After two years

Vivienne suddenly felt a lump rise in her throat. The voice, the same sharp-toned, high-pitched, and unmistakable — she was hearing it after a lifetime!

In a trembling, tearful whisper, the words escaped her lips. "Nini, I miss you."

Another long pause followed before the voice on the other side replied. "Miss me! May I know the reason behind this sudden realization — after two whole years?"

She was mocking her, but Vivienne didn't mind the jab. A little mockery didn't justify what she'd done. She'd severed ties with her best friend, one of the very few people who genuinely loved her and cared for her — for a cheater like Damien.

She'd deserved worse.

Suddenly, emotions clouded her mind. She wanted to tell her so many things, but words didn't come! Hearing that voice after so many years reminded her of every wrong she had done, every moment they had missed!

Vivienne couldn't hold back herself anymore. The lump that had formed in her throat for quite some time had burst. Warm tears slid down her cheeks; as she clutched the phone to her ear, she started sobbing uncontrollably.

Her sudden cry seemed to startle the person on the other side; Nini's tone softened a bit. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Vivienne couldn't speak at first; after a couple of minutes of silent weeping, she calmed herself down a bit. Wiping the tears from her face, she said in a shaky, quieter voice. "Nini, I was wrong. I... I'm sorry, can you forgive me?

The girl didn't say anything in return immediately. After a long pause again, she finally answered.

"Forgive you. Easy, isn't it?"

A bitter smile left her mouth. "I know what I did was a terrible mistake. But Nini, won't you give me a chance to make it right?"

She sighed. "Let's meet tomorrow. At our old place."

A cold one-word reply followed her words. "Fine. You better show up."

And, nothing else. The call ended with a beep.

Placing her phone back on the table, Vivienne smiled. She felt a burden suddenly lifted off her chest. She closed her eyes for a peaceful sleep.

She couldn't wait for tomorrow. She'd do whatever it takes to earn Nini's forgiveness. She'd leave no stone unturned.

-

As the car pulled up at the roadside; Vivienne got off. Opposite her, there stood the building she hadn't set foot in ages. The neon signboard above the entrance glowed — Juno's Café.

Their old place.

A smile crept up on her lips automatically.

There she was again, at the place that she'd always held in her heart, the rooftop of Juno's Café — the place where they'd spent their time together, they'd shared their secrets, dreams, and ridiculous vows to pick each other over everything — boys, fate, drama.

Yet, she didn't keep her promise.

But... It was another chance. And it was her chance — to make things right.

Vivienne exhaled deeply, stepping inside the cafe.

It was already past afternoon, and the cafe was almost full. Every table was filled with people chatting and laughing, the clinking of glasses, and the sound of spoons tapping against the porcelain bowls and plates. Seeing the familiar scenes once again, a warmth spread across her chest.

She made her way past the crowd to the elevator in the back, one that led to the rooftop. Whenever they met, they'd always reserved the rooftop for themselves only.

The cafe was nothing extravagant, just a budget cafe with a nice view; and to her, reserving the rooftop was nothing. But this small place had her heart — like a sanctuary curved out of the ordinary world. A place where she was always herself, not a people pleaser — just Vivienne.

As the elevator door closed behind, Vivienne's hands trembled slightly.

Would Nini be there already?

How would she look now? Did she grow her hair or chop it again?

Would she really forgive her?

The elevator dinged slightly, the door slid open.

As Vivienne stepped on the rooftop, her heart pounded like a drum in her chest.

-

With slow steps, she walked forward. The weather today was surprisingly pleasant; the sun had already set on the horizon, leaving a golden orangeish hue painted across the sky. A soft low music playing in the speakers echoed throughout the rooftop. The same old playlist that used to be played earlier, too.

The words floated in the air... "And even after a lifetime later, I'll come back to you."

The words struck something inside her. It was the same song they used to sing together, but the same lines hit differently this time.

She was indeed back, a lifetime later!

As soon as she stood in the middle of the rooftop, her eyes spotted the girl leaning on the front railing and staring out, with her back to her.

There she was. Nini. Nadine Carter. Her best friend.

Hearing the footsteps behind her, Nadine turned around. Their eyes met — once familiar gaze now filled with an unknown emotion.

Vivienne stared at her.

Nadine hadn't changed much. She was still the same girl — with chin-length, sleek bob hair dyed blonde and red, a defined jawline, and the same sharp, observant eyes that could cut through everyone's lies and excuses.

She wore a pair of deep blue straight-fit jeans and a cropped tee. No makeup, not even a lip gloss; just two silver hoops in her ears. She was always like that — a casual, careless beauty; one that never tried to impress anyone, but somehow, always did.

Vivienne felt her breath catch — damn! She missed her. She missed this version of herself, too — the girl who could stand beside Nadine Carter, the girl who matched her energy effortlessly.

"Hi." Vivienne nervously waved at her; she didn't know what to say.

She had never had to think about how to start a conversation before. They never needed icebreakers!

They had always had a lot to share with each other, and whenever they met, words just flowed simply.

Nadine didn't reply. She stood silently in front of her, crossing her hands. Her sharp gaze on her seemed to scan Vivienne from within.

"I see, being in the elite circle has had a good effect on you..." She remarked in the same sharp tone.

Vivienne stood silently. There were so many things in her mind, she had been organizing them little by little until she came here, but suddenly... she couldn't utter a single word.

Nadine scoffed, "What, last night you were begging me to meet, and you're speechless now! Cat got your tongue, Vivi?"