Reunited
Lillian POV:
Moving to Hedwig meant a fresh start and that I could finally be an independent adult. Even though its only about a half hour away from my home town I still feel like I’m in a completely different world. Thankfully, I’ll be a little closer to my college and my job, but still pretty close to where my parents live. I currently work as a groomer at a dog boarding and daycare center, and I’m studying to become a veterinarian at Rockwell University. When I’m not working or in school I dog-sit for a few people. Unfortunately, I’m not able to afford any pets of my own, but I still find joy in taking care of others. I actually met my boyfriend through dog-sitting for an older lady while I was still living with my parents, and we’ve been together for about six months. He was by my side throughout my whole moving process and I know that he always will be. Lately there has been talk around the complex of a new tenant moving in on my floor, the 7th floor. Apparently the previous tenant was sick and had to go live with his family, however I’m excited because I’m always happy to meet new people.
Today was a bit of a rough day for me. Although there were only a few dogs that I had to groom today, they were not the friendliest dogs unfortunately. A woman came in with not only one but two Cane Corsos. Usually, I wouldn’t be afraid of working with bigger dogs, but from the start I could tell that they’d be quite aggressive. They would barely let me touch them and even offering treats wouldn’t appease them. I had to ask the woman to stay close by so that they’d be a little calmer. Eventually, I was able to finish up with both of them but it took up so much time that by the end of the day I only had time for two more dogs. It felt like I had accomplished nothing after only grooming four dogs, which is usually the minimum for me.
To clear my head I go to a local cafe just a few blocks away, and even though I have a car I like to walk there because it calms me down. When I get there its not too crowded, but not completely empty either. There are a few college students who are obviously there to work and theres a small group of teenagers near the back talking and laughing. I walk up to the counter and get my usual order, a hot matcha latte and a chocolate croissant. I like to sit close to the window and look out to see the sky as it gets later and later into the evening. Finally my name is called for me to pick up my order and as I get up someone else walks in. Once I get my order I turn around to return to my seat, and in doing so I bump into the person. I immediately apologize to him, and he accepts saying its okay. Once I walk away I take a second glance at him because for some reason I felt like I recognized him. I just forget about it and I begin to slowly sip on the latte while scrolling through instagram. A few minutes later I feel someone tap me on my shoulder. Startled, I turn around to see who this could possibly be, and I’m surprised to see that its the guy Ibumped into earlier.
“Uhmm…. Hello, do you need something?” I ask trying to be polite.
“Hey-uhh I know this is gonna sound kinda weird but I think I may know you,” he says sounding a little unsure and nervous.
I examine his face while racking my brain trying to figure where I’ve seen him before because now that I see him close up like this he does look very familiar. Finally it clicks for me.
“Scott? You’re Scott right?” I ask him as I finally realize who he is. My face lights up realizing that this guy is Scott, who was my best friend all the way up until middle school. After this realization he and I sat with each other and talked for what felt like hours. I learn that when we were in middle school, Scott’s family moved six hours away to care for his ailing grandmother, and that was the reason he disappeared so suddenly. Thinking back on it, I do remember being quite upset when he told me he was moving away. He tells me that he moved back about two months ago and he decided that he’d move to Hedwig becasue he heard it was nicer here. I start telling him about all that has been going in my life, including my job, and school. Upon telling him this he tells me that he goes to the same college as well
After talking for so long I notice that its starting to get dark outside, so I decide that its time to wrap up this conversation.
“Well Scott, its been nice catching up with you, but I think I should be heading out now. I kind of have a busy day tomorrow,” I say to him as I begin to pick up my trash from the table.
“Ah, okay then. I can give you a ride home if you need one,” he offers as he stands up and collects his trash from the table.
“Actually, I don’t live too far from here but I guess its a little too dark to walk. So, yeah you can take me home,” I say to him as I begin to walk to the door and he follows behind. Scott leads the way to his car and I must say its a pretty nice car. Once I get into the car its confirmed that the car is new by the way it smells inside.
“Would it be easier to put the directions into my phone or would you prefer to direct me yourself,” he asks as he starts the car.
“Um, I can just tell you its only a few blocks away. From here you can just go straight and take a right at Perrier street, and my building is gonna be on the right side,” I explain to him as he begins driving and he responds with an affirmative hum.
“You know the building your talking about just might be the same apartment complex I just moved into,” he says informatively, keeping his eyes on the road.
“Oh wow! You must be the new tenant that everyone has been talking about. I can’t believe we go to the same college and live in the same apartment complex. The next thing you’re gonna tell me is that you’ll be working where I work,” I say to him while smiling. Who knew that we’d already have a couple things in common after just seeing each other for the first time in years.
Finally, we make it back to the apartment complex and we continue reminiscing on the way up to our floor. When we make it to our floor we say goodbye to each other.
“Hey, Lillian,” Scott calls out from down the hall.
“Yeah, Scott?” I respond wanting to know what he has to say.
“I’m really glad that we’ve reunited,” he says with a smile on his face.
“I’m glad too Scott,” I say with a warm smile before making my way into my apartment.
