Vivienne suddenly felt a lump rise in her throat. The voice, the same sharp-pitched, 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 few people who genuinely loved her and cared for her — for a cheater like Damien.
She'd deserved worse.
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. "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. "Let's meet tomorrow. At our old place."
And, nothing else. The call ended with a beep.
Putting the phone back on the table, Vivienne smiled. She felt, a weight lifted off her chest. She closed her eyes for a peaceful sleep.
She couldn't wait for tomorrow.
-
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 board 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. 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. It 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.
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 orange hue painted across the sky. A soft low music playing in the speakers echoed throughout the rooftop. The same playlist that used to fill the silence earlier, too.
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 deep blue straight-fit jeans and a cropped tee, there wasn't a single tress of make-up on her face, just two silver hoops in her ears. She was always like that — a casual, careless beauty.
Vivienne felt her breath catch — damn! She missed her. She missed the girl she was more, the girl who could stand beside Nadine Carter, the girl who matched her energy effortlessly.
"Hi." Vivienne didn't know how to start the conversation. She had never felt so terrible, even in the viva of her finals.
Nadine didn't reply. She stood silently in front of her, crossing her hands. Her sharp gaze on her seemed to read her from within.
"I see, being in the elite circle has had a good effect on you..."
Nadine raised one eyebrow, tilting her head. "Two whole years after — and not even a hug?"
Vivienne froze. Then, with a trembling smile, she stepped closer and threw her arms around her.
"I missed you, Nini. I really did."
Nadine didn't hug back at first. But after a heartbeat, her arms lifted — and she held Vivienne, tighter than her. "Vivi, I hate you." She whispered.
Tears filled Vivienne's eyes. She tightened her hands around her. "I hate me, too."