HER

(Present)

CARLA WAS JUST STARING AT ME AFTER I FINISHED MY STORY.

"Bes (we sometimes call each other Bes, short for best friend), I'm speechless. We have known each other for years and this is the first time I heard your whole story! That was rough! Can I ask you a question?" I nodded at her, telling her to go ahead.

"Do you have any regrets? I don't mean to pry; I know you have your own reasons and I get that. But I was just wondering." She said curiously.

I let out a deep sigh. I tried not to look back after all these years, until now.

I stared at the glass window. Early in the morning, all you can see are just tall buildings everywhere. But at night, this city transforms into a multitude of dazzling lights. This city becomes magical. Tristan was right. The moment I stepped outside the airport when I first came here 9 years ago, I knew I was not coming back. This city lured me.

"Honestly Bes, I still feel sad every time I remember how we parted ways. It's like there's no closure." I said somberly.

She stood up and got us fresh cups of coffee. We both have Keurig machines in our offices. We are coffeeholics. I cannot even count how many cups of coffee I drink in a day, especially if I am busy with projects. She laid out the cups on the table. Seems my best friend does not have any plans of going back to her office anytime soon.

"I tried to reach out to him, call him before I left but he never answered. I felt immense guilt. I hurt him a lot and for that, I'll forever be sorry." I said and continued.

"But being here, sitting here with you, seeing where I am right now, I have no regrets. This is what I have been dreaming of. I like my life here now. I grew up.

"This city taught me a lot of lessons in life. I may still be discovering aspects about myself; it is still a learning process, you know. But at this point, I am contented with where I am, who I am right now."

"Wow, that's deep, Bes!" Carla said jokingly. She is trying to lighten up the mood.

"Well, I am still happy that you came here. Or else I won't have a best friend right now." She smiled sincerely and gave me a hug.

"You know what, this day has started rough! Why don't we go out tonight? Let's go to our favorite lounge. We need to chill and relax, girl!" She said excitedly.

"I like that." I smiled at her.

Carla stood up and headed to the door. "I'll call the gang. I bet you, Raffy will be ecstatic when he learns he's going to see you tonight." She teased and winked at me.

I threw a crumpled paper at her, but she quickly closed the door behind her before it even hit her.