Chapter 9: Long Time No See (pt. 1)

“Take out number 38! Take out number 38! Please, take your order here at the counter.” I feigned no ambivalence when I scampered at the counter after checking the paper in my hand, I took a swift keek at the man before I averted my sight elsewhere when I saw him staring at me with an evident frown on his face “Why does he look upset?”

Sweat began forming on my forehead while striding at the claiming area, “Number 38, pl-” I unintentionally slammed the paper on the counter out of a rush that made the employee shriek out of surprise.

A faint hue of red crept on my cheeks from feeling abashed by my actions, “Sorry for the scare, I didn’t mean to do that, but here's the number.” I started embarrassingly, I noticed her charring look while taking the paper that has my takeout number printed onto it “Alright…here you go, Ma’am, hope you enjoy.’’ she said with a stilted voice before she pushed the brown tray towards me.

I bobbed my head and gave her a sheepish smile before I uttered, “Ah, yes thank you.” I hastily grab my order and went on my way to avoid a particular man.

Perhaps it was the adrenaline that made my feet tread their way to the exit that made me oblivious of my possession slipping from the bag’s handle.

“I hope he’s not following me.’ I turned my head around only to see no sight of his towering figure amongst the crowd, I sighed in relief and impeded my pace a little slower as I made my way to the pedestrian.

I looked at my watch to check what time it is and luckily, it was 7:48 in the morning, I still had enough time to visit my brother to prepare for his upcoming birthday party that will be held two days prior.

When I felt a slight bump on my shoulder I instantly lift my chin to check if the lights had turned green and it has, I scurried on my way to the parking building where my Little brother had left my car.

“Good morning, Mr Moore.” I greeted him with a wave, an old age man in his 62 waved back at me with glee gleaming on his face, “Ah! Ms Rhys, Good morning to you as well.” he replied, “It's been a while since you visited.” Mr Moore added.

“Yes, it's been a while Mr Moore, I came here to take my car my younger brother left over last night.” I exclaimed while handing him the brown paper bag with the pastries I bought in the cafe, “Here, Mr Moore.”

“Oh, Goodness! You don't have to.” he waved his hand frantically trying to reject my offer but I consistently pestered him to take it before he eventually ceded and took it from my hand with a defeated sigh.

“Ms Rhys, you don't have to give m-” Before he could finish his sentence, I instantly uttered an explanation with a solemn grim, “Please, I insist Mr Moore, It’s been so long since we've seen each other, and plus I know how much you love that cupcake from that store over there.” I said, Pointing my thumb at the cafe across the road before I resume,” So I thought of giving it to you, after all, you were our family’s driver back then.”

“I still consider you as my family,” I added.

A sigh escaped from the old man’s lips, “You haven't changed, Ms Rhys, you're still that little girl that won't stop giving this old man a cupcake.” I broke into a small laugh before we said each other goodbyes.