waved and ran towards Amy, who had just landed.

"My gosh, little sis, oh how I've missed you," Maddie beamed and hugged Amy.

"Ha. For all I know, you just want the goodies and kpop merch I bought, not me," Amy said, rolling her eyes.

"You know me so well!" Maddie laughed. "Come, everyone's excited to see you back. Mom has not stopped talking about how excited she is that you're finally settling down."

"About that," Amy's face became sullen. She was about to speak but decided to close her mouth as she had not decided yet.

"You're never the one to settle" Maddie looked at Amy with a sincere face. "So don't worry about what Mom and the others might say. Trust me, mom has been on my ears about getting married, having kids, and making serious decisions." Maddie growled.

"You? Married? Kids? Hahaha," Amy laughed sarcastically.

"I know!" Maddie nodded in agreement. "I'm still waiting for Min Ho to propose to me," Maddie continued.

"Well, he needs to meet you first," Amy teased Maddie as Maddie squinted her eyes as if shooting an invisible laser at Amy.

The following night, Amy's parents threw her a coming home party. Amy insisted that it was highly unnecessary, but Amy's mom was as hard-headed as she is.

"Everyone," Amy's mom took the mic. "I just want to thank everyone for coming tonight. As you all know, my daughter Amelia returned from her 4-year internship as lead researcher at GHO."

Everyone applauded as Amy's mom pointed at her. "To my darling daughter, I hope to see you more now that you've been invited to head Harvard's neuroscience department. Amelia, I couldn't have been any prouder". Amy's mom raised her glass. "To Amy."

"To Amy," said everyone as they raised their glass.

Amy's mom had always been the one to push her and mold her into becoming who she is today: a strong, career-driven, wise woman. Amy couldn't remember having dreams at a young age; all she could remember was her mom saying she needed to become the best doctor there was.

So Amy, as young as she could remember, thought of only becoming a doctor. One day, during her rounds as a fellow, a young girl approached her a gave her a lollipop. The child has been holding the same star lollipop as if it was her most priced possession, days prior. "thank you for not making my mom cry anymore," the child said after Amy treated her.

Since then, being a doctor became her calling rather than a chore her mom wanted her to do.

"So is that mom's way of settling me down? Telling people what I should do with my life?" Amy whispered to Maddie.

"Nope, that was just the appetizer. Here comes the entree," Maddie said as she elbowed Amy to look in her mom's direction

"Oh my gosh!" Amy's blood suddenly boiled. She knew that her mom tends to meddle with things and control everything, but this is low, even for her mom.

"Amelia," her mom said with utmost pretense. Amy forced a smile to hide her disgust.

"I don't think I need to introduce Noah since you two had known each other for a very long time, but I was thinking, years had passed, and maybe you guys should talk. Clear things out," Amy's mom said, patting Noah's shoulder. "Noah here has been trying to reach you, Amelia. It's long overdue."

Amy's mom then directed her gaze to Maddie with a blank expression. "Now, Maddie, would you be nice and escort me back to my seat," She said and walked away, not needing Maddie's answer.

"I swear, I didn't want us to meet this way again. But Amy, you ignored me all this time. I didn't know how your mom knew, but she told me you're coming back and invited me to attend the party." Noah paused, " I declined, I swear to God. But your mom was very persistent. All these years, and I'm still shit scared of your mom,"

"Of course," Amy said annoyingly.

"Im sorry if my presence is making you uncomfortable."

"I know how my mom could be; I'm pretty sure you had no choice," Amy replied, still not looking at Noah.

"So is it true? You're staying?" Noah asked.

"I don't know. I haven't decided yet." Amy answered uncomfortably.

"It's been 4 years," Noah's voice cracked. "Amy, I'm a changed man. I know I hurt you, and I regret every moment." Noah said solemnly.

"And your point is?" Amy answered.

"After I saw you holding hands with a man four years ago, I knew then that I couldn't have you back. So I backed off and reflected on my behavior. You have always had a strong conviction, one of the many things I admire about you. And I know it's shameful of me to even ask you this, but please, Amy, give me another chance." Noah pleaded.

Amy looked at Noah, looking as handsome as he was before. But while she looked at Noah, all Amy could think of was Jim; how warm his embrace was, how sweet his kisses were and how his mere presence calmed her down.

"I can't," Amy said.

"Are you seeing someone?" Noah asked, defeated.

"Noah, I don't think that is something I want to discuss with you. Please, Noah. My feelings for you died the day I took off that ring around my finger right after I saw you kissing another woman."

"Amy, please, let me prove my love for you again. I will do everything for you."

"Noah, It's time for us to move on from what happened four years ago. I'm grateful for what we had, but I don't want you thinking there's still something between us". Amy said. "There's nothing you would ever do that will change my mind, Noah. It's four years too late."

"Even friendship?" Noah begged.

"Friendship, huh!" Amy was shocked at how easy Noah gave up. Noah was the type of man to do whatever he can to get what he wanted. "Okay. Just cause," Amy said suspiciously.

"Friends," Noah let out a grin. "I can take that."

"Now, if you excuse me, I need to talk to my mom," Amy said and walked away.