Book 3 - Chapter 59: Friends Forever

= Sarah POV =

I unzipped my suitcase and took out my night clothes. I could see the sun setting outside, so I thought I might take a shower while Chris was occupied. 

After a nice warm shower, I changed into a loose-fitted lacy pink top and matching frilly shorts. Then I dried my hair with the lovely fluffy pink towel my mother gave me just before I left.

Mother had said, "You can't be sure if you'll have time to buy yourself a good towel when you are at college," and I was so grateful that she did, as there was only one set of towels and toiletry in Chris' bathroom. 

As I sat on the couch and dried my hair, Chris came in, balancing a number of dishes in her hands.

"Woah are you ok? Do you need help?" I asked, jumping up and rushing over to her side.

I took two of the four dishes she had been balancing on her arms and placed them on the coffee table. After we had set everything down, it turned out Chris had made Stir-fried chicken and garlic, fried tempura, udon, and plain rice.

Chris left the apartment again, returning moments later with a flask from her back pocket, two bowls, and some cutlery. It turns out the flask had miso soup in sied it, which she poured into the bowls.

"Wow, what a feast! This is a lot of food!" I said, delighted. 

"Well, I am a culinary student, so it's my job to cook, but it means nothing if it's not tasty. Try it and tell me what you think," Chris said, passing me utensils and looking at me expectantly.

"Ok, this is a lot for my first day staying with you. If I don't like it, are you going to kick me out?" I asked nervously.

"No, of course not; it would be my fault that the food is bad, not yours," Chris laughed, leaning back on the couch and watching me.

"Alright, I'm gonna hold you to that," I said, picked up the miso soup, and took a sip.

Immediately, the rich, umami flavor of rich miso paste and warm seaweed flooded my mouth. I sat it down on the table with a sigh and turned to Chris cheerfully.

"How was it?" Chris asked eagerly.

"Horrible," I grinned.

"Get out!" Chris laughed and shoved me, but I just laughed and gave her a thumbs-up.

"It's amazing; I bet one day you're going to become one of those top chefs that works at those grand hotels with this level of workmanship," I beamed, reaching for the miso soup again.

"You really think so?" Chris asked, picking up her bowl as well.

"For sure, and when you do, will you still cook for me?" I asked, setting down the miso and reaching for the ginger chicken.

"Of course, if it's you, I'd cook whatever you want, whenever you want," Chris said quietly. 

I turned and placed a hand over my heart. " Awe, you're so sweet. Let's be friends forever k?" I replied, feeling really touched. 

Chris gave me a side glance and then nodded. "Yeah, of course, friends," she said, and drank more of her soup.